News & Stories

Creative Arts contests at the State Fair of Texas

Have you or someone in your family ever participated in a creative arts contest at the State Fair? My family has! When my daughter was 11, she sewed up a tote bag and submitted it in the youth sewing contest Although she didn’t win a prize, it was a fun thing to be a part of, and she received some valuable feedback from the judges.

For over 130 years, creative arts has been one of the most treasured traditions of the State Fair of Texas which is held in Dallas each year. As we reported in July, the fair is on hiatus for 2020 (another casualty of COVID-19), but we’re happy know that the Creative Arts tradition is moving forward. This year, the State Fair will offer over 900 arts & crafts contests, and the registration deadline has been extended to September 1, 2020. Whether you’re an adult or a child, a first-timer or a creative arts veteran, you just might take home a blue ribbon!

Houston Zoo update & new openings!

The Houston Zoo is opening up more attractions for guests! First, you should know that as of July 30, the water play park, giraffe feeding platform, playgrounds, and water fountains are still CLOSED. And when you visit the zoo, you'll follow a modified path to see many of your favorite animals in their outdoor habitats. However, you can now take a ride on the Wildlife Carousel, explore the extended Wortham World of Primates and bears pathways, and cool off in one of the indoor air-conditioned buildings - including Natural Encounters, Bug House, and more. We're thrilled to see the zoo bouncing back and offering more for is guests to enjoy during this time!

The Pavilion Goes Virtual for Free Arts Outreach Programs

Though The Pavilion’s Main Stage is currently dark, the non-profit organization is strongly committed to continuing to provide cultural enrichment for both young audiences and the public at large by increasing exposure to the arts. The Pavilion has recently launched several of its free educational outreach programs virtually for families to enjoy from the safety of their homes.

Editor's Pick: Fun Family TV - "You vs. Wild"

you vs wildr

Have you seen the Netflix interactive series You Vs. Wild, featuring world-famous adventurer Bear Grylls? Kids and grownups alike will enjoy this engaging and educational eight-episode series that challenges the audience to help Grylls navigate through dangerous places on Earth, from the Central American jungle to the snowy terrain to a dry desert canyon.

hampr Brings On-Demand Laundry to The Woodlands Area

hampr, a free app for wash-and-fold laundry services, announced today that they are expanding to The Woodlands area after launching in Louisiana in early 2020. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices and is currently live in The Woodlands area.

hampr is an on-demand platform where users can schedule wash-and-fold laundry services via the mobile app. The customers’ laundry is picked up, washed, folded and delivered back to them by local “washrs”—an army of stay-at-home parents, retirees or any individuals interested in earning additional, supplemental income.

Founded by working mother of two, Laurel Hess, hampr was created with the aim to help simplify users’ lives.

FREE trial lesson - Learn to swim at SwimLabs Swim School of The Woodlands!

Life is full of tough decisions. Fortunately for us moms in The Woodlands, deciding to invest in swim lessons for our children isn’t one of them!

Since we know that (1) we want our kiddos to be great swimmers and (2) drownings are preventable and (3) swim lessons are a budgetary priority, most of us just need to find a reputable, convenient, amazing program with which to sign up.

SwimLabs Swim School of The Woodlands has been making big waves with their innovative approach to swim lessons and swim training, and their Mommy & Me lessons, Toddler Transition lessons, and private and semi-private learn-to-swim programs for all levels make it easy for families to swim safely this season and beyond. Semi-private Competitive and Elite Lessons are also being offered. We LOVE that the school has restructured their current class options to meet Texas’ recommended business guidelines for COVID-19, plus they’re doing everything possible to follow required screening guidelines, maintain strict cleaning, and implement the wearing of facial coverings.