Being outside pretty much tops our to-do list every day, and we're constantly going from one activity to the next, be it to a neighborhood splashpad, a nearby playground, or a park with plenty of trails for biking. Basically, staying inside all day isn't an option; we would all go stir crazy! With summer and hot sun upon us, I am more aware of which places offer some shade so we can get outside and still beat the heat... even if only for a few minutes. Here are some great parks in Houston that offer at least a moderate respite from the brutal summer temps.

Whether it's a multi-tiered masterpiece of fondant or a tower of personalized cupcakes, birthday parties with standout birthday cakes are having their day. And while showpiece cakes were already a thing before COVID, with socially distant and virtual parties on the rise, securing a birthday cake that doubles as a centerpiece is becoming an even bigger deal.

The good news is that Houston is home to some of the best cake bakeries around, but that also makes for a lot (we mean a lot) of exceptional bakeries to choose from. Narrowing down which one to choose for your next party can be downright overwhelming.

While this list is by no means exhaustive, we selected a handful of our absolute favorite bakeries from each part of town, ensuring that you get an incredible looking and delectable tasting cake and you get to support a local business. Find yourself in a pinch and need something on the fly? We also included a couple of chains that consistently deliver quality cake! 

Find more party ideas in our Birthday Party Guide for Houston Families.

For all you families with budding adrenaline junkies, we have the perfect experience queued up for your weekend: ziplining! Riding a zipline through the air, flying above the treetops, and taking in a birds-eye view of your surroundings makes ziplining and other aerial adventures the ultimate (safe!) thrill-seeking experience for kids and adults alike. Treetop adventure parks also lay out some heart-pumping challenges in magical surroundings. We've rounded up a few different locations around Houston that offer family-friendly aerial adventures that will take your weekend activities from ordinary to sky-high.

Find yourself looking for even more adrenaline-inducing activities? Be sure to check out our favorite locations with outdoor go-karts or indoor trampoline parks. As a bonus, some of the trampline parks have mini ropes' courses and ziplines for kids who want to test out a pint-sized version of an aerial obstacle course before tackling the full experience.