Kate M

Latest posts by Kate M

Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 3:32pm

Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym

Rock climbing in Houston gives kids an indoor activity that provides plenty of exercise during the dog days of summer and the four days of Houston's winter. Plus, grownups can participate in most rock climbing gyms, too. Rock climbing is a great way for the whole family to gain strength and flexibility, to learn new skills and build confidence, and to practice teamwork.

Here are some great rock climbing gyms in Houston where families can learn how to climb together! And for more activities that take place in the air conditioning, check out our Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids.

Free Public Swimming Pools in Houston for Summer 2023

Submitted by Kate M on Thu, 06/29/2023 - 3:38pm

Cool off at one of Houston's free public pools. Photo courtesy of Houston Parks - Houston Parks & Recreation

No swimming pool in your back yard? No problem. Enjoy a FREE swim at these public pools around Houston.

Normally, there are dozens of FREE pools near Houston open every summer, and we've made a list of some of the best pools with great features and amenities—like play areas, shade, picnic areas, and great views. Read on for the details, and don't miss out on our recommendations for Houston's splash pads, as well as our Summer Fun Guide, which has water park recommendations, swimming lessons, and more ideas.

Best Outdoor Water Parks in Houston for Family Fun

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 1:13pm

Cool off this summer at one of these Houston water parks. Photo courtesy of Big Rivers Waterpark

Heading to a water park near Houston can help us survive an entire day of the Texas summer heat. There are several water parks near Houston that will make for an easy day trip, and even more that are just a few hours away. If you are looking for something closer and quicker to help cool down, then check out our list of the many great splash pads at local parks. There are also many free pools in Houston where kids and parents can keep cool.

For more ideas on kid-friendly activities this summer, like fun summer day trips or parks with the most shade, visit our Summer Fun Guide for Houston families.

Spectacular Neighborhood Holiday Lights and Christmas Lights in Houston

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 12/09/2022 - 12:26pm

Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show

Looking for the best neighborhoods for Christmas lights in Houston? Here are some of our favorite Houston neighborhoods for holiday lights.

During the most magical time of the year, there are many ways to get your Christmas light fix, and one of the nicest is seeing all the neighborhood holiday lights from the comfort of your car. Houston has beautiful public lighting displays, but nothing beats driving the family around a neighborhood in your Christmas pajamas. For those evenings when you want to enjoy the beauty of the holiday season at your own pace, it's helpful to know which Houston neighborhoods have the best Christmas lights and holiday decorations.

We've rounded up the neighborhoods with must-see lighting displays, so all you have to do is gather the family into the car, turn on some holiday tunes, and explore the Bayou City on your own time. However, many neighborhoods prefer visitors between 6–10 p.m. Lights are typically up from Thanksgiving through New Year. Also, for all things holiday in Houston—from free events to shows—check out our ultimate Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for families.

Holiday Volunteering Opportunities for Kids and Families in Houston

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 12:12am

Books Between Kids takes volunteers ages 8 and up. Photo courtesy of Books Between Kids

Looking for volunteering opportunities in Houston this holiday season? Here are some volunteering opportunities for kids and families.

Create meaningful family holiday traditions and teach kids that the holidays are more than just presents through one of many volunteering opportunities in Houston. Non-profits need volunteers to make their programs a success. There are so many activities you can do to help your community, such as collecting and donating food, making cards, and preparing and delivering meals. Many Houston non-profits with volunteering opportunities allow children on-site to volunteer alongside their parents, or older teenagers to volunteer without an adult.

Find more ideas to keep the holidays bright in our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families.

Top 10 Best Indoor Play Spaces in Houston

Submitted by Kate M on Fri, 01/21/2022 - 12:50pm

Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales

Living in Houston means navigating weather that is often hot and humid or wet and stormy, which necessitates having an arsenal of great indoor options. Fortunately, there are many options for indoor activities available, including fun indoor playspaces. Heck, we even have the largest indoor playground in Texas not too far away.

Read on for our recommendations of where to play when going outside is not an option. These indoor playgrounds are some of our absolute favorites for any day of the year.

Best Venues to Host a Kid's Indoor Birthday Party Near Houston

Submitted by Kate M on Sun, 08/15/2021 - 8:07pm

Museums are fun and imaginative venues for indoor birthday parties. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston.

Planning a birthday party in Houston is no small feat because there are so many great party spots in the city. But since Houston goes from blazing hot to pouring rain in the blink of an eye, many parents prefer throwing indoor birthday parties for kids. Houston's indoor party venues not only offer climate control, but fun, unique areas to celebrate birthdays for kids of all ages. An additional bonus is that many of these locations offer all-inclusive packages that make hosting stress-free for parents.

35+ Things We Can't Wait To Do with Houston Kids this Summer

Submitted by Kate M on Wed, 05/26/2021 - 4:44pm

Strawberry Water Park. Photo by Ashley Jones Mommy Poppins

Ready to take advantage of these longer summer days to get back out there and enjoy some of the fabulous activities you can only do in greater Houston? The summer is only just beginning, but it will fly by with all the exciting places to go and family events that are back in action! Some of the favorites on our summer list are one day only (those are near the top), but most can be enjoyed all season long. Check out our 2021 list of the top 35 things we can't wait to do in the Bayou City from Memorial Day to Labor Day, even on those 100-degree days.