Nan Ross

Latest posts by Nan

Awesome Cooking Classes and Camps for Kids in Houston

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Sun, 09/10/2023 - 9:25am

Build independence in the kitchen! Photo courtesy of Cook N Grow

Cooking classes for kids are flourishing in Houston, a foodie hotspot. Not only do children's cooking lessons teach them how to cook, but little chefs get a boost of confidence when they finally make the perfect grilled cheese, omelet, or chocolate chip cookie. Even better, it may encourage them to make their own snacks!

To find more enrichment classes for kids around Houston, visit our Guide to Classes for Houston Kids—or get some culinary inspiration from our Kid-Friendly Houston Restaurants Guide! In the summer, you can find cooking camps and more in our Houston Summer Camp Guide.

The Houston Toy Museum: Where Everyone Can Be A Kid

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Tue, 08/29/2023 - 12:02pm

Houston Toy Museum, located in The Heights. Photo by Nan Ross.

“Hi, my name is Teddy Ruxpin.”

If those words mean anything to you, then we have a place you owe it to yourself (or at least your childhood self) to visit. It’s a place for you to forget about your worries for a few minutes and dig up some good ol’ nostalgic happiness you buried long ago. And the best part is that your kids will love it too.

The Houston Toy Museum, located on historic 19th Street in the Heights, is a two-story 1940s building filled with charm, and literally thousands of toys. We’re talking Ninja Turtles, Rainbow Brights, GI-Joes, My Little Ponies, Rockem Sockem Robots, and Barbies just to name a few… in one display area. Even that little monkey with clapping cymbals was there, watching our every move.

We think it’s a fun place for your whole family to go check out. But first, read on to learn what to expect from your visit. And don't forget to check out our list of Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families for more museums to explore.

Top Dual Language and Immersion Preschools in Houston

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Sun, 08/13/2023 - 6:42pm

Dual language preschools teach young children a second language alongside English. Photo courtesy of Alianza Eco International School

Houston's dual language preschools teach young children a second language at an age where their brains are primed for this type of learning. Language immersion preschools are a great option for childcare that focus on the natural ability of young children to learn a second language. Research has shown that there are many benefits to learning a second language, including higher self-esteem, better test scores, enhanced creativity, a higher level of complex problem solving, and an appreciation of other cultures. Plus, you may even save money in the long run when your kids test out of college language credits!

For more kids' classes in Houston, check out our Classes for Houston Kids guide.

Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Sun, 08/06/2023 - 3:33pm

Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Classes for preschoolers and toddlers give children between the ages of 18 months and 4 years old an outlet for their natural curiosity. Thankfully, there are many preschool and toddler classes in Houston, from art to music to play-based learning. Read on to learn more about the best classes for toddlers and preschoolers, and see which one might be best to light the spark for your child.

For more Houston toddler and preschool classes, check out our Classes for Kids in Houston Guide.

Splashway Waterpark: Beat the Heat this Summer with a Daytrip From Houston

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:59pm

Splashway Waterpark is located in Sheridan, TX, about 90 minutes drive from Houston. Photo courtesy of Splashway Waterpark

A trip to Splashway Waterpark is meant for those Houston weekends when it's so hot that you aren’t 100% sure if you’re still wet from your shower or if you’re already sweating again. That usually means it’s time to eat indoors, pivot from regular coffee to iced coffee, and let your kids spend lots of time in swimming pools or yard sprinklers.

But if your kids want to take swimming to a different level, or if they’re (like mine) looking for a little thrill in their lives, it's time to consider adventuring to a waterpark.

We decided to try a new-to-us waterpark this summer, and after researching options, planned a day trip to Splashway Waterpark and Campground in Sheridan, Texas. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Houston, but upon arriving we quickly realized it was well worth the drive.

I think your family will too, but before changing into your swimsuits, read on to learn what to expect and how to maximize your visit. Also, don’t forget your goggles, and don't forget to check out our Houston Water Parks and Theme Parks Guide for more theme park adventures.

Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience Featuring Life-Sized Dinosaurs

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 3:27pm

Dinos Alive is the perfect indoor activity this summer.

While visiting Dinos Alive, I thought about Robert Baaker, a world-renowned paleontologist, who once said “It’s very simple why kids are crazy about dinosaurs - dinosaurs are nature’s Special Effects."

I know my kids are crazy about them. Our family has so many toys and has watched countless dino movies. Every trip to the first floor of the Houston Museum of Natural Science never fails to amaze. So when we heard Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience had opened in Houston, we headed over to check out what all the up-rawr was about.

We think you should too, but first, here’s some info on what to expect on your visit. Also, be sure to check out our Houston Children’s Museums and Exhibits Guide for more fun places to explore and beat the summer heat.

Hidden Gem Beaches in Texas for Your Summer Family Trips

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Fri, 06/16/2023 - 2:25pm

Texas has 367 miles of coastline for you to explore. Photo by Michael Hogan, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It's beach weather in Texas, but if you're like us, you don't always feel like dealing with crowds and traffic. You’ve probably made the day trip to visit Galveston's beaches, or maybe even places like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, two popular Texas beach destinations. But with a coastline spanning 367 miles, there are plenty of beaches in Texas that offer sandy shores, amazing wildlife, and beautiful waters with less of a crowd. If you’re looking for a beach trip off the beaten path, consider one of these hidden gem Texas beaches.

Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids

Submitted by Elizabeth R on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 8:57am

Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon

Looking for things to do with kids in Memorial, West Houston? Here's the scoop on kid-friendly activities in the Memorial neighborhood.

The Memorial neighborhood of Houston (situated west of the loop along I-10) is home to many young families, and has some of the bes family-friendly activities the city has to offer. From parks and other green spaces to indoor activities and kid-friendly restaurants, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do with kids in Memorial.

If you’d like to explore options for more local adventures, check out our 100 Things To Do With Houston Kids Before They Grow Up post and the Mommy Poppins Travel Section.

Nan Ross

Latest posts by Nan

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