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The winter holidays are a festive time of joy and celebration, especially for families in the Houston area. From art festivals and ballet performances to shopping and shows just for kids, there’s no shortage of seasonal festivities to keep the holiday spirit alive and well in your family. These are ten of the best and brightest holiday events in Houston, each with their own unique flair and mood. For a truly encompassing winter holiday season, try to take in all ten.
The incomparable Will Ferrell stars in this modern holiday classic, which will be presented by the Houston Museum of Natural Science at the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. Bring the whole family along to enjoy this tale of an overgrown elf, and to experience a bit of holiday cheer, Houston-style.
If your family includes a Yo Gabba Gabba! fan, you simply can’t miss the Very Awesome Yo Gabba Gabba! Live! Holiday Show at the Bayou Music center. There are two shows on December 8th, which means that you have two chances to catch the holiday magic in action. If you really want to swing for the fences, consider a Gabba Party Package. This special offer includes one seat in the first fifteen rows, a pass to the private VIP room, and photo opportunities for the festive little fans in your family.
A Bay Area tradition, the Christmas Boat Lane Parade brings together more than 100,000 Houston residents to view upwards of one hundred boats, all decked out for the holiday season. The boats travel from the South Shore Harbor Marina and the Nassau Bay Lagoon all the way to Galveston Bay.
Nothing quite says “Christmas” like this Dr. Seuss classic, which the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts brings to life on the stage. Shows run from November 24th through December 5th, so you’ll have plenty of chances to bring your family to witness the wonder of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, right on a local stage.
Hosted by the Houston Ballet, the Nutcracker Market is a treasure trove of seasonal shopping and festival experiences. Running from November 7th through the 10th, tickets are available in advance for $13, or $14 at the door on the day of the event. Children under six are admitted for free.
One of the biggest holiday events in the Houston area, the Festival of Lights runs on Thursdays through Saturdays from November 22nd to December 7th, and nightly from December 12th to January 4th. Bring the whole family to witness more than one million lights and sound-enhanced displays of holiday cheer. The only outdoor ice skating rink in the area is also on-site, along with the Arctic Ice Slide and Santa photo ops.
You can catch this classic film at home on television, or you can witness a live stage production through The Players Theatre Company between November 29th and December 21st at the Owen Theatre on Metcalf Street in Conroe.
Bring your family to witness the wonder of Handel’s Messiah as performed by the Houston Symphony and Chorus. Running from December 20th to December 22nd, this is an ideal opportunity to expose your family to both the symphony and some seasonal cheer.
Visit the Galleria Mall on December 9th to experience the Chanukah On Ice event. Your family can skate with the Houston Rockets Mascot, Clutch, around the giant Ice Menorah. Seasonal foods and music will be featured, all for the price of skate rental.
The Spacetaker Winter Holiday Art Market is a new Houston tradition, featuring elements of a holiday party, festival and shopping destination, all in one location. Enjoy some artisan crafts and plenty of entertainment from November 23rd to November 24th at the Winter Street Studios on the second floor.
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There’s something very relaxing about sitting in a coffee shop, taking in the sights and scents of the café, however when you’re transporting the kids, heading into the café with toddlers in tow can be less than relaxing. When you need your java fix on the go, though, there’s just no topping a great coffee joint with a drive-through window. These are ten of the drive-through spots for Houston coffee lovers to get their morning jolt without ever having to leave the car.
With dozens of locations in the Houston area, most of which boasting a drive-through, Starbucks is a no-brainer for on-the-go coffee. The brand uniformity allows you to know exactly what to order anywhere in the world, which means you don’t have to spend precious moments reading the menu of an unfamiliar coffee shop when time is of the essence.
Whether you’re downtown, in Pearland or in a variety of other neighborhoods around the Houston area, there’s a good chance that you’re within a reasonable distance of a Shipley’s store. In addition to freshly brewed, no-frills coffee, you’ll find plenty of kolaches, donuts and other baked goods. Their drive-through windows make snagging a cup of joe and a donut an easy proposition, whether it’s early morning or late evening.
With eleven locations in and around Houston, you won’t have any trouble tracking down a Dunkin Donuts store. The stores do feature a drive-through window, which means that you’re not forced to interrupt your commute by standing on line inside a store for a simple cup of coffee. Whether your preference is for simple, straightforward brew or a frozen coffee concoction, Dunkin Donuts has you covered all over the Houston area.
Plum Coffee is rife with retro flair and a welcoming atmosphere, which makes it a great place to unwind with a coffee concoction during a rare moment of downtime. When you’re in a rush, you’ll still be able to grab your favorite Plum drink because the Cypress neighborhood cafe also features a drive-through window for regulars on the move.
Another Cypress gem, City Brew Coffee is a business built upon the old-fashioned tenets of strong customer service and an outstanding product. Because this store boasts two separate drive-through windows, your wait time during the busy morning hours is often significantly less than what you’d experience at one of the ubiquitous coffee chains.
The brand name may serve to tout the benefits of an early-morning bagel, but the folks at Einstein Bros. are equally proud of their coffee. Their Darn Good Coffee® line boasts a wide range of specialty coffee drinks, both hot and cold. There’s a drive-through window for customers on the move, and dozens of Houston-area locations to serve you, no matter where you are in the city.
There are several locations of Dunn Bros. coffee stores around the northern regions of the country, but only one location in the Houston area. The Friendswood Dunn Bros. is a popular destination for java aficionados from across the city, and their drive-through window makes it easy to get your morning jolt before hitting traffic.
Great prices, and outstanding staff and high-quality coffee make this little coffee shop a standout for Cypress coffee enthusiasts. Habitual drinkers would do well to score a loyalty card, which can earn you points on every purchase. The staff is friendly and efficient, and will get you through the window and on your way in no time at all.
Whether you prefer your coffee drip-brewed or blended with espresso, the staff at Mugz has you covered. Their full menu is available at the drive-through window, which means that you can get all the pastries and coffee your car can hold. Because Mugz is a local business with a commitment to the community, they also source supplies from other local businesses whenever possible.
Just south of Interstate 10 in Katy, Java Jo’z is a special little red building that offers a wide variety of goods. Start your morning off with a hot coffee and a sweet treat. There are two drive-through windows to speed the process along, so you’ll get your morning fix in no time.
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There is nothing like the warm, cozy feeling of having a drowsy child in your lap as you read to them a story from their favorite book. The right book will both excite and soothe your child, and instill in them loving memories and an enthusiasm for the written word. Finding that perfect book for your child is indeed a treasure. So where to begin this hunt for good children’s literature? Well, in Houston, you have a lovely variety to choose from. Not only will you be able to find the books your child desires, but if you are looking for atmosphere and a good time during the shopping trip itself, Houston has a lot to offer in the way of children’s bookstores. As an added bonus, you will also find a plethora of events, story times, and educational services in many of these shops.
Blue Willow Books is a very special bookstore located on Memorial Drive in Houston. It has a large children’s section and organizes books by age and interest. Therefore, if your child has developed a recent interest in, say, panda bears, you can ask them for a book on pandas for a six year old and get just the right item. Blue Willow also has wonderful story times and other events for kids of all ages.
Brazos Books has a large kids’ room with a nice selection of books for young ones from six months to sixteen. It also has an inviting area for kids to sit and read on large pillows, a couch, or a comfy rug. Brazos is located on Bissonnet St. in Houston.
This unique store in Katy not only has books, but offers services for parents and children like reading level assessments, classes for parents, tutoring, and book readings. This store has a wonderful area to sit and read with your family that includes a fireplace, couch, and a beautiful view.
Located at Westheimer and Kirkwood, Half Price Books has a decent amount of children’s books and also hosts events geared towards young readers. For example, they often host events based upon well-loved children’s books to allow kids the chance to celebrate their own literary giants.
Even though it is a bookstore chain giant, Barnes and Noble is still a great place to shop for children’s books. With a wide variety of books and toys, you can find almost anything you are looking for in this store. You will also find frequent events to entertain little ones, with many events that includes a story time and a snack.
Katy Books is another great place to find children’s literature. They also host a weekly story time every Wednesday morning and again every Thursday evening to accommodate working parents.
At Lakeshore Learning you are bound to find lots of books for kids and tons of other educational goodies as well. Whether you are looking for books, crafts, decorations, ways to organize or just really cool developmental toys, you will find them at Lakeshore Learning.
Learning Express in Town and Country Village has a wide array of children’s books among their impressive selection of educational toys. This store often serves as a meeting spot for friends, and children love visiting the shop and trying out new products. Here you will find a friendly atmosphere where the staff try to make it a point to remember their young customers’ names.
While not a bookstore, you can’t talk about where to buy books without mentioning Houston’s library. The Friends of this library host children’s book sales quite often, so you can still score a book or two to bring home permanently at the end of the day.
As their motto states, this store is not just for teachers. If you are looking for educational books and activity books for your little ones, Teacher Heaven Books is the right place. You’ll find unique and interesting books for all ages and on all topics.
You might want to make it a point to visit all of these great stores with your child, to not only check out all they have to offer in books, but to enjoy some fun day trips together as well by taking in a story time or settling in and reading to your child yourself in a different environment. You may also find some amusing toys and engaging crafts to take home and partake in with your little one as well.
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Data released by the United States National Highway Traffic Administration shows that, even with the increase in seatbelt law stringency and regulations regarding child safety seats in automobiles, traffic accidents are still the leading cause of death for children between the ages of three and fourteen years old. The best weapon in a parent’s arsenal against injury or death in the event of a car crash is a high-quality car seat that’s been properly installed, but some models can be confusing and it’s not always easy to know whether or not a car seat is installed the right way. Thankfully, there are a variety of options available for parents in the Houston area in need of advice or assistance when it comes to maintaining and installing car seats. If you’re looking for a certified car seat technician in the Houston area, these ten resources may be the answer. (updated 10/28/14)
1. Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention
Located on the fifth floor of the parking garage at 7400 Fannin in Houston, the Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention sponsors a weekly event from 12 pm to 4 pm every Monday. Appointments are required, and can be made by calling 832-824-3483 for English assistance and 832-824-3482 for Spanish.
2. AVANCE Early Head Start
The AVANCE Early Head Start Program sponsored by Park Temple Baptist Church at 4027 Irvington in Houston offers more than preschool services. You can also get your child’s car seat inspected from 9 am to 1 pm on the third Wednesday of every month. Contact Liliana Garcia at 713-812-0033 ext. 237 for more information.
3. Cypress Creek EMS
From 9 am to 11 am every Wednesday, parents and caregivers in the Spring area can visit the Cypress Creek EMS station at 7111 Five Forks Road for assistance with car seat installation and inspection. Contact Contact Kris Roszko at 281-378-0800 for more information.
4. Pro Salud
The Pro Salud Program at Gethsemane Church in Houston at 6856 Bellaire Boulevard offers car seat inspections and installation assistance between 9 am and 1 pm on the third Wednesday of each month. Call 713-665-3103 for more information.
5. Safe Kids Greater Houston Coalition
One of the locations for Safe Kids Greater Houston Coalition installation and inspection services on the second Tuesday of each month is Monument Chevrolet. Located at 3940 Pasadena Parkway in Pasadena, services are available between 1:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon. Call Diana Martinez at 832-828-1312 for additional information.
6. Pearland EMS
On the third Friday of each month, the Pearland Fire Department offers car seat installation assistance and inspection services by appointment only. Inspections are conducted at the Pearland Fire Department Station Admin. Building located at 2703 Veterans Dr, Pearland, 77584. Contact Raquel Garza at 281-997-5840 for further information and to make an appointment.
7. Friendswood Police Department
Officer Kevin Crouch at the Friendswood Police Department at 1600 Whitaker Street in Friendswood offers car seat installation and inspections between 4 and 8 pm on alternating Thursdays. Contact Officer Crouch at 281-996-3316 to make an appointment or to determine when services will be offered next.
8. Deer Park Police Department
Deer Park area residents can obtain assistance with installation or inspections on the first Friday of each month, between 10 am and 2 pm, at the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department, located at 1302 Center Street. Call Robert Wolfe at 832-250-4051 for appointments and assistance.
9. Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention
Lone Star Chevrolet, located at 18900 Northwest Freeway in Houston, hosts a Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention car seat inspection and installation event on the third Wednesday of every month. Services take place between 9 am and 1 pm, and you can make an appointment or inquiry by contacting Diana Martinez at 832-828-1312.
10. Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County offers parents and caregivers a three options for places to get their car seats checked. Please contact Ft. Bend County Sheriff’s Office @ 281-238-1536, Sugarland Police Department @ 281-238-1536, or Rosenberg Police Department @ 832-595-3450.
For other locations and a list of car seat checkup events, please visit: https://www.safekidsgreaterhouston.org/news-events
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Mommyhood can get lonely after a while, especially if you are used to a lot of adult interaction. Many moms appreciate staying at home with the little ones, but they also miss speaking with adults and doing things besides entertaining, feeding and cleaning up after kids. Often, when moms do have a chance to be with other adults, they find that their own conversation frequently reverts back to stories about the kids and sometimes they feel out of the loop of non-parent society. However, meeting up with other mothers provides adult conversation and support from others who are dealing with the same issues. Here are some suggestions on how to go about meeting other moms in Houston.
Did you know there are several meetups in the Houston area for stay at home moms? On this site you will find mom groups for just about every area of interest. They meet at various times, anywhere from weekly to monthly and sometimes just for a particular event. Membership in a group can range from just a few to large numbers, depending on the group. This is a wonderful way to get to know other mothers in your area and also an avenue to explore different interests with your kids.
There is no doubt that this is the era of the playgroup. Social Toddler provides a lot of information for moms, including available playgroups in the Houston area. Playgroups don’t just provide a chance for the kids to interact, moms also get to meet each other and share their worlds. Some groups hone in on specific areas of interest, while others are just into fun.
This free community for moms offers you friendships, discussion forums and monthly face-to-face events to meet with other Houston area mothers. If you are looking for local support for motherhood, this is a place you will want to check out. You will find lots of advice and suggestions on everything from haircuts to decorating for your kids. Check out the events calendar to find out about the interesting things Houston Area Mommies are doing.
This international organization has groups meeting in your area. Mothers of Preschooler (MOPS) is an organization that is dedicated to supporting mothers through small groups that provide mentoring, support, conversation, and other activities that make mothering fun and less stressful. There are speakers at meetings that offer practical help for common issues. Your group may also teach a new craft that you can share with your children. Joining MOPS can help you feel more confident in your parenting and give you an outlet to socialize with other like-minded women.
Champion Forest Baptist Church hosts a group with mothers from all seasons of life. This group encourages moms to prioritize the stuff of motherhood along Biblical principles. It also promotes a closer relationship with Christ as the group studies the Bible and has discussions. Occasionally, a special guest will speak on a topic with special interest geared toward real-world applications for your family. This intergenerational group is a blessing for moms looking for support with mothering and spiritual development.
If you are into fitness and want to meet like-minded moms, you will want to check into Baby Boot Camp. This franchise has fitness classes and training for the on-the-go mom. They offer exercise classes, yoga-inspired stroller fitness, nutrition classes and Strollerfriends, which is a moms group that promotes healthy families.
The Mocha Moms is an open organization which reaches out to all moms who are willing to abide by the mission of the organization. They provide support primarily to at-home mothers of color, however they have a policy of non-exclusivity and they do not discriminate. The South Houston Chapter is one of over 100 Mocha Moms Chapters throughout the United States. The chapter provides social interaction and encouragement to women working inside and outside of the home. All phases of motherhood are represented in this chapter of Mocha Moms.
Nursing mothers and mothers-to-be who are considering breastfeeding will find reassurance, along with new friends, at La Leche League meetings. This international organization has groups that meet all over the world supporting mothers who breastfeed. They provide resources, information and conversation around the art of nursing. Contact the Houston area group for more information.
This group is for moms who live closer to Houston proper. This play group invites moms to join in meetups to the park, Children’s Museum, nights out for Mom and a variety of other activities and adventures. Though it is a group for Muslim moms and children, all moms are welcome.
For those of you who have twins or more, there is a group for moms who walk in your shoes. This group offers encouragement, assistance, advice and ideas and they help you navigate the waters of parenting multiple siblings. They also participate in research projects, but most importantly, they provide a space for parents of multiples to meet and share their stories.
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Houston is home to a great many attractions for kids and families, but the Houston Children’s Museum is in a class of its own. Named “America’s Number One Children’s Museum” by Parents magazine and ranked as one of the best in the nation by Forbes, there’s no doubt that Houston kids are lucky to live in close proximity to such an outstanding institution. If you’re planning a trip with your brood, there are a few exhibits you just can’t afford to miss. Make sure you take the time to check out these ten exhibits, along with all the other award-winning features of the Houston Children’s Museum.
1. Invention Convention
Kids can invent their own motion machines, create jewelry, experiment with light and sound and learn the basic tenets of robotics in the Invention Convention exhibit. Spare parts, project tables and schematics abound, letting your little ones explore engineering and invention in a kid-scaled environment.
2. How Does It Work?
Kids are infinitely curious, especially when it comes to learning how things around them operate. The Houston Children’s Museum exhibit How Does It Work? answers many of those questions through hands-on experimentation. The ’66 Mustang in Auto Alley give little ones an up close and personal view of how vehicles work, while fiber optics and communications experiments help kids solve a few technological mysteries.
3. TotSpot
Older kids aren’t the only guests welcomed at the Houston Children’s Museum. Infants and toddlers through thirty-five months are encouraged to spend a bit of time in the TotSpot exhibit, which stimulates little minds. Little ones can turn knobs, roll around in the ball and pillow bit, and build motor skills by walking the Meandering Path.
4. EcoStation
Teaching kids about the natural world is one of the first steps to instilling the values of good environmental stewardship and ecologically-conscious behavior. This indoor/outdoor exhibit allows kids to get in touch with nature through a woodland area, research pavilion and a pond teeming with aquatic critters. In addition to static programs, there are also a selection of rotating workshops and experiments to keep the experience of visiting the EcoStation fresh, even with repeated visits.
5. Matter Factory
Understanding the basics of molecules and atoms sets the stage for future excellence in the sciences, which is one of the reasons why parents should make a point of visiting the Houston Children’s Museum Matter Factory. Kids even have the opportunity to explore nano-technology in the Super Small Matter Lab, which is part of the exhibit.
6. Building Zone
Little builders are sure to love the physics and engineering lessons in the Building Zone, which helps kids understand the basics of construction and design. This hands-on exhibit gives kids a strong basis for future exploration, especially in the field of engineering and construction.
7. Kidtropolis
A city populated and run solely by children isn’t just a kid’s dream; it’s a reality at Kidtropolis. Youngsters get to learn about government and occupational roles through this exhibit, which includes civic lessons in voting, commerce and city planning. There’s even a simulated economy, helping little ones to grasp the concept of spending and earning money.
8. PowerPlay
There’s no doubt about the importance of education, but physically active pursuits also play a major role in kids’ healthy development. The PowerPlay Fitness Activity Center gives children ample space to run, jump and dance. From the Power Tower climbing structure to a health section sponsored by the Baylor College of Medicine, there’s no end to the fitness and health lessons at the PowerPlay exhibit.
9. Cum Yah Gullah
Learning about other cultures widens kids’ world view, and the Cum Yah Gullah exhibit helps them to do just that. The exploration of the West African Gullah culture includes storytelling, language and music to help kids understand the rich history of a contributing and important culture.
10. McGovern Kid’s Hall
Kids are naturally appreciative of art, but its an interest that must be actively cultivated throughout their lives. The John P. McGovern Kids’ Hall is home to an exhibition of traveling art, which allows kids to see famous works on a regular basis. Because the collections change periodically, this is one area that can easily become a regular stop for parents and caregivers.
Visit https://www.cmhouston.org/free-discounts/ for museum hours, discounts & free special offers!
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It may seem easier and more convenient to stock your kids’ lunch boxes with bags of chips, fruit cups and packaged lunchmeat in a rush, but the reality is that your kids need a nutritious boost to get them through a full day of school. Preparing healthy lunches that will give your child that healthy punch of energy throughout the day can be just as convenient and the result will be a healthier, happier child who is ready to learn and fully participate in the school day.
The Lunch Kit Alternative
Lunch can comprise one-third of your child’s nutrition for the day, so it’s important to pack nutrient-rich foods that your child will enjoy, says Jessica Cox, registered dietitian and culinary nutritionist at eMeals, a meal planning service based in Birmingham, Ala.
“Focus on whole foods,” suggests Cox. “Packaged foods and ready-made lunch kits may be convenient, but they are generally more expensive, less nutritious and higher in fat, sugar and salt than whole foods.”
Cox suggests building a healthy lunch for your child by choosing one item from each of the following categories:
- Lean Protein
- Whole Grains
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
- Low-Fat Dairy
Make Healthy Food Fun
If your child scrunches up her nose at the sight of fruits and vegetables, show her just how fun food can be. “Consider variety in colors, shapes, sizes and textures when packing a healthy lunch,” says Cox.
Get creative by making the food an interactive experience for your child at lunchtime:
- Use cookie cutters to cut foods into interesting shapes and include a variety of fruits and vegetables, which naturally add a rainbow of colors.
- Make lunches interactive by packing healthy dips such as hummus or low-fat yogurt with vegetables.
- Pack a build-your-own style lunch like corn tortillas with beans, cheese and salsa for tacos.
- Use toothpicks to make kabobs with cooked meat, low-fat cheese and vegetables like cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets or cucumber slices.
For a bite-sized snack before or after lunch, start chopping, recommends Dr. Jenna Bell, registered dietitian and co-author of “Energy to Burn: The Ultimate Food & Nutrition Guide to Fuel your Active Lifestyle.”
“Cut up a pineapple or melon into bite-size pieces for snacks and lunches,” she says. If your child prefers nibble-size veggies, combine a variety pack of chopped up carrots, celery, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower or any other vegetable that might be good for dipping and snacking.
It’s also possible to make the same-old staples healthy and fun, too, says Dr. Keith Kantor, a leading nutritionist in Georgia.
- A Twist on PB & J: Instead of standard PB & J, make a healthy sandwich with two slices gluten free bread, one-two tablespoons of all natural almond or cashew butter and all natural fruit spread. With one apple and a serving of carrot sticks, complete with two tablespoons hummus for dipping, your child will be begging for this lunch everyday.
- Lettuce Wraps: Toss the bread and compile nitrate free deli chicken or turkey, tomatoes, spinach, one ounce cheese and mustard into a lettuce wrap for a delicious sandwich. Add some melon or nuts to the lunchbox or make a homemade trail mix.
- Sweet Surprises: Instead of pudding and fruit cups, both high in sugar content, pack six to eight ounces of Greek yogurt and all natural granola and berries for a sweet surprise in your child’s lunch pail. Allow your child to assemble an “ants on a log” treat with five celery sticks, all natural peanut, almond or cashew butter and raisins.
According to Kantor, always focus on color with both fruits and vegetables, high quality protein and heart healthy fats to keep your child motivated and energized during the school day.
Solicit Help With Packing Lunches
One sure fire way to get your child to eat a healthy lunch is to involve him in choosing, planning and preparing the lunch, says Cox.
“It doesn’t matter how healthy the contents of your child’s lunchbox is if they don’t eat it,” she says. “Work with your child to create a list of foods they like in each food group to plan lunches and assemble lunches together the night before.”
If your child is enthused about helping you prepare these meals, it’s likely he will be racing to devour his healthy lunch with a healthy punch each day at school.
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The city of Houston has a long-standing tradition of supporting sports and athletic activities. Indeed, a love of sports is something of a Texas pastime altogether. Because youth sports are such a great way to encourage physical activity in kids and to prevent childhood obesity, parents across the city are eager to get their kids involved in team sports. If you’re among those parents who hopes to instill a love of competitive sports in your children, these are ten of the can’t-miss opportunities in and around the city of Houston.
Martial arts, soccer, football and baseball are just some of the sports available for kids at the YMCA Houston. The kids get a practice session once a week, with a game taking place every weekend. Each program is priced differently, so if you’re interested you need to apply to the program for further details. However, a program membership costs $30 dollars a year and comes with inclusion to all YMCA programs.
If your kids are bouncing off the walls, perhaps it’s time to introduce them to trampoline tournaments. Sky Zone hosts non-competitive trampoline competitions for over 13 year olds, with lots of prizes up for grabs. Entry costs $13 per person. Also on the cards is the 3-D Dodgeball contest; combining classic dodgeball and trampoline in a test of skill, coordination and timing.
There are plenty of sports available through the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, in coordination with local community centers. An expert team of sports professionals are on hand to offer coaching, support and structured competition. Soccer, softball and aquatic sports are some of the choices available to kids in the Houston area.
This is a great place for kids to learn sports, discipline and other important life-skills. There is gymnastics, cheerleading and tumbling on offer, as well as day and summer camp programs. What’s more, parents aren’t left out in the cold. There are frequent parents’ nights with the staff, just to give you the break you need.
Ready, take aim, fire! Fearshire Paintball is a great place to introduce your kids to the growing sport of paintballing. The company operates out of Fearshire Farms, which has two expansive areas dedicated exclusively to paintballing competitions and team-building events. Referees are on hand at all times to ensure that your kids have a fun but safe experience.
The focus here is on team and group events. Rock climbing, rappelling and assault courses will help kids learn cooperation and how to achieve goals. The course is challenging, but with a team of expert trainers and coaches on hand, your kids are sure to have a blast. Make sure to book early to avoid missing out on a spot.
While your kids are actually only racing miniature cars at Races2U, the sport is both mentally and physically challenging. The company has invested a lot of time and money to create an experience that is as close to the real thing as you’re going to get, while safely standing on solid ground. If your kids really get into slot-car racing, Races2U can even design a track for your home.
Mixed martial arts is considered the fastest growing sport in the world. Team Tooke provides excellent services for your kids, including kid’s grappling, summer camps and after school events. Your kids can learn skills across a wide-range of martial arts disciplines, as well as picking up some valuable life skills, too.
It’s all about the kids at Houston Youth Football. With innovative programs, sponsorship from the NFL, and top quality summer camps, your kids are in safe hands. Every year the camps grow in numbers, meaning there is plenty of opportunity for your kids to compete with the best in the state. For a real chance at a career in the big leagues, make sure to sign them up for the Houston Youth Football program.
This volunteer organization aims to provide a platform for youth hockey in the Houston area. All coaches are fully certified, so your kids get nothing but the best training. Team ages are not strict, and are solely determined by skill level in many respects. The youngest team is represented by the squirt minors, while the oldest team is the 18Us. The organization has a full practice schedule, which is always available on their main website.
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The season of cool weather, harvest parties and Halloween costumes has arrived, to the delight of fall fanatics everywhere. For those autumn enthusiasts who live in the Houston area, the time has also arrived to pick the pumpkins that will complete your harvest-themed decor. Whether you plan to carve them, paint them or just display them in all their natural glory, there’s no doubt about the iconic role of the pumpkin in fall decorating schemes. Here are ten of the places where you can, as a family, pick out your pumpkins for the season.
The sixteen-acre field at Dewberry Farm is rife with several varieties of pumpkin, which you and your family can pick yourselves. A tractor-drawn wagon ride carts you to and from the field, adding a bit of extra fun to the experience. While you’re there, check out the corn maze, pedal carts, zip lines and baby animals on the property. A trip to Dewberry Farms is almost like a trip to the amusement park, located in nearby Brookshire, Texas.
The pumpkins at Oil Ranch have already been harvested from the field, so you don’t have to forage for the perfect specimens and pluck them off the vine. Both full-sized and child-sized hay bale mazes add to the fun, as do pony rides and a trip to the petting zoo on the property. During the harvest season, Oil Ranch is also home to more than eighty-five different scarecrows.
If you want a pumpkin-picking experience that’s a bit of a departure from the norm, visit TGR Exotics in Spring, Texas. In addition to the perfect pumpkin, TGR is also home to kangaroos, camels and other exotic animals. On Friday nights throughout the harvest season, TGR Exotics hosts a “Movie Night in the Pumpkin Patch” event, complete with family-friendly film fare and the opportunity to donate the $3.00 admission fee to wildlife preservation foundations.
Why not turn your pumpkin selection process into a charitable offering? When you purchase from the Aggie Habitat for Humanity Pumpkin Patch, you’re actively contributing to a community assistance program that will help families in and around Houston become the owners of their very own homes. This pumpkin fund-raiser is held on the grounds of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and helps to fund house-building efforts for Houston families in need.
What’s a harvest celebration without a hayride? At Berryland Farms, your family enjoy a hayride, a corn cannon, a culvert swing, and a tire tower, among other exciting activities. Face painting and pumpkin bowling are on the menu, too. Come for a pumpkin, and leave with a treasure trove of fun, seasonal memories.
Whether you want to pick your own pumpkins from the patch or prefer them fresh off the vine and gathered from the field, Blessington Farms has you covered. They also host an annual fall festival, cow train rides, mazes and tractor-drawn hayrides. Blessington Farms is located just west of Katy, and forty miles west of downtown Houston in Simonton, Texas.
Earth-conscious families will appreciate the natural growing practices and the perfect pumpkins of B&M Farms in Silsbee, Texas. Pick pumpkins yourself in the field, or choose from their selection of gathered pumpkins if you prefer not to do your own picking. Snag a jar of fresh honey collected from the on-site hives, or fresh eggs from their free-range chickens.
Enjoy a bit of seasonal spookiness on the haunted trail at Halter, Inc., along with the face painting, pony rides, miniature horse obstacle course and refreshments offered by the staff. When you’re finished with the seasonal, outdoor fun offered at Halter, Inc., pick up a few pumpkins to carve, paint or turn into delectable edibles.
Pick your own pumpkins at Matt Family Orchard after enjoying your very own fall festival with a group of fifteen or more. Reservations are required, but there’s enough fun to fill an entire day. When the festivities end, you’ll go home with more than enough pumpkins to go around at the family carving stations.
Why grab a batch of pumpkins from a chain grocery store when you can buy them from Old MacDonald’s farm? Your local supermarket may be conveniently located, but they don’t offer pony rides, a petting zoo or a train ride. More than fifteen acres of family fun are on the menu at Old MacDonald’s farm, just be prepared for a few renditions of the classic kids’ song during your outing.
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The weekend seems to be a magnet for childhood health concerns. Whether it’s a cold or flu getting serious or broken bones, kids seem to be their worst after hours or on the weekends. These are traditionally the times when it’s most difficult to find health care, especially for kids. Sometimes it’s not about the kids getting sick on the weekend. Many busy families have schedules that make weekday visits to the doctor for well-child checkups difficult. Fortunately, more clinics and urgent care centers are meeting the needs of those families that need care during the weekend. These ten healthcare providers are not only among the best in Houston, but are also available on weekends
This clinic serves residents of the Cypress-Fairbanks area, and they care for newborns up through adolescents. The board certified pediatricians here are also affiliated with the Cypress-Fairbanks Medical Center Hospital. They are also members of the American Academy of Pediatrics. You can bring the kids here for well-child exams and immunizations. The clinic also handles school and sports physicals, and can usually arrange same-day appointments for sick kids. Consultations are available for various issues such as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity or other behavioral challenges. Luv-N-Care Pediatrics is open on Saturdays, and they are located at 11037 FM 1960 Suite B-2A in Houston. The phone number is 832-237-8882.
Since 1977, this clinic has been serving families in the Houston area. The pediatricians here are board certified with years of experience. They provide well-child check-ups, school and sports physicals and vaccines. The Great Kid Pediatrics website contains a variety of information including vaccine schedules, feeding schedules and growth charts along with frequently asked kids’ health questions and information on other issues. On the website, you will find all the information you need to set up your appointment and get the necessary forms and papers before you arrive. Check the FAQ section to find out if your insurance is accepted at Great Kids Pediatrics. You can call if you have questions. They are located in the Memorial City Medical Plaza III at 915 Gessner, Suite 350 in Houston. The phone number is 713-932-6261.
Your kids will feel welcome and right at home with the staff at Bootin and Savrick. With three locations, you will always be able to access the help you need. The doctors here care for newborns up to college-aged kids, so you can rest assured that your child will be well cared for. The doctors and staff here make it a priority to get to know each of their patients, and they strive to see them through every malady, including hospital trips if that should become necessary. Bootin and Savrick offer same-day appointments, and there is 24-hour pediatric triage available. They are open on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for your convenience. Their main location is at the Medical Center of University General Hospital 7501 Fannin, Suite 850 in Houston. The phone number is 713-795-9500. Check the website for locations in Pearland and Memorial City and for more information.
Parents and kids alike feel comfortable at Fannin Pediatrics. The board certified pediatricians here are knowledgeable and make a point of putting patients and parents at ease. You will find the doctors here give expert advice on a range of topics. They offer compassionate care geared toward educating parents, along with immediate care for the child. The wait here may be a little longer than expected because they are so busy, but then again, they are so busy because the doctors here are so very good. They are located in Houston, in the heart of the Texas Medical Center. Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The address is 6400 Fannin Street, Suite 2110. You can reach them by phone at 713-790-9220.
When you are in need of urgent care during the weekend, Nightlight Pediatrics is there to serve you. They provide services for kids of all ages from infancy through adolescence. If your primary pediatrician isn’t available, you can trust the care at Nightlight Pediatrics. This is a great alternative to the hospital emergency room for non-life threatening emergencies after hours. The doctors here are board certified and understand parents’ concerns regarding evening and weekend health care for their kids. Nightlight is cost effective as well as convenient. You can expect to even pay less than for an emergency room visit. All payments are due at the time of the visit. Weekend hours are from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m both Saturday and Sunday. The phone number for Sugar Land location is 281-325-1010 and call the Cyfair location at 713-957-2020.
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