Roll Around the Rink at Skate World in Pasadena

Everyone loves rollerskating, whether you’re 5 or 50. In Pasadena, the best place to go for a bit of rollerskating fun is Skate World, a large, modern facility with everything you need to have a great time. This spacious rink features lots of neon lights and blacklights that help to create a party-like atmosphere, and more often than not, there actually is a party going on.

Skate World contains a few private rooms that can be reserved for birthday parties or other fun events, complete with access to the skating rink, refreshments and games for the whole group. On weekends, there are public parties like the popular Glow Party, as well as special events for holidays, like Halloween and New Year’s Eve. There are even school parties at Skate World that offer something fun for kids of all ages.

Skate World
2606 Cherrybrook Lane
Pasadena, TX 77502
(713) 943-8530
www.skateworlds.com

Pasadena Public Library: Cozy Up With a Good Book

If you love reading, there’s no better place to spend an afternoon in Pasadena than at the Pasadena Public Library. This historic library is a cornerstone of the community, boasting a wide selection of thousands of books for people of all ages. There is an expansive children’s section, a selection of classic works of fiction, new works of nonfiction and much more. The reference section is great for area high school or college students, and there are also movies and music available to check out with a valid library card.

The Pasadena Public Library hosts fun community events, like movie nights and story times for children, and annual food drives and other charity events help you to do some good in the community. The next time you have a free afternoon, pop in to the Pasadena Public Library and pick up a library card of your own.

Pasadena Public Library
1201 Jeff Ginn Drive
Pasadena, TX 77506
(713)-477-0276
www.ppltx.net

Explore Naval History at the Battleship Texas State Historic Site

Experience an important part of naval history on the Battleship Texas, which was deployed in both World War I and II. Located on the Buffalo Bayou in the Houston Ship Channel, the vessel became the first of its kind to be turned into a museum in 1948. It’s now part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's 1,200-acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.

Visitors can explore the ship from the 60-foot flying bridge to the engine room, sleeping quarters, and medical center below deck. The Battleship Texas Youth Overnight program gives youth groups a chance to experience a sleepover on the ship and see what life as a Navy sailor during World War II was like.

Battleship Texas is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission to the park is $12 for adults and children over age 12.

Battleship Texas State Historic Site
3523 Battleground Road
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 479-2431
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/battleship-texas
www.yelp.com/biz/battleship-texas-state-historic-site-la-porte

Pasadena Municipal Golf Course: Brush Up On Your Swing

If you love playing golf but you don’t love the hefty prices at most country clubs, the Pasadena Municipal Golf Course is the perfect alternative. This 160-acre facility is run by the City of Pasadena, and it contains 18 holes that play to a par of 72. The grounds are well maintained and feature views of the beautiful Texas landscape, from the tall trees to the peaceful water features.

The course contains a turf practice facility with lessons from a PGA professional where you can brush up on your game before heading out for a round with friends, and the well-stocked club house contains all of the essential golf equipment, food, and drinks to leave you feeling energized before or after playing. There are also Club Car golf carts available for rent to make your game even more relaxing.

The Pasadena Municipal Golf Course is open from sunrise to sundown every day of the week.

Pasadena Municipal Golf Course
1000 Duffer Lane
Houston, TX 77034
(281) 481-0834
www.ci.pasadena.tx.us/default.aspx?name=prk.fac-golfcourse

The Tropical Chill: Island-Inspired Sweet Treats

If you can’t make it on a tropical getaway this year, a sweet, icy treat from The Tropical Chill will feel like the next best thing. This quaint, quirky ice cream shop serves snow cones, shaved ice, and SnoBalls in a beach-themed location complete with thatched roofs covering the outdoor seating and a large boat that kids can climb on after enjoying their dessert.

The Tropical Chill’s snow cones come in fun flavors like wedding cake, black cherry, and blue coconut, and you can choose to add sweet cream to any of the shop’s flavors. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, you might also enjoy a refreshing fruit chill in a flavor like strawberry or banana. Cool off this summer in an island-inspired atmosphere at The Tropical Chill.

The Tropical Chill is open noon to 8 p.m. daily. For a full list of flavors, check out the website.

The Tropical Chill
7446 Elbridge Lane
Deer Park, TX 77536
(281) 476-9893
www.thetropicalchill.com

Browse a Kaleidoscope of Fabrics at the Painted Pony ‘n Quilts

If you're an avid crafter, then you're likely already acquainted with Painted Pony ‘n Quilts. This 8,500-square-foot store in La Porte houses more than 10,000 bolts of fabric, as well as everything else creative types require to maintain a hobby in the fabric arts: quilting patterns, sewing machines, quilting kits, notions, books, and much more.

For both the novice or experienced sewer, Painted Pony 'n Quilts hosts instructional sewing classes in topics like paper piercing, applique, and machine quilting. These informal, affordable classes are a great way to further your craft. Or if you prefer, enroll in one of Painted Pony 'n Quilts's many events and clubs, and you'll be introduced to people who share your interest in embroidery, quilting, historical fabrics, and wool.

Painted Pony ‘n Quilts is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays.

Painted Pony ‘n Quilts
1015 S. Broadway Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 471-5735
www.ppnq.com
www.yelp.com/biz/painted-pony-n-quilts-la-porte

San Jacinto Monument and Museum: Living History

History buffs will absolutely love the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. Featuring artifacts from many historic battles and personalities, the San Jacinto Museum offers a glimpse into Texas’ storied history. You can tour the historic battle field that was integral in the creation of the iconic American west. Take the old fashioned elevator to the top of the monument and behold the beautiful view. There is also a preserved battleship available for touring. The museum features many great artifacts illustrating the history Texas. These include letters from historical figures of note, key items relating to important battles, and even clothing and accessories from this bygone era. Travel to the top of the San Jacinto Monument, the tallest monument in the world, and marvel at the view from the observation deck. See the beautiful skyline as well as many historic landmarks from your perch atop this majestic monument.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum
1 Monument Circle
La Porte, TX 77571
http://www.yelp.com/biz/san-jacinto-monument-and-museum-la-porte

Battleship Texas State Historic Site: Living History

Battleship Texas State Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse of Texas military history with this completely preserved battleship and park. Just minutes away from downtown Houston, Battleship Texas is an accessible landmark great for both locals who have never been and those who are new to the area. Take a guided tour of the battleship and learn of Texas rich history. Much of the ship is open to visitors curious as to the inner workings of this once majestic battleship. There is even a recreation area nearby, great for picnics or just enjoying the beautiful weather and view of this fantastic landmark. This is a great activity for both young and old, holding many interesting artifacts and bits of information.

Battleship Texas State Historic Site
3523 Battleground Road
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 479-2431
http://www.yelp.com/biz/battleship-texas-state-historic-site-la-porte

Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park: Engage in Battle … With Your Golf Buddies

The battle wages on at the historic Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park in Pasadena; however, today it’s more of a friendly competition than it was more than a century ago! There are 18 holes at this Houston-area course, and each one represents a battle that took place on the San Jacinto Battleground during the Texas Revolution.

From the Santa Anna at the first hole to the San Jacinto Monument that commemorated those who lost their lives in battle at the final hole, playing this course is like taking a lesson in Texas history. In addition to its unique golf course, Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park hosts an impressive practice facility, complete with a three-hole practice loop and a lighted driving range for nighttime play.

Enjoy lunch at the Republic Grill after playing a round, and take in a view of the course over deli-style sandwiches and an ice-cold beer.

Battleground Golf Course at Deer Park
1600 Georgia Avenue
Deer Park, TX 77536
(281) 478-4653
www.battlegroundgolfcourse.com

Armadilla Lanes: There’s Always Time to Spare for Bowling

Armadilla Lanes is a bowling facility in the heart of Pasadena that promises an affordable and fun outing for your friends, family, or even your coworkers. Although it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of more modern bowling alleys, many residents love the friendly service and casual, relaxed atmosphere that you’ll find at this longtime area favorite.

There is a full-service snack bar that serves up hot foods and soft drinks for when you get hungry after bowling, and guests are also able to rent balls and shoes from the affordable shop. The bowling alley is open every day of the week for all-ages bowling, and it also offers special events like Music ‘n Bowl on Saturdays and All-You-Can-Bowl on Fridays.

If you’re planning a party, Armadilla Lanes features private party rooms that you can reserve for an affordable price for the big day.

Armadilla Lanes
‪3210 Preston Ave.
‪Pasadena, TX 77505
‪(713) 941-2343
www.armadillalanes.com/locations/armadilla-lanes-pasadena
www.facebook.com/pages/Armadilla-Lanes/129637920450041

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