If you consider yourself fun-loving and perhaps a bit competitive, you’ll love Track 21 Indoor Karting & More. This indoor go-kart facility hosts well-maintained tracks for both kids and adults, complete with sharp turns and thrilling straightaways where the race gets really intense. Visitors of all ages can rent their own go-karts, or if you’re a more experienced driver, you can even see what it feels like to be a professional racecar driver on the F-1 track.

Once your group is all tapped out from car racing, hop on over to the full laser tag course for even more fun. With 8,000 square feet and two stories of futuristic fun, this laser tag course might be one of the most impressive in the area.

To book a private party at Track 21 Indoor Karting & More, visit the facility’s convenient website.

Track 21 Indoor Karting & More
4815 Highway 6 N
Houston, TX 77084
(281) 200-2600
www.track21houston.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Janitors

Steamboat House is much more than a Houston steakhouse; it's an homage to Houston's history. Owner Charlie Fogarty personally leads tours of the steakhouse during its off hours, explaining the premise behind Steamboat House. The name is actually borrowed from the home of legendary Texan Sam Houston, which still exists today in a state park. Steamboat House was inspired by the hero's home, as evidenced by the statue of Sam Houston out front. Inside, you'll find paintings of Sam Houston and George Washington, both nearing 100 years old, as well as murals of Texan battles and a collection of vintage Texan flags. Owner Charlie shows fourth-graders and senior citizens around during the tours, and ends them with a serving of chicken fingers.

However, chicken fingers are hardly representative of the entire menu at the hybrid museum-steakhouse. When the doors open for lunch or dinner, guests can order USDA prime steaks with popular sides such as fried green tomatoes or mashed potatoes. Even the menu pays homage to Houston's history with steaks named for Texan figures.

Steamboat House
8045 N. Sam Houston Parkway
Houston, TX 77064
(832) 912-1845
www.steamboathousetx.com
www.yelp.com/biz/steamboat-house-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/stu_spivack

You don’t want your little ones to feel afraid of the dark every night at bedtime, which is why every child’s room should contain a fun and functional light that chases away the monsters that live under the bed. Here are three great places to shop for quirky-cute kids’ lighting online.

The Land of Nod
This mega-popular kids’ online retailer offers modern furniture and home decor items that will make your kids’ rooms look a whole lot more stylish. Their selection of kid-friendly lighting sources includes lamps in the shapes of clouds, nightlights with cute faces, and colorful floor lamps that channel classic mid-century designs.

ModCloth
If you’re looking for lights that even quirkier, ModCloth is your online go-to for all things sweet and silly. Check out updated versions of the usual light socket nightlights and retro-inspired wall lights, as well as twinkling string lights that add a festive flair.

HearthSong
From plasma ball lights that produce bolts of electricity wherever you place your fingers to funky, miniature chandeliers and machines that create shooting stars indoors, this unique online retailer offers one of the most creative selections of quirky kids’ lighting.

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Groman123