New to JillBJarvis.com? Start Here!
Thank you so much for visiting! I know there is a lot of information on JillBJarvis.com 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, Houston resources and general tips for parents of young kids.
Are 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:
- 100 Fun Things to Do in Houston, with the Family
- Over 50 FREE Things to Do in Houston, with Kids
- 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
- Favorite Family Friendly Restaurants – And new restaurant reviews come out each week!
- Find a Houston Park – And new park reviews come out each week!
You can expect to find new posts each day of the week. These include:
- Events for the week and weekend
- Houston Park Reviews
- Family Friendly Restaurant Reviews
- Pictures from around Houston
- Weekly Post Round Up
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 us?
“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
“Every week I check my email for BigKidSmallCity.com’s newsletter before planning our family’s weekend activities. We’ve done so many things we wouldn’t have known about otherwise!” Shanna Boone, Houston Mom
“As a native Houstonian, I am constantly surprised at all I learn about our city on BigKidSmallCity.com. I am a devoted fan and use the website when planning activities for my kids.” Alex Sanchez, Houston Mom
“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
19 Comments
I am interested in Houston and surrounding
Where did the map go?
Here! https://www.jillbjarvis.com/2016/03/houston-citywide-map-things-to-do-in-houston-with-kids/
Thank you!! 🙂
Jill do you have Youtube? You would be GREAT at it 🙂
I have a channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFvSf7AoOz1MyM4dVu3j3qA ) and ONE DAY I’ll be great at it. 😉
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?
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. 🙂
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?
Checkout Fun2Go Misters! Janie has tested most venues around Houston and can tell you what is sensory friendly!
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!
That’s the nicest things anyone has ever said to me. 🙂 Thank you!
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!
Thanks for the note! Those posts were scheduled for weeks… and edited as the city slowly shut down. They have since been removed. Jill
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
Any suggestions for a family weekend getaway with an active 2 yr old? Something with in 3 hours of Houston?
Thank you!
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
Thanks so much Jill! So happy I found your website. 😊
So am I! 🙂