Seven Things To Do In Houston With Your Kids Before School Starts

HOUSTON, TX — School starts Aug. 28 for students in the Houston Independent School District, which means there are only four weeks of summer remaining for you and the kids. What better way to spend the next few weeks than exploring Houston and most of what it has to offer.

Sure, there’s the beach in Galveston or the boardwalk in Kemah, but why waste gas and all that time in traffic? Here are seven sure-fire ways to have fun without spending much money and keeping your dollars local.

1. Houston Restaurant Weeks

More than 260 local restaurants will participate in this event that goes until Sept. 4. Proceeds from the restaurants go toward the Houston Food Bank, which is the largest food bank in the country. Each restaurant has its own unique menu for the event.

2. Visit The Houston Zoo, And Its Newest Addition

Zoos are fun and educational, and what kid doesn’t like looking at all the animals and making those animal faces at the creatures. If that’s not enough, go visit Joy, the newest baby elephant who was born in July after a two-year labor.

3. Buy Back-To-School Clothes On Tax-Free Weekend

Go shopping on the weekend of Aug. 11-13 to buy clothes, backpacks and school supplies with no tax on those, and other, items. Visit here for a list of available items and for any other questions about the weekend.

4. Watch The Super Bowl Champions

The Houston Texans will host quarterback Tom Brady and the Super Bowl LI champions New England Patriots on Aug. 19 for the second preseason game. The Texans have already begun preseason practice.

5. Attend Houston International Jazz Festival

The 27th Annual Festival will bring the most exciting Jazz artists from around the world and a diverse mix of styles to Houston. Thousands of fans are expected to attend.

6. Browse Expensive Homes

Ever wondered what it would be like to win the lottery and buy one of those lavish homes in the inner-city or places like River Oaks, Bellaire or this one in The Heights, then use this guide as a headstart on places to look and then hit the road and dream. But don’t dream and drive.

7. Of Course, Catch An Astros Game

This is only last on the list because we expect the Houston Astros to play for a World Series title this year. They’re leading the American league and are still one of the hottest teams in all of baseball. August home series at Minute Maid Park include:

Aug. 1-3 Tampa Bay Rays

Aug. 4-6 Toronto Blue Jays

Aug. 16-17 Arizona Diamondbacks

Aug. 18-20 Oakland Athletics

Aug. 22-24 Washington Nationals

School starts Aug. 28, but why not include Aug. 29-31 when the Texas Rangers come to town.

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Caption: Joy prances around the Houston Zoo with her mother just a few days after her birth in mid-July.

Photo credit Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo