A guide to all the good things around us

One of the things I love about our River Oaks studio location is the proximity to so many fun things for kids and families to do before, during or after dance class. Have 45 minutes to kill while sister is in ballet class? Check out some of our favorite things that are just a hop, skip and jump away from our studio.

Pumpkin Park

Before we opened our studio we hosted the most fun open houses in the club house at Pumpkin Park. The park has a magical Pumpkin shaped carriage that is sure to make your dancer feel like Cinderella on her way to the ball. And if you’re feeling really fancy, you can even rent the club house which has the cutest vintage stage with green velvet drapes where she can be the star of the show. Book your next playdate for the playground at Pumpkin Park with a new ballet friend or take siblings for a quick energy release while sister is in class.

River Oaks Donuts

There’s much debate about who makes the best donuts, but River Oaks Donuts is my personal favorite. With an easy drive-thru just down the street, there’s no excuse not take your dancer for a sweet reward after all her hard work in ballet class.

Milk & Cookies

Too late in the day and the donut shop is closed? Have no fear, Tiny’s Milk & Cookies is just around the corner! Are you getting the picture . . . this area is kid heaven! (PSA: save the donuts and cookies until after ballet class.😜)

Tres Market

Not feeling the sugar? Swing by the most charming prepared food shop that ever existed. Grab some picnic essentials to take to the park, a ready made dinner for those crazy weeknights, or just a bottle of wine to keep your sanity during the aforementioned crazy weeknights and sugar filled kids. Tres Market has it all and you’ll be in and out and on your way.

The Motherhood Center

I’m not even expecting and I don’t have a little baby, but I am in heaven at The Motherhood Center. Even though I was just there to take a CPR class, I felt the calming and relaxing energy of the space. Need a baby shower gift for one of your new mom friends? Pop in and check out their boutique and book a massage while you’re there! I feel more relaxed just typing this.

The Briar Club

I do realize you have to be a member to utilize this option, but if you are, I’m jealous. Drop your child off at ballet class and walk across the parking lot straight into the Briar Club restaurant or pool. It’s the perfect way to spend 45 minutes. For the rest of us non-members, there’s Whataburger.😂

Central Market

Who doesn’t love Central Market? Even kids love Central Market! I always see my ballerinas grocery shopping with their parents. Running to the grocery store while your kids are in dance class is a no-brainer and if that grocery store is just down the street and it’s Central Market what more could you want?

Urban Harvest Farmers Market

When I’m driving down Westheimer on my way to teach class on Saturday mornings, I longingly look at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market in the SJS parking lot. If your kids are with us on Saturday mornings, swing by and pick up some arugula for me from the first stand on the right, a croissant from the lady that can speak French, and a coffee with cream and sugar, please.

Saint Street Swim

The ultimate in efficiency – two kids in different activities at the same time just a few blocks from each other. Ballet and Swim class. Check and check.

Looscan Library

If you know us, you know we love books – especially children’s books. We wouldn’t have that love without many a day spent at the library. If it’s been a minute since you’ve stepped foot in a library, I encourage you to check out the one just a few blocks away. I promise it will take you on a new adventure.

I hope you found something new and fun to do near us. If you have other ideas, I’d love to hear them. We live in a great city with so much to do. What are a few of your favorite things?