Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Houston in 2025
Freedom Over Texas. Photo by Mortezasa Safataj Photography, on IG as @safatajphoto.
Best Things To Do in Houston July 2025 with Kids
Typhoon Texas has a big lazy river inside its Houston-area waterpark. Photo courtesy of Typhoon Texas Waterpark.
Where to Find Pools with Lazy Rivers in Houston
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Houston Kids Summer Guide: 598 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities, & Free Things to Do
Spend a summer evening at one of these free outdoor concerts. Photo courtesy of the City of Friendswood
Houston's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families Summer 2025
Mommy Poppins readers get 15% OFF waterpark tickets! Photo courtesy of Splashway Waterpark and Campground
Top Houston Summer Deals for Families: Exclusive Discounts from Mommy Poppins
AsiaFest 2025 photo by Chris Dunn for the Asia Society
Ultimate Guide: 50 Free Things to Do with Kids in Houston This Summer
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Moody Gardens has both indoor and outdoor activities. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Our Epic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Levy Park is a splash pad in Houston's inner loop. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Ultimate Guide to Houston Splash Pads and Water Playgrounds
A beach side festival is perfect for Summer. World Ocean Day Festival photo by R. Velasquez for Visit Galveston.
22 Summer Festivals and Fairs in 2025 in Houston for Families
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Houston Summer Camp Guide
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Screen on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Free Outdoor Movies in Houston this Summer for Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
Alligator sighting in Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Shiva Shenoy via Flickr 2.0
Best Things To Do in Brazos Bend State Park With Kids
Strawberry picking at Froberg's Farm. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals in Houston
Houston has several fun baseball summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Space Cowboys Baseball Camp
Best Baseball Summer Camps in Houston
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Two girls enjoying a fun gymnastics summer camp in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Gymnastics Academy
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30 Best Summer Camps in Houston
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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Little Beakers has three locations near Houston. Photo courtesy of Little Beakers
Affordable and Free Summer Camps In Houston
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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For the best baby clothes, try these Houston baby boutiques. Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
The Coolest Baby Clothes in Houston: Best Boutiques & Stores
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
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Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer
Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Exploring The Children's Museum Houston
Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
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There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fishing Lakes Near Houston and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio with Kids: 26 Best Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas
The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
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Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
17 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Clear Lake and Webster
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston

Middle School Muddle Blog Helps NYC Parents

11/12/07 - By Anna Fader
Don't forget. You have until midnight tonight to enter theГЇВїВЅ Giveaway-a-Thon Finale and win two weeks of dinners prepared for you in your home.ГЇВїВЅ Many people know about Inside Schools as a terrific resource for parents looking to find information about NYC public schools. It's one of the only places you can find clear, relatively unbiased, anecdotal information about the best NYC public schools from elementary school through high school. The site was created by Clara Hemphill, who wrote the definitive books on NYC schools, New York City's Best Public Elementary Schools and New York City's Best Public Middle Schools. One of the great things about the website is that they continue to update it and add various features. One new addition is a blog by education writer and fellow parent, Liz Willen. Liz is tracking her own experience as she searches, tours and applies for middle school with her son. She's a veteran. Besides being an education writer, she's been through this before and has an older son at Clinton School for Artists and Writers.

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For many, finding a suitable middle school is a much bigger deal than finding a public elementary school. The anxiety is higher and the choices seem tougher. Going through it with someone as knowledgeable, experienced and level-headed as Liz is really a treat. Her experiences are sure to enlighten and amuse anyone whether they're in the throes of the same search now, or only imagining it down the line. In fact, everyone can benefit from her latest post about the confusing new school report cards. Thanks for sharing this with us, Liz.

About the Author

Anna Fader

Founder of Mommy Poppins

A fourth-generation Brooklynite, Anna started Mommy Poppins in 2007 to help families find the best things to do with kids in NYC, with a particular emphasis on sharing activities that are free, affordable, and enriching. The site, used by millions of families, has grown to become the ultimate resource for parents in the major US cities, plus travel guides for 100s of destinations.

Anna is a believer in the magic of summer camps, traveling with kids, and that you can raise kids on a budget and still have a rich life full of amazing memories. Anna's first Mommy Poppins book, The Young Traveler's Journal and Activity Book, published in 2025 and co-written with her daughter, Amelia Eigerman, brings that ethos to life, in addition to this website.

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