Carrie Taylor

Latest posts by Carrie Taylor

Family Camping at Bastrop State Park

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Thu, 11/09/2017 - 6:21pm

About two hours northwest of Houston is the beautiful Bastrop State Park, and it's a campground I've enjoyed visiting for as long as I can remember. Although the Bastrop of my childhood no longer exists, the park is rising from the ashes after the 2011 Bastrop County Complex wildfire. There is evidence of new life and growth everywhere you look.

My family and I most recently camped here in mid-October (sadly, it was still scorchingly hot), and had a great time with our kids; a 3-year-old and 1-year-old. Read on for what you can expect, from activities to the best hiking trails.

2017 Houston Bestie Guide: Enrichment Program Winners

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 4:25am

Houston families, we asked you to tell us your favorite businesses around the city, and you've been heard. Our inaugural Houston Besties sought to find the best family businesses and resources in categories that range from best restaurants, parties, activities, and more. With all the great family fun experiences and resources around Houston, it was hard to choose just 24, but you were up to the task. Each winner was selected from a competitive crop of 10 nominees in each category.

Before we announce our winners, we'd like to thank our Bestie Sponsors, including Sublime Travel and Sweet Pecks Photography. And congratulations to the lucky voters who were picked at random to enjoy some amazing prizes!

The votes are finally in, and we couldn't be more excited about our winners. We've grouped them into three winning categories: Parenting Resources, Enrichment Programs, and Family Fun.

Without further ado, here is your guide to the best of family-friendly Houston, the 2017 Houston Besties!

Best Parenting Resources Winners | Best Family Fun Winners | Best Enrichment Programs Winners

2017 Houston Bestie Guide: Family Fun Winners

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 3:46am

The votes are finally in, and we couldn't be more excited about our winners. We've grouped them into three winning categories: Parenting Resources, Enrichment Programs, and Family Fun.

Without further ado, here is your guide to the best of family-friendly Houston, the 2017 Houston Besties!

Best Parenting Resources Winners | Best Family Fun Winners | Best Enrichment Programs Winners

Breakfast, Brunch & More with Santa for Houston Kids

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Mon, 11/06/2017 - 5:02pm

Ready or not, the holidays are here, and there are tons of events around the city for the whole family, including breakfasts, brunches, and cookies with Santa.

For more Christmas fun (and if Black Friday took a Santa-sized chunk out of your wallet), check out our guide to all things Christmas, Hannukah, and holiday fun in Houston this year.

Ultimate Guide to FREE Halloween Events in Houston

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Fri, 10/20/2017 - 11:59am

Halloween is almost here! Don't sweat it if you don't have costumes yet - we have you covered. There are tons of trunk-or-treats happening around the city this weekend and the next as well as on Halloween (along with continued pumpkin patches and haunted houses) where kids can collect candy in a safe and controlled environment, but if you're looking for some wicked fun on actual Halloween day, read on for great FREE options.

Kid-Friendly Shows & Acts at the Texas Renaissance Festival

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Thu, 10/12/2017 - 5:01pm

It's the season for the Texas Renaissance Festival, and even though it's a bit of a drive, don't be intimidated by the idea of going with the kids. Not only is there a ton of games and activities, but there is a whole line-up of kid-friendly shows and entertainers your little ones will love.

Use the festival map to find each of the stages listed below and map out how you want to spend your day. The festival and its themed weekends run through the end of November, so what are you waiting for - get on that costume and get in the car!

Extracurricular Classes in Houston for Children With Special Needs

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 11:13pm

One of the many benefits of living in a large city is that there are many, many resources (and places to play) for children of all abilities. While this is not a comprehensive list, here are some great options for classes, lessons, and activities around Houston for children of all ages with disabilities. For more ideas on classes and enrichment opportunities, check out our classes guide for Houston kids. And please send us a note at editor@mommypoppins.com if you would like to recommend an organization to add to our list.

After Hurricane Harvey: How to Help & Get Help After the Storm

Submitted by Carrie Taylor on Wed, 08/30/2017 - 1:59pm

You don't need us to tell you Hurricane Harvey has devastated Houston. The Bayou City has quickly become just that—a submerged metropolis where people have been pushed from their homes, from hospitals, and from entire communities. While this historic storm has wrecked our home, good Samaritans have emerged from all corners of the Greater Houston area to help those in need.

Here are some ways anyone can help families and individuals affected by the storm, as well as ways for locals to search for help. Send us a note at houstoneditor@mommypoppins.com if you have any resources we do not have listed, and we can add them here. Stay safe, Houston. Together, we will pull through. #HoustonStrong