Carrie Taylor

Latest posts by Carrie Taylor

Swimming Spots to Host a Pool Party for Your Houston Kid

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 06/25/2023 - 11:29am

These water parks and other swimming spots are perfect for summer birthday parties in Houston. Photo courtesy of the City of Conroe Parks and Recreation

Summer birthday parties in Houston are tough — until you add water. These pools, water parks, and aquatic centers in Houston will ensure your guests have a great time and stay cool. All of these birthday party options have fees associated with them, but we also have recommendations for some of the city's best FREE swimming pools where you can call the city of Houston for reservation details. There are also some great pools around Houston for indoor pool parties. And for more ideas on where and how to throw the best birthday party in and around Houston, check out our Houston party guide.

Texas Swimming Lakes You Need to Discover

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:34pm

Canyon Lake in Texas has a great beach. Photo courtesy of beachcatchers.com

Texas swimming lakes and summertime go together like toddlers and trucks — it's a sure-bet combo. While we love a day out at a fun water park, there is just something special about relaxing on the banks of your favorite man-made lakes - if you aren't a native Texan, don't judge us for this; we live in a mostly flat state - or riding the waves on a jet ski or tube. As a native Houstonian, I've spent at least one summer at these spots around the Lone Star State because they are beautiful and full of things for kids and adults to do.

For more water fun with extra sand, check out our Best Beaches in Texas.

Free in March: 18 Things To Do with Kids in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 2:05pm

Don't let March pass by without a trip to the Houston Rodeo. Photo courtesy of Rodeo Houston

Looking for free events in March for Houston kids? Read on for our favorite free activities this March.

The great thing about March in Houston is that we get to enjoy the early spring before it gets way too hot and humid. After the chill of winter passes and before the summer heat, we are left with pleasant temperatures that are absolutely perfect for outdoor fun at spring festivals, outdoor storytimes, and more. And the nice thing about outdoor activities is that most of them are FREE.

So when you're not taking advantage of the nice weather by hitting up every playground in our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston, check out our event calendar and all of these FREE events happening in March that are perfect for kids. And if you enjoy free things and events, because who doesn't, check out our Free Fun Things to Do with Houston Kids guide.

Free Things to Do in February With Houston Kids

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 02/03/2023 - 12:30am

Family Storytime & a Craft is free at Levy Park. Photo courtesy of Levy Park Houston

Looking for free things to do in February this month? Read on for some great options that won't break the bank.

And here we are, February! As we move full-speed into 2023, staying on budget is important to every family. This month's free kid-friendly events across Houston include everything from Rodeo Parades and Mardi Gras celebrations to kid arts and crafts, festivals, and everything in between.

For more free things to do this February, check out our Free Things to Do with Kids in Houston Guide, and don't forget to check our event calendar for fun things to do with kids around Houston every day.

25 Best Things To Do in Dallas, Texas with Kids

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 01/20/2023 - 12:29pm

Kids learn and play at the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Photo courtesy the Dallas Arboretum

Looking for the best things to do in Dallas with kids? This city has tons of kid-friendly activities. Here are some of our favorites.

We discover something new each time we visit the huge city of Dallas. The museums and gardens are top-notch, the kid activities are plentiful, and because it's Texas, you'll find delicious barbecue and Tex-Mex on virtually every corner. To help you navigate the daunting number of things to do in Dallas, we've narrowed down our favorite places to go in Dallas with our kids.

For more Texas-sized fun, check out our plethora of things to do in Houston or our Weekend Getaway Guide. For more family travel ideas, check out our guide to kid-friendly things to do in cities across the country.

15 Best Summer Day Trips From Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 06/26/2022 - 7:24pm

Galveston is a quick day trip from Houston. Pleasure Pier Gulf Glider photo by Carrie Taylor

It’s summertime! Now what? Great family fun doesn’t need to mean a weekend away - there are lots of great summer day trips from Houston. You can spend some time at a nearby water park or at one of these other day-trip-worthy spots near Houston.

13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 04/17/2022 - 11:00am

Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's

There's no shortage of good, finger-licking barbecue restaurants in Houston. And because most barbecue restaurants are loud and casual, they make for great family outings. Loud music and loud patrons mean no one will hear my toddler yell in protest when his barbecue sauce drifts too close to his many pieces of white bread. Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly barbecue restaurants in Houston.

For more Houston restaurant recommendations, check out our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Best Drive-thru and Walk-thru Christmas Lights in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 11/26/2021 - 2:12pm

There's something magical about Christmas lights that make the holidays come alive (even in Houston when it's 80 degrees in the winter). Twinkling lights and snowy scenes always help make spirits bright! From drive-thru (and drive-by) experiences to free walking adventures, and out-of-this-world displays to an old school Santa's workshop, we've rounded up holiday and Christmas lights in Houston to suit every taste. For the best over-the-top Christmas lights in Houston, check out one of the locales or events below. And for more holiday and Christmas ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events.

Latest posts by Carrie Taylor

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