If you’re looking for something fun, energetic, and uniquely Houston to kick off the new year, head to Sam Houston Race Park for Opening Weekend, January 2–4.
One of Houston’s most beloved holiday traditions is back and bigger than ever! Magical Winter Lights has officially flipped the switch on more than 20 acres of lanterns, entertainment, and festive fun - running now through January 4, 2026, at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds.
Houston Life hit the road for a holly-jolly getaway to San Antonio — and trust us, this city does not play when it comes to the holidays. Reporter Melanie Camp packed up the HL crew, cranked the carols, and took a holiday road trip packed with twinkling lights, festive flavors, movie-moment landmarks, and Texas-sized cheer.
If you think you know the Alamo… buckle up. Because what’s happening in San Antonio right now is nothing short of extraordinary. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp hit the road for a classic Texas day trip — music up, Buc-ee’s pitstop included — and rolled into downtown San Antonio to see what a $550 million investment is going to look like when it’s poured directly into one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
River Oaks District is kicking off the season in serious style with its Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration on November 22, and yes, Santa himself will be there to meet families, take photos, and spread a little magic around The Park. Whether you’re hoping for a Christmas miracle or just want a cute selfie for your holiday card, this is the place to be.
The Salvation Army of Greater Houston and the CMA CGM Foundation are giving out 21,600 meals to families in need Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5–7 p.m. at the Aldine Westfield Corps. Food is available first-come, first-served, and the event is open to the community.
If you’re ready to step straight into a Hallmark movie (with a Houston twist), Château Nouvelle is serving major holiday magic this season with its annual Festival of Trees - a sparkling celebration that blends dazzling décor with a mission to support local families.
AI Montessori Academy in Cypress is spreading holiday cheer by collecting Thanksgiving food and Toys for Tots donations for local families in need.
If you’re hungry for a little adventure, head straight to 4501 Almeda Food and Entertainment, located at 4501 Almeda St. in Houston — a lively food truck park serving up big flavors, chill vibes, and family-friendly fun.
Galveston is about to shake—because one of the nation’s biggest motorcycle rallies is officially underway! The 2025 Lone Star Rally kicks off today and runs through Sunday, November 9, bringing with it four full days of bikes, music, vendors, and nonstop coastal energy.
The Savoy is earning major buzz for its show-stopping party platters, perfect for sharing (or not sharing, we won’t judge). The fan favorite? A jaw-dropping red velvet waffle platter stacked with crispy fried chicken, golden catfish, juicy shrimp, and creamy grits.
Spooky season is in full swing just outside Katy! Houston Life’s Melanie Camp takes on a haunted barn, a creepy cornfield, and 15 acres of fear at Dewberry Farm’s Boo-rific Nights. Could you make it through without screaming?
Kids’ Meals is expanding in Houston with a new facility and delivery van, helping volunteers deliver thousands of free meals to preschoolers daily.
“Families should never have to navigate the challenges of homelessness alone,” TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a written statement.
It’s the season for spooky style - and we challenged three of Houston’s thrift-savvy influencers to create the ultimate Halloween costume using only items from Goodwill Houston at CityCentre.
Turns out, Houston’s favorite fall festival has gone a little country this year. Just outside Katy, an 8-acre corn maze has been carved in honor of Lainey Wilson - and it’s only one of the reasons families keep coming back to this fall tradition.
The 76th Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo is breaking records this year, with crowds turning out in bigger numbers than ever before. From the roar of the arena to the family-friendly fun across the fairgrounds, this hometown tradition is proving why it’s been a staple for more than seven decades.
If you’re a parent looking to take your little ones to play in an immersive, climate-controlled environment, without breaking the bank, a new indoor playground in Houston’s Westchase neighborhood might be for you.
Discover how Crystal Lister’s 4th Annual STEM Carnival: The STEMazing Race is bringing hands-on experiments, live demos, and family fun to Houston this September.
Houston has lost another landmark. After decades of roller skating, bowling, arcade games, and even a cameo in Beyoncé’s “Blow,” Alief’s iconic FunPlex has closed its doors for good. The nearly 200,000-square-foot entertainment complex has been sold to a developer, with all of its rides, games, and even the skating rink heading to auction this September.
It’s officially Clear the Shelters month, and that means it’s time to open your heart - and maybe your home - to a pet in need. For the 11th year, shelters across the Houston area are teaming up with KPRC 2 and our community partners at Energy Transfer and Houston Christian University to help every dog, cat, bunny, and guinea pig find the loving family they deserve.
Houston families, get ready to jump for joy! A brand-new destination for nonstop fun is bouncing into town. FUNBOX, one of the largest indoor bounce parks in the country, is opening its very first permanent location right here in Houston!
Headed back to school? Grooves of Houston is giving away free backpacks, supplies, haircuts, and more at a Third Ward block party this Saturday. Open to all families—no registration required.
Get ready for an amazing day of giving back and gearing up for the school year!
Having lost all their hospitality businesses in NYC due to COVID-19, cousins Farrukh and Harris Mirza started from scratch in Houston, armed with nothing but a food truck and a fierce determination to build something special.
When loved ones with cognitive or communication challenges go missing, every minute counts. Learn how programs like Take Me Home and Project Lifesaver are helping law enforcement quickly reunite families and save lives.
Typhoon Texas is offering a free, sensory-friendly “Quiet Waters” morning on July 25 for children with autism or sensory sensitivities. Families can enjoy the park in a calm, low-stimulation environment.
State and local leaders are stepping up to ensure Houston-area residents have access to practical, legal support to help residents maintain their homes through estate planning.
As the devastating floods swept through the Texas Hill Country, The Salvation Army sprang into action, deploying teams to the hardest-hit areas on July 4. And, as rescue efforts now shift into recovery mode, they are committed to staying as long as it takes to help families rebuild.
Is it even summer in Houston if you’re not cooling down with something sweet? We found the ultimate indulgence - and a little friendly competition - at Buttermilk Baby, where milkshakes are blended with a side of flair (and maybe a dash of rivalry 😎🍦).
If you’re looking for a wild mix of heart-racing thrills and heart-melting animal encounters this July 4 weekend, SeaWorld San Antonio has you covered - and we’ve got the video to prove it.
If you’re looking to level up your summer vacation plans, SeaWorld San Antonio is diving headfirst into the season with new thrills, family-friendly fun, and up-close animal encounters that are making waves across Texas.
Citizens for Animal Protection, a nonprofit animal shelter serving the Greater Houston area, is hosting a Free Microchipping Day at its Katy facility. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., pet owners can stop by to have their dogs or cats microchipped and registered, completely free of charge.
"Lunches of Love" in Rosenberg feeds about 1, 800 children every single day during the entire summer and 2,500 kids every weekend during the school year at 38 Lamar Consolidated Schools. However, the nonprofit is in danger of falling behind. Here's how you can help!
A 22-year-old nonverbal man with autism was safely located after going missing in Fort Bend County. The case follows a similar recent incident in Pasadena and highlights growing calls for tools like Project Lifesaver to protect vulnerable individuals.
As the summer sun begins to shine brightly, Moody Gardens invites families to embark on a journey of fun and relaxation with a host of new experiences and exciting deals. Nestled on Galveston Island, Moody Gardens offers the perfect blend of a quick day trip or a serene getaway close to home for Houstonians.
Students at H.C. Carleston Elementary in Pearland received a surprise that promises to grow into a lasting educational legacy - their own school garden complete with raised beds and an array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Great news for those seeking affordable housing! New Hope Housing (NHH), a leading provider of affordable housing and services, will host the grand opening of its newest community tomorrow.
Haley Rasco Foundation will host its third annual Haley’s Happy Birthdays event in Houston, aimed at bringing joy to children spending their birthdays in the hospital. The event invites the community to build personalized birthday boxes, donate toys, and learn how to support families facing pediatric illness.
Dust off your hats and raise a toast with your mint juleps—tomorrow is Kentucky Derby Day, but the party starts with Oaks Day at Sam Houston Race Park. This is Houston’s largest and most thrilling Derby celebration, with a weekend of fun activities planned.
Meagan Tehseldar is a mom on a mission. The dedicated teacher at Texas Virtual Academy Hallsville, has long been passionate about creating welcoming spaces for everybody, no matter their abilities, both in the classroom and beyond. Recently, she partnered with Harris County to place communication boards in two local parks to help non-verbal park goers engage with others and participate in playground activities. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp met up with Tehseldar to learn more.
Part of the policy would restrict facility usage and athletic competitions based on biological gender and require staff to notify parents if their child wants to go by a different gender.
Maven Coffee + Cocktails, located at Sawyer Yards, has quickly become a beloved spot for locals. What began as a simple coffee stand for Houston Astros fans has grown into a vibrant dining destination, thanks in part to the vision of Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his partner, Juan Carlos de Aldecoa.
Landry’s Spring Break Houston Adventure Series: Enjoy the family fun Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and Downtown Aquarium with the Spring Break Pass!
Fertility treatments (specifically IVF) can cost more than $16,000 per round. Now a new clinic called Positivf has opened in Houston to offer that treatment at about half the cost.
If you have kids, you probably have clutter—clothes they’ve outgrown, toys they no longer play with, and baby gear taking up space. Instead of letting it pile up, why not turn it into cash? The Just Between Friends (JBF) Kids’ Consignment Pop-Up Events are coming to Pearland, Sugar Land, and Humble from Thursday to Saturday, offering parents a chance to buy and sell gently used children’s items.
Spring Break is just around the corner, and you don’t have to travel far to find fun for the family.Starting March 7, the Downtown Aquarium is teaming up with Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston Island Pleasure Pier to offer unlimited fun with one pass at all three parks! For $79.99 per person, you get unlimited access to these three popular attractions for a Spring Break full of adventure and exploration.Houston Life’s Melanie Camp recently checked out the fun at the Downtown Aquarium. The aquarium offers a perfect blend of fun and education, making it an ideal destination for a spring break adventure.
The Harlem Globetrotters, known for their dazzling basketball skills and community outreach, are set to entertain fans in Houston on February 8. The team, which has been thrilling audiences for nearly a century, continues to inspire with their unique blend of athleticism and showmanship.
Houston is home to a professional volleyball team that competes in the League of Volleyball (LOVB), featuring world-class athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Micah Hancock and Jordan Thompson. This team brings international-caliber volleyball to the city, allowing fans to witness top-tier competition right in their backyard.
Houstonians get ready for two days of bull riding action at Toyota Center this weekend when Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Unleash the Beast thunders into town this weekend, January 17-18.
Houston Life's Melanie Camp recently caught up with Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Texas Racing Operations, to discuss the exciting launch of the 31st season of live thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park. The season kicked off on January 3 and promises a thrilling lineup of events every Friday through Sunday, with afternoon and night racing.
At Sam Houston Race Park, the buzz of horse racing is not just confined to the tracks. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the park's smooth running and the well-being of its equine stars.
Dog enthusiasts worldwide converged at the George R. Brown Convention Center for the highly anticipated American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) Nationals this Saturday, Dec 7. Houston Life's Melanie Camp got expert tips from champion dog handler "Bully the Kid" on what you need to know before you welcome a new dog into your family.
"A lot of death happens in them," jokes Houston Ballet principal dancer Jessica Collado of her silk, baby pink ballet slippers. A ballerina's point shoes have a reputation for being tough on the toes, which might be why many ballerinas use the dark nickname "coffins" for their footwear. However, 20 years into her time as a dancer at the Houston Ballet it seems Collado's feet are still happy to keep on dancing.
The bake Shop at All Things Acres in Brenham bakes some pretty special pies. One pie in particular is the Mo Pie U Bourbon Chocolate Pecan pie, which is a big piece of the pie for a very important cause; helping kids who have lost a parent with scholarships to college.
Magical Winter Lights Celebrates 10th Anniversary with New Location and Exciting Attractions. The highly anticipated holiday event, Magical Winter Lights, celebrates its 10th Anniversary at an exciting new venue — the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. This enchanting experience, takes place from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.
It is a Houston holiday tradition, "A Christmas Carol" is back at Alley Theatre! Actors Michelle Elaine and Christopher Salazar, who play the roles of Mrs. Fezziwig and Fred, respectively, invited Houston Life’s Melanie Camp on stage to take a look at some of the exciting surprises planned for this year's performance.
“Currently, there are nearly 5,000 children in Texas waiting for a forever home,” State Rep. Gene Wu said. “Many of these children have been waiting for years. I hope that people will come see how much these kids add to the families that adopt them.”
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than a trip to Kalahari Resorts. Nestled just a short drive away from Houston, Kalahari offers the perfect year-round getaway, but it truly shines during winter with its extensive indoor amenities making it an ideal escape for families and friends alike.
As the holiday season approaches, many plan festive getaways to celebrate with loved ones. If you are looking for the perfect destination, look no further than San Antonio. Just a short road trip from Houston, this vibrant city transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, culture, and tradition.
Houston's Westchase District has transformed over the years, evolving into a thriving neighborhood connected by trails leading to parks. Home to 100 restaurants Westchase District is quickly becoming known not just as a prime office location but as an ideal place to live, work, and enjoy leisure activities. In recent years, significant investments in public infrastructure have been made to enhance the livability of Westchase District. The introduction of new parks and trails has not only beautified the area but has also made it more appealing for residents and employees alike. Throughout the year, Westchase District celebrates the community with hundreds of free, fun, family events. See what there is to explore!
Lagoonfest has now transformed into a whimsical pumpkin patch of sorts! That’s right, the 12-acre lagoon is now aglow with Pumpkin Lights. Picture massive, lit-up jack-o’-lanterns showcasing designs ranging from dinosaurs and sea creatures to favorite characters from iconic Halloween films. You will find fun for the whole family! Houston Life’s Melanie Camp jumped at the opportunity to visit Lagoonfest and check out the Pumpkins Lights set up.
The countdown is on for the 2024 Texas Renaissance Festival, which begins on October 12. This year, the biggest Renaissance Festival in the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp met with the King to find out what is in store for this year’s event.
KPRC 2 Insiders started the weekend with a party in one of the private event spaces at the Blue Lagoon Bar and Grill in Texas City, toasting beer, wine, and mimosas while overlooking the crystal blue waters of lagoon-fest Texas.
With the rising rent prices, these affordable housing projects come at a vital time.
Last week a brand-new restaurant opened at M-K-T Heights called Buttermilk Baby. Over the weekend, people lined up out the door for a chance to be among the first to get a taste of what is on the menu. Houston life reporter Melanie Camp took us inside Buttermilk Baby to show us what the hype is all about.
On Friday, August 30th, Houston Life celebrated the grand opening of Angel Lagoon in Dayton, Texas. Designed as a beach club and an aqua adventure park, Angel Lagoon is the nation’s first public access lagoon, welcoming both day pass holders and community members. From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon to riding the inflatable water slides or simply relaxing on the white sandy beaches and enjoying live music, Angel Lagoon has fun for the whole family! It even has the biggest bounce house park in Houston!
Waves of Impact is an incredible organization using the power of the ocean to foster inclusivity. We met a young man with Down Syndrome riding the waves with the organization's help since he was a little kid. Learn how they use surfing to inspire growth, self-esteem, and wellness for children with exceptional challenges.
At Houston Life, we love teachers! This week, we teamed up with our friends at Shell Federal Credit Union to highlight some amazing educators and show them back-to-school love as they return to school for the new year. On Friday, we celebrated Mr. Jose Razo, from North Shore Elementary, a school in Galena Park ISD.
Ms. Carr was busy teaching 5th grade at Roosevelt Alexander Elementary in Katy and had no idea that just outside her door, waiting to come in was a big surprise!
In an effort to offer support and protection to parents facing challenges of caring for their newborns, the Baby Moses law, also known as the Safe Haven law, provides a vital lifeline.
Mrs. Griffith has spent many years in the classroom during her 25 years as a teacher, but never has a TV crew come bursting into class bearing gifts like they did on Wednesday, August 21st!
Teachers can significantly impact their students’ lives and often give more than they receive. This week on Houston Life, we celebrate teachers throughout the greater Houston area by teaming up with our friends from Shell Federal Credit Union to deliver surprise gift baskets. San Jacinto Kindergarten teacher Ms. Kaileigh Dempsey was our Tuesday honoree!
Ms. Nealey was in the middle of teaching class when the Houston Life camera burst in to surprise the second grade teacher. Tearing up over the honor, Ms. Nealey said it was wonderful to be recognized for her work in the classroom.
In two days, Lucas will celebrate his thirteenth birthday and for most of his birthdays, he has had the same big wish...to get an up-close look at an Airbus A380 - the world’s largest passenger airliner.
Celebrate Father’s Day all weekend-long at Lagoonfest! Enjoy discounts on bourbon, special brunch items, free entry to the Lagoon with brunch, and a free concert.
Did you know you can ride an infinite wave, inland, right here in the Houston area? The Flowrider is new to Lagoonfest and you do not even have to know how to surf to ride the wave!
The Arboretum grounds are teeming with biodiversity and provide a beautiful sanctuary for native flora and fauna slap bang in the middle of Houston.
An organization is stepping up to help more than 100 Asian and immigrant families in the Houston area who are limited English speaking.
When planning a surgery, the teams within UTMB Health’s pediatric units are specially trained to understand your child’s needs and they know what is needed to support your whole family through the process.
Along with the regular horse races at Sam Houston Race Park they like to spice things up a bit. Think ostrich racing, even astronaut racing, and something KPRC 2 anchor Sofia Ojeda and senior digital news producer Brittany Taylor were brave enough to try, the camel racing.
Kelly Pritchard, owner of Children's Lighthouse of Lake Houston stopped by with some activities that resonate particularly well with the rodeo spirit with young kids at home.
The beach is just the beginning when it comes to Spring Break fun on Galveston Island and with so much to explore, you might want to plan a stay that is longer than just a day!
We can all agree that no hearts are more important on Valentine's Day than our kiddos! Houston Life's Melanie Camp paid a visit to Children's Memorial Hermann Pediatrics in Katy to chat with pediatrician, Dr. Krystal Batchelor, about some of the healthy habits you can teach your children early on, to set up healthy lives in the long run.
The College Football Playoff National Championship is happening Monday, January 8 at NRG Stadium and in the days leading up to the big game, there are all kinds of events, many of them free, happening around town.
Houston-based artist Andrea Nunn grew up in her grandmother's house surrounded by figurines. Drawing on her childhood for inspiration, Andrea created a fun art space that launched a viral painting trend anyone can try!