Carrie Taylor

Latest posts by Carrie Taylor

Brand New HISD Calendar Changes for 2023-2024: Plus Start & End Dates for Other Houston Area Schools

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 08/27/2023 - 4:39pm

Find the school calendar for your nearby Houston school here!

Hold the phone...we JUST got a calendar update from Houston Independent School District (HISD) on Friday, August 25th, just three days before the start of the school year. We have that calendar below, as well as linked calendars and start and end dates for the other 30 school districts in the Houston area. After all, the nature of being a Houstonian means you have at least one friend or family member who lives in a different district than you, right? And it helps to have those school dates on hand.

Looking for afterschool activities? Check out our Guide to Classes for Houston Kids. And you can read our brief overview of the TEA changes taking place in HISD here.

Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 08/20/2023 - 2:35am

Houston has a variety of affordable afterschool programs. Photo courtesy of GirlStart

Busy schedules mean the kids need care in the awkward hour(s) after school, but finding an affordable afterschool program in Houston can be difficult. Luckily, we've done the work for you and found this list of safe, fun, and cheap afterschool programs in Houston. Some of them are even free!

If you're looking for specialty classes, like swimming, STEM, cooking, or more, we have a great collection in our Guide to Classes for Houston Kids.

Swimming Spots to Host a Pool Party for Your Houston Kid

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 06/25/2023 - 11:29am

These water parks and other swimming spots are perfect for summer birthday parties in Houston. Photo courtesy of the City of Conroe Parks and Recreation

Summer birthday parties in Houston are tough — until you add water. These pools, water parks, and aquatic centers in Houston will ensure your guests have a great time and stay cool. All of these birthday party options have fees associated with them, but we also have recommendations for some of the city's best FREE swimming pools where you can call the city of Houston for reservation details. There are also some great pools around Houston for indoor pool parties. And for more ideas on where and how to throw the best birthday party in and around Houston, check out our Houston party guide.

Texas Swimming Lakes You Need to Discover

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 12:34pm

Canyon Lake in Texas has a great beach. Photo courtesy of beachcatchers.com

Texas swimming lakes and summertime go together like toddlers and trucks — it's a sure-bet combo. While we love a day out at a fun water park, there is just something special about relaxing on the banks of your favorite man-made lakes - if you aren't a native Texan, don't judge us for this; we live in a mostly flat state - or riding the waves on a jet ski or tube. As a native Houstonian, I've spent at least one summer at these spots around the Lone Star State because they are beautiful and full of things for kids and adults to do.

For more water fun with extra sand, check out our Best Beaches in Texas.

Best Mother's Day Brunches in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 1:14pm

Dish Society has four locations for Mother's Day brunch in Houston. Photo courtesy of Dish Society

Mother's Day brunch is a great way to spoil any mom in your life—including yourself! Whether you're looking for a spot to take your own mother (or grandmother, or any other mom figure you'd like to celebrate), or you would like to forward this list along to a significant other as a subtle "hint hint," we have 16 ideas for a drool-worthy Mother's Day brunch near Houston. For more kid-friendly restaurants on Mother's Day and all year, check out our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide. And for the most ambitious families, we know some great, easy brunch recipes kids can make for Mother's Day.

Many of these restaurants, which are listed in no particular order, offer lunch and dinner if brunch isn't your thing, and range from elegant to casual chic. All of them offer a meal mom is sure to remember! For more fun things to do on Mother's Day, check our daily activity calendar.

Free in April: 20 Things To Do with Kids in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 04/02/2023 - 10:12pm

Houston Art Car Parade is free this April. Photo courtesy of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art

If you're looking for free things to do in April, then search no further. Not only does April bring fun free activities in Houston, but the spring weather makes for great outings to one of Houston's best parks and playgrounds and to Houston's many family-friendly festivals and events. Our calendar has ideas for you every day, and this list has the best FREE family events around Houston your family won't want to miss.

Where To Find Bluebonnets in Houston this Spring 2023

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Sun, 03/12/2023 - 7:18pm

A field of bluebonnets near Houston. Photo by Phineas Adams, courtesy of Unsplash

Looking for bluebonnets near Houston? Get those bluebonnet photos at these bluebonnet fields in the Houston area.

It's that time of year again. Texas Bluebonnet season is one of the highlights of Houston's spring activities and runs from about March through May, depending on rains and the length of winter. Houston is home to many reliable bluebonnet beds and fields, as well as some iconic spots on the outskirts of town that are perfect for photos. We've rounded up some spots where you can snap quintessential bluebonnet pictures when the blooms start to open in and around Houston, and we'll continue to update this post as we find more locations.

Many of the best bluebonnet spots are in Houston's parks. Make it a day by checking out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks for more fun activities.

Free in March: 18 Things To Do with Kids in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 2:05pm

Don't let March pass by without a trip to the Houston Rodeo. Photo courtesy of Rodeo Houston

Looking for free events in March for Houston kids? Read on for our favorite free activities this March.

The great thing about March in Houston is that we get to enjoy the early spring before it gets way too hot and humid. After the chill of winter passes and before the summer heat, we are left with pleasant temperatures that are absolutely perfect for outdoor fun at spring festivals, outdoor storytimes, and more. And the nice thing about outdoor activities is that most of them are FREE.

So when you're not taking advantage of the nice weather by hitting up every playground in our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston, check out our event calendar and all of these FREE events happening in March that are perfect for kids. And if you enjoy free things and events, because who doesn't, check out our Free Fun Things to Do with Houston Kids guide.