Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on
Top tips for visiting the local zoo, from where to eat to which route to take.
Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
Rebecca Matheson Ortiz is a mom of two, a proud Aggie (2013—Whoop!), and a seasoned writer/editor with over a decade of experience. She’s the editor at Moose May and has worked with top publications like Vacations Magazine, Travel 50 & Beyond, and Where to Retire. Based in Houston, Rebecca loves exploring the city’s family-friendly gems with her kids. Writing for Mommy Poppins lets her share their favorite discoveries while staying on top of the latest hot spots.
Latest posts by Rebecca
Houston Crown Jewel Hermann Park is Getting an Awesome Revamp
Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on
The new year is bringing an exciting update to Hermann Park, one of Houston’s favorite spaces. Slated to open in January 2024, the $52 million Hermann Park update will bring kid-friendly improvements to a park that's already beloved for its lush green spaces.
A day with the kids at Hermann Park has always been filled with fun activities like feeding ducks and pedal boating around the lake, museum hopping, picnicking, and rolling down grassy hills. Thanks to the refresh, the city’s iconic park is about to be even better for visiting families with the addition of The Commons at Hermann Park, which boasts several new spaces aimed at kids.
If you're a Hermann Park first-timer, be sure to browse our Beginner’s Guide to Exploring Hermann Park before you head that way.
Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families
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Can you go ice skating in Houston? Yes, there are even some outdoor ice skating rinks. For some frosty festivity this winter (yes, even in Texas), don your ice skates and head out to one of these great ice skating rinks near Houston for some fun on your feet. Whether you're looking for ice skating lessons or some holiday activities the whole family can enjoy, these six ice skating rinks near Houston offer everything from indoor shopping breaks at the mall to Christmas events under the stars. While some of these are open year-round, others are seasonal set-ups that generally start in November and run through January. For even more family-friendly winter merriment, check out our holiday train ride or Christmas village outing ideas.
The TEA Takeover: What It Means for HISD Parents and Students
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In March, it was announced that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would be taking over Houston Independent School District (HISD) after several schools in the district fell below state standards. HISD is the state’s largest school district, serving more than 190,000 students across nearly 300 schools. The sweeping changes of this controversial takeover started in June with the removal of the elected HISD school board and superintendent, and their swift replacement by managers appointed by the state of Texas. Read on to learn about which schools will be immediately affected and what changes may be taking place.
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
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Kid-friendly spas in Houston are a special treat for the right kid. Nothing makes my 6-year-old daughter's eyes light up quite like the idea of a "spa day" with Mom, especially when we upgrade our spa days from at-home fun to the real thing at our nearby nail salon (our tradition is to get our nails done before the first day of school). If you're looking to treat your little one to some pampering and relaxation, enjoy a special Mommy and Me experience, throw the spa birthday party of their dreams, or just get out of the Houston heat for a bit, we've got you covered with these Houston spas, nail salons, and mobile spa party hosts that will leave them feeling their best.
If you're looking for more indoor activities to stay cool and dry, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids. And for all the best birthday party leads, our Birthday Party Ideas Guide for Houston Kids features something for everyone, from the hottest kids party venues to entertainers who will come to your house.
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on
Museums in Houston are a great way to beat the Texas heat, escape rainy weather, or just get out and learn something new with your kiddos. And Houston has a lot of museums to choose from. While there are a handful of children's museums in Houston that little ones will love, there are tons more that the whole family can enjoy. And quite a few of the museums on our list offer free days or extra-special events you won't want to miss. See prehistoric beasts, priceless works of art, and vehicles that have soared through space at a Houston museum near you.
We've narrowed the list down to the top 12 must-visit museums for families, but with so many to choose from, we added on a few more at the end. For a comprehensive list, browse our Houston Museum Guide.
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
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South Padre Island brings ultimate family fun and a taste of the tropics without ever leaving Texas. Roughly six hours south of Houston, this coastal getaway is worth the drive with its 34 miles of white-sand beaches, gorgeous Gulf Coast waters, and tons of activities the whole family can enjoy. We've rounded up the 20 best things to do in South Padre Island with the kids, from boardwalk trails and rocket launches to pirate boating adventures, museums visits, and more. And to make planning your vacation a breeze, we've also scouted out the top family-friendly resorts and restaurants you won't want to miss.
Looking for beachy fun that's closer to home? Browse our guide to Galveston for the best things to do there with children in tow. If you're hoping for more weekend excursions that are easy to pull off from H-Town, check out our Houston Getaways Guide. Or, if you're planning a big family vacation and need some destination ideas, give our Family Travel Guide a look for top family destinations across the US.
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on
Alright moms, we see you. You give your all to your family every day, and we know it’s rewarding but can also be, oh, so exhausting. Don’t shove your own needs in the corner – make sure you’re taking time to set it all aside and practice self-care with much-needed you time. After a fun mom's night out in Houston, either solo or with the ladies, you’ll return refreshed, with your cup filled and ready to keep on pouring into your family.
We’ve put together these five itineraries featuring top spots in Greater Houston, so you can enjoy a mom's night out without having to do the legwork that comes with planning one. Find your neighborhood's hottest spots for moms to hang in each part of town, from cocktail bars and excellent eateries to exciting events, spas, and more. If you’re looking for fun things to do with the family after you’ve taken a well-deserved night off, check out our roundup of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Houston. You can also browse all the fun things to do in your neck of the woods with our handy Houston Neighborhood Guide.
