Sarah Banks

Sarah Banks is a Houston-based mom of two boys and a dog. She loves the local vibe, from the Houston Rodeo to Tex-Mex, BBQ, and exploring the state's beautiful parks. Learn more about her writing and editing business, Spring Tide, at springtideeditandwrite.com.

Latest posts by Sarah

Visiting NASA Space Center Houston with Kids: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Tue, 01/09/2024 - 7:33am

Check out the Apollo 17 command module, which was used on the last crewed mission to the moon. Photo courtesy of NASA Space Center Houston.

You don’t need to be a budding astronaut to enjoy a day out at NASA Space Center Houston. Kids love the tram rides and interactive exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the history, present, and future of space exploration. With over a million visitors a year, NASA Houston includes the control room of the first Moon landing and exciting developments around upcoming missions to the Moon and Mars.

NASA Houston is huge, with frequent updates, and with so much to see it can be a bit overwhelming. However, we are regular visitors, and our guide will help you make the most of your visit so the whole family has a great time.

Read lots more about Houston-area cultural institutions in our Guide to Children's Museums and Exhibits in Houston.

Activate: A Physical Game Experience for Your Big Kids and Teens

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Thu, 11/30/2023 - 9:46am

Activate Houston is a new gaming facility perfect for big kids, teens, and grownups. Photo courtesy of Activate

Activate in Katy is an exciting new gaming activity for families with kids aged 10+. While your kids will love the state-of-the-art gaming element and light effects, you will love the fact that this is an active gaming experience, with teamwork, running, jumping, climbing, crawling, and throwing. We were so excited to try out Activate on its official opening weekend at its first location near Houston.

Extreme Sports and More Thrilling Activities in Houston for Kids: Go-Karts, Axe Throwing, and More

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 08/11/2023 - 4:38pm

Houston has plenty of extreme sports to satisfy thrill-seeking families. Photo courtesy of Texas Treeventures

These extreme sports in Houston will get your kids off the couch, away from screens, and into action-packed fun. Houston is teeming with exciting sports and thrilling activities like go-karts, axe throwing, and more that will ignite their spirits and energize them all day. From the fast-paced excitement of go-kart racing to the ancient art of axe throwing, various safe and supervised venues ensure your kids' enjoyment and safety. Don't forget to save hanging around at the venue by booking and filling in waivers online before you go! Many of these venues are also great options for birthday parties for kids in Houston.

Bounce Houses, Water Slides, and More: Cool Birthday Party Rentals in Houston

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 07/28/2023 - 3:24pm

Houston birthday party rentals bring bounce houses and water slides to your backyard. Photo courtesy of Sky High Party Rentals

Birthday party rentals make backyard birthday parties extra fun, and water slide rentals mean you can still do outdoor birthday parties in Houston! While we know that kids love indoor party venues or swimming pool parties, a private party can be a little quieter and less expensive. Among the most popular birthday party rental choices are bounce houses, water slides, and other interactive inflatables. Most rental companies offer all these options and have rentals suitable for toddlers and older kids, depending on your needs. For some of the coolest birthday party rental options in Houston, expect to pay from $150 – 500 depending on what you choose to rent. Get ready to create an unforgettable experience for your child's special day!

Our birthdays guide provides more great kid’s birthday celebration ideas.

Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 07/02/2023 - 8:01am

Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

Freeport, Texas is located only an hour south of downtown Houston, making it the perfect day or weekend trip for Houston families. With nearly 30 miles of coastline, Freeport is most famous for its nearby beaches, including Surfside Beach, Bryan Beach, and Quintana Beach County Park. On a smaller scale than Houston's closest beach city, Galveston, the over-100-year-old Freeport has a range of cute family-friendly attractions in the city or close at hand. If your family enjoys hiking and spotting wildlife, they can experience natural beauty at the vast Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, east of Freeport.

Freeport is on the banks of the Brazos River, and the city and surrounding area are home to several affordable hotels and restaurants. So, if you want a fun trip to the coast, check out our recommendations for what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Freeport!

For more ideas on summer activities, check out our Summer Fun Guide for Houston families and our Beaches and Lakes Guide.

Best Outdoor Dining in Houston at Family-Friendly Restaurants

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 5:06pm

The GardenBar at Tiny Boxwoods is perfect place for families to enjoy a delicious meal.

Houston restaurants with patios are great places for families to enjoy a meal together while experiencing the benefits of being outside. Restaurants with outdoor seating provide space for children to move around, often making for a more relaxed dining experience. Houston offers excellent outdoor dining options, especially for families. Some of them also have great views, and they all provide delicious dining! Keep reading to explore the top ten family-friendly restaurants for outdoor dining in Houston. And don't forget to check our Houston Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide for more recommendations.

Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 04/14/2023 - 6:08pm

San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden

The nice thing about budget weekend getaways from Houston (besides saving money, of course) is that there are plenty of options for family fun any weekend of the year. No need to wait for spring or summer break. However, trips away from home can add up in cost - but getting away from it all doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Fortunately, plenty of budget-friendly weekend getaways from Houston offer fun and exciting activities for families. We’ve compiled a list of ideas for budget-friendly family weekend getaways from Houston nearby and far.

10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 03/31/2023 - 6:27pm

Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

For a great family trip close to home, head to one of these state parks near Houston. Whether you are planning a day trip or want to enjoy a weekend getaway in a tent, RV, shelter, or cabin, we have some awesome recommendations for state parks within a 2-hour drive of Houston. Houston-area state parks give kids the opportunity to spend time outdoors hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, alligator spotting, and hitting the beach. State parks are free for kids 12 and under, and even the fees for adults range from free to only $7 a day, with the funds being used to maintain the parks for future generations. Our guide will tell you how long your journey is from downtown Houston, opening hours, costs, availability of camping, and top activities for you and your family to enjoy. So, why not fill up your cooler, pack your picnic and s’mores, and hit the road?

For more camping, hiking, and outdoor play ideas, check out our Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids.

Sarah Banks

Latest posts by Sarah

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