Sarah Banks

Sarah Banks is a Houston-based mom of two boys and a dog. She loves the local vibe, from the Houston Rodeo to Tex-Mex, BBQ, and exploring the state's beautiful parks. Learn more about her writing and editing business, Spring Tide, at springtideeditandwrite.com.

Latest posts by Sarah

Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 02/12/2023 - 8:55am

Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze

Looking for restaurants serving breakfast in Houston? Check out one of these kid-friendly breakfast restaurants for when the kids are up early.

Where is the best place to take kids for breakfast in Houston? Whether you prefer eggs and bacon, breakfast tacos, pancakes, migas, donuts, or masala eggs, we've got the answer for you. All parents know that eating out with kids can be challenging, especially in the evening when they're tired. So why not take your kids out first thing in the morning and enjoy delicious food when they are at their best? Then they're fueled and ready for a busy day. We've picked independent and chain restaurants that we know will welcome you and your kids to fill up on breakfast treats. If your kids have woken you up early, these restaurants are open early to serve you breakfast, and some have an online waitlist, so you don't need to stand in line with hungry kids!

Don't worry if you miss your early morning dining. Some choices serve all-day breakfast, or you can check out our full restaurant guide for more ideas on family-friendly restaurants in Houston.

3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 01/27/2023 - 11:57am

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

Looking for things to do when visiting Houston with kids? We've got you covered with this three day itinerary packed with kid-friendly activities in Houston.

You’re sure of a big Texas welcome in Houston on a family weekend away. Houston is a large, diverse, kid-friendly city with many amazing indoor and outdoor tourist attractions. With warm weather year-round, Houston is great to visit in any season – although plan for indoor and pool time in the heat of the summer. Whether you’re looking to head to one of the world-class attractions in the Museum District or are keen to learn about space at NASA, there are hundreds of awesome things to do in Houston with kids.

When you need to take a break and enjoy local dining, most restaurants welcome small to large families with family-style meals, large booths and kids’ menus. We’ve made suggestions for eating out with some of Houston’s most famous cuisines, such as Tex-Mex, steaks, and barbecue, but if you need further inspiration, check out our Houston kid-friendly restaurant guide. And if you're looking for festivals and other special events on the days that you're in town, use our kid-friendly activity calendar.

Ready? Check into one of Houston's Family-Friendly Resorts and Hotels and start exploring!

Best Coffee Shops in Houston to Bring Your Kids When You Need Caffeine

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 01/15/2023 - 12:59pm

Photo courtesy of Kaffeine Coffee at Museum Park

Looking for the best coffee shops in Houston that welcome kids? We've got a list of kid-friendly coffee shops that have things for kids to do while you sip coffee.

Our kids bring us two feelings equally - great joy and great exhaustion! Whether you’re tired from getting up at night or worn out with running around the park – or both – a caffeine pick-me-up might be just what you need. Perhaps you want to meet up with other parents in a child-friendly space? Look through our choices and pick out a welcoming space with delicious coffee. We have so many fantastic coffee shops in Houston, but we've highlighted those that welcome your little ones with features like extra space, games, a patio, and kid’s menu options. We’ve combined our search for great coffee beans with a warm welcome for kiddos to draw up our list of the best coffee shops in Houston to bring your kids when you need caffeine. Our list includes choices for downtown and also surrounding neighborhoods.

Need more than a drink and looking for family-friendly restaurant options? Check out our extensive restaurant guide, including Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat, Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston with Free Ice Cream, or 13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston.

Best of 2022 - Houston Kid Edition: Top Openings, Happenings and Other Awesome Stuff We Loved

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 12/25/2022 - 8:02am

Moon 2 Mars opened in 2022 at Space Center Houston. Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston

There are so many great attractions in Houston, but if your kids are easily bored or complain they've seen it all before, you might want to read on! If you’re wondering what’s new for kids in Houston, we have rounded up some 2022 openings that have family appeal. Whether you want to visit a new park, a new exhibition, or a new restaurant, we have the list of the 10 best new kid-friendly things and places that opened or upgraded in 2022 in Houston.

25 Funny Thanksgiving Jokes for Kids They'll Gobble Up

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Thu, 11/10/2022 - 10:52am

These puns and knock knock jokes for kids leave them howling with laughter.

Bring fun to family gatherings with our tried and tested Thanksgiving jokes for kids that will make the whole family laugh and groan this Thanksgiving. When everyone is together for the holidays, it's fun to raise a few smiles and add to the conversation with these corny, fowl howlers. We promise, there's not a turkey in the bunch!

Read on for our favorite Thanksgiving jokes for kids. Once you get through these Thanksgiving jokes, check out our top 40 jokes for kids. Meanwhile, if you're looking for more Thanksgiving fun—from Thanksgiving crafts, games, and activities to everything you need to know about the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade—waddle on over to our Thanksgiving Activities Guide for Families.

Exploring Lake Houston Wilderness Park: 10 Things To Do with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Thu, 11/10/2022 - 8:42am

Bridge over Peach Creek in Lake Houston Wilderness Park. Photo courtesy of the author

If you love the outdoors, you’ve probably checked out some of the state parks near Houston, like Lake Livingston or Huntsville. However there is a hidden gem within Houston itself that offers a similar experience. You won’t believe the great features of Lake Houston Wilderness Park for families:

Free for kids aged 12 and under and only $3 for adults.
Close by – located in the City of Houston boundary near New Caney.
Nearly 5,000 acres of forest, 2 lakes, and a creek.
Overnight camping in tents, shelters, or cabins.

So grab your backpack and enjoy the great outdoors for the day or the weekend. We provide ten great ideas for family activities in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, as well as details of what to know before you go, nearby attractions, and restaurant ideas.

If this article inspires you to travel further afield, you can check out some of the United States national parks. And to learn more about places to explore in the Houston area, try these 11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails.

100 Sports and Hobbies for Kids to Try

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Tue, 10/11/2022 - 12:00pm

Cricket is gaining popularity in the US. Photo by Patrick Case

Childhood is a great time to experiment and try new things. Hobbies for kids can help them discover and hone their passions, build confidence, express themselves, and so much more. Sports for kids can help them learn teamwork, make friends, get exercise, and set and achieve goals. There are so many sports and hobbies for kids to try that if they don't like one, they can start another until they find the one they love. In fact, here are 100 hobbies and sports for kids to work their way through!

This list of sports and hobbies for kids includes team and individual sports, arts and crafts, collecting, science and STEM hobbies, and so much more. With so many options for everyone from toddlers to teens, your child is bound to find the perfect fit for them. To help your kiddo develop their new sport or hobby, check out your local guide to classes for kids.

Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 09/18/2022 - 11:04am

Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.

When looking for the perfect toddler dance classes in Houston, you'll probably find that there are a plethora of amazing dance studios in the greater Houston area to choose from. Each offers its own unique class style and qualified instructors, so finding a great class for your little one really comes down to where you live and when the classes fit into your schedule. The rhythm is going to get them and before you know it, you'll have a bona fide ballerina, tap dancer, acrobat, jazz dancer, or hip-hop dancer on your hands.

While dance is just one of many types of Houston classes and activities available for your toddler to participate in, it is definitely one that will fill their little hearts and feet with so much joy. Read on to see what dance classes in Houston are offered near you and get that tiny dancer of yours signed up ASAP.

Sarah Banks

Latest posts by Sarah

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