Rebecca Ortiz

Latest posts by Rebecca

The TEA Takeover: What It Means for HISD Parents and Students

Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on Mon, 08/28/2023 - 9:54am

What changes can you expect after the TEA takeover? Photo courtesy of the Houston Independent School District

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

Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on Sun, 07/23/2023 - 2:06am

Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby

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 Fri, 07/21/2023 - 8:34am

Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston

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

Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on Sun, 06/11/2023 - 8:35am

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 Fri, 05/19/2023 - 1:35am

Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery

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.

Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in Houston

Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 7:34pm

Take the birthday kid out to a fun restaurant in Houston for a special night. Photo courtesy of The Melting Pot

There's something about going out to a fun, kid-friendly restaurant for a birthday dinner that just feels ... special! Give your kiddo that on-top-of-the-world feeling when you treat them to a festive meal where they get to experience fun desserts, exciting themes, interactive dining experiences, and more. Whether you're looking to celebrate your best birthday boy or girl with a nice family dinner out or want to throw a birthday bash at their favorite local restaurant, we've rounded up the best Houston hot spots that are sure to be a hit.

From fabulous fondue dinners to comfort food with a Wild West backdrop to afternoon tea, these 13 family-friendly (and birthday-friendly) Houston establishments will make the birthday kiddo the star of the show or offer bonuses like games and rides for an extra-special meal. For other eateries around town, look at our guide to Houston's kid-friendly restaurants. Or for some party planning ideas, check out these Birthday Venues Near Houston that Won't Break the Bank.

30 Best Summer Camps in Houston

Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on Sun, 03/19/2023 - 2:38am

Spend the summer at one of these fun summer camps near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Gymnastics Academy

Looking for summer camps in Houston? Here's a list of our favorites in each section of the city.

When the sun's out, summer camp is in session! Fill your child's summer break with enriching activities they'll love. From Houston summer camps focusing on everything from nature and the great outdoors to sports, arts, science, and more, this list of our favorite Houston summer camps is sure to have an option that will encourage your child's imagination and creativity while challenging them in fun, exciting ways. Whether your kiddo is a budding musician hoping to improve their skills, wants to learn a new language, or is interested in space, these summer camps in Houston will keep them happy and entertained all summer long.

If you're looking for Houston's coolest summer camps for your kiddos to gain new skills, friends, and confidence, these 30 amazing Houston summer camps for kids have something for everyone. For more summer camp or vacation ideas, check out our comprehensive Houston Summer Camp Guide. And if you'd prefer to search by age, interest, or area, you can browse our full directory of camps.

15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House

Submitted by Rebecca Matheso... on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 10:11pm

Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters

Looking for children's birthday party entertainers in Houston? We have 15 Houston birthday party entertainers who will come to your home.

As parents, we want to make our children's birthday parties unforgettable, and planning one such party is definitely not monkey business. One easy way to do this is to bring whatever it is that your kid loves (animals, princesses, superheroes, magic - you name it) to life right in your very own home or event space. Yes, I did say easy. No, really; hear me out. These 15 excellent Houston birthday party entertainers provide everything from live animal shows to princess tea parties, face painting, balloon art, and more; and they bring the show on the road so you can host your event where it's convenient for you. Don't forget to check out our birthday party guide for more fun and easy ideas your little ones will remember for a lifetime.