The Official Blog of Morningside Nannies
There is nothing like a day at the farm to build some lasting fall memories. Taking a hayride in the crisp autumn air, picking bright orange pumpkins, and enjoying mugs of apple cider are what the season is all about. Perhaps you’d even like to stuff a scarecrow or try your hand at navigating a corn maze. All of these activities and more can be found at farms in and around Houston. Here are ten favorite local ranches that you can visit to get into the spirit of the season.
If you’re looking for organic produce, S&L is the farm for you. The operators follow organic growing methods, so you know that the food you pick will be free of chemical pesticides and genetic modification. You can find pumpkins and summer squash, among many other things. S&L is located in Anderson and open seven days per week. They say that if their gate is open, to “come on in.”
P-6 Farms has a Fall Festival and a very elaborate corn maze every year from October to December. There are many activities here for children such as cow rides, trampolines, and water cannons as well. This farm is in Montgomery, just a short drive from Houston proper.
A trip to Dewberry Farm is almost like a day at an amusement park. Not only will you find typical farm adventures like animals, pumpkins, and a corn maze, but you will also find unique experiences like a corn cannon, a mountain slide, pedal carts, a train, and a giant fort to explore. With over thirty attractions, Dewberry is sure to tucker out the little ones and entertain the whole family. Dewberry Farm is located in Brookshire.
Stationed over in Simonton, Blessington Farms promises adventure and delivers. They have a great Fall Harvest Festival, complete with a hay maze, pumpkin patch, wagon ride, and more. There are slides and climbing structures for the active kiddies. They’ll even be adding fishing to their long list of activities in 2014.
Oil Ranch of Hockley will grant you a free pumpkin with every paid child’s admission, and that’s only the beginning. You will also find hayrides here, and over eighty decorated scarecrows. You and your family can enjoy a game of putt-putt or take a horse ride as well. Afterwards, enjoy one of the Oil Ranch’s famous barbecue sandwiches.
If you’re looking for something different, you’ll find it at TGR Exotics in Spring, Texas. Here, you will find animals not seen on the typical American farm such as camels and kangaroos. You will also be able to take a hayride, participate in crafts, have your face painted, and more.
For the month of October, you can visit Old Time’s pumpkin patch on weekends from 10 am-7 pm. For a very small admission price (just a few dollars), your family can partake in an obstacle course, moon bounce, giant slide, and rides.
Visit Spring Creek Growers in Magnolia to see some animals, pick a pumpkin, and see a tree house and a Native American village. You can even fish here, and partake in their game area.
The fun never ends at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Humble. They offer a wide range of active pursuits, like swimming in their pool, tetherball, and volley ball. Here, you can also ride horses and trains. Be sure to bring the children over to one of Old MacDonald’s super playgrounds after picking your pumpkins.
Be sure to check out Nature Discovery Center’s Fall Festival on October 19th and 20th. At the center, you can pick a pumpkin and partake in the carnival-like atmosphere by enjoying rides and games. Many locals love crossing the “devil’s rope bridge” at the center. You’ll also find tons of vendors and good food. Nature Discovery Center is a nonprofit organization located in Bellaire, Texas.
Having so many amazing farms to visit in the fall almost makes it tough to miss summer. Spending an autumn day on a farm out in the fresh air has that wholesome, down-home feel that Texas life is all about. Since the weather has finally cooled down a bit, you may find your family even more active than before and these farms are the perfect places to stretch those legs and get in some exercise. Pack up the family, or just that special someone, and head out to one of the local farms for some festive fall fun. Don’t forget your camera!
Posted in
Activities,
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 Houston Area Farms to Visit This Fall
Whether you are heading out on a first date, planning a proposal, or attempting to have a long overdue night out with your partner, choosing the right restaurant can be a daunting task. However, if you are preparing for your date night in Houston, you should consider yourself lucky. Houston is home to some of the most romantic restaurants in the country. Within Houston, there is no shortage of enchanting establishments to satisfy any appetite and palate. These are ten of the most romantic and charming meal destinations in the city, each of which is sure to make your night that much more special.
At Fabio’s, you can enjoy Old World charm in a romantic, intimate setting. The service is extremely attentive and pleasant. The food is authentic, gourmet Italian and everything is cooked fresh from scratch when you order. The proprietor, Fabio Milano, had the idea to bring together the beauty of Italy with the friendliness of Texas. Most patrons agree that he has succeeded!
Rainbow Lodge is cozy and wooded on the inside, with three beautiful fireplaces to add to its already romantic ambiance. It also offers dreamy views of the nearby creek and citrus grove. They offer exquisite exotic game dishes alongside favorites such as pan seared red snapper on lobster and yellow tomato risotto. The service is hailed as warm and accommodating, providing only the highest quality facility.
The Lexington Grille offers an intimate and chic setting. The food is only the freshest, cooked when you order. The menu is gourmet French and you will find items such as Duck Confit Tamales and Venison Tenderloin with Chili on the menu right next to Snapper Evangeline and Rack of Lamb.
Uchi serves contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi. You will find many unique dishes here that you can try together. In the dim and sultry dining area, you will be waited on by a staff member who is dedicated to ensuring you have a memorable evening.
At Eddie V’s, you can sit back in its sophisticated dining room and listen to smooth jazz twinkling in the background as you enjoy their creative cocktails. You’ll find a large selection of fish and shellfish on the menu selected from their catches of the day and if you don’t care for seafood, you can choose from among their critically acclaimed aged steaks.
You don’t find much more sophistication in a steakhouse than at Vic & Anthony’s. Engaging with your date at the bar before or after dinner can really set the romantic mood. Here you will find dim lighting and a live piano player. Aside from steaks you will also find fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.
Bistro Alex serves Texas Creole Cuisine in an intimate setting adorned with wood planks and an open kitchen. Bistro Alex is famous for its turtle soup, delicious flat breads, and Shrimp Andouillete. They also have decadent desserts such as chocolate bread pudding and café’ au lait cheesecake.
When you step into Bistro Provence, you will feel as if you have strolled into the French countryside. It’s warm and cozy, filled with sweet-smelling aromas. The décor is one of wood planks and a French color scheme. The food is simple, yet flavorful. If you want your date to be an adventure, experiment with new flavors such as the acclaimed Simmered Red Rabbit Confit with Candied Onions and Prunes. If you want to play it safe, they offer pizzas and soups as well.
Mockingbird Bistro puts out a sophisticated yet funky vibe. This allows it both be high class and cool at the same time. Its food is Texas Provence- think America meets the French Riviera. The Mockingbird has an award winning wine list, but don’t let that scare your wallet because it is also known for being the best value in town.
Romantic doesn’t have to mean stuffy, as evidenced by this laid-back yet breathtaking Italian eatery off Lower Shepherd. Rustic Italian fare, along with an accessible and friendly wine list and high-end gelato come together to make for a date you won’t soon forget.
Now that your appetite is awakened and your heart is inspired, invite your sweetie out for a night on the town in Houston. Be sure to call ahead and make reservations to ensure great seating, though. If you want your night to continue after your meal, consider heading over to Hermann Park for a stroll through the Japanese Gardens or spending the night at the Hotel Zaza, where you can spend the evening having drinks by the luxurious pool or dessert at its eatery, The Monarch.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 of the Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston
A house of worship should be a place where you go to find peace and comfort, learn something about the Word of God and fellowship with other believers. It shouldn’t necessarily be a place that stresses you out, gets you dirty looks and requires that your kids be excluded from services or cloistered in a crowded nursery. When you have children, finding a church that accepts kids and doesn’t mind them staying with their parents during the service is pretty important. Attending a service where kids are welcome and teens feel engaged makes all the difference in a family’s spiritual development. These are ten of the most family friendly places of worship in the Houston area.
The core values of this house of worship center around the Christian faith, worship, discipleship, ministry, stewardship and fellowship. St. Martin’s believes in welcoming both individuals and families who wish to have an opportunity to be a part of a faith community and share in Christian fellowship. School aged kids from sixth grade up will enjoy belonging to one of the Key Groups and getting involved in student ministry designed for their particular grade.
The Vineyard began back in 1975 with a group of students from the University of Houston. Located in the heart of the Heights, this church embraces diversity and focuses on building community that “draws people from all cultures and generations into an authentic, intimate and supernatural life with Jesus Christ.” The Vineyard believes in nurturing a creative children’s community and teaches them about God in age appropriate ways. They have programs for every stage of a child’s life, so you know your children will be brought up in the faith you hold dear.
Children are welcome in the worship service at St. Luke’s. For your convenience, however, they also have child care available. They have family friendly events throughout the year and they welcome you to get involved with church life by sharing your gifts and talents.
This family friendly church is dedicated to helping parents and kids grow strong in their faith. They have lots of opportunities or families to grow in faith all week long, not just on Sundays. Children’s programs are designed for every stage of a child’s growth to help them develop a deep and lasting relationship with Jesus Christ. Families are encouraged to worship, pray and study together for spiritual growth and development.
Notonly do the people at Houston’s First Baptist Church believe in welcoming families into the fold, they also have a special program called Thru the Roof which is a Special Needs Ministry, reaching out to families with members that have children or adults with special needs. From the earliest age, children at Houston’s First Baptist Church learn about the Lord as they are guided through Bible studies beginning with simple stories and songs. You can expect your family to engage in a total ministry to kids and parents at this church.
This all inclusive church has a Special Children’s Ministry that takes place after the Youth Moment in the worship service. Kids attend Children’s Church and learn about the Lord in a setting that’s geared for fun and spiritual education. Your family will feel loved and accepted at this warm and affirming church as they are committed to living out the love of Christ.
The family-focused Religious Education Program at St. Cyril of Alexandria helps parents learn that they are the key in their children’s religious development. Christian values are formed in this family-centered program and classes are offered for families with kids from three years old to fifth graders.
Families are encouraged to worship with their children at this church. They can participate in ways that are comfortable for them. Children can have a part in story, art worship and prayer with parents and other members. At Ecclesia, children are believed to already be part of the larger church community and therefore are encouraged to interact in worship service in ways they feel comfortable.
If you prefer small, child friendly churches consider the Houston Mennonite Church. This progressive faith community is very down-to-earth and there are plenty of children. Come celebrate joy, peace and love at this friendly church.
If your family members prefer the larger more energetic churches, you may want to look into Higher Dimension. This mega-church has ministries that serve all family members. Their mission is “To share Christ with unbelievers, develop believers into disciples and transform disciples into leaders.” They also teach children that God made each one, loves each one and that Jesus wants to be a forever-friend.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 Family Friendly Churches in Houston
When it comes to hiring a nanny, many parents are interested in having a trial period with a candidate before making their job offer official. This often stems from the belief that a trial period offers them some special advantages. However, this belief is most often based on a misunderstanding of what a trial period is and isn’t designed to do.
Before you consider requiring a trial period, you’ll want to separate fact from fiction and be sure you’re familiar with these 6 debunked trial period myths.
1. Trial Periods Are Part of the Screening Process
Trial periods aren’t designed to be part of the nanny screening process; however they are often incorrectly used as such. Trial periods are designed to test the abilities of the candidate that the parents have extended an offer of employment to and to provide an opportunity to confirm that the candidate is able to do everything she said she could and agreed to in the pre-employment screening process. When trial periods are used correctly, they can be very beneficial to both a nanny and family. For example, if a family really wants a live-in nanny, but the candidate they wish to hire has only worked as a live-out nanny, having a trial period makes sense so that both the nanny and family can be sure the arrangement will work out.
2. Trial Periods Are a Great Way to Secure Temporary Care
Trial periods aren’t designed to provide an easy back-up care solution. Parents should never settle for a candidate to “hold them over” until a better candidate comes along. Instead, trial periods should only be considered for a candidate who parents have extended an offer of employment to and have a desire to commit to a working relationship with. If an agency offers a replacement policy, offering a candidate a position with the intent of simply requesting a replacement if it doesn’t work out is undermining the search and pre-employment screening process.
3. Trial Periods Relieve Parents and Nannies From Responsibility
Even during the trial period, the candidate becomes an employee. If the offer of employment is accepted and a trial period is mutually agreed upon, both the parents and nanny have entered into an employment arrangement and nanny/family relationship. Regardless of how the candidate was referred to them, as always, parents must accept responsibilities for their hiring decisions and should only terminate an employee after trying to reconcile the relationship and correct any job performance issues, as long as the children’s safety and family’s security is not at risk.
4. Trial Periods Ensure That You Aren’t Committed
Many parents believe a trial period is their only opportunity to end a working relationship with a nanny if things don’t work out as planned. This is simply not true. A written work agreement can outline reasons and the process for termination and in states where an employee works at-will; one can virtually be terminated anytime, as long as the reason for termination isn’t illegal. The bottom line is that a family is never stuck with a nanny. Terminating an employee is always an option.
5. Trial Periods Don’t Require Payment
Some parents believe that they can test-drive a nanny for free under the guise of “seeing how it goes” before making a commitment. Most often parents will ask a nanny to consent to a trial period before making the job offer official and wrongly consider it part of the interview process. Nannies should always be paid their typical hourly wage rate when working a trial period. The terms of the trial period, including salary, should be discussed and put into writing prior to it commencing.
6. Trial Periods Provide a Guarantee
Anyone can be who you want them to be for a short-time and chances are, if there are going to problems in the working relationship they won’t rear their ugly heads until the relationship is firmly established.
Like with any employee, there is never a guarantee that a candidate will work out, however if parents invest the time required to properly screen and interview candidates, take the advice of a reputable placement specialist, and draft a written work agreement with a potential hire, the chances of the relationship working out is in their favor.
Posted in
Advice for Nannies,
Advice for Parents |
Comments Off on 6 Myths Behind Trial Periods
Fathers are an integral part of their daughters’ lives. Much of what girls learn about men and their interactions with them will be shaped by the relationship she has with her father. That’s why it’s so important for dads to take a proactive role in the lives of their little girls. For dads in the Houston area looking to treat their daughters to an evening out on the town, these are ten of the places you won’t want to miss.
The Potter’s Wheel is a great place for a bit of creative fun during father-daughter bonding time. Break out the paintbrushes and put on your creative caps to make mementos you’ll both treasure for a lifetime to commemorate a special evening.
There’s just something about a teddy bear that makes little one’s hearts sing. Take the time to pick out and create the perfect bear together, choosing the right accessories so that your little girl has a stuffed friend to share her secrets with and the memory of a great night with Dad.
When you hit the town as a father-daughter duo, a movie theater may not be the first thing that comes to mind. While there may not be much time for talking, being able to see a movie she’s chosen with the most important man in her life is an experience your daughter won’t soon forget.
Spend some time with your daughter while helping to foster a love of reading by stopping in to visit the Blue Willow Bookshop, one of Houston’s best and most beloved independent booksellers. Browse the shelves and pick up a few new tomes for both of you while getting a better idea of what your little girl is interested in and the books that she loves most.
Encouraging girls to become more involved in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematic) fields is an important part of parenting, as women represent a relatively small portion of careers in these fields and budding interest in girls isn’t always nurtured. Visiting Houston’s Lunar and Planetary Institute is more than an opportunity to gaze at the stars while spending a bit of quality time together; it’s also a chance to foster an interest in the sciences.
With an amusement park, aquarium and restaurant on-site, the Downtown Aquarium is a one-stop-shop for all your father-daughter date night needs. Grab dinner, have fun at the park and see the wonders of the sea, all without ever leaving Houston.
The Miller Outdoor Theatre season runs from March through November in Hermann Park, offering free performances by the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Symphony and the Houston Ebony Opera Guild, just to name a few. Spend the evening experiencing the music or a theatrical performance with your daughter, giving her a chance to appreciate the arts while spending time with her Dad.
If your daughter is a fan of tea parties and all things dainty, why not take her out for a real-life tea party? Tea for Two even offers dress-up tea parties for larger groups, but you’ll need to make an early evening of it, as the tearoom closes at six on weeknights and is only open for lunch on weekends.
While it’s important to foster good dietary habits in young children, it’s also a good idea to indulge their sweet tooth from time to time. What better way to make a special occasion of spending an evening with your little girl than to visit this chocolate-filled heaven?
Everyone loves ice cream, and taking your daughter out for a cup or cone of her favorite Ben and Jerry’s concoction is a great way to bond over a sweet treat. The wacky flavor names are sure to bring a smile to your daughter’s face, and the franchise is famous for its delicious offerings.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 Places for a Dad and Daughter Date Night in Houston
Whether you’re putting together an intimate gathering for a quiet dinner, a lavish wedding or a child’s birthday party, planning an event can be a stressful experience. There’s so much to do and so many details to attend to that it’s often easier and more enjoyable to simply hand the responsibilities over to an experienced and qualified professional, providing input where it’s required and overseeing the process while others handle the particulars. For hosts and hostesses in the Houston area, there are a plethora of places to turn for help with event and party planning. These are ten of the best resources in the Greater Houston area, people and services who can turn the nightmare of party planning into the event of your dreams.
Since 1998, Deborah Elias and her staff have been working throughout Texas and Louisiana to provide top-shelf event planning services to clients through creative and innovative party planning solutions. Elias Events has also been among the Top Ten Independent Planners, as named by the Houston Business Journals, since 2007.
Based in Houston, Event Solutions is a company staffed with a full team of event and wedding planning experts who will stop at nothing to ensure that your event is perfectly executed and goes off without a hitch. Initial consultations are complimentary, and the large number of glowing testimonials speak to the professionalism and expertise that Event Solutions brings to the table.
A member company of the Association of Bridal Consultants, Soireebliss! Events handles more than just nuptial celebration planning services. From the smallest event to the most extravagant, the team at this Houston award-winning firm has the experience and expertise necessary to bring all of your event dreams to fruition.
From party rentals to help with event planning, Any Occasion Party Rental is your one-stop shop for all things party. Whether you just need a place to rent catering supplies and tents or you’re looking for personalized help with the planning of your party, Any Occasion is ready and able to provide you with all of the event services you need to make sure that your bash goes off without a hitch.
When you work with Dream With Me Event Planning, you have access to a dedicated DJ that will keep the party moving, a cake designer that will create the perfect pastry centerpiece, a photographer to snap enough photos to fill a scrapbook and a coordinator to bring everything together. when it comes to private events, Dream With Me has everything you need in house.
If family-owned businesses are your thing, then Two Sisters and a Mister is the answer to all of your event planning questions. Headed up by two sisters that work to make your wedding perfect, with a man on staff to ensure that the groom’s needs are being met along the way. Engaged couples looking for the ideal bridal consultant firm may want to begin and end their search with Two Sisters and a Mister.
Samara Hurley cut her teeth planning events in New York City, working with large corporations to throw award-winning parties before eventually relocating to Houston. Since 2006, she’s been an active member of the local business community and was ranked number 11 on Houston Business Journal’s 2012 list of Houston’s Largest Independent Event Planners.
From your menu to a theme for your shindig, Cosmo Cool Concepts is the premier planning service in the Houston/Galveston metropolitan area. Choose from a list of more than a hundred themes, or work with an experienced event coordinator to put together you own unique theme.
Incredible Events and their subsidiary, Incredible Events Kids, are able to handle every aspect of your event, regardless of what you’re celebrating. Put together a backyard wonderland for a child’s birthday party, plan the wedding of a lifetime or arrange a corporate event that’s sure to score big points with the higher-ups with the assistance of the team at Incredible Events.
If you’re looking for an event planning service that specializes in creating high-end events for kids’ birthday parties, look no further than Fantasy Celebrations. The staff at Fantasy Celebrations handles everything from the invitations to the party rentals, allowing you to focus on the little guest of honor.
Special Events and Occasions strives to make you feel like a guest at your own event by handling every aspect of the process in a manner that relieves you of any and all related stress. Sit back, relax and let the professionals at Special Events and Occasions do all the work for you.
If you like the freedom of choosing your own party planning professionals but aren’t sure where to start, Thumbtack may be just the service you’re looking for. A collective of local merchants, Thumbtack puts you in contact with a variety of service providers and helps you choose the one that’s right for you. Best of all, there’s no obligation to hire anyone you’ve found through the service.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 12 Places to Get Party Planning Help in Houston
The day of baptism is a special day in many people’s lives. Not only does it hold a sacred religious significance, but it also serves as a child’s coming out party in many families. For some, planning a christening can be almost as taxing as planning a wedding. Many people opt for a large ceremony and reception and that means lots of preparation in choosing a venue, food, and decorations, among other things. Arguably, the most important element of your baby’s special day will be the gown. It will be shown in numerous photographs for years, maybe even generations, to come and can even serve as something to pass down to your children’s children. Deciding where to start shopping for this essential piece and all the lovely accessories such as the matching bibs, shoes, and bonnets is not always easy. However, the experience can be delightful as there are so many beautiful gowns to choose from once you know where to look. The last thing you want to do is waste valuable time traveling to a store only to find that they do not carry what you’re looking for. To avoid this pitfall, listed here are some of the best places to shop for Christening gowns in Houston for many different budgets and personal tastes.
Rattle Tattle is a children’s boutique that sells unique clothing for special occasions. They have a nice assortment of gowns as well as boys’ baptismal outfits.
Sears has a nice selection of christening outfits and gowns at affordable prices. With Sears, you also have the convenience of ordering online if you are operating under time constraints.
Located at 477 Bay Area Boulevard in Houston, Haute Mommies and Bella Babies specializes in all things fashion for moms and little ones. A full line of christening suits, gowns and baptismal fashion calls HM&BB home, making it a wise stop for moms on the hunt for the perfect christening outfit.
Burlington Coat Factory does carry some baptismal gowns and outfits. While they do not have a vast assortment, you have the benefit of seeing their inventory online before making the trip there. You can also order online if you so choose.
Mint Baby and Kids boasts one of the largest selections of gowns and baptismal accessories in the Greater Houston area. You will find the prices higher than the department stores, but the look and quality of the gowns, suits, and rompers they carry are excellent. They also offer the option of shopping online.
Dimples Houston is a family owned business that prides itself on offering unique products to its customers. Dimples carries Heirloom christening gowns, shoes, and much more.
Dress and Joy Boutique carries hand-made silk, fine organza, and 100% cotton gowns. They are a specialty shop that sells clothing exclusively for religious and special occasions. If you are looking for a fine family heirloom, this may be your store.
Sweet Bambini is an upscale children’s boutique in the Memorial area of Houston. It carries a selection of around ten or so gowns that customers can view online as well as in the store. The prices are in the average range.
If you are on a budget or looking for a unique find, you can try the second hand shop, Second Childhood. Because they are a consignment shop, their inventory is always changing, so you need to have the time to take a chance on a “hit or miss” shopping trip. If the trip is a “hit,” you could wind up with an excellent deal.
Once Upon a Child is a consignment shop chain with a franchise located in Willowbrook, Houston. Customers often save around 70% by shopping at this second hand shop. Because the inventory is ever changing, they may or may not have what you are looking for, but if they do; the discount could be well worth the trip.
For any of these shops, calling ahead to ensure that they carry what you are looking for can save you time. It will also help you to intuit whether or not a shop is the sort of place you would like to shop based on how helpful the employees are over the phone. Knowing that you have choices will alleviate any feelings of being stuck shopping at one store or settling for a gown that is not exactly what you had in mind for your child. A christening is a once in a lifetime occasion that both the parents and child deserve to enjoy to the fullest and having this list should help make your gown shopping enjoyable and stress free!
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 Places to Buy Christening Gowns in Houston
In the heat of Houston’s sizzling summers, there is nothing better than taking the little ones out to play in the water. Not only can the kids cool off, but they’ll get some much needed exercise as well. Parents and caregivers are also able to get some much-needed relief from the heat and fun times at these amazing water parks and playgrounds in the Houston area.
Located just thirty minutes from Downtown Houston, Splashtown offers thirty-eight waterslides, a wave pool, an activity pool, and much more for kids of all ages. Daily admission for adults and kids over forty-eight inches is just $31.99.
Burnett Bayland Park is one of the many parks in Houston that offers a “sprayground.” This is an area with soft rubber flooring and various sprinklers. At Burnett Bayland, the colorful splashpad has arches that spray water as well as a sprinkling flower, cactus, spiral, and water cannons. This sprayground is free to attend.
Located about a half hour from Houston in Baytown is Pirates Bay. This pirate themed waterpark offers many water slides, a play center with a dumping bucket, a surf simulator, a lap pool, and more. The price is affordable, at just $17 for those over forty-eight inches and $12 for shorter folks. This amusement center also has free parking and allows its patrons to bring in coolers, which is becoming a rarity with many similar establishments.
It may take you close to an hour to get there from Houston, but Schlitterbahn Galveston Island offers a ton of water attractions for all ages and even has a new zip line ride for the adventurous set. Whether you are looking to swim in a heated pool, soak up some rays on Kristal Beach, or zoom down slippery slides, this waterpark has what you’re looking for. Ticket prices start at $57.48 for children and this includes a towel and a souvenir cup with free refills. You can also bring your own picnic to save on food costs.
North Shore Rotary is a Houston park that offers a very nice water playground in addition to its many other amenities. As with all of Houston’s spraygrounds, it is free. You will also find a basketball court, regular playground, and hiking trails here.
Hackberry Park’s twelve-hundred square foot free sprayground is adjacent to a lovely lake and features squirting turtles and lily pads as well as in-ground geysers that are sure to delight the kids. This park also has a walking trail, pavilion, and playground.
A forty minute drive from Houston can land you at the Kemah Boardwalk. If you are looking to get wet, head to the center of the Plaza where you will find dancing water fountains that the kids can play in to get cool. After that, check out the thrill ride, The Beast, a speedboat ride on the lake. Kemah Boardwalk also offers tons of dry rides and attractions, but there are plenty of rest tents you can stop at in between to enjoy cool water on a hot day.
Moody Gardens, located in Galveston Island, has plenty to cool off the kids on hot days. When you arrive, head straight to Palm Beach where you will find a wave pool, lazy river, splash pad, water slides, and an adventure area complete with a dump bucket. There are many other attractions at Moody Gardens as well, such as a 4D Theater, museum, boat ride, and an interactive, ten-story glass rainforest. Admission starts at $17.95 if you want to only do Palm Beach, or $46.95 to take in all that Moody Gardens has to offer.
Located only about fifteen minutes from Houston is the Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatics Center. Here you will find swimming pools, water slides, and a splash area for little ones. If you are looking for a place to get your children swimming lessons, this facility offers those as well. Admission is $10 for non-residents over the age of three. Kids two and under are free. If you opt for a year membership, the cost is $330 for non-residents and this includes use of the heated pools in the off season.
Within Houston’s beautiful Hermann Park you will find many things such as a Japanese Garden, pedal boats, the zoo, and McGovern Lake. You will also find the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children and, within it, an interactive water play area that is sure to delight.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 Water Play Activities for Houston Kids
Second only to the winter holidays, the back-to-school shopping season is one of the busiest of the year. Kids grow so quickly that replacing their entire wardrobe at least once a year is a must, while keeping up with the trends in technology and the supplies on teachers’ lists is non-negotiable. Thankfully, the Houston area offers a wide array of shopping outlets that will allow you to cross every item off of your child’s back to school shopping list with relative ease and minimal stress. These are ten of the can’t-miss spots when you’re outfitting your little one for another year of academic excellence.
Keeping kids’ wardrobe up-to-date and fitting properly can be a full-time job, not to mention an expensive one. That’s where Clothes for Kids Resale, Houston’s oldest consignment shop for children’s clothing, enters the picture. Stocked with gently worn and stylish clothing at attractive prices, this is one spot you can’t afford to skip during the back to school rush.
When you need to knock out a shopping trip and a haircut in one fell swoop, Little Lords and Ladies certainly fits the bill. With a high-end clothing store and a kid-specific salon on-site, you’ll be able to score great clothing finds while your little one gets the trendiest cut of the season.
From clothing to pencils, from sneakers to staplers, there’s little you won’t be able to cross of of your back to school shopping list through this mega-retailer. The biggest of all big-box stores, Walmart offers competitive prices and a staggering selection for all your kids’ back to school needs.
A small boutique offering a selection of books, toys and clothing, Tulips & Tutus is the perfect place to snag unique clothing that sets your child apart from the crowd. There’s also dress-up clothing to foster imaginative play after school, along with high-end products from Adan and Anais and Melissa and Doug.
Nominated for the Best Children’s Boutique award through the Houston A List, Little Patooties stocks clothing for infants through preteens in styles ranging from casual to formal. On the higher end of kids’ boutiques, Little Patooties isn’t the place to score great bargains but is a great stop for the little trendsetter in your family.
Known for offering designer clothing at department store prices, Target is on the higher end of the big-box spectrum without being exorbitantly expensive. As an added bonus, you’ll also be able to snag the school supplies your child needs in one trip.
Chock-full of adorable fashions for kids, Janie and Jack is one of Houston’s premier destinations when it comes to clothing for the smaller set. Classic clothes that allow kids to look like kids while still retaining the class and style of timeless pieces for adults, this is the place to be if you’re looking to stock up on staples for your little fashion plate.
When spending a fortune for clothing that will be outgrown or ruined in a matter of months seems extravagant and isn’t in the budget, a stop by Crayons Children’s Resale Shop may be in order. Clean, organized and full of good quality items and prices that can’t be beat, Crayons should be at the top of your list for back to school bargain hunting.
A chain specializing in kids’ clothing at fair prices and of great quality, The Children’s Place is the ideal stop for snagging the better items in your little one’s back to school wardrobe. Located in the Galleria, The Children’s Place is also known for offering hot promotions that lead to huge savings.
When it comes to high-end shopping at big-box prices, you just can’t beat the retail outlet. Houston Premium Outlets offers a variety of stores full of kids’ fashions, along with plenty of major labels for adults. Shop for the entire family in one trip, and stock up on the great deals available in every store.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 10 of the Best Places in Houston for Back to School Shopping
Digital cameras and social networking sites might have made capturing and sharing your family photos easier than ever, but one thing that even the most advanced technology can’t replace is the beauty of a great family portrait shot by a true professional. From getting reticent kids to smile to making sure that they capture the most flattering shot possible, family photographers make formal family portraits beautiful and worthy of proud display. For families in the Houston area, these are ten of the best photographers in the area with a specialization in family portraits.
Located in the Heights, The Shelby Studio specializes in family, maternity, and newborn photography. We deliver stunning portraits and an exceptional studio experience. 
Each portrait session is artistically designed, styled, and photographed by our team of creative professionals. Our portrait sessions highlight each unique personality, genuine emotion, and relationships between family members. We work closely with our clients to achieve a look that reflects their personal style through our fine art portraiture. (photo courtesy of The Shelby Studio)
Not only does Houston photographer Evin Thayer pride himself on his ability to capture the best and most exciting moments in a baby’s first year, but also his specialization in kids’ and family portraiture. He offers a free consultation for family photographs, so stop by his website or call him today to schedule an appointment.
The name says it all when it comes to this Houston photography hotspot. The staff photographers are experienced in working with infants and small children, ensuring that you’ll get a great shot regardless of how young your children may be. There are a variety of settings on-site for family photos, including several rooms, a garden and a porch for outdoor shots.
Nationally published and celebrated for her work with the smaller set, Shalonda of Chubby Cheek Photography is a family favorite when it comes to Houston-area photographers.
From newborn photos to senior pictures and everything in between, Christie Lacy Photography is a seasoned pro in the Houston area. She covers Cypress, Tomball, Katy and the Houston metro area, and is a favorite among parents that have the family portraits to prove that she’s one of the best in town.
Nicole Denae works on location, bringing interesting shops and a wealth of exciting, original ideas to each and every shoot. She’s lauded as a natural with children and babies, one of the more challenging subject areas and one that she handles with ease.
Posted in
Houston |
Comments Off on 6 of the Best Family Photographers in Houston
← Older posts Newer posts →
