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

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.

Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 01/28/2022 - 2:51pm

Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock

Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Entertain them, distract them, and tire them out with a trip to one of these great stroller hikes in Houston and the surrounding area. Even if your toddler can start off walking, these flat, surfaced trails mean you can push along the stroller for when they run out of steam. Sit your kiddo in their seat and get yourself some exercise at the same time.

Houston is blessed with many parks and paths that provide visual stimulation with rivers, trees, wildlife, and more. Many of them have playgrounds, bathrooms and refreshments to make it an easy and fun trip out. Here's our guide to some of the best trails you can hike in the Houston area. And if you're into parks with playgrounds, don't forget to check out our Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers.

Top 10 Kid-Friendly Things that Opened in Houston in 2021

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 11:59am

Explore Seismique and wander through forty galaxies, enjoying the interactive and immersive art. Photo courtesy of the museum

In 2021, Houston saw some exciting openings for new activities, restaurants, and things to do for kids all over the city. Whether your kids love entertainment centers, art, nature, science, or just a great donut, we have the list of the 10 best new kid-friendly things and places that opened or upgraded in 2021 in Houston.

Winter Day Trips Near Houston: Family Fun In Every Direction

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Fri, 12/17/2021 - 11:55am

Head to the historic town of Brenham, founded in 1844. Photo of the Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade courtesy of cityofbrenham.org

Although we may miss having snow at Christmas in Houston, one of the benefits is that the weather is great for a winter day trip to outdoor and indoor attractions. You shouldn’t have to worry whether the roads will be clear of snow or need to pack thermal sweaters! We’ve drawn up a list of family-fun-filled winter day trips that can help you get out of the house and make festive memories. Plus, these destinations are all less than two hours from Houston by car, so you shouldn’t have too many cries of “are we there yet?” Read on for details of trips North, South, East, and West of Houston. Whichever direction you want to head in, we have a fun destination!

Check out our car games to have fun even while you drive. For ideas closer to home, don’t forget our Winter Activities Guide.

All timings are approximate and by car from the center of Houston.

20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids

Submitted by Sarah Banks on Sun, 09/26/2021 - 6:15pm

Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe

Looking for a kid-friendly day trip or weekend away? Try Conroe, a city with plenty of fun things to do with kids and located just an hour north of Houston, not far from The Woodlands. With a huge lake and a national forest, Conroe excels in outdoor activities, but there are also some great indoor options if you hit bad weather.

Here are our favorite things to do in Conroe with kids, from the best parks for stunning scenery to the best places to catch a show.

Sarah Banks

Latest posts by Sarah

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