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Taking your family out to eat isn't always an easy task. If you end up at a place that isn't as welcoming to families, you might feel uncomfortable, while pricier establishments make it feel like you're spending a small fortune. But here in the Dickinson, Texas, area, you can find several restaurants that welcome your family and make the experience more affordable. more Gio's Flying Pizza & Pasta Most kids love pizza, so Gio's Flying Pizza & Pasta is a great spot to take your family. It's located on FM 517 W., just west of I-45 South, in Dickinson. Dine in for dinner and choose from a variety of pizza and pasta dishes, like Pizza Blanco, topped with creamy Alfredo sauce and three types of cheese, or the meat special, piled high with bacon, pepperoni, hamburger, Canadian bacon, and Italian sausage. If you'd rather eat at home, this restaurant offers takeout and pizza delivery within the area. The children's menu includes two pasta options along with chicken tenders for pickier eaters. Jimmy Changas Located in League City, which is less than five miles from Dickinson, is Jimmy Changas. This Tex-Mex spot offers several tools that make dining with your family more enjoyable, like the free app that allows you to view the wait time and add your party to the list (for groups with six people or fewer). Younger kids often struggle with waiting for a table, so this will simplify the process. The kid's menu is available for those ages 12 and under and includes favorites like mini cheese quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas, chicken nuggets, and macaroni and cheese, served with a drink and soft-serve ice cream. The menu also includes tasty appetizers, soups and salads, grilled entrees, and Tex-Mex favorites. Gluten-free options also are available. Jimmy's also has a full bar. Red River Bar-B-Que & Grill Another family-friendly dining spot in the area is Red River Bar-B-Que & Grill, where you can enjoy delicious and authentic Texas barbecue with the whole gang. Smoked meats on the menu include pulled pork, spicy sausage, brisket, ribs, and chicken. Each entrée comes with mouth-watering side dishes like potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes with gravy, onion rings, French fries, baked beans, or pinto beans. Kids ages 12 and under can try a meat plate or stick to the basics, such as a corn dog, hot dog, grilled cheese sandwich, burger, or chicken tenders, served with fries and a drink. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of homemade coconut, chocolate, lemon, or pecan pie, or some peach cobbler served warm with ice cream. Kelley's Country Cookin' Also in League City, Kelley's Country Cookin' offers classic Southern comfort food that your family will enjoy. Breakfast is available all day, so if your children love eggs, French toast, or pancakes, make sure to come here. The menu also includes lunch and dinner options for kids, such as a hot dog, grilled cheese sandwich, fish sticks, or strips of chicken or country-fried steak. You can also find heart-healthy menu options along with daily specials and promotions for seniors. Give yourself a break from cooking tonight and head to one of these family-friendly restaurant locations in the Dickinson area. This photo, “ Pershing Hill hosts WATCH D.O.G.S. father initiative,” by Fort George G. Meade Public Affairs Office used under CC BY 2.o. “ Pershing Hill hosts WATCH D.O.G.S. father initiative” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

If you've ever climbed into the car of a pet owner and noticed an unpleasant odor or messy interior, you may be looking for ways to prevent that from happening in your own car. You don't have to stop transporting your furry friends; just follow a few easy tips to help keep your car clean. more Cover Your Seats Both dogs and cats have sharp nails that can easily scratch leather or put a hole in your vehicle's cloth upholstery. You can protect the seats with covers, available in a variety of colors, designs, and materials. There are several styles available, like a sheet option or a padded version that makes the seats more comfortable. Invest in Heavy-Duty Floor Mats One of the problems that pet owners often face within their vehicles is odors that sink into the upholstery. If your pup gets carsick and vomits on the floor or struggles to control his or her bladder on long trips, you'll be glad that you have heavy-duty rubber mats protecting the upholstery. It's hard to totally remove strong odors from carpeting, so keep the mats firmly in place whenever your pets are in the car. Eliminate Odors Animals tend to give off odors, so even a short ride with Fido can lead to a stinky car. Spritz a fabric refresher on the upholstery, then take another whiff. If it still smells like a wet dog, try sprinkling some baking soda on the carpet and allow it to sit for about 24 hours. Finish the cleaning process by vacuuming up the baking soda. You also may want to use an air freshener in your car to keep the air smelling sweet. Get Rid of Hair If your pet feels stressed during car rides, he or she might shed more than usual. Keep a lint roller handy so you can quickly clean off any fur left on the seats. A seat cover will keep the hair from sticking to your seats, but if you'd rather leave them uncovered, you can also apply a treatment of Scotchgard or another fabric coating. If bits of fur get trapped in the fibers of your carpet, use a fine-grain pumice stone to work them free. Clean the Windows When your dog gets excited on a car ride, he probably puts his paws up to get a better view and sticks his cold, wet nose against the window. This often results in mud streaks on the interior along with nose prints on the windows, so clean it up with products like Windex wipes and Armor All car interior cleaner. You may also want to keep a handheld vacuum in the car to immediately clean up any dirt or mud that's tracked in on your dog's paws. Your car doesn't have to smell like a litter box or wet, stinky dog, even if you transport your pets on a regular basis. Routinely cleaning your car's interior will help prevent odors and keep it looking nice. Image by PublicDomainPictures, used under CCO 1.0

If you want to experience true Southern life, check out these classic activities that you can do in or near Houston, Texas. more Dance the Two-Step Grab your cowboy boots and head to Big Texas Dance Hall and Saloon for a fun evening of dancing. There are two locations in the Greater Houston Area, and the dance hall holds up to 850 people. On Friday and Saturday evenings, it'll be full to capacity, but you'll enjoy a country vibe with decorative wagon wheels, Texas flags, and stuffed foxes adorning the interior. Three large bars keep the drinks flowing all night, and it's one place that still allows smoking indoors. Be sure to check out the wall of video games, including classics like the Terminator 2 pinball machine. Visit the Beach The beaches near Houston offer unique experiences to visitors. Quaint beach towns with shop-lined streets and plenty of surfers are within an hour-long drive from Houston, so you can enjoy a beach getaway without having to spend too much time getting there. Surfside Beach is one of the favorite destinations, home to burger bars and tiny restaurants that serve fresh, tasty seafood. You can also bring your furry friends to this spot, since dogs and horses are allowed. Stewart Beach is a great destination for families, with its souvenir shops, a snack bar, and a boardwalk with rides. Check Out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo There are few activities more quintessentially Southern than the rodeo, so if you want to feel like a true Texan, be sure to visit the annual event. It runs for 19 days in either February or March of each year, and while the rodeo and livestock show seem like the main events, there are activities for all ages. Performers take the stage every evening, so you can enjoy live music or comedy acts, and carnival rides will help take you back in time. There is also a rodeo parade, midway games, and plenty of stands selling unique and tasty food and drink. Catch a Sporting Event Depending on the season, you can enjoy a variety of sporting events in Houston. During the fall, cheer on the Texans at NRG Stadium, or root for the Rockets at Toyota Stadium between October and April. If you prefer baseball, you can also catch an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, located close to the center of Houston. Eat Good Food Texas is best known for its BBQ, so make sure to sample some of the smoked meat topped with tangy, sweet sauce while you're in the area. Chef Ronnie Killen serves award-winning dishes at Killen's Barbecue, with tender brisket, beef ribs, and house-made sausage links on the menu. Gatlin's BBQ is another top choice, serving baby back ribs, spareribs, and beef ribs, all paired with dirty rice and beans. Don't forget to finish your meal with a classic Southern dessert like cobbler or banana pudding. After tackling any or all of these Southern activities, you'll be nearly ready to call yourself a Houston local. This photo, “ Rave Wave Ride at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Carnival,” by Katie Haugland Bowen used under CC BY 2.o. “ Rave Wave Ride at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Carnival” is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

Over the past few years, Kia vehicles have become better and better. Improved features add comfort and functionality to the sedans, SUVs, and minivans from the South Korean auto manufacturer. As you head into 2017, you may want to consider starting the New Year with a brand new Kia vehicle. more Safety Features and Ratings Many of the 2017 Kia models have standard or available safety features that help keep the driver and passengers safe. These include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and a rearview camera. Kia also earned five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for its vehicles in every category. Several Kia vehicles are IIHS Top Safety Picks, including the Sedona, Sportage, and Optima. If safety is a major priority for you, making the switch to a Kia vehicle is the right choice. Cars That Hold Their Value Some vehicles lose a substantial amount of value as soon as you drive them off the dealership lot, but Kia cars and SUVs hold their value well. You will take an initial hit of depreciation in the first couple of years, but because they come at much lower prices than their competitors, the loss isn't quite as bad. If you choose to sell your Kia in the near future, the vehicle should be worth a good portion of what you paid for it, as long as you keep it in good condition. Regular maintenance and cleaning will help keep it in great shape. Leading Warranty There are few things more frustrating than experiencing a problem with your vehicle shortly after purchasing it from a dealership. You've already spent a lot of money on your new car, so shelling out hundreds or even thousands more for repairs is less than appealing. But with the warranty coverage offered on all new Kia vehicles, you won't have to worry about this problem. Every brand new Kia comes with a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, along with 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and a five years of roadside assistance coverage without a limit on mileage. If you opt for a hybrid Kia vehicle, the battery in your new car comes with a lifetime warranty. This is unheard of in the automotive industry, and it's one more area where Kia stands out from other car manufacturers. Packed with Tech Features Whether you're a commuter or someone who drives less often, it's always nice to stay connected and take advantage of technology while on the go. 2017 Kia models come with a variety of tech features, including Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio, UVO infotainment and telematics system, smartphone app integration, voice recognition, and HD and satellite radio. It's clear that Kia is moving up quickly in terms of overall value and high-end features, so 2017 is the perfect year to upgrade to a brand new sedan, minivan, or SUV that better suits your needs. No matter what you're looking for from your next vehicle, you can find a Kia that exceeds your expectations. This photo, “ Kia Sportage LX 2.0 2017,” by RL GNZLZ used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “ Kia Sportage LX 2.0 2017” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

The Kia Sportage is a spacious and comfortable crossover SUV that has quickly become a top seller. The 2017 Sportage LX is reasonably priced but comes equipped with plenty of features. more Full Exterior Redesign When you catch a glimpse of the 2017 Sportage, you'll immediately notice that Kia completely redesigned the exterior. Some of the unique features include the cluster-style ice cube lights on the front, which complement the aggressive front fascia. The grille is also larger than what was on the outgoing model, creating a more vertical front end that adds character and sets it apart from the other compact crossovers on the road. The LX trim also includes LED running lights, rear privacy-tinted windows, automatic headlights, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Improved Suspension for a Smoother Ride Drivers of the past Sportage models often complained about the firm ride, making it less comfortable for longer trips or car rides with young children. Kia engineers responded to this criticism by completely overhauling the suspension of the 2017 model. New dual-member shock absorber housings paired with a dual lower-arm setup work together to provide a smoother ride. The struts at the front of the car also underwent a redesign, helping to grip changing road surfaces better and improve stability. The overall result of these changes is a stable, smooth car that's easy to handle. Selectable Driving Modes In the past, only high-end luxury vehicles offered selectable driving modes, but the 2017 Kia Sportage is showing off this feature in its base LX model. The three available modes are Normal, Eco, and Sport, so you can get the feel you want out of the car. Eco improves fuel economy while Sport focuses on performance, and Normal sits right between the two sides. Interior Luxuries When redesigning the Kia Sportage, designers also added new features to make the interior feel more luxurious. Standard features on the LX include a 5-inch touch screen display, rear climate vents for improved comfort, a six-speaker sound system with an auxiliary jack, a USB port, and satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio. In older models, the backseat of this small SUV felt cramped for taller passengers, but part of the improved design added several inches to the length. You'll really notice a difference when comparing the size of the rear seat between the outgoing model and the 2017. The seating capacity remains at five. Plenty of Room Most SUV buyers are looking for vehicles that are versatile and functional. One of the areas of importance is typically the size of the cargo area, since you're probably looking to haul plenty of stuff. The 2017 Sportage LX has a cargo area that measures 30.7 cubic feet, marking an increase of more than four cubic feet from the previous model. With the rear seats down, it jumps to 54.6 cubic feet. Although the LX trim of the 2017 Kia Sportage is the base model, it comes with a variety of features that make it feel high-end. Image by DealerOn

Family car buyers tend to have a different set of priorities than someone who is shopping for a commuter car or a truck. Safety is typically at the very top of the priority list since you're transporting precious cargo in the seats. These Kia vehicles, available now at Gay Family Kia, have impressive safety features and top ratings, along with comfort and convenience extras that will help you and your family to enjoy the drive. more Kia Sedona It's hard to make a list of family cars without including a minivan. With seating for up to eight passengers, along with a roomy interior and easy accessibility, the Kia Sedona is a great choice for families. You can also change the interior configuration to generate more space for cargo by folding down the third row of seats. The second row also folds against the front seats, giving you ample space to transport bulky items. The optional around-view camera gives you a clear shot of what's around you as you drive in reverse or maneuver into a parking space. You can also add optional safety features to your Sedona, such as blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning. Government crash testing awarded the 2016 Sedona with five out of five stars for overall crash protection, total front-impact safety, and total side-impact safety. Kia Optima If you have a smaller family and a sedan offers enough space, check out the 2016 Kia Optima. It's easy to drive and very efficient, getting up to 39 miles per gallon on the highway. The sedan falls under the mid-size sedan classification, but when you climb inside, you'll see that it feels more like a full-size version. The trunk also has almost 16 cubic feet of space, so you can stash a stroller, sports gear, and other items with ease. Every model of the 2016 Optima comes standard with a rearview camera, hill-start assist, and plenty of airbags throughout the interior. You can tack on some optional features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision alert with emergency braking, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, and lane departure warning. In tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Optima earned perfect five-star ratings in overall crash protection, as well as frontal and side crash and rollover protection. Kia Soul The stylishly boxy Soul is appealing to drivers who want something a little bit different from the typical family car. The 2016 model is very safe, earning a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA, along with five stars for frontal and side crash protection, and four stars for rollover protection. Every model comes with traction and stability control, active front head restraints, and anti-lock brakes, and available features include forward collision warning and lane departure warning. You don't have to sacrifice safety to get a reliable and an affordable vehicle. It may surprise you to see just how much each of these Kia models has to offer. This photo, “ Kia Soul 1.6 EX 2015,” by RL GNZLZ used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “ Kia Soul 1.6 EX 2015” is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

As the holidays draw near, many people in the Houston, Texas, area are looking for new events and activities to add to their list of traditions. Check out these spots to get into the holiday spirit. more Zoo Lights Starting in mid-November, the Houston Zoo transforms into a holiday spectacular with amazing displays of lights and other decorations. The event runs through mid-January, so you can visit the zoo before or after Christmas to see more than 2 million twinkling lights. Visitors can also walk through the animal enclosures, and while some of the animals will be asleep, certain types are more active at night. The event also includes a holiday train, an interactive talking zebra, an Enchanted Forest, and Holly Berry, a classic Cadillac that puts on a light show to music. Admission is between $10 and $20 per person. Festival of Lights The Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens is a favorite among families in the area. It's one of the largest holiday celebrations within the region, showing off more than a million lights with 100 animated displays that are set to music. After you walk through the lights, visit the outdoor ice skating rink, take a photo with Santa Claus, and enjoy a ride down the Arctic Slide. The Festival of Lights takes place daily from 6 to 10 p.m. through January 8, 2017. Admission is $10.95 with ice skating, and the arctic slide costs $7 per single ride, $20 for 10 rides, or $25 for an all-day ride pass. If you visit the festival on a Thursday, bring a nonperishable food item to receive two-for-one admission. Donated items will go to local food banks. Discovery Green If you're looking for outdoor attractions, pay a visit to Discovery Green, the spacious park in Downtown Houston. There is something here for everyone, from a massive canopy of LED lights to a display of lighted colorful bouquets of flowers. You'll also find an outdoor ice skating rink, suitable for all ages. Admission to the park is free, although skating costs between $8 and $17, which includes skate rental. Alley Theatre Catch a holiday-themed show at the Alley Theatre, where you'll find two options that run through the end of December. "A Christmas Carol – A Ghost Story of Christmas" is better for families, telling Charles Dickens' classic tale of the power of the Christmas season, while "The Santaland Diaries" is an adults-only comedy that brings the words of David Sedaris to life. Tickets range from $35 to $130, depending on the date and seating area. The Nutcracker This ballet performance is another favorite among those who enjoy dance and the well-known story of Clara and her journey through the Kingdom of Sweets and the Land of Snow. The show takes place at the Wortham Theater Center on December 5 and 6, 12 and 13, 18 through 24, 26, and 27. Tickets start at $39. With activities for people of all ages taking place in Houston this December, it's easy to find events and happenings that will become new favorites among your family and friends. This photo, “ festival of lights Dec 23 rd 2010,” by Mark Taylor Cunningham used under CC BY 2.o. “ festival of lights Dec 23 rd 2010 " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

History fans and those who appreciate classic architecture will enjoy a trip to Houston, Texas, where you'll find some of the most interesting sites in the country. From museums to nature reserves to monuments, Houston is home to some attractions that you just can't miss. more Washington on the Brazos Nearly two centuries ago, delegates from settlements across what is now known as Texas met together to draft and sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, creating a constitution for the newly formed republic. The spot where that took place sits within the 293-acre historical site called Washington on the Brazos, and it now includes a variety of other things to see. Start at the Visitor's Center to see interactive exhibits that teach about the Texas Revolution timeline, then browse through the Star of the Republic Museum. Other attractions within this massive site include Independence Hall, the Barrington Living History Farm, and the Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site. Before you leave, pay a visit to the Washington Emporium Gift Shop to pick up souvenirs. San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History This historical site is in La Porte, which is about 30 miles from Houston. It honors the brave soldiers who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. When you visit the museum, you can learn more about the tumultuous history of the Spanish Southwest and Texas, and how relationships formed between these regions. Collections in the Museum of History include French trappings from a 1684 expedition, Spanish art, treasure, and arms, antique weapons, artifacts from the Civil War and early America, and ancient Aztec and Mayan artifacts. The San Jacinto Monument stands 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument, making it the tallest war memorial in the world. The grounds also include the USS Texas, a warship built more than 100 years ago. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the ship. Rice University If you're looking for a place to see unbelievable architecture, Rice University is the place to go. The campus spans over 300 acres, with more than 70 main buildings that showcase unique style and design elements. McNair Hall, which houses the Jones School of Business, is an especially famous building, situated in front of the main campus fountain. Market Square When the founders of the city laid out plans for the area, those plans included Market Square. It served as the commercial hub of Houston when built in 1836, so when you visit the spot today, you can get a glimpse into what life was like in the city more than 100 years ago. Take a walk through Market Square Park and dine on delicious cuisine, such as the contemporary American fare at Hearsay Gastro Lounge or Latin entrees at Batanga. Houston is a city rich with history, so if you're looking to learn more about the area, visit these fascinating attractions in the area. Visitors enjoy learning more about the struggle to gain independence and how the city became what it is today. This photo, " 20080419_7143,” by etee used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " 20080419_7143 " is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Whether you're looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle to take on your daily commute or a better car for your family, Kia has what you're looking to buy. With a variety of sedans and SUVs in various sizes, there are plenty of options available on the market. more Kia Forte The Forte got a full redesign in 2014, so the 2016 model continues that new look and style. It's available in a sedan, hatchback, and coupe, but it's the sedan that gets the best fuel economy. There are several engine and transmission configurations available, but the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an automatic transmission comes in ahead of the pack at 31 miles per gallon combined, or 26 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. The manual transmission is only slightly lower, with an estimated rating of 30 mpg combined, 25 mpg in the city, and 37 mpg on the highway. Kia Rio This subcompact sedan is another leader in terms of efficiency. It's actually more comfortable inside than it may look from the exterior, with high-quality materials and roomy seating areas. Beneath its hood you'll find a four-cylinder 1.6-liter engine that puts out 123 pound-feet of torque and 138 horsepower. The EPA estimates that a 2016 Rio with either a manual or automatic transmission will get an average of 31 mpg combined or 27 mpg in the city. The difference comes in highway driving, since the manual transmission vehicle comes in at 38 mpg while the automatic drops by one at 37 mpg. You can also add the Eco package to the Rio EX, which includes an automatic start-stop system that will shut down the engine when you come to a stop. When you take your foot off the brake, the engine immediately re-engages. With that package, the estimate in the city increases to 28 mpg. Kia Optima Hybrid A hybrid vehicle typically comes in higher than a standard model, so the Kia Optima Hybrid has many others beat. It's a midsize sedan that comes packed with features like automatic dual-zone climate control, a refrigerated glove box, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry and ignition, all standard on the base model. Its engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder model that works in conjunction with a six-speed automatic transmission and an electric motor. Combined, the engine and motor put out 235 pound-feet of torque and 199 horsepower. There are two trim levels available on this vehicle, and the fuel economy estimates are slightly different between them. The base gets a combined estimate of 38 mpg, which breaks down to 36 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. The upper trim level, EX, drops a bit to 37 mpg combined, or 35 (city) and 39 (highway). These vehicles vary in size but each offers excellent fuel economy that will save you some money at the pump. With these options available to buyers, along with several other fuel-efficient Kia models, it's easy to pick the perfect car for you and your family. This photo, " Kia rio5 1.4 EX 2016,” by RL GNZLZ used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " Kia rio5 1.4 EX 2016 " is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

Whether you're in Houston for a vacation or live in the area, there are few attractions that you simply can't miss. more Houston Zoo The Houston Zoo provides a unique look into the wildlife that lives in the area as well as animals that come from around the globe. More than 6,000 animals live at the zoo, and over 2 million people come to see them each year. A trip to the Houston Zoo can help children and adults learn more about the world around them while fostering knowledge and appreciation for various animals. During the month of October, the zoo also hosts Zoo Boo, an event that allows families to celebrate Halloween together. It includes trick-or-treating and a variety of other Halloween-themed activities for kids. The Houston Museum of Natural Science This spot is the most popular museum in Houston, and for good reason. The exhibits available for visitors to view include those that educate about nature, history, art, and other cultures. There are three permanent exhibits at the museum: the Hall of Ancient Egypt, which offers a unique look into the life of an ancient Egyptian, the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where you can learn more about prehistoric life and the dinosaurs, and the Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall, which showcase a variety of large species of fish. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and admission is $25 for adults, $15 for kids ages 3-11, college students, and seniors, $8 for military personnel, and free for kids under age 2. You can check out the three permanent exhibits for free on Thursdays from 2-5 p.m. Minute Maid Park The Houston Astros play at Minute Maid Park, so during baseball season, be sure to pick up tickets to a game. If you can't make it during the regular season, you can still take a tour of the ballpark and learn more about the history of the team. There are plenty of concessions available for sale, and some of the favorites include fare from Extreme Dogs, where you can build your own specialty hot dog, Hand Made Funnel Cakes, Kickin' Nacho Portable, and Little Bigs, where chefs serve up pulled pork and burger sliders. Children's Museum of Houston When you're in Houston with kids, make a plan to visit the Children's Museum of Houston. Its purpose is to transform communities throughout the area through child-centered and innovative learning. Here kids can enjoy hands-on educational experiences that teach them about art, history, science, culture, nature, and much more. There is something for all ages, including the Tot*Spot, which has activities that are ideal for young children up to 35 months. Buffalo Bayou Park Get outside at Buffalo Bayou Park, a winding 160-acre space that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. It includes a nature play area, hiking and biking trails, a dog park, and places to sit, relax, and enjoy the tranquil setting. Instead of doing the typical dinner and a movie outing this weekend, make a plan to visit some of these cool spots throughout Houston. This photo, " Houston Children’s Museum,” by sikeri used under CC BY 2.o. " Houston Children’s Museum " is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

The 2017 Kia Sportage looks and feels very different from previous model years of this vehicle. It's spacious and comfortable and comes with plenty of high-end features that offer a more luxurious ride. more Exterior Styling Improvements Not only does the outside of the car look drastically different from the last model, but the 2017 Sportage is also stronger and more rigid. In fact, 51 percent of its body is made with high-strength advanced steel, compared to just 18 percent used on the 2016. The result is an improvement of torsional rigidity by 39 percent. The integrity of its body is also better because engineers and designers added hot-stamped steel on the roof structure, wheel arches, A-, B-, and C-pillars, and side sills. It shows off an aggressive front end with high-placed headlights, an oversized grille, and LED daytime running lights. Another unique new feature of the exterior is the cluster of fog lights, which resembles an ice cube. Upgrades Beneath the Hood Many of the other compact crossover SUV manufacturers are doing away with the option for a more powerful engine, but the 2017 Kia Sportage still has the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that gives the car an advantage over its competitors. It produces 260 pound-feet of torque and 241 horsepower, making the Sportage one of the only options in its class that has an engine that produces more than 200 hp. Another cool feature is the three available driving modes, which was something that used to cost a lot of extra money to have. The normal mode balances acceleration with fuel economy, while the Eco mode helps you save on gas costs by getting a few extra miles per gallon. Sport mode makes driving performance the top priority, improving the handling and feel around tight curves. Interior Updates When you climb into a 2017 Sportage, you'll also notice some major differences from the outgoing model. The first selling point is an optimized interior, adding more space for passengers as well as cargo. The cargo area offers 30.7 cubic feet of room for your family's gear, and you can fold down the rear seats to increase the capacity to 60.1 cubic feet. There are plenty of tech features available as standard and optional upgrades, including the newest version of Kia's infotainment system, called UVO3. The different trim levels have varying sizes of touchscreen displays, ranging from five to eight inches in size. You can also get extra USB charging ports on the higher trim levels and Android Auto as a standard feature on the EX and SX models. New and Improved Safety Features The 2017 Sportage is the second car in Kia's lineup to include a full suite of active safety tech features, like blind-spot warning with rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. Spring for the highest trim level to get all of these high-end features. If you're in the market for a compact crossover, take the 2017 Kia Sportage for a test drive to see just what it has to offer. This photo, " 2017 Kia Sportage SX arriere,” by Zytonits used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " 2017 Kia Sportage SX arriere " is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

Here in Dickinson, Texas, there are a number of activities and events held during the fall season. Make a plan to check out at least one of them during your free time and take advantage of what the season brings. more Shrine of the True Cross Fall Festival This annual event takes place each year at Shrine of the True Cross, a church in Dickinson. This year it will be on October 16 and includes plenty of delicious food options, such as a chicken fried steak dinner, burgers, corn on the cob, Mexican entrees, hot dogs, spiral fried potatoes, refreshing cold treats, drinks, and funnel cakes. The Artisan Alley has homemade baked goods and handmade treats for sale, while the plant booth showcases some of the beautiful greenery that is local to the area and grown by parishioners. Donors provide goodies for the live and silent auction, and the cake room offers a spot where you can purchase a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The event also has games and activities for kids, and they can earn prizes. Texas Renaissance Festival The Texas Renaissance Festival is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. It takes place in Houston, which is about 30 miles northwest of Dickinson. Kids get in free on Sundays and the festival hosts themed weekends, and the themes in late October are spooky and festive for Halloween. On October 22 and 23, you can participate in a Pirate Adventure, one of the most popular themed weekends, that includes a contest for Best Dressed Pirate, a fish and chips eating contest, and plenty of libations. On October 29 and 30, the festival transforms into a Halloween spectacular with activities for all ages. The shops within the village provide candy to children who want to trick-or-treat, and be sure to wear your finest attire if you want to participate in the costume contest. There is also a kettle corn eating contest for adults. Later on during the fall, you can participate in a Roman Bacchanal, Barbarian Invasion, or Highland Fling. Ziegenbock Music Festival If you love country music and spending time outdoors, be sure to buy tickets for the Ziegenbock Music Festival. This year marks the 14 th year in a row of the festival and the lineup is appealing to those who love the sounds of country singers. There are three days of music on three different stages, food, autograph sessions, meet & greets, cowboy hat and t-shirt giveaways, and other outdoor activities. It takes place at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and starts on October 15. If you're looking to make a whole weekend out of the event, reserve an RV space for $125 and enjoy the exclusive option to go back and forth between the RV camping area and festival space. Bands and singers on the lineup include Jaida Dreyer, Josh Abbott Band, The New Offenders, Jessie Raub Jr., Kevin Fowler, and many more. If you're in the Dickinson area this fall, be sure to make a plan to attend these events. With family friendly options and places that are better for adults, there is something for everyone. This photo, " Texas Renaissance Festival 2008,” by Jeremy Van Dyke used under CC BY 2.o. " Texas Renaissance Festival 2008 " is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.