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

30 Outdoor Activities in Nature for Kids for Hands-on Outdoor Learning

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Tue, 08/16/2022 - 12:26pm

Revel in the dirty hands! Outdoor activities help kids sleep better and jumpstarts their imaginations.

I know from experience that being outdoors helps kids feel less irritable and sleep better. But don't take my word for it; researchers have also found that when parents encourage kids to engage in outdoor activities, they will become naturally connected to our planet and care more for its future. Perhaps they'll even become future environmental activists...

These 30 outdoor nature activities will spark your child’s imagination. From arts and crafts and sensory activities to outdoor learning activities and physical fun, there are outdoor activities on this list to please every kid. And when everyone’s worn out, we also have some quiet and relaxing outdoor activities.

Check out more green activities for kids as part of our Earth Kids Guide to Green Activities for the Planet. And if you need even more ideas for outdoor fun, take a look at our guide to Top Outdoor Activities Guide for Kids, with hundreds of ideas for ways to learn, explore, and play outside.

Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 1:47pm

Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources

Pregnancy and the early days of parenting are exciting times. However, you might also have many questions and some fears that you would like to address. That's when our list of pregnancy classes and parenting classes in Houston can come to your aid. You can't expect to know it all. Even if this isn't your first child, advances in maternal medicine and changes in your circumstances might leave you with knowledge gaps. Professionals at these pregnancy classes and parenting classes in Houston can help you with your pregnancy and parenting education. We have drawn up a list of Houston hospitals, independent birthing centers, and expertly trained individuals that offer pregnancy and parenting classes in Houston. Options include pregnancy and parenting classes on-site, virtually and in your own home. Choose the pregnancy and parenting classes tailored to your needs with our handy list!

Check out our Baby and Pregnancy Guide to find out about great activities you can explore with your precious new child.

50 School Jokes for Kids — Funny Jokes for Kids to Tell at and About School

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Thu, 08/11/2022 - 11:47am

Why are all the books in the library the same color? (Find out below...)

These school jokes for kids keep giggles going, even if there's stress about heading back to school.

Whether your family is sad vacation time is over, glad to get away from the boredom of the long summer break, or a bit of both, it’s time to think about going back to school! Your kids can laugh with old and new friends with their favorite school jokes for kids. New teachers and routines can be stressful as well as exciting, so try slipping a note with one of these funny jokes into school lunchboxes, to make your little scholar laugh and show them you’re thinking of them!

And you don’t need to stick to school-themed jokes. Check our list of howlers in these funny jokes for kids. We also have Mom jokes and Dad jokes that will be sure to make the whole family giggle.

Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 12:23pm

Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook

Did you know that one of the largest lakes in Texas is only one hour north of Houston? Part of the Pineywoods region, Lake Livingston is 39 miles long and has 450 miles of shoreline. Lake Livingston State Park is a hidden paradise of swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. Lake Livingston is a great destination for families in Texas who love the outdoors - the tall trees provide shade when the temperatures start to rise, and you can jump in the water to cool off in the designated lake swimming area.

You can check out some other great outdoor destinations in our family travel guide to the United States national parks.

Check out our list below of fun ideas for things to do in Lake Livingston State Park with kids.

Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 03/11/2022 - 11:37am

Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

We love how easy it is to push our stroller along the flat path of Houston, but sometimes it's great to explore somewhere with a few hills and beautiful scenery! The Texas Hill Country is one of Texas's most popular regions to visit, and with the drive only 3 or so hours from Houston, it's doable as a weekend destination. The area combines natural attractions, historical towns, swimming spots, and great food. Favored by German settlers, the Texas Hill Country includes some authentic German bakeries and restaurants. There are plenty of great accommodation options as well, from remote cabins in State Parks to luxurious resorts. There are lots of things to do in the Texas Hill Country with kids, so check out our guide, which includes family-friendly top attractions and suggestions for places to stay and eat.

20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 02/18/2022 - 8:37am

Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.

Enjoy the outdoors at Huntsville State Park - a majestic forest with a 215-acre lake and 21 miles of trails about an hour north of downtown Houston. Three streams flow into Lake Raven, where you can swim, fish, and boat. Giant trees provide great shade, and there are many beautiful picnic spots. If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy the opportunities to bike, hike, see wildlife, camp, and more.

Ready to go? Check out our list below of 20 ideas for things to do in Huntsville State Park with Kids. And for information on more parks in the Houston area, check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston.

10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 02/04/2022 - 8:36am

Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes

Feeling hungry or thirsty? We've picked out ten family-friendly Black-owned restaurants near Houston where you and your kids can refuel—so check out these Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. Black History Month is also a great time to head out to some of the historic sites in the area that tell important stories from Black history, such as the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Emancipation Park, or the Houston Museum of African American Culture. Afterward, stop by one of our selections below and enjoy some delicious refreshments.

You and your family can contribute to the ongoing success of Houston's Black businesses by supporting Black-owned restaurants near Houston in February and throughout the year. And if you're looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month from home, try these 30+ Children's books to celebrate Black History Month.

Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 2:51pm

Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock

Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Entertain them, distract them, and tire them out with a trip to one of these great stroller hikes in Houston and the surrounding area. Even if your toddler can start off walking, these flat, surfaced trails mean you can push along the stroller for when they run out of steam. Sit your kiddo in their seat and get yourself some exercise at the same time.

Houston is blessed with many parks and paths that provide visual stimulation with rivers, trees, wildlife, and more. Many of them have playgrounds, bathrooms and refreshments to make it an easy and fun trip out. Here's our guide to some of the best trails you can hike in the Houston area. And if you're into parks with playgrounds, don't forget to check out our Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers.

Sarah Banks

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