TripLearning

Miller Outdoor Theatre   Since moving to Houston three years ago, this is one of my favorite places to go in Houston.  They offer children's performances at 11 AM throughout the summer and early fall.  Evening performances for families and adults are also offered and you can get tickets for the seats or bring a blanket and sit on the lawn.  The Shakespeare Festival in August is one of my favorites and it's been a great way to introduce my older children to live performances of the Bard's plays. Harris County Public Library Their summer reading program is coming soon!  Summer reading programs are always a great way to encourage your kids to read during the summer months.  Plus, the library offers special programs during the week in their air conditioned locations.   Houston Public Library This was the first library system we joined when we moved to Houston and their summer reading program is our favorite.  You can enter everything online and then

Summer Movies If your kids are like mine, they have probably seen most of the movies being offered for cheap or free at theaters across the country this summer.  However, if you want a cool break and a chance to enjoy movies your kids love on the big screen again, it's a great opportunity.  But, don't just look up theaters where you live.  If you are traveling anywhere this summer you might want to see if there will be any participating theaters near your vacation destination.  It would be a cheap outing and a chance to hang out with the locals. Regal Cinemas is continuing their $1 summer movies.  They are offering them for 9 weeks at 10 AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Click on the picture to find a theater in your area and check the start date.  Insider Tip:  If you have a Regal Crown Club card, show it when you purchase tickets and on TUESDAYS you will receive a coupon for a $2 small popcorn which you can upgrade to a large for $2 more. That's a savings of $4.25

No matter where you live or plan to visit in the United States, consider visiting a state park. They are great places to learn about nature or local history. Many offer camping options as well. To make it easier for you, I am including links to all the state park websites below. So, just find the state you want to explore and click on the name to learn more about the parks they have to offer. A fun way to explore your state would be to try to visit all the state parks. It may take years and that's okay. You may also find a favorite one that you will return to over and over. Stephen F. Austin State Park (TX) Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Stephen F. Austin State Park (TX) Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexic

Jesse H. Jones Park We live in Houston, Texas. As summer nears, I have the task of finding cool places to take the kids. I have learned quickly in the three years we've been here to find water activities if we are going to survive outside. However, right now is the perfect time to get outside and not die of heat stroke. As kids, and adults, are having to spend days inside as the promise of summer approaches, we can still find time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Whether you can take a day trip to a state or national park, zoo, beach or lake or just escape your normal routine for an hour, there are many options, no matter where you live. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary We live in the fourth largest city in the United States and yet in the midst of this urban environment we have found several beautiful places to hike in wooded areas that make us feel like we are in the country. For those living in smaller towns and cities, it should be even easier to fi