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After years of vehicle use and increased mileage, it's not unusual to notice signs of wear and tear. One of these could be loud rattling or squeaking noises coming from your vehicle's cabin, especially when you pass a bump or drive over uneven ground. However, you shouldn't have to tolerate them forever. Here are four ways you can fix or dampen interior rattling. Visit Our Service Center more Find the Source of the Noise First, you need to know where the noise is coming from. You'll want to carefully inspect the door panels, kick panels, footwell, and the trunk. If you own a truck or SUV, search the tailgate area for any strange sounds. You might find that the problem lies with loose screws or clips, and all they need is a bit of tightening or replacing. However, the sound could be coming from a spare tire mount or a loose toolbox in the trunk, so probe around until you pinpoint the source of the rattling. Replace Missing Components If you notice any missing screws or damaged fasteners, you'll want to replace them with new ones. Likewise, check the console doors and glove compartment panels for any absent rubber bumpers. We know tailgate rattling can be loud and    frustrating every time you hit a bump in the road, but you can help cut the sound with rubber stops. Simply replace your worn ones with a new pair to keep the latch secure. Remove the Interior Panels Removing interior panels around the door, dashboard, or other areas of your vehicle isn't the easiest of tasks. It requires patience and due focus, though it's necessary if you think the sounds are coming from behind the panels where metal and plastic components meet. In this case, you'll have to take out any screws, clips, or fasteners securing the panels using special tools and then wedge the panel out. If you're working on door panels, remember to replace the paper or plastic liner. Otherwise, this could lead to water and air leaks. Add Soundproofing Insulation After you've taken out the panels, it's time to add the sound-deadening material. There are various types of insulation you can use for this task, including dense foam rubber padding, foam weatherstrip tape, or self-adhesive felt tape, that you can fit in between seams. If you can't find the exact source of the problem, it's not a bad idea to insulate more than one area. The more soundproofing insulation you add to the cabin, the quieter it will be. This doesn't just minimize rattling, though. If the noises are coming from the kick panels where your audio system speaker resides, adding insulation to these areas will reduce vibration and give you better sound quality. If you're tired of hearing annoying squeaks and rattles in your cabin when you go for a drive, maybe it's high time for a bit of preventive maintenance. Follow this guide to help eliminate pesky noises and get back to enjoying those quiet rides you've been longing for. This photo, " 2012 Kia Rio5” by theKCB used under CC BY 2.o. "2012 Kia Rio5" is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Kia's UVO eServices system offers some of the best features in entertainment, navigation, maintenance, safety, and security. It's available exclusively to Kia owners without a subscription and allows you to access its extensive suite of amenities via a display on the dashboard. If you're interested in learning more, here's a guide highlighting five things you'll love about the intuitive UVO eServices package. more 1. Entertainment With UVO's smartphone integration capability, you can easily connect to your iPhone or Android device and access select apps and features right on the display screen. You can make calls, send messages, open your music library via iTunes or Google Play Music, and find directions to points of interest. Many of these perks are available through hands-free and voice-activated controls. Another benefit of UVO is SiriusXM satellite radio, which makes it convenient to listen to all your favorite comedy, talk, news, entertainment, sports, and music channels without commercials. Kia owners also receive a three-month trial subscription to the Sirius All Access package, which includes more than 160 premium channels. Plus, you can listen to SiriusXM from the comfort of your home, computer, or mobile device, too. 2. Navigation Make the most of your next road trip with UVO's navigation systems. These include my POIs (Points of Interest), a feature that lets you pinpoint locations on Google Maps that you'd like to visit. Via the UVO eServices app, you can send these hotspots to the central system for future routing. Another handy tool is Trip Info, which lets you track your current routes, stops, and desired destinations. 3. Maintenance Kia owners can also appreciate the many maintenance features of UVO. For instance, the system offers reminders when it's time to schedule a service appointment and can run a diagnostics check with the touch of a button on the dash. The system will give you health reports and critical diagnostic alerts if there's a mechanical problem, and it can even call for roadside assistance. 4. Emergency Services UVO's roadside assistance is helpful when you run into an emergency situation as well. Whether your vehicle breaks down or you're involved in an accident, it can send your VIN and exact location to an operator if necessary. Should your air bag deploy following a collision, 911 Connect also works with an operator to get emergency services to your location. 5. Security We know it can be frustrating to locate your Kia in a crowded parking lot. Fortunately, Parking Minder is part of the UVO eServices suite and makes it easy to track your car's location using GPS via your smartphone. You can also employ Find My Car to keep tabs on your Kia when someone else asks to take it out for a spin, while Geo Fence alerts you if your car goes outside the predetermined area you've set in the UVO system. If you're shopping around for your next vehicle, consider test driving a Kia and exploring the exclusive features that are available with UVO eServices. Image by JESHOOTScom, used under CCO 1.0

Kia Motors Corporation is one of Korea's oldest vehicle manufacturing companies and is well-known for its stylish and sporty models. This year, we're highlighting some of the Kia models on the market that excel in categories such as comfort, styling, and overall performance. Here's a guide to five of the top award-winning Kia models for 2017. more 1. Kia Cadenza This sedan has been completely redesigned for the 2017 model year, and these updates have helped the Kia Cadenza earn the title of "Highest Ranked Large Car in Initial Quality" by J.D. Power. This means it has the fewest number of reported problems in its segment. It was also chosen as a 2017 Top Safety Pick+ recipient by the IIHS when equipped with features such as optional front crash prevention and LED lighting. Finally, the Kia Cadenza was selected as the best large car for families, thanks to its high ratings for safety and reliability, interior seating and cargo capacity, and family-friendly amenities. 2. Kia Soul Voted as the "Highest Ranked Compact Multi-Purpose Vehicle in Initial Quality" by J.D. Power, the redesigned Kia Soul crossover beat out all other models in its class for this coveted title. In fact, this is the third year in a row the Kia Soul has been recognized for its fantastic performance in this category. Additionally, this year's model received an overall 8.8 (out of 10) consumer rating from Kelley Blue Book, including a 9.0 for comfort and 9.3 for reliability. 3. Kia Forte Next, we have the 2017 Kia Forte, which tops the compact car segment with its excellent performance ratings. These have helped it earn the "Highest Ranked Compact Car in Initial Quality" title by J.D. Power. However, Kelley Blue Book has also praised it for its superior quality, giving it an overall 8.9 consumer rating, including a 9.2 for comfort, 9.3 for styling, and 9.4 for reliability. 4. Kia Niro The Kia Niro made its debut in 2017 and has already received plenty of attention for its top performance. J.D. Power selected it as the "Highest Ranked Small SUV in Initial Quality," thanks to its five-star rating. It also raised the bar for quality by surpassing the small SUV segment average by an impressive 30 points, and it's one of only three models to earn an Initial Quality Study class award. 5. Kia Sorento The final Kia on this list is the 2017 Sorento. This crossover was voted by J.D. Power as the "Highest Ranked Midsize SUV in Initial Quality," and this is backed up by its low scores in eight problem categories as well as its high marks for reliability and design. Plus, Kelley Blue Book awarded the Sorento a 9.1 overall consumer rating, including a 9.5 for value and a 9.4 for performance, comfort, and styling. If you're in the market for a new vehicle, look no further than these five award-winning Kia models. Visit your local dealership to find out more about what makes them exceptional. This photo, " 2017 Kia Cadenza” by Automotive Rhythms used under CC BY 2.o. " 2017 Kia Cadenza " 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.

Power steering is standard on all new cars these days. It makes the steering less stiff and turning effortless. While most of us enjoy the benefit of power steering, few understand how it works. Find out all about how this process functions. more How Steering Worked in the Past In a world before power steering, turning the steering wheel felt like driving an 18-wheeler truck and required arms of steel. Back then, cars used a simple rack and pinion system. The pinion is connected to a steering column that runs from the steering wheel down to the steering rack. When turning the steering wheel, the pinion rotates. This action causes the rack to move from side to side and turn the wheels. The only downside to the system was that it made steering heavy. This all changed when Chrysler pioneered hydraulically assisted steering in 1951, which revolutionized the automotive world. Hydraulic Power Steering In hydraulic-assisted steering, a rack and pinion or a steering box is still used but a power steering pump, torsion bar, and rotary valve are added. Power Steering Pump The power steering pump is the heart of the hydraulic system. It's driven by a belt attached to the engine. Inside the pump are rotary vanes that spin. As the vanes spin, they draw hydraulic fluid from the fluid reservoir, pressurize it and send it down into the steering rack. The steering rack then pushes this pressurized fluid against a hydraulic piston. This action moves the steering rack right or left in a way that requires a lot less muscle from the driver. Torsion Bar and Rotary Valve Power steering only kicks in when the system senses the wheel turning. A torsion bar and rotary valve control the amount of fluid that enters the system from the fluid reservoir. The top of the torsion bar connects to the steering wheel and the bottom connects to the pinion or worm gear. When the car isn't turning the valve remains closed, preventing fluid flowing into the steering gear. When you start to turn the wheel, the torsion bar senses this force. It starts to twist and rotates the rotary valve. As the valve turns, fluid flows into steering gear on the side that you want to turn. The pistons respond and the wheels start to turn. Electric Power Steering While hydraulic steering is still the most common type of power steering, electric steering is gaining ground. In Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS), electric motors are placed either on the steering column or on the steering rack. Electronic sensors pick up the force and rotation speed being applied when turning the wheel. It responds by adding in a proportional amount of force to help turn the wheels. Many believe electric power steering is better than hydraulic. It doesn't run off the engine, making it a more efficient system that uses less gas. The desire for better power steering isn't over. Steer-by-wire is being touted as the way of the future. Its concept is based on video game steering wheels. It will eliminate mechanical steering linkage entirely and be controlled by sensors in the steering wheel. That, however, is a little further down the road. This photo, " Hands on the wheel” by Jimmy Liew used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " Hands on the wheel " 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.

Kia nailed it with the millennial generation when it launched the Soul in 2010. Was it the marketing campaign with those music-loving paw-tapping hamsters, the quirky boxy design, or the affordable price? What's clear is that Kia made a conscious decision to target the Soul at millennials, and they succeeded. That winning recipe continues in 2017. more It's a Crossover Crossovers are all the rage at the moment. The Soul is a subcompact crossover that's been voted the best in its class. It's not a grown-up SUV with all the bells and whistles but a small car with that SUV feel. This is one reason it's so popular with millennials. Hatchbacks are so last year. Crossovers are what everyone wants. Three Trims for Every Type of Millennial The Soul comes in three trims. The Base model, in manual or automatic, has a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 130 horsepower output. The manual costs $16,100, ideal for younger millennials looking for value for money. If you prefer an automatic, you'll pay $1,600 more. The Plus (+) has a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic shifting. A 2.0-liter engine offers a bit more power. On the + you get extra features like cruise control with steering-mounted controls, rear-camera display, and automatic temperature control. A new turbocharged version called Exclaim (!) joins the 2017 lineup. This is exciting news for those wanting more oomph and snazzier styling. The ! features a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a sport mode, and a 1.6-liter turbocharged direct injection engine that puts out 201 horsepower. The design is edgier with broader 18-inch wheels and red accents on the exterior. This follows through on the interior with orange stitching contrasting against black cloth and leather seats. Must-have Technology Millennials are a tech-savvy generation. They've been plugged into cell phones and PlayStations since they were kids. Driving around in a car from the 80s just won't work. The Soul meets the basic technology needs with a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a USB port, and SiriusXM radio. For more features, move up to the + that has a five-inch color touch-screen and a navigation system. Since the first Soul, millennials loved that the speaker lights glow and pulse to the beat of the music. That cool feature remains an option for the + and ! trims. If you really can't exist without mobile phone connectivity, then the ! is for you. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a seven-inch infotainment system with voice-command functionality. The ! ups the game a bit more with supervision meter cluster with 4.3-inch color LCD display and push-button start. Spacious and Comfortable This may be a small car but it is deceptively large. The 40.9 inches of front legroom and 39.1 inches of rear legroom keep front and back passengers comfortable. As for cargo space — fold down the rear seats and you'll have 61.3 inches of cargo room. This means the Soul suits both the single college kid and the 30-year old parents with a small family. The Kia Soul is great bang for your buck and it's cute, spunky, and fun to drive. No wonder millennials and those street cool hip hamsters love it. This photo, " Souls” by Bill Smith used under CC BY 2.o. " Souls " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

If you're a recent college graduate, you'll probably have to deal with student loan payments, rent, utility bills, and many other expenses, along with the low pay that comes with an entry-level job. The Kia Optima is a midsize car with a low price and great fuel economy. It even has hybrid options and many features that are usually found only in more expensive vehicles. Here are some more reasons the Optima is optimal for recent college grads. more A Comfortable Interior The 2017 Kia Optima has a quiet, spacious cabin and a convenient touchscreen with satellite radio. Buttons on the steering wheel let drivers access many features, like Bluetooth and cruise control, easily. Keep all your electronics working with up to two 12-volt outlets and a USB port. You can also add two extra USB ports and an outlet in the back seat. Large dome lights on the driver's side and the passengers' side make finding random stuff under the seats at night easy. The 60/40 split folding rear seats make it easy to carry large items. It's like having the looks of a car and the cargo capacity of an SUV. Additional options include smartphone integration, heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a 10-way adjustable passenger seat, a panoramic sunroof, and more. Great Performance and Fuel Efficiency The Kia Optima is fun to drive and it gets great mileage. The standard, 185-horsepower LX has a 2.4-liter engine, and it gets 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The turbocharged, 178-horsepower LX 1.6T gets 28 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway. All the trim levels have direct injection, and a 6-speed automatic transmission is standard. The SX and the SX Limited offer 245 horsepower, but they both get 22 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. These are still good numbers, and you can enjoy exhilarating power. Lots of Safety Features The 2017 Kia Optima's advanced safety features will keep your parents from worrying too much when you're on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA gave it a 5-Star Crash Safety Rating. It has comprehensive airbags and high-tech systems to control airbag inflation. All seats come with three-point seatbelts, and the front seatbelts are height-adjustable for fit and comfort. The Traction Control System keeps the wheels from spinning during acceleration, and Vehicle Stability Management adds increased control in harsh conditions. The Optima also has Electronic Stability Control and Hill-Start Assist Control. The Brake Assist System increases braking when needed to prevent collisions, and it's made from more than 50 percent Advanced High-Strength Steel. Kia's College Graduate Incentive Program gives all college graduates a $400 discount on 2016, 2017, and 2018 models. You just need a copy of your diploma or a letter from your registrar's office saying you graduated in the last 12 months. The comfortable, inexpensive Optima is great for commuting. It offers a variety of options for everyone, from people with English degrees to medical school graduates. This photo, “ Kia Optima SXL 1,” by Zytonits used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “ Kia Optima SXL 1” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

If you hit a parked vehicle in the street or parking lot, don't panic — it happens more often than you think. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, nearly six percent of all motor vehicle collisions involve parked cars. In order to resolve the situation as quickly as possible, follow these steps after the accident. more Remain at the Scene of the Accident Once you realized you've hit a vehicle, stay calm. Instincts may tell you to flee, especially if it looks like no one was around to see what happened. Never leave the scene of an accident. There are much greater legal consequences for hit-and-runs than for at-fault accidents where you follow the correct protocol. Also, many businesses and parking lots have hidden cameras that could detect your license plate and vehicle information, making it easy to track you down later. If you do decide to flee the scene, and later end up getting caught, you will likely end up paying much more out-of-pocket than you would have for any ticket or minor increase in auto insurance. Hit-and-runs count as a major violation, and you'll likely end up paying higher tickets and higher insurance rates than if you would have just reported the accident. Try to Find the Vehicle Owner If the accident takes place in a parking lot, the vehicle owner probably will not take very long to return to their car. Look around and wait a few minutes for the owner to approach the vehicle. If you can't locate them, you can stop anyone who witnessed the accident and ask for their information. Assess the Situation Get out of your car to look at the damage done both to your car and the other one. If you have a smart phone or camera, take pictures of the site of impact on each vehicle. You can use these photos later when auto insurance companies are appraising the damage. Even if the mark on the other car is very small, stay there and take pictures. Even seemingly minor dents and dings can end up costing into the thousands of dollars to repair. Notify Appropriate Parties If the owner is nowhere in sight, find a pen and paper and leave a note in their windshield. The note should only include basic information: your name, address, phone number, and a brief neutral account of what happened. If you have it, also include your insurance company name and policy number. If you were driving someone else's car, leave their contact and insurance information. Try not to explicitly admit fault or sound overly apologetic in your note. Anything you say or write may be used against you as adjusters investigate the claim. You should also contact your insurance company within 24 hours of the incident. If there is damage to your vehicle and you have collision coverage on your policy, you can file a claim to fix your vehicle, and you will only have to pay the deductible out-of-pocket. Your policy can also pay to fix the other person's vehicle through your property damage liability coverage. Getting into any kind of car accident can be stressful. As long as you cover these bases after hitting a parked car, both you and the other driver will be able to move on from the incident and fix any damage as quickly as possible. This photo, “ Car hit by shopping cart 01,” by Alan Sim used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “ Car hit by shopping cart 01” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o 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.