Dust off your hats and raise a toast with your mint juleps—tomorrow is Kentucky Derby Day, but the party starts with Oaks Day at Sam Houston Race Park. This is Houston’s largest and most thrilling Derby celebration, with a weekend of fun activities planned.

Meagan Tehseldar is a mom on a mission. The dedicated teacher at Texas Virtual Academy Hallsville, has long been passionate about creating welcoming spaces for everybody, no matter their abilities, both in the classroom and beyond. Recently, she partnered with Harris County to place communication boards in two local parks to help non-verbal park goers engage with others and participate in playground activities. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp met up with Tehseldar to learn more.

April is Canine Fitness Awareness Month, a time to focus on the health and well-being of our furry friends.

Part of the policy would restrict facility usage and athletic competitions based on biological gender and require staff to notify parents if their child wants to go by a different gender.

Maven Coffee + Cocktails, located at Sawyer Yards, has quickly become a beloved spot for locals. What began as a simple coffee stand for Houston Astros fans has grown into a vibrant dining destination, thanks in part to the vision of Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his partner, Juan Carlos de Aldecoa.

Landry’s Spring Break Houston Adventure Series: Enjoy the family fun Kemah Boardwalk, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and Downtown Aquarium with the Spring Break Pass!

Fertility treatments (specifically IVF) can cost more than $16,000 per round. Now a new clinic called Positivf has opened in Houston to offer that treatment at about half the cost.

If you have kids, you probably have clutter—clothes they’ve outgrown, toys they no longer play with, and baby gear taking up space. Instead of letting it pile up, why not turn it into cash? The Just Between Friends (JBF) Kids’ Consignment Pop-Up Events are coming to Pearland, Sugar Land, and Humble from Thursday to Saturday, offering parents a chance to buy and sell gently used children’s items.

Spring Break is just around the corner, and you don’t have to travel far to find fun for the family.Starting March 7, the Downtown Aquarium is teaming up with Kemah Boardwalk and Galveston Island Pleasure Pier to offer unlimited fun with one pass at all three parks! For $79.99 per person, you get unlimited access to these three popular attractions for a Spring Break full of adventure and exploration.Houston Life’s Melanie Camp recently checked out the fun at the Downtown Aquarium. The aquarium offers a perfect blend of fun and education, making it an ideal destination for a spring break adventure.

The Harlem Globetrotters, known for their dazzling basketball skills and community outreach, are set to entertain fans in Houston on February 8. The team, which has been thrilling audiences for nearly a century, continues to inspire with their unique blend of athleticism and showmanship.

Houston is home to a professional volleyball team that competes in the League of Volleyball (LOVB), featuring world-class athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Micah Hancock and Jordan Thompson. This team brings international-caliber volleyball to the city, allowing fans to witness top-tier competition right in their backyard.

Houstonians get ready for two days of bull riding action at Toyota Center this weekend when Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Unleash the Beast thunders into town this weekend, January 17-18.

Houston Life's Melanie Camp recently caught up with Bryan Pettigrew, Vice President and General Manager of Texas Racing Operations, to discuss the exciting launch of the 31st season of live thoroughbred racing at Sam Houston Race Park. The season kicked off on January 3 and promises a thrilling lineup of events every Friday through Sunday, with afternoon and night racing.

At Sam Houston Race Park, the buzz of horse racing is not just confined to the tracks. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure the park's smooth running and the well-being of its equine stars.

Dog enthusiasts worldwide converged at the George R. Brown Convention Center for the highly anticipated American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) Nationals this Saturday, Dec 7. Houston Life's Melanie Camp got expert tips from champion dog handler "Bully the Kid" on what you need to know before you welcome a new dog into your family.

"A lot of death happens in them," jokes Houston Ballet principal dancer Jessica Collado of her silk, baby pink ballet slippers. A ballerina's point shoes have a reputation for being tough on the toes, which might be why many ballerinas use the dark nickname "coffins" for their footwear. However, 20 years into her time as a dancer at the Houston Ballet it seems Collado's feet are still happy to keep on dancing.

The bake Shop at All Things Acres in Brenham bakes some pretty special pies. One pie in particular is the Mo Pie U Bourbon Chocolate Pecan pie, which is a big piece of the pie for a very important cause; helping kids who have lost a parent with scholarships to college.

Magical Winter Lights Celebrates 10th Anniversary with New Location and Exciting Attractions. The highly anticipated holiday event, Magical Winter Lights, celebrates its 10th Anniversary at an exciting new venue — the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. This enchanting experience, takes place from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

It is a Houston holiday tradition, "A Christmas Carol" is back at Alley Theatre! Actors Michelle Elaine and Christopher Salazar, who play the roles of Mrs. Fezziwig and Fred, respectively, invited Houston Life’s Melanie Camp on stage to take a look at some of the exciting surprises planned for this year's performance.

“Currently, there are nearly 5,000 children in Texas waiting for a forever home,” State Rep. Gene Wu said. “Many of these children have been waiting for years. I hope that people will come see how much these kids add to the families that adopt them.”

Everything you need to know about Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market 2024.

The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than a trip to Kalahari Resorts. Nestled just a short drive away from Houston, Kalahari offers the perfect year-round getaway, but it truly shines during winter with its extensive indoor amenities making it an ideal escape for families and friends alike.

As the holiday season approaches, many plan festive getaways to celebrate with loved ones. If you are looking for the perfect destination, look no further than San Antonio. Just a short road trip from Houston, this vibrant city transforms into a holiday wonderland filled with lights, culture, and tradition.

Houston's Westchase District has transformed over the years, evolving into a thriving neighborhood connected by trails leading to parks. Home to 100 restaurants Westchase District is quickly becoming known not just as a prime office location but as an ideal place to live, work, and enjoy leisure activities. In recent years, significant investments in public infrastructure have been made to enhance the livability of Westchase District. The introduction of new parks and trails has not only beautified the area but has also made it more appealing for residents and employees alike. Throughout the year, Westchase District celebrates the community with hundreds of free, fun, family events. See what there is to explore!

Get to know the local non-profit CoolxDad inspiring fathers of color and breaking stereotypes.

Lagoonfest has now transformed into a whimsical pumpkin patch of sorts! That’s right, the 12-acre lagoon is now aglow with Pumpkin Lights. Picture massive, lit-up jack-o’-lanterns showcasing designs ranging from dinosaurs and sea creatures to favorite characters from iconic Halloween films. You will find fun for the whole family! Houston Life’s Melanie Camp jumped at the opportunity to visit Lagoonfest and check out the Pumpkins Lights set up.

The countdown is on for the 2024 Texas Renaissance Festival, which begins on October 12. This year, the biggest Renaissance Festival in the nation celebrates its 50th anniversary. Houston Life’s Melanie Camp met with the King to find out what is in store for this year’s event.

KPRC 2 Insiders started the weekend with a party in one of the private event spaces at the Blue Lagoon Bar and Grill in Texas City, toasting beer, wine, and mimosas while overlooking the crystal blue waters of lagoon-fest Texas.

With the rising rent prices, these affordable housing projects come at a vital time.

Last week a brand-new restaurant opened at M-K-T Heights called Buttermilk Baby. Over the weekend, people lined up out the door for a chance to be among the first to get a taste of what is on the menu. Houston life reporter Melanie Camp took us inside Buttermilk Baby to show us what the hype is all about.

On Friday, August 30th, Houston Life celebrated the grand opening of Angel Lagoon in Dayton, Texas. Designed as a beach club and an aqua adventure park, Angel Lagoon is the nation’s first public access lagoon, welcoming both day pass holders and community members. From swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon to riding the inflatable water slides or simply relaxing on the white sandy beaches and enjoying live music, Angel Lagoon has fun for the whole family! It even has the biggest bounce house park in Houston!

Waves of Impact is an incredible organization using the power of the ocean to foster inclusivity. We met a young man with Down Syndrome riding the waves with the organization's help since he was a little kid. Learn how they use surfing to inspire growth, self-esteem, and wellness for children with exceptional challenges.

At Houston Life, we love teachers! This week, we teamed up with our friends at Shell Federal Credit Union to highlight some amazing educators and show them back-to-school love as they return to school for the new year. On Friday, we celebrated Mr. Jose Razo, from North Shore Elementary, a school in Galena Park ISD.

Ms. Carr was busy teaching 5th grade at Roosevelt Alexander Elementary in Katy and had no idea that just outside her door, waiting to come in was a big surprise!

In an effort to offer support and protection to parents facing challenges of caring for their newborns, the Baby Moses law, also known as the Safe Haven law, provides a vital lifeline.

Mrs. Griffith has spent many years in the classroom during her 25 years as a teacher, but never has a TV crew come bursting into class bearing gifts like they did on Wednesday, August 21st!

Teachers can significantly impact their students’ lives and often give more than they receive. This week on Houston Life, we celebrate teachers throughout the greater Houston area by teaming up with our friends from Shell Federal Credit Union to deliver surprise gift baskets. San Jacinto Kindergarten teacher Ms. Kaileigh Dempsey was our Tuesday honoree!

Ms. Nealey was in the middle of teaching class when the Houston Life camera burst in to surprise the second grade teacher. Tearing up over the honor, Ms. Nealey said it was wonderful to be recognized for her work in the classroom.

In two days, Lucas will celebrate his thirteenth birthday and for most of his birthdays, he has had the same big wish...to get an up-close look at an Airbus A380 - the world’s largest passenger airliner.

Trae Tha Truth gives back to the city he loves during Traeday Weekend 2024

Celebrate Father’s Day all weekend-long at Lagoonfest! Enjoy discounts on bourbon, special brunch items, free entry to the Lagoon with brunch, and a free concert.

Did you know you can ride an infinite wave, inland, right here in the Houston area? The Flowrider is new to Lagoonfest and you do not even have to know how to surf to ride the wave!

About 200 homes in this Conroe community are flooded.

The Arboretum grounds are teeming with biodiversity and provide a beautiful sanctuary for native flora and fauna slap bang in the middle of Houston.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is stopping twice in Houston in April.

San Antonio is one of America’s most popular getaways and for us here is Houston, it is just an easy and fun road trip away.

An organization is stepping up to help more than 100 Asian and immigrant families in the Houston area who are limited English speaking.

When planning a surgery, the teams within UTMB Health’s pediatric units are specially trained to understand your child’s needs and they know what is needed to support your whole family through the process.

Along with the regular horse races at Sam Houston Race Park they like to spice things up a bit. Think ostrich racing, even astronaut racing, and something KPRC 2 anchor Sofia Ojeda and senior digital news producer Brittany Taylor were brave enough to try, the camel racing.

Kelly Pritchard, owner of Children's Lighthouse of Lake Houston stopped by with some activities that resonate particularly well with the rodeo spirit with young kids at home.

The beach is just the beginning when it comes to Spring Break fun on Galveston Island and with so much to explore, you might want to plan a stay that is longer than just a day!

Sam Houston features five major stakes races on Saturday, Feb. 16 during its Texas Preview Day.

We can all agree that no hearts are more important on Valentine's Day than our kiddos! Houston Life's Melanie Camp paid a visit to Children's Memorial Hermann Pediatrics in Katy to chat with pediatrician, Dr. Krystal Batchelor, about some of the healthy habits you can teach your children early on, to set up healthy lives in the long run.

The College Football Playoff National Championship is happening Monday, January 8 at NRG Stadium and in the days leading up to the big game, there are all kinds of events, many of them free, happening around town.

Houston-based artist Andrea Nunn grew up in her grandmother's house surrounded by figurines. Drawing on her childhood for inspiration, Andrea created a fun art space that launched a viral painting trend anyone can try!

Spring earned the top spot on GoFundMe’s 2023 list of the most generous communities and cities.

Children are curious. For parents, this means you need to keep a close eye on them to make sure they stay safe while they explore and play.

Several church organizations are holding a turkey giveaway in Houston on Wednesday.

The Magical Winter Lights enchanting holiday spectacle is back shining bright at a new location, in the Katy Mills Mall. From November 17, 2023, to January 7, 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to experience a captivating, light-filled wonderland like never before.

It’s almost time for families and friends to gather and feast on Thanksgiving Day.

Fans of all ages can experience a magical medley of classic and modern tales including Encanto, Moana, Frozen, The Little Mermaid and much more.

Come see the tree lighting at The Galleria on Nov. 11.

It’s time to dust off your pet’s costume!

It is said that teaching is a calling. And, this is very much the case for Coach Isaac Fudge, who teaches, and coaches football, at George Ranch High School in Richmond. “I don’t really feel like I’m working. When you do something that you feel is purpose driven, you know, you don’t often feel like you’re doing a job. So whatever is needed by me for what’s best for our kids, is whatever I’ll end up doing,” he told Houston life. And this, is just one of the many reasons Coach Fudge is the Teachers of Tomorrow 2023 Teacher of the Year.

The bucking bulls at The Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo are worth as much as $100,000. Take a look at what goes into putting on a rodeo.

Back-to-school mental health check for you. how parents can ask their kids better questions and get answers to help open those lines of communication and set your child up for success

Mel Camp is taking us to a ranch in Magnolia where the horses are helping riders with everything from mental health to literacy.

Houston Life Correspondent Melanie Camp spent a day out in Texas City with Lagoonfest (unofficial) VP of Fun, Uri Man, exploring some of the fun ways you can do Lagoonfest right.

No injuries were reported.

Houston celebrated its Pizza Festival on Saturday in the southwest part of the city.

The United States is still in the battle for the Women’s World Cup, and the American Outlaws fan group is organizing a watch party in Houston for the round of 16 game.

A thrilling live arena experience like no other!

These products will make back to school as easy as 1, 2 3!

Popfancy Dessert Bar in Bellaire is inviting all dolls to the its dreamhouse boutique café inspired by Barbie.

Houston Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles is hosting the sixth district family event to share more information about his vision for HISD and to meet families from schools across the district.

Traeday Weekend just gets bigger and bigger every year. Here are the details for 2023 from the man himself, Trae tha Truth

Step into The Wynn Network Plus on Highway 6 in Sugar Land and you will feel like you are stepping back to the days when movie night was a whole thing! The Wynn Network Plus is a family run DVD rental store, event space, and café.

Moody Gardens is where it is at for all your summer fun. Checkout some of the great events they have coming up.

The United States Department of Agriculture provided a $500,00 grant to Rebuilding Together Houston so they can carry out free home repairs for low-income families in Harris County.

Houston Life celebrated World chocolate Day with a fun game. Learn how to play it!

United States Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is hosting an event on Monday for the Beat the Heat program.

Recently, one of our KPRC 2 team members cut into their watermelon this weekend and were excited for their first bite, but saw the inside of their watermelon was cracked. Experts say this is called hollow heart.

As graduation season comes to an end, it is the beginning of a whole new adventure for the class of 2023 as they head out into the world and while it is a really exciting time, it can also be a little daunting. With big life changes like this, some anxiety that can come along with it. Rashard Skinner, Executive Director and therapist at Sapphire Therapy shared advice on how to navigate the road ahead for you and your kids.

June 21 is National Selfie Day.

Learn all about sharks and why we need them at a "Jawsome" new exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

The owners of Star Pizza in Katy found a vintage photo album at their location, and they’re trying to return it to its rightful owner.

We wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day. We hope you enjoy this day with your families and we appreciate all you do.

May the fourth be with you! A few of our friends from the Star Wars Enthusiasts of Houston joined Houston Life for a whole lot of Star Wars themed fun.

Puttshack Houston brings mini golf, a thoughtfully crafted menu, and fun twists to your favorite cocktails to downtown hitting a hole-in-one when it comes to fun!

Anita Lomax is driven to help families who have a young child on the autism spectrum. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Co-owner of Autism Therapy Services, Lomax is dedicating her new space in Missouri City to help open up the world to children with Autism.

A couple of goats are going to be hired to help clear the overgrown grass at the Houston Arboretum.

The Houston Humane Society is offering a $13 cat adoption special in honor of Taylor Swift’s concerts this weekend in the city.

From historical reenactments and beach cleanups to crawfish and cartoon cats, these are a few of our favorite things to do in the Houston area this weekend.

Some big changes are coming to Hermann Park soon.

Texas will soon celebrate the 186th anniversary of the 18-minute battle that secured its independence from Mexico with a day of reenactments and revelry.

Teenagers who want to work closely with Houston Zoo animals can become a Zoo Crew Explorer.

A new immersive gaming center sure to satisfy golf enthusiasts will soon open its doors.

Saltwater or freshwater, it’s all free on June 3.

The Houston area offers several ways to celebrate the natural world. You can eat oysters, walk for the wild, purchase plants, buy a book, or participate in a beach cleanup.

From art cars and tall ships to cartoon cats and Elle Woods, these are a few of our favorite things to do in the Houston area this weekend.