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Water can destroy a car's interior, electrical system, and engine. While you might not be able to save your vehicle if it's fully submerged under water, there's hope if the water didn't go more than halfway up the wheels. In any case, here are the steps you need to take if your car floods. more Don't Start the Car The first and most important step you need to take when your car floods is to remember what you shouldn't do. Do not attempt to start your car. While you might want to give it a try to see if it still works, if there's any water in the engine, starting it could damage it beyond repair. If there's any doubt, your best bet is to call a tow truck and have your car taken to a mechanic. Call Your Insurance Company While collision insurance typically doesn't cover flood damage, you might have coverage through your comprehensive insurance. Therefore, it's a good idea to call your insurance company and find out what steps you need to take if you need to make a claim. If your vehicle flooded because of a natural disaster, such as a flood or hurricane, your insurance company will likely be dealing with hundreds to thousands of claims, so it's a good idea to start the process as soon as possible. Determine the High-Water Mark Next you'll need to see if you can figure out how high the water got on your vehicle. If the water was dirty, it's usually very easy to see exactly where it stopped based on the line of mud or debris in your vehicle. However, if it was clean water, it might be hard to tell. In this case, feel the dampness of the upholstery or trim and look inside the headlights or taillights to give you a clue. Keep in mind that many insurance companies will consider a car totaled if the water reached the bottom of the dashboard. Start Drying the Interior Mold will start to grow on the parts of your vehicle that got wet, so you need to start drying out the interior as quickly as possible. Begin by opening all the windows and doors to let it air dry. You can also use towels to soak up any water from the floors or seats. However, you'll likely want to replace anything that got wet, including upholstery, seat padding, carpets, door panels, and floor mats. Check the Fluids Once you lift the hood, you'll get a better idea of the extent of the flood damage. You'll want to pull the oil dipstick out and check it for water droplets. Also, check for water in the air filter, fuel system, and power steering, brake, and coolant reservoirs. If you see signs of water in any of these locations, your best option is to have your vehicle taken to a mechanic for professional help. While a flood can cause disastrous damage to a vehicle, with these steps, you might be able to salvage your flooded car. This photo, " South Beach flood," by maxstrz used under CC BY 2.o. " South Beach flood " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Are you in the mood for some live stand-up or improv comedy in Houston, Texas? If so, there are plenty of venues in the area that can guarantee a good laugh. From special guests and weekly events to family-friendly shows, there are many ways you and your loved ones can have a fun time with comedy. Here are four entertainment hotspots in Houston to help you get started: more Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant The Improv Comedy Theater & Restaurant promises plenty of comedic performances, entertainment, and dining opportunities for guests of all ages. This 10,000-square-foot venue houses a stage, dance floor, and top-notch audio and visual equipment. You can even take advantage of the various appetizers, entrees, salads, sandwiches, and desserts available for purchase during opening hours. If you're interested in attending an event, stop by for open mic nights, family-friendly comedy and magic shows, or take the theater's defensive driving class for accredited certification and receive four free Improv Comedy tickets. Address: 7620 Katy Freeway, Space 455 The Secret Group The Secret Group doubles as a bar and features a back show room and roof top patio for guests to sit during one of the many shows hosted here. Stop by for drink specials on Industry Night every Monday, a $2 comedy show on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., and regular karaoke at 10 p.m. Plus, there's a new lineup of comedic talent every week, so bring your friends and relax with free chips and salsa, $2 off draft beer, and other alcoholic beverages available for purchase. Address: 2101 Polk St. ComedySportz Arena This particular venue hosts the longest-running improv comedy show in the city, known as ComedySportz Houston. It's ideal for the whole family and features fun comedy skits where audience volunteers participate in different games and scenes while competing against each other in an improvised duel. This event is held every Friday and Saturday starting at 8 p.m., and all shows are appropriate for children ages 6 and older. Similarly, the EaDo Comedy Show is held here every Thursday at 8 p.m. for guests 17 and older, where improvised stories, funny punchlines, and humorous characters grace the stage for a night of laughs. Address: 2201 Preston St. Station Theater At Station Theater, there's always something new and exciting to explore. This venue hosts various improv and sketch classes, workshops, fundraisers, and special night events. Some of these shows include Spacecat Labs every Thursday at 8:30 p.m., where the audience comes up with an improvised setting for guest performers to work with. The Supernova + Loteria is another live comedy show that takes place on Fridays at 8:30 p.m. It gives traveling comedians, local celebrities, and selected audience members the chance to gather improvised content from their own telling of personal stories. Address: 1230 Houston Ave. If you're looking for a fun and entertaining way to spend your evening with friends or family, consider stopping by one of these top comedy venues in Houston. This photo, " Yard Laughs #3: Mike Technique” by Diamond Geyser used under CC BY 2.o. "Yard Laughs #3: Mike Technique" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Calling all Halloween freaks in the Houston area! Houston's Halloween calendar is full of fun events this fall. Here's where the ghouls and witches will come out to play in Houston this Halloween. more Texas Renaissance Festival For nine fun-filled weekends noblemen, magicians, fairies, jugglers, jesters, and more come to town. The Texas Renaissance Festival runs from Sept. 30 to Nov. 26 in Todd Mission, 50 miles from Houston. This is the largest and best renaissance festival in the country, attracting half a million visitors every year. Enter through the gates at New Market Village and find yourself transported to a 16th-century English township. Get into the spirit of things by dressing up in full costume. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for kids aged 5-12 and free for kids under four. Zoo Boo For a fun family event, dress your little one up in a spooky costume and head to Houston Zoo. Every year they hold Zoo Boo, Houston's largest family-friendly Halloween event. Zoo Boo activities are included in your Zoo entrance fee and are free to Zoo members. Attractions include a pumpkin patch, candy corners, bat maze, monster mural, and spooky stamps station. Kids can follow Zoe the Zookeeper and learn all about howler monkeys or participate in the monster masquerade bash. Zoo Boo runs from the middle of October to the end of the month. Houston Zombie Walk The Houston Zombie Walk raises funds to support college education. This Halloween-themed charity raises monies for their "Too Ghoul For School" scholarship fund that supports study in the following areas: veterinary technicians, first responders, and performing and visual art. It's tons of fun and all for a good cause. Dress up and do your best zombie walk rendition on Oct. 21. The walk starts at 5 p.m. at 19th Street, Houston Heights. Spirits and Skeletons Forget the usual house party and check out one of the coolest Houston Halloween parties instead. Spirits and Skeletons return to the Houston Museum of Natural Science on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 8 p.m. until midnight. Dress up and party the night away to the sounds of The Space Rockers, the wacky superhero party band from outer space. This event is for adults over age 21. A cash bar and various food trucks will provide food and drink. Tickets for museum members are $25 and $50 for everyone else. Group tickets are also available at a lower price. Houston Ghost Tour If you're a visitor to Houston over Halloween, taking a ghost tour is a must. Houston Ghost Tour offers three tours. The popular Old Town Spring Tour visits an old Wild West town that holds some strange and disturbing tales. There's also the Houston Tour that spills the ghostly secrets of Herman Park, and The Old Town Tomball Tour that walks you through the hidden horrors of the town of Tomball. Tours last an hour and a half. Dress comfortably as you will be on your feet most of the time. Halloween in Houston is never dull. These Texas folks simply love pulling out all the scary stops with something for old and young. This photo, " Florida Renaissance Festival” by Tammy Clarke used under CC BY 2.o. " Florida Renaissance Festival " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Tex-Mex is staple fare in Houston, and the city is loaded with Tex-Mex restaurants. For every lousy taco joint serving sloppy food, an outstanding taco restaurant counters it with lip-smacking tacos crammed with amazing fillings. Here are some of the best tacos to try in Houston. more Eight Row Flint In Houston Heights, everyone will point you to Eight Row Flint if you're looking for a great taco. This trendy spot is an icehouse offering whiskey, beer, and cocktails paired with awesome Mexican food served from a backyard food truck. The concept is simple and was an immediate hit with customers. The Brussels sprouts taco is so good that it will win over any sprouts-hater. There's a happy hour Mondays to Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. when the tacos cost only $3. Ninfa's Original on Navigation Ninfa's is an institution in Houston. The original owner, Mama Ninfa, is widely credited with introducing fajitas to the world. Ninfa's looks deceivingly unassuming on the outside. But stop in and sit down to some great food. It goes without saying that you have to try the Tacos Al Carbon, the original dish that secured Mama Ninfa's spot in Tex-Mex history. The flour tortillas are freshly prepared onsite. Wash it down with one of their frozen margaritas, an excellent thirst quencher in summer. Fusion Taco If you're tired of the usual run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex offerings and your taste buds are seeking something exciting, go to Fusion Taco. They took the brave step to put forward an internationally inspired menu and it works. You'll find options like chicken fried oysters, falafel on grilled naan, lamb keema with Persian cucumber and tahini, and grilled Thai chicken. A sure winner is the Asian Angus steak taco topped with black beans, grilled onions, ginger chipotle barbecue sauce, and red cabbage slaw. Tacos-A-Go-Go If the comical name doesn't already give it away, then the whimsical decor tells you that this is a place to just hang loose in a fun environment. The street tacos are a must-try. Opt for the puffy tortilla — it costs 25 cents extra but is worth it. The Pollo Guisado, chicken simmered in a garlic, tomato, and Serrano pepper sauce, is listed as one of the best tacos in Texas by Texas Monthly. If you're looking for a breakfast taco that hits the spot, this is the place. They've also received the thumbs up for best breakfast tacos by Houston Press. Berryhill Baja Grill Not everyone can knock a fish taco out the park, but Berryhill Baja Grill has a reputation for making the best fish tacos in Houston. They specialize in Baja-style cuisine. Their Original Fish Taco is fresh tempura fried fish topped with red cabbage and cilantro and dressed with their "special sauce." Then it's wrapped in not one, but two, corn tortillas. It was voted "best fish taco ever" in Zagat's National Survey. Houston is the hands-down winner as the Mexican food capital of the United States. Competition is stiff and Mexican restaurants are constantly upping the game, whether it's with a creative twist on traditional Tex-Mex or fusion-style variations. This photo, " Tacos” by The DLC used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " Tacos " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Summer is in full swing, and nothing cools you off quicker than eating a delicious cold treat. Check out the five tastiest places to grab a cool treat in and near Dickinson. more Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Kemah's Sweet Spot Pack the family in the car and satisfy your sugar craving at Kemah's Sweet Spot. At Kemah's, the focus is everything sweet. From delicious breakfasts to their world-famous deep-fried cheese cake, there is something on the menu to satisfy any guilty pleasure. Each dish is made from scratch with the best ingredients in town. Well-known as the premier deep-fried dessert spot in town, pair up any delicious deep-fried goodness with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect summer treat. Kemah's offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Enjoy the island themed picnic spots outside, or sit indoors with a front row seat to all the delicious sweet treats. Taste the Tropics at Bahama Bucks Cool off at Bahama Bucks with some shaved ice. This island-inspired drink joint brings the flavors of the tropics to your doorstep with its creative creations. With over 45 different flavors of shaved ice, you can combine, create, and enjoy the perfect island treat or sip on one of the 16 different smoothie creations. Bahama Bucks even has its own soda bar. Try one of the many signature treats at Bahama Bucks and cool off a little this summer. Pile on the Fruit at Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt Craving a bit of nature's candy with your frozen treat? Head to Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt. Treat yourself to walls covered with frozen yogurt flavors. Mix and match to create the perfect frozen treat. Choose from the endless options of toppings, including fresh fruit. With a bright, colorful atmosphere and sparkling clean tables, this place is sure to delight. The fro-yo tastes fresh, guaranteed to cool you off in the summer heat. Customize Your Treat at Marble Slab Creamery It is all sweet-toothed smiles at Marble Slab Creamery. With countless ice cream flavors, low-fat yogurt, and even sorbet, the combinations are endless. Pick your favorite flavor complete with toppings. The folks at Marble Slab mix it all together for you on their frozen marble slab tables. The result is a tasty, sweet treat guaranteed to please the palate. They even make sweet beverages and special-order ice cream cakes with custom messages. Stop by Marble Slab Creamery for some fun. Cool Off With the United Flavors of Yumm at Menchie's Frozen Yogurt Filled with bright colors and a playful atmosphere, Menchie's provides the perfect spot to get your frozen yogurt fix. Menchie's believes in a playful atmosphere with fun to be had in every bite. With a seemingly endless amount of flavors, the combinations for cool, sweet goodness go on forever. Try tart fruit flavors or create a camp side classic with toasty marshmallows. At Menchie's, it's all about creating a tasty frozen treat. Now that your mouth is watering, take your Jeep on a culinary adventure to the sweetest spots in town. This photo, “ Ice Cream and Waffle,” by Rizka Budiati Szkutnik used under CC BY 2.o. “ Ice Cream and Waffle” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

Houston is a happening place in the summer. With so much to see and do, it's hard to choose. You'll be zipping through the streets, hopping from one awesome activity to the next. more Catch an Outdoor Flick or Free Concert at the Miller Head to the Miller Outdoor Theatre for some summer evening fun. Nothing says summer quite like an outdoor movie. The Miller has the perfect family-friendly outdoor lineup this year. Pack a picnic, a cozy blanket, and enjoy sitting up on the hill for free. If you'd prefer some shade, buy a ticket to sit under the canopy on the day of the event. Not a movie person? No problem. All summer long, the Miller Outdoor Theatre also hosts free concerts with the Houston Symphony. For your convenience, pick your ticket up at the box office for free on the day of the event. Watch a Killer Sunset at Skyspace The Skyspace is a stunning outdoor art installation that boasts a semi-outdoor pavilion. Located on the Rice University campus, next to the Shepherd School of Music, Skyspace aims to intertwine light, sound, art, and its natural surroundings. Designed by James Turrell, this installation has a light show both at night and in the morning. The show connects sound, light, and nature into one experience, celebrating the changing of the day. Come visit this structure to feel the connection between the built environment and the natural colors of the sky. Even if you don't call yourself artsy, Skyspace is a space for all to get in touch with their senses. Dance to Some Tunes at the Summer Music Festival Get your friends together and drive down to the Four Seasons Houston to enjoy some live music at the pool deck. On the third Friday of every month, the pool deck of the Four Seasons Houston comes alive with live music, dancing, swimming, and $5 beers. Relax and slide into the weekend with artists like Charlie and the Regrets. Dance and swim the evening away. The Summer Music Festival is free to attend, with a complimentary valet. Now that's summer in style. Cool Down With a Brew at The BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival This Labor Day, try all the beer your heart could ever want at the BrewMasters Craft Beer Festival. Rated one of the best beer festivals in the U.S., the Craft Beer Festival boasts all the great brewers in the U.S. Try a strange brew like a sour or stick to the age-old favorite lager. With other events like the Bad Ass Beard Competition and Nach-Yo Ordinary Tequila Tasting, there's something for everyone at any age to enjoy. Be safe and please remember to have a designated driver and keep that trusty Kia at home for this event. This summer, hop in the car and jet on over to one of the many fun-filled events happening in Houston this summer. Go ahead, turn up the stereo, and get the summer bash started. This photo, “ Fightmilk,” by Paul Hudson used under CC BY 2.o. “ Fightmilk” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

During the summer months in Houston, there's no better way to beat the heat than by going for a refreshing swim. However, before you can cool down, you need to find the right swimming spot. Fortunately, if you live in the Houston area, you have access to some truly great locations where you can easily go for a relaxing swim. more Here are a few of the best places you can go for a dip in the Houston area to keep yourself cool this summer. Wet 'n' Wild SplashTown If you want to visit one of the largest, most exciting swimming spots in the Houston area, then you need to be sure to plan a weekend at Wet 'n' Wild SplashTown. Covering over 40 acres, Wet 'n' Wild SplashTown is the ideal location for the whole family. Whether you're interested in a leisurely swim or want the thrills that come from a five-story water slide, Wet 'n' Wild SplashTown is the best spot in Houston. A few of the most popular attractions at Wet 'n' Wild SplashTown include the Tornado, the Stingray Racer, and the Big Spin. This park also provides a wave pool and activity pool if you just want to enjoy the water without all the twists and turns. Jacob's Well While going for a dip in a synthetic pool is certainly enjoyable, there's nothing quite like a day spent at a watering hole. This is why you and your family should be sure to visit Jacob's Well. One of the most popular swimming spots near Houston, Jacob's Well is a natural body of water fed by an artesian spring. Surrounded by natural beauty, Jacob's Well should be at the top of your list of Houston swimming spots to visit this summer. Frio River If you want to enjoy a brisk, challenging swim, there's no better option than taking a dip in a local river. Fortunately, if you live in or near Houston, you can visit Garner State Park and go for a swim in the Frio River. Taking a swim in the cool waters of the Frio River is a great way to escape the summer heat. Thanks to this river's winding 2.9 miles, you'll have plenty of space for yourself. If you get tired of swimming, you can hop out of the water and go for a quick hike along one of Garner's many picturesque trails. Spend on a day in the Frio River, and this may just become your favorite swimming spot in Houston. Quintana Beach County Park Crowds can be a frustrating obstacle when you're trying to find a great Houston swimming spot. Luckily, if want to go for a swim while avoiding the crowds, you can visit Quintana Beach County Park. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Quintana Beach County Park is a great place to spend a summer weekend. In addition to easy access to the water, Quintana Beach County Park also makes the perfect camping and picnic spot. Plan a visit to any of these swimming spots near Houston if you want to cool off this summer by taking a quick dip. This photo, “ Frio River in The Texas Hill Country,” by FHG Photo used under CC BY 2.o. “ Frio River in The Texas Hill Country”  is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

There are a variety of features that go into making a high-quality vehicle. However, for modern car consumers, one of the most important factors is getting an advanced infotainment system. While there are several excellent infotainment systems available on the market today, the most exciting, feature-rich system is UVO eServices. This you can access by driving a Kia vehicle. more If you have been thinking about purchasing a Kia, it can be a good idea to learn more about UVO and the benefits of having access to this infotainment system. Read about the best features you'll find with UVO eServices and discover why you should choose a Kia vehicle. Entertainment When you hit the road in your vehicle, you want to be sure you'll be entertained the entire time you are in your car. If you value high-quality entertainment, then you are sure to love having UVO in your vehicle. UVO eServices provides a wide range of excellent entertainment features that make for the one-of-a-kind driving experience you deserve. For example, UVO provides an HD Radio system, so you can enjoy listening to crystal clear stations on both AM and FM. To access the best streaming music in the world, UVO is also available with Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Convenience Out of all the reasons you need to make sure your next vehicle comes equipped with an advanced infotainment system, the most important is having access to convenience features, which make your vehicle both fun and useful. Fortunately, when you have UVO eServices, you'll have a broad range of some of the best convenience features on the market today. To make sure you can always find your vehicle, UVO provides a Parking Minder feature. It saves your car's location to your smartphone and then guides you to your vehicle using your phone's GPS system. Connectivity In a modern car, it is important that you're always able to use your smartphone. Fortunately, UVO eServices includes several smartphone connectivity features you will love. UVO include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as both USB and auxiliary ports. Connecting your phone to your car is easier than ever before, thanks to UVO. Navigation If you are like many drivers, you want to make sure you always know where you're going and that you will reach your destination in a timely manner. Whether you're planning a long road trip or are just going around the corner, you'll be glad you have turn-by-turn navigation, thanks to UVO eServices. Using just your voice, you can find the best route for your trip with UVO Navigation. While you are on the road, UVO will notify you about Points of Interest, so you never miss a chance for fun and excitement. You can also review the details of your trip with a touch of a button, allowing you to examine your route and possible stops along the way. If you want one of the best infotainment systems available today, look for a Kia vehicle equipped with UVO eServices. This photo, “ 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD – UVO services & apps,” by Michael Sheehan used under CC BY 2.o. “ 2016 Kia Sorento SXL AWD – UVO services & apps” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

When summer rolls around in Houston, you want to make sure your children's vacation is filled with memories. However, this can be difficult if you don't know about the best kid-friendly activities Houston has to offer. Fortunately, this exciting city provides several chances for recreation that are perfect for children of all ages, ensuring your summer months will be fun and exciting. more Read about a few of the best kid-friendly activities in Houston your family should be sure to visit this summer. The Art Car Museum If your children can't help but express their creativity, then you want a summertime activity that will inspire their artistic side. This is one of the best reasons to plan a visit to the Art Car Museum. The Art Car Museum is dedicated to showcasing contemporary artists you won't find in other museums. While their emphasis is on art cars, the Art Car Museum also features photographs, paintings, and other works of art. Spend an afternoon in the Art Car Museum and you and your children will be able to see some of the most exciting artwork Houston has to offer. Summer Reading Program While you want to be certain your child has fun during his or her vacation, you also want your child's summer months to be enriching. Fortunately, if you live in the Houston area, you have the option of enrolling your child in the summer reading program at the Fish Gallery. Taking place during July and August, the Fish Gallery's Summer Reading Program is the perfect chance to instill in your children a love of books that will last a lifetime. In addition to weekly story times, the Summer Reading Program includes crafts, touch tanks, fish feeding, and much more. Houston Shakespeare Festival At the end of the summer, it's important that your children have made memories that will last a lifetime. For this reason, consider attending the Houston Shakespeare Festival. Seeing Shakespeare's classic plays in an outdoor setting is an experience your children will never forget and is a great way to teach them the joys of the theater. Taking place July 28 through August 6 at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Shakespeare Festival will feature performances of both "Richard III" and "Twelfth Night." Best of all, the event is free to the public. Free Museum Days If you're a newcomer to Houston, then you might be unaware that the city possesses a district dedicated entirely to history, art, and science museums. However, because visiting museums can be a little pricey, it can be easy to miss these important cultural institutions. Luckily, some of the most popular museums in the Houston Museum District offer free museum days. They provide the perfect opportunity for an educational, kid-friendly experience. Free museum days generally take place on Thursdays between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and they feature some of Houston's top museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts. Take part in any of these kid-friendly Houston activities and you and your children are guaranteed to have a fun, memorable summer. This photo, “ FM 1,” by A Yee used under CC BY 2.o. “ FM 1” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

If you live in the Houston area, you can be sure of finding plenty of places to celebrate the Fourth of July in grand style. Dickinson, Texas may be a bit far from the city center, but it's still in easy driving distance of every festival and fireworks show you might want to attend. more Freedom Over Texas The most obvious celebration would have to be Freedom Over Texas, the Independence Day festival sponsored by the City of Houston itself. The festival kicks off at 4 p.m. and goes on until well after dark, and it features appearances by country stars and other live musicians, family games, rides, face painting, and a rest station for when you need to take a break. The fireworks display is as big as you'd expect from a major city, and it's set to music. Freedom Over Texas takes over the Eleanor Tinsley Park. Ticket prices depend on when you buy them but don't go over $10 at the gate. Summer Symphony Nights: Star-Spangled Salute! Around four miles away from Eleanor Tinsley Park is the Miller Outdoor Theatre located in Hermann Park. Every year, the Houston Symphony puts on a series of outdoor shows that are free to the public, and they always end it with the Star-Spangled Salute! show on July 4. Starting at 8:30 p.m., the symphony plays patriotic classics with a list that changes every year, but the night always ends with the 1812 Overture complete with cannon blasts and fireworks. Free theater seats are available from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. the day of the event, but you can always sit on the hill behind the seats if you don't get a ticket. The Friendswood Celebration If you don't want to drive all the way to the Houston city center, Friendswood celebrates Independence Day in style with a big parade and daytime events starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. The nighttime celebration starts at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Park and features live music right up until the fireworks display at 9:20 p.m. Attendance at both events is free, but you can get a $10 wristband for unlimited free rides or pay $15 for an all-day pass. Red, Hot, and Blue Festival If you feel like driving around Houston, the Red, Hot, and Blue Festival is how The Woodlands celebrates the Fourth. The festival opens at 6 p.m. in Town Green Park and Waterway Square, although if you get there by 9 a.m. you can watch The Woodlands' parade. The free festival offers good food, activities for kids, and several stages, but the big draw would have to be the 20-minute fireworks display that ends the night. It's not hard to have fun on Independence Day when you live in the greater Dallas area, and so the real hard choice is figuring out which of the many events you want to attend. Fortunately, July 4 comes every year, and so if you don't go to one celebration this year, you can always take a look next time. This photo, “ Fireworks,” by Amir Kbah used under CC BY-ND 2.0. “ Fireworks” is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

As a barrier island near Houston, Galveston offers plenty of long and lovely beaches for residents and visitors like to enjoy. Whether you prefer busy beaches with plenty of people and facilities or more distant beaches where it's just you, the sand, and the waves, you can find a spot to enjoy near Galveston this summer. more East Beach East Beach is a long stretch of sand that includes most of the east end of the island. The beach is fully built up, with a boardwalk area, a pavilion and stage for live music and other special events, showers and restrooms, concessions, and rentals for beach chairs and umbrellas. Thanks to the nearby beach patrol, you can drink alcohol in non-glass containers on East Beach, which isn't true for any other Galveston beach. Walking to the beach is free, but parking costs between $10-$15 depending on the season. Crystal Beach Crystal Beach is across the strait from Galveston on the Bolivar Peninsula. As a resort community, Crystal Beach offers plenty of vacation rental homes and RV parks along with local restaurants and fishing shops with chartered boats. Something that sets this community apart from the rest of the Texas Gulf Coast is the fact that you can drive your truck or RV right onto the beach if you like, at least in the areas that allow RV parking. You should also check out the Point Bolivar Lighthouse while you're in the area. Matagorda Bay Nature Park Keep heading southwest of Galveston along the coast and you'll reach the Matagorda Bay Nature Park. The park takes up 1,600 acres and has a more natural feel to it, but it still has dozens of camping sites including spots where you can hook up an RV for water, electricity, and sewage. The park offers horseback riding and a large hall you can rent out for special occasions, and all kinds of bird species pass through the area on migrations, making it one of the best spots in the nation for birdwatching. Galveston Island State Park You don't have to drive for two hours to find a quiet beach when you start in Galveston. While the Galveston Island State Park has plenty of amenities, camp sites, and cabins, it skips the boardwalk and noisy music shows to preserve the natural state of the Gulf Coast environment. As a state park, you can fish from shore without a license on both the bay and ocean sides of the park, or you can bring your own sports equipment to go mountain biking, canoeing, or kayaking along the park's paved and paddling trails. From the classic built-up beaches that attract tourists by the thousands to the wild beaches that show that nature still has plenty to offer, Galveston and its surrounding communities have plenty of lovely beaches for visitors to enjoy. Whether you live in the area and can stop by every day or you're only in the neighborhood for a weekend or a summer vacation, you won't be disappointed by what you find. This photo, “ The Luther Hotel, Palacios, Texas 1706031132,” by Patrick Feller used under CC BY 2.0. “ The Luther Hotel, Palacios, Texas 1706031132” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

As the weather starts to warm, you may find yourself looking for fun outdoor activities and spaces to explore. Luckily, there are tons of great outdoor options in and around Dickinson. Whether you live in the area, or you're just here for a visit, check out the best places to enjoy the outdoors. more Paul Hopkins Park Located at 1000 A FM 517 in Dickinson, Paul Hopkins Park is an 11-acre outdoor area for the community to enjoy. The park offers several amenities, including a picnic pavilion with 10 permanent tables, other picnic areas, a restroom, a pier, a playground, and a multipurpose trail. Take the kids to the park to get out and enjoy the beautiful day, or go by yourself and take a hike on the trail to calm your mind. Bring along a picnic lunch to make a day out of your outdoor adventure. Ray Holbrook Park Another great option for a day outside is Ray Holbrook Park. This park is located at 3000 Owens Drive in Dickinson, and it offers 33 acres of space to enjoy. While you're here, start a pickup game of softball on the softball fields, or watch a game already in progress. The picnic areas offer a comfortable place to eat, converse, and enjoy the weather. Take a walk around the park or find somewhere quiet and shaded to sit and read a book. Either way, you'll enjoy the calm, fun feeling of the park, and all it has to offer. Kemah Boardwalk If you're looking for something a little different, head about seven miles outside of Dickinson to Kemah Boardwalk, located at 215 Kipp Ave in Kemah. Here, you can enjoy the great outdoors as well as the thrill and adventure of an amusement park. Take a ride on the ferris wheel and see for miles, or get your heart pumping on the Boardwalk Tower. Kemah Boardwalk also offers special events, such as live music, festivals, and holiday get togethers for the community. If you're looking for something fun and unique to do, make sure to check out Kemah Boardwalk. Bayou Wildlife Park Only about 12 miles from Dickinson you'll find Bayou Wildlife Park at 5050 Fm 517 Rd in Alvin. The zoo is a family friendly option that offers outdoor fun and an educational experience all in one. The park is an open-range zoo, and it is one of only four zoos in the state. Tram rides allow you to see everything in the park, and last about 45 minutes. You'll see animals here that you won't find elsewhere in Texas, such as white rhinoceroses, camels, and Nile lechwe. Admission to the park is $20 for adults and $10 for children ages 2 through 11. Children under 2 are free. Finding something fun and interesting to do outside in the Dickinson area isn't difficult. Grab your family or friends and head out on an adventure today. Whether you're in the mood to learn something new, relax outside, or get your heart pumping, there's something for everyone outside in Dickinson. This photo, “’Boardwalk Bullet’ Roller Coast Kemah, Texas,” by Fred Miller used under CC BY-SA 2.0. “’Boardwalk Bullet’ Roller Coast Kemah, Texas” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.