Welcome to JillBJarvis.com! I know there is a lot of information on the website and I hope this page helps get you started.
On this website you will find a full list of Houston weekly events, things to do around the city, travel ideas and resources for parents.
Were you looking for BigKidSmallCity.com? This is it! The name has changed but all the content is the same!
What makes us different?
It’s not just a laundry list of things to do… but actual parent reviews and recommendations. Here’s what I mean…
Last Christmas I was at Target, looking for a Bingo game. I was standing in front of a hundred games and did not see Bingo… but I did see Zingo.
I asked my mom, “If Bingo is good, Zingo must be better, right?”.
Just then, a dad came over and told me that Zingo means there are 10,000 plastic pieces on your rug that won’t fit back into the dispenser and makes everyone angry.
That is not what the box said, but that is a real parent review.
When we provide reviews and recommendations on JillBJarvis.com, we’ve pushed a stroller through the giant crowds, found restrooms in the worst of locations and pleaded with four tired kids to get from the very back of the zoo to the parking lot.
And the recommendations are not just from me… but from Houston parents. I am lucky to get feedback from parents daily.
We also take our own pictures. So, if you see pictures on JillBJarvis.com, it's what we saw when we visited the restaurant, park, museum or Houston venue. On very rare occasion (maybe 10 in 3,000), we'll use a stock photo (when cameras are not allowed inside a venue).
Short on time? Here are popular posts:
- Fun & Free Things to do in Houston, with Kids
- Houston area farms and zoos! A Round Up of Farms, Safaris, Zoos and Ag-Venture around Houston!
- Take a Self-Guided Mural Tour
- Locals Guide to Houston, with Kids
- Things to do in Houston this Week and Weekend! - Updated each Monday for the following week so the list is current.
- 20 Not-Your-Usual Things to Do in Houston, with Kids
- Find a Great Houston Park
You can expect to find new posts every week. These include:
In addition to this, I post current events and things happening around the city, like upcoming elections or how to apply to schools. To catch it all in your inbox, just sign up for the free weekly newsletter HERE.
If you have an idea for a post or would like to submit a guest post, please go HERE!
What do parents say about JillBJarvis.com?
"I have referred tons of parents to Big Kids Small City, especially those that are new to our great city. Jill makes it so easy to just look at her website or weekly post and discover all the cool things to do that weekend with my kids. As a working mom, this has been a huge help. The additions of park recommendations, book reviews, and recipe ideas has also been a great asset." Dr. Caroline Long, West University Wellness
"Thanks so much for this blog. It makes a full-time working mom's job that much easier! I can spend quality, educational time with the kids without having to spend hardly any time planning out the weekends." Neha Agrawal, Houston Mom
"I would like to thank you for all your information on BigKidSmallCity. I am learning English and your page is an opportunity for me to learn more and do more things with my kids. God bless you!" Rossy Gonzalez, Houston Mom
What I want you to know about JillBJarvis.com:
I know just what it's like to be overwhelmed by work, life and family. I spent a lot of years traveling for work, missing big milestones for my kids and feeling bad about everything.
I started this website to make a list of all the events happening around Houston and then pick one to enjoy with my kids. And instead of thinking of all the things I was missing, I started to enjoy the things we were doing together.
If you are a parent that is feeling overwhelmed by all the things you could be doing in Houston... please just use our weekly lists and daily posts as suggestions. Pick one thing to do with your family and intentionally ignore the rest!
Jeanette Martinez says
I am interested in Houston and surrounding
Jennifer Greer says
Where did the map go?
Jill Jarvis says
Here! https://www.jillbjarvis.com/2016/03/houston-citywide-map-things-to-do-in-houston-with-kids/
Jennifer Greer says
Thank you!! 🙂
alice says
Jill do you have Youtube? You would be GREAT at it 🙂
Jill Jarvis says
I have a channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFvSf7AoOz1MyM4dVu3j3qA ) and ONE DAY I'll be great at it. 😉
Jennifer B says
Jill I have a 10 month old baby and I need a place to take her to crawl around and do things with her. Bonus points for free and indoors. Do you have a page for this?
Jill Jarvis says
Jennifer -
Take a look at THIS post for FREE indoor playgrounds!
You could also go to the tot spot at the Children's Museum. This is NOT free... BUT if you go to the Houston Public Library, check out a Flip Kit (for free) and complete the survey and get 4 tickets to the Children's Museum. 🙂
Or check out THESE mulch free playgrounds. They are not indoor... but they are free. 🙂
Paty Padilla says
I'm a single mom, of a special needs 12 yr old boy; are there place we can go that are.cheap and autism friendly?
Jill Jarvis says
Checkout Fun2Go Misters! Janie has tested most venues around Houston and can tell you what is sensory friendly!
Nyle says
Jill, love your articles and the information you provide! You send us to great events and save us a TON of money! You da bomb mom!
Jill Jarvis says
That's the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. 🙂 Thank you!
Molly says
Hi Jill - I love your blog and frequent it, but was surprised to see that you are still listing events. If you could take direction from all the health officials who are recommending people stay home, that would be great.
It would also be nice to list resources for kids stuck at home, like this:
https://vt.co/news/us/here-is-the-entire-list-of-education-companies-offering-free-subscriptions-due-to-school-closures/
Thanks!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks for the note! Those posts were scheduled for weeks... and edited as the city slowly shut down. They have since been removed. Jill
Elaina Mango says
Would love for you to help us spread the word via your amazing mom blog. The Hotze Health & Wellness Center is looking for Mom's who are PTA Leaders or know PTA leaders in Houston. Dr. Hotze want to get our kids back to school and is wiling to do community zoom calls with parents for a "boost your immune systems now and throughout the 20/21 School year for free. Information and a Q&A session for parents with kids in school (all ages). No strings attached just a desire to help get our kids back to school. Please email elaina.mango@hotzehwc.com
Nikki says
Any suggestions for a family weekend getaway with an active 2 yr old? Something with in 3 hours of Houston?
Thank you!
Jill Jarvis says
Nikki -
Usually I would send you this list: https://www.jillbjarvis.com/what-are-the-best-texas-roadtrips-to-take-from-houston-with-kids/
This was compiled before social distancing... but it might give you some ideas.
Let me look through and send some more ideas!
Jill
Nikki says
Thanks so much Jill! So happy I found your website. 😊
Jill Jarvis says
So am I! 🙂