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

100 Sports and Hobbies for Kids to Try

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Tue, 10/11/2022 - 12:00pm

Cricket is gaining popularity in the US. Photo by Patrick Case

Childhood is a great time to experiment and try new things. Hobbies for kids can help them discover and hone their passions, build confidence, express themselves, and so much more. Sports for kids can help them learn teamwork, make friends, get exercise, and set and achieve goals. There are so many sports and hobbies for kids to try that if they don't like one, they can start another until they find the one they love. In fact, here are 100 hobbies and sports for kids to work their way through!

This list of sports and hobbies for kids includes team and individual sports, arts and crafts, collecting, science and STEM hobbies, and so much more. With so many options for everyone from toddlers to teens, your child is bound to find the perfect fit for them. To help your kiddo develop their new sport or hobby, check out your local guide to classes for kids.

Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 09/18/2022 - 11:04am

Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.

When looking for the perfect toddler dance classes in Houston, you'll probably find that there are a plethora of amazing dance studios in the greater Houston area to choose from. Each offers its own unique class style and qualified instructors, so finding a great class for your little one really comes down to where you live and when the classes fit into your schedule. The rhythm is going to get them and before you know it, you'll have a bona fide ballerina, tap dancer, acrobat, jazz dancer, or hip-hop dancer on your hands.

While dance is just one of many types of Houston classes and activities available for your toddler to participate in, it is definitely one that will fill their little hearts and feet with so much joy. Read on to see what dance classes in Houston are offered near you and get that tiny dancer of yours signed up ASAP.

Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 08/14/2022 - 1:47pm

Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources

Pregnancy and the early days of parenting are exciting times. However, you might also have many questions and some fears that you would like to address. That's when our list of pregnancy classes and parenting classes in Houston can come to your aid. You can't expect to know it all. Even if this isn't your first child, advances in maternal medicine and changes in your circumstances might leave you with knowledge gaps. Professionals at these pregnancy classes and parenting classes in Houston can help you with your pregnancy and parenting education. We have drawn up a list of Houston hospitals, independent birthing centers, and expertly trained individuals that offer pregnancy and parenting classes in Houston. Options include pregnancy and parenting classes on-site, virtually and in your own home. Choose the pregnancy and parenting classes tailored to your needs with our handy list!

Check out our Baby and Pregnancy Guide to find out about great activities you can explore with your precious new child.

50 School Jokes for Kids — Funny Jokes for Kids to Tell at and About School

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Thu, 08/11/2022 - 11:47am

Why are all the books in the library the same color? (Find out below...)

These school jokes for kids keep giggles going, even if there's stress about heading back to school.

Whether your family is sad vacation time is over, glad to get away from the boredom of the long summer break, or a bit of both, it’s time to think about going back to school! Your kids can laugh with old and new friends with their favorite school jokes for kids. New teachers and routines can be stressful as well as exciting, so try slipping a note with one of these funny jokes into school lunchboxes, to make your little scholar laugh and show them you’re thinking of them!

And you don’t need to stick to school-themed jokes. Check our list of howlers in these funny jokes for kids. We also have Mom jokes and Dad jokes that will be sure to make the whole family giggle.

Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 05/06/2022 - 12:23pm

Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook

Did you know that one of the largest lakes in Texas is only one hour north of Houston? Part of the Pineywoods region, Lake Livingston is 39 miles long and has 450 miles of shoreline. Lake Livingston State Park is a hidden paradise of swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. Lake Livingston is a great destination for families in Texas who love the outdoors - the tall trees provide shade when the temperatures start to rise, and you can jump in the water to cool off in the designated lake swimming area.

You can check out some other great outdoor destinations in our family travel guide to the United States national parks.

Check out our list below of fun ideas for things to do in Lake Livingston State Park with kids.

Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 03/11/2022 - 11:37am

See the prized Texas Longhorn cattle at Lyndon B. Johnson Historical Park. Photo courtesy of the park.

We love how easy it is to push our stroller along the flat path of Houston, but sometimes it's great to explore somewhere with a few hills and beautiful scenery! The Texas Hill Country is one of Texas's most popular regions to visit, and with the drive only 3 or so hours from Houston, it's doable as a weekend destination. The area combines natural attractions, historical towns, swimming spots, and great food. Favored by German settlers, the Texas Hill Country includes some authentic German bakeries and restaurants. There are plenty of great accommodation options as well, from remote cabins in State Parks to luxurious resorts. There are lots of things to do in the Texas Hill Country with kids, so check out our guide, which includes family-friendly top attractions and suggestions for places to stay and eat.

20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 02/18/2022 - 8:37am

Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.

Enjoy the outdoors at Huntsville State Park - a majestic forest with a 215-acre lake and 21 miles of trails about an hour north of downtown Houston. Three streams flow into Lake Raven, where you can swim, fish, and boat. Giant trees provide great shade, and there are many beautiful picnic spots. If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy the opportunities to bike, hike, see wildlife, camp, and more.

Ready to go? Check out our list below of 20 ideas for things to do in Huntsville State Park with Kids. And for information on more parks in the Houston area, check out our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston.

10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 02/04/2022 - 8:36am

Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes

Feeling hungry or thirsty? We've picked out ten family-friendly Black-owned restaurants near Houston where you and your kids can refuel—so check out these Black-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries. Black History Month is also a great time to head out to some of the historic sites in the area that tell important stories from Black history, such as the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Emancipation Park, or the Houston Museum of African American Culture. Afterward, stop by one of our selections below and enjoy some delicious refreshments.

You and your family can contribute to the ongoing success of Houston's Black businesses by supporting Black-owned restaurants near Houston in February and throughout the year. And if you're looking for ways to celebrate Black History Month from home, try these 30+ Children's books to celebrate Black History Month.

Sarah Banks

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