Blue Willow Bookshop: A Bibliophile’s Dream in Houston

Walking into Blue Willow Bookshop is a book lover's dream. Wooden bookshelves line the walls from floor to ceiling in this cozy Houston bookstore, and you're likely to encounter the friendly, knowledgeable owner behind the counter. Wooden plank flooring and low tables displaying kids' books and crafts make you feel like you're in a well-stocked home library, though regulars emphasize that despite the store's intimate feel, the stock is surprisingly large, and you can often find whatever book you're looking for. If not, don't worry, because the staff is happy to order anything you need.

Visiting Blue Willow on a lazy Saturday afternoon when you have time to leisurely browse the shelves is always fun, though you should also consider visiting during one of the bookstore's signature events—perhaps a book signing, author reading, or kids' story time hour.

Blue Willow Bookshop
14532 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-8675
www.bluewillowbookshop.com
www.yelp.com/biz/blue-willow-bookshop-houston-3

George Bush Park: Plan a Picnic and Playtime This Weekend

If you’re looking for a place to get outdoors this weekend and away from the hustle and bustle of city life, consider planning an outing to George Bush Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or simply looking for a relaxing spot to plan a picnic with the family, there’s something for everyone at this beloved local park, which spans a whopping 7,800 acres!

Hike or bike the trail along the paved Bayou trail and check out Houston’s diverse plants and wildlife as you pass. You can also make use of the park’s soccer and baseball fields, or saddle up for a horseback ride. If you’re looking to immerse yourself even more in the local landscape, plan a day of fishing, or camp out in one of the designated campgrounds.

George Bush Park
16756 Westheimer Parkway
Houston, TX 77082
(281) 496-2177
www.pct3.com/parks.html

Paint Your Own Pottery Pieces at Glazed Over Ceramics Studio

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to get creative near Marquis at Katy, paying a visit to Glazed Over Ceramics Studio is a great option. This social ceramics studio offers paint-your-own-pottery classes for visitors of all ages, and you can walk in at any time and start painting. Once you choose from the selection of hundreds of pottery pieces, you’ll set to work decorating your piece with paints, brushes, and sponges and then firing it in the kiln to take home with you. There are also glass fusion classes if you prefer something a bit more unique.

While Glazed Over doesn’t require reservations for pottery painting, if you want to plan your own private party, accommodations can be made in advance for a birthday party, bachelorette party, or bridal shower. There is a BYOB policy so that guests can bring their own food, drinks, and desserts, including your favorite wine or beer (for of-age guests only, of course).

Glazed Over Ceramics Studio
14627-B Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 497-7272
www.glazedoverceramics.com

Expect Family-Friendly Fun at TopGolf in Houston

Drink, play, and eat at TopGolf, a family-friendly entertainment facility in the Energy Corridor. Similar in concept to bowling but played on a driving range, there are six different golfing games from which to choose—making TopGolf fun for beginners and experts alike. All games provide a target and a computerized challenge for you to compete. There is also a KidZone for the younger set with video games, board games, and pool tables.

The on-site restaurant boasts a full bar lined with TVs, while an extensive food menu lists appetizers such as brisket tacos, nachos, and beef or chicken sliders. Heartier appetites can try one of the specialty flatbreads with grilled vegetables, prosciutto, or steak. The menu also offers huge, overstuffed sandwiches, handcrafted burgers, wraps, and salads.

TopGolf is a convenient venue for birthday parties, corporate outings, and group play. The doors are open 9 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

TopGolf
1030 Memorial Brook Road
Houston, TX 77084
(281) 406-3176
www.topgolf.com/us/houston-west
www.yelp.com/biz/topgolf-houston-3

Terry Hershey Park: Hit the Trails and Break a Sweat on the Banks of the Buffalo Bayou

With trails of varying terrain and plenty of room for walkers, bikers, runners and hikers, Terry Hershey Park is a popular year-round destination to break a sweat in heat beneath the shade of the park’s abundant greenery.

Visitors come to take in the scenery on nature hikes on winding nature trails, to venture off the beaten path and explore the park deeper on mountain bikes, or to train for distance runs on the long pathways that make up this Buffalo Bayou park. The scenery here is praised by many park visitors. Pause and savor scenery such as the picturesque patches of Texas blue bonnets to admire and the park’s mesmerizing blue water pond.

Visit Terry Hershey Park's website to learn more about this Houston park!

Terry Hershey Park
15200 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77079
(281) 496-2177
www.terryhersheypark.org
www.yelp.com/biz/terry-hershey-park-houston-2

Houston Museum of Natural Science: A Place of Fun & Learning

Enjoy and learn about the beauty of the natural world at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Located in the Museum District directly across from the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflecting Pool, the Museum of Natural Science is for kid, adults and families. The main goal of the museum is to educate everyone about the natural sciences, be it through the exhibits of dinosaurs in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the beautiful specimens in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, or other amazing exhibits. Come to Energy Hall and learn about fossil fuels. Check out examples of African wildlife and go to the Farish Hall to learn even more about the wildlife of Texas. There’s so much to see and learn about, that you’ll just have to come back!

Houston Museum of Natural Science 
5555 Hermann Park Dr
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
http://www.yelp.com/biz/houston-museum-of-natural-science-houston

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