It is back to school 2021, Houston! This time can be some of the most exciting and stressful times of the year. Especially these days when every day at school is not guaranteed – will we stay in person? Will virtual rear its ugly head? Who is ready to skip back to school and start homeschooling?! Kids have a lot to look forward to. They get to see friends again, maybe start at a new and unknown place, and (not to mention) new clothes, and shoes, and binders – oh, my! However, from the parents’ side, it is the “return of the routine.” Running withRead More →

It’s hot -are you sitting around thinking, “Where is a splash pad near me?” Good news! We have rounded up over 90 across the greater Houston area. There are splash pads and spray parks all over town. And, even better, most of them are free! Know before you go: Treat a splash pad like a pool – the same hygiene requirements apply. Always have unpotty-trained children wear swim diapers. And, like your favorite pool bathroom, use water shoes. Always verify splash pad operations and park openings and closings on their respective website before heading out. It is not uncommon for splashpads to be down forRead More →

Castles are cool. And, that we have one in our backyard is extra awesome. From Houston, you can arrive at the drawbridge of Newman’s Castle, in Bellville, Texas, in just over an hour. We took our scout pack and hit the road. The castle is just outside of Bellville heading north on Highway 36. You turn off onto the unassuming Old Highway 36. The road is definitely old. It is rutted with asphalt repairs and peppered with potholes. Finally, you turn off the paved road and head into the forest. The signage is few but the maps are well marked. About a quarter mile theRead More →

advent

Advent is the beginning of a season of anticipation and delight! The celebration of the coming of Christ’s birth. Beginning December 1st Christians across the world will begin to countdown to the day of Jesus’ birth. There are a lot of options for your countdown from chocolate to stickers. We love those but sometimes we want to delve a little deeper. This year, we have updated our 2014 Advent activities to be more streamlined, easier to use, and budget-friendly. You can enhance it with the suggested gifts or simply focus on the season. The suggested gifts are all things that will be easy to findRead More →

Animals of Texas Printable Do you ever create something and think, “Dang this is cute! The world should see it!” While working on a scout project I put together this Animals of Texas printable and had these same thoughts! Fortunately, I have a platform to share and share alike! Let’s get down to business! I will not make you read through my life story, my great love of Texas, or which Texas critter is probably my spirit animal and why. But, we do want to see your keyboard around here more often! Use this button to subscribe to our mailing list and we will getRead More →

Horseback Riding Lessons

Horseback riding lessons for kids may be on your list of experiences to gift your kids for the holidays.  I know in our neverending quest to find non-toy gifts lessons are a top option.  Or, perhaps you are just getting ideas for activities to begin in the New Year.  Either way, we have a great guest post from an expert on the subject of riding and kids. Nicky Ellis is an editor at Horses & Foals and a mom of three and she is chiming in today to help us determine if horseback riding lessons for kids should be on our Christmas list and why! TheRead More →

Winter Reading Program

We all gear up for summer reading but the Houston Public Library is introducing a winter reading program for the family! So snuggle up, light a fire, pretend its snowing, and pick out a book! The program begins December 15, 2018 and runs through January 15, 2019. How to Participate Reading to a child for 20 minutes a day for 10 days Listening to a child read to you for 20 minutes a day for 10 days Having older siblings read to or listen to a child read (both are then eligible for prizes!) Earn a Free Book After reading for 10 days participants areRead More →

Art for Kids Houston TX

All around Houston art lessons for kids are getting ready to start. We spent most of the day schlepping through the options to create a new directory page. Here you will find some great options for the budding artist in your life! There are some really great opportunities all over Houston for all ages and all stages.Some start as young as 10 months old! There are also some really unique opportunities. Art is not just drawing and painting, but sewing, 3D Printing, and more! The opportunities are vast and the only limits will be creativity and imagination…and, maybe how far you are willing to drive!Read More →

We found so many great indoor playgrounds to share we rounded them up and gave them a full Directory listing. To see the Big list of FREE Indoor Playgrounds around Houston follow our link. We are making our way through the list and checking them out. So look forward to updated pictures and details!? Feel free to comment below with your favorites!Read More →

Back-to-school

Heading back-to-school can be equal parts excitement and stress for everyone involved. To help ease the load here are our top parent-tested tips to make this transition an easier one for your entire family. If you’re not back in the swing of things, academically, you probably will be within the week. Many Houston area schools begin classes earlier than ever before and most students will return to the rest by the end of August. We are assuming you have already bought school supplies, started going to bed earlier, and are planning on eating a healthy breakfast. Right?! 1. Prep the Story Many people are naturalRead More →