Nan Ross

Latest posts by Nan

The Houston Toy Museum: Where Everyone Can Be A Kid

Submitted by Nan Ross 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.

Back to School Events and More Things To Do in Houston this Weekend with Kids

Submitted by Nan Ross on Thu, 08/24/2023 - 1:00pm

Back to School Bash is happening this weekend in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

That’s a wrap on Summer Break! To celebrate the start of the new school year, there are several fun events happening this weekend including The Heights Kids’ Day of Music Back to School Bash at Stomping Grounds and the Back to School Bash at the Children’s Museum Houston.

Also this weekend is the Carmela Community Event at MECA, where guests can enjoy a free theater performance of Carmela Full of Wishes by Main Street Theater followed by crafts, food, and fun.

And of course, it's still blazing hot, so beat the heat with our list of ways to Keep Cool in Houston.

Top Dual Language and Immersion Preschools in Houston

Submitted by Nan Ross 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 Nan Ross 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 Nan Ross 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 Nan Ross 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.

4th of July Weekend in Houston: Fireworks, Festivals, and More Things to Do with Kids

Submitted by Nan Ross on Wed, 06/28/2023 - 11:55am

Celebrate 4th of July in Houston with parades, fireworks, and more. Photo courtesy of Empower

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this 4th of July weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

Break out the red, white, and blue because it's time to celebrate July Fourth in Houston! There are a plethora of amazing events happening across the city and beyond to commemorate the occasion like the Red, Hot, and Blue Festival in The Woodlands, Shell’s Freedom over Texas downtown, and Galveston's Independence Day Parade.

Before the big festivities of the Fourth, there are plenty of things to do over the weekend like going to Magical Night at Sugar Land Town Square or enjoy hearing the Houston Symphony play under the stars during Summer Symphony Nights at Miller Outdoor Theater.

For even more fireworks and festivities, check out Where to See 4th of July Fireworks in Houston 2023, and to beat the heat check out our list of Top Places to Stay Cool in Houston.

Also, did we mention we’re running weekly giveaways all summer long? Each weekly entry also counts as an extra entry into our Ultimate Summer Giveaway, an all-included trip to Nick Resort Punta Cana! Find out how to enter on our Facebook or Instagram pages.

Hidden Gem Beaches in Texas for Your Summer Family Trips

Submitted by Nan Ross 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.