The Aerodrome offers quality ice skating facilities for figure skating, ice hockey, and public ice skating. Other features include a video arcade, locker rooms and locker rental, broomball, and other games on ice. Also, a fully-equipped fitness center is open in the upstairs viewing room.

Birthday party packages are also available during public skating sessions. The birthday party package is $17 per person and includes skate rentals, skating admission, complete table setup, goodie bags, soda, and food.

Aldine United Soccer Club is a co-ed soccer league devoted to player development and keeping the game fun.

In the ever-expanding sprawl west of Houston, Bear Creek Pioneers Park remains a wonderful greenspace, with several playground areas, a wildlife habitat, and hiking/nature trails, among other attractions.

The main entrance off of Eldridge Parkway takes visitors to the Park Office, the Harris County War Memorial, and the wildlife habitat and aviary. Among the wildlife roaming the fields are bison, emus, deer, and more, while the outdoor aviary houses owls, hawks, parrots, cockatoos, and peacocks. A pond is home to ducks and geese, and is surrounded by shaded picnic tables.

The playground near this entrance has several picnic tables with barbecue pits around it, as well as a gazebo for shade, restrooms, and water fountains.

Baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, and four lighted tennis courts are also available - no reservations needed for the tennis courts. Plenty of open space is good for kite-flying, when the weather cooperates.

The other entrance, off Clay Road, is closer to Bear Creek Golf World, which has three 18-hole courses. This part of the Park has several more playgrounds, along with eight covered pavilions for which reservations are required. Pavilions contain picnic tables; seating capacity ranges from 88 to 256 people. The pavilions or the many picnic-and-barbecue areas are great for parties.

Bear Creek is also home to a 2-mile jogging trail, 3-1/2 miles of nature and equestrian trails, and the adjacent Houston Farm and Ranch Club.

In addition to bowling, Bunker Hill Lanes has arcade games and food. Birthday party packages include bowling, bowling shoes, party supplies, and food and beverages.

Bowlers of all ages can join also join a league or club.

University of Houston's NCAA-regulation women's softball field has a seating capacity of 1,200. Ramps and wide walkways inside the ballpark make it easy on the strollers, and the concession stand is open during games.

This is a great place for young, budding softball stars to see the game played at a high skill-level, as top college programs from around the country take on the hometown Cougars.

CrossPoint Community Church offers preschool for children ages two to four, as well as a kindergarten program, with a Bible-centered academic curriculum. Both half-day and full-day options are available.

CrossPoint's sports ministry department offers basketball for high schoolers and up, an NFL Flag Football season in the spring for kids ages five to 17, yoga classes for adults (which older kids are welcome to join), a dodgeball mini-season, and other activities.

Dirtwood offers biking and skate zones for budding X-gamers. Everyone under 18 must wear a helmet and must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver. Annual memberships are available for $60.

Founded in 1986 in Katy with 150 players, FFPS has grown to include 16,000 players, in leagues all over the greater Houston area. The organization features an equal play rule, play all positions rule, balanced teams, and no tryouts. Every player gets a trophy. Practices are limited to one per week, with games on Saturdays. Visit the FFPS website for league locations and schedules.

Fun Plex is a huge indoor entertainment and activity "mall" that has bumper cars, train rides, bowling, roller skating, a soft play center for little ones, billiards, video arcade, a movie theater, a food court, and many other indoor activities. Birthday party packages are also available.

Future Stars Baseball Academy is a 15,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor facility that offers baseball and softball lessons to kids ages five and up, as well as batting cage and pitching mound rentals, a party room, cafe, and more. Baseball camps are also offered during summer and other school vacation times.

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best playground/park in Houston, Hermann Park is a vast urban green space, home to the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the first desegregated public golf course in the United States.

The park's eight-acre McGovern Lake can be toured in four-seat pedal boats, which are available to rent at the boathouse for $8 per half hour. Limited fishing is available at Bob's Fishing Pier; fishing is restricted to kids ages 12 and under, and seniors ages 65 and over. "Catch and release" is required.

Plenty of great, shaded picnic spots can be found throughout Hermann Park, and kids are particularly drawn to rolling down the grassy hill near Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Peaceful strolling options include the the Reflection Pool and the Hermann Park Japanese Garden, which features shaded paths, bridges, and scenic ponds. And those on the run with baby joggers can enjoy a two-mile jogging trail, shaded by mature live oak trees.

The Hermann Park Miniature Train has been a Hermann Park tradition for over 50 years. The train runs daily from 10am to 5pm; tickets cost $2.25. For more information, call Buffalo Rides at 713.529.5216.

The Playground for All Children features play equipment for children of all abilities, most of it handicap-accessible. Children can cool off in the interactive water playground, and picnic pavilions may be rented for family gatherings or birthday parties. For rental information, call 713.845.1003.

Hermann Park is owned by the City of Houston; for further details, visit the City's website at www.houstontx.gov/parks/hermannpark.html.

Houstonians have high hopes for the success of the Houston Astros every spring. Home games are at Minute Maid Park. The ballpark's retractable roof is open when weather permits; on hot, muggy nights, the roof is usually closed until late in the game.

Fans can purchase tickets by phone at 877.927.8767, or in person at the Park's box office. Check the Astros website for more ticket information, and our calendar for games.

Parties: Kids ages five to 14 can have their birthday bash at the ballpark. Call 713.66.PARTY for reservations or more information.

The Houston Challengers is a competitive girls' basketball organization founded in November of 1999 by Josie Aquilar.

The Rockets hope to make a playoff-run every year, and with home games at beautiful Toyota Center, fans are sure to have a blast.

While tickets start at $10, most halfway decent seats run $40 and up. Special "family four-packs" are availabe for select games; this package includes four tickets, four hot dogs, and four drinks. Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the box office. Season runs October to April. (And into June, if they do well in the playoffs!)

HYFL strives to teach attributes such as sportsmanship, hardwork, and teamwork, along with the fundamentals of football in a safe and encouraging environment.

The HYFL program utilizes the attendance zones of elementary and junior high schools within Katy ISD and Ft. Bend ISD. Students in grades K through 6 have the opportunity to participate on school-based squads as players or cheerleaders.

In April and May, HYFL runs its seven-on-seven spring season, which involves all passing and one-hand touch (no tackling). Also, HYFL holds a tournament called the HYFL Christmas Classic on the second weekend in December.

In addition to bowling, Humble Lanes has arcade games and food. Birthday party packages include bowling, bowling shoes, party supplies, and food and beverages.

Bowlers of all ages can join also join a league or club.

i9 Sports is a youth sports league emphasizing safety and fun for kids, with no tryouts or drafts. Opportunities are available for girls and boys ages four to 14 to play flag football, as well as cheerleading, basketball, and soccer.

i9 Sports is a youth sports league emphasizing safety and fun for kids, with no tryouts or drafts. Opportunities are available for girls and boys ages four to 14 to play flag football, as well as cheerleading, basketball, and soccer.

i9 Sports is a youth sports league emphasizing safety and fun for kids, with no tryouts or drafts. Opportunities are available for girls and boys ages four to 14 to play flag football, as well as cheerleading, basketball, and soccer.

The official off-site training facility of the Houston Dynamo professional soccer team, this indoor arena is also a great place for kids to learn to play the world's most popular sport.

In the Mini-Stars Program, children ages two to six work with professional soccer players and childcare professionals to experience the joy of soccer. Youths ages seven to 17 can also fine-tune their soccer skills in classes on dribbling, passing, shooting, and more.

Spring and summer camps are offered as well, for children ages six and up. For birthday parties, Kicks can work with you to provide everything you need, whether you want a fully-private or semi-private party.

Kicks is also home to ultimate frisbee tournaments, and St. Thomas's lacrosse, rugby, and football games.

Teams change every year, so the best way to find one near you is to visit the official Little League website.

Click on "Finding a Local League" on the left-hand side of the site's home page to start your search for a team your child can join.

Lobo offers classes for girls and boys from tots to teens, including programs in competitive gymnastic teams, cheerleading, tumbling, preschool gymnastics, and ballet and tap dance. Plenty of seating in the viewing areas keep parents comfortable while watching their children learn and perform.

Parent/child classes are available for new walkers, up to children age three years.

Birthday parties include planned, safe, and age-appropriate activities within the gym supervised by Lobo coaching staff. Children under the age of three must be accompanied by a parent in the gym. Lobo staff will set up and clean up the party room.

Magic Carpet Golf is open daily, year-round, weather permitting. The completely outdoor site features miniature golf, batting cages, and a two-person bungee cord ride. Because of its proximity to the beach, Magic Carpet Golf sometimes gets a nice breeze - but might also be closed in rough weather.

The restrooms, located near the batting cages, are surprisingly clean, but do not have changing tables. A soda machine and a couple of picnic tables are also available for those wanting to take a break.

Batting cages cost $1 for 20 pitches. The two-person bungee cord ride is $20 per person.

A true hidden gem located in Old Katy off Franz Road, Mary Jo Peckham Park includes a covered swimming pool, weight room, lake with fishing pier, jogging trail, miniature golf course, pavilions, gazebo/picnic areas, playground, and restrooms.

The facilities are free for Harris County residents to use and require only registration. Activities include toddler/parent swim time and a variety of classes - including fitness, yoga, CPR, and babysitting.

The largest park in the city, Memorial Park features miles of jogging trails, walking/hiking trails, and bike paths. The jogging trails off East Memorial Loop Drive are a popular destination for those with baby joggers, while the paved bike trails off Picnic Lane are also good for roller and inline skating. Separate, unpaved trails off Picnic Lane are designated for mountain biking.

Memorial Park Golf Course includes a driving range and putting greens. "Junior" golf rates start at $6. The golf course, accessed by turning onto East Memorial Loop Drive, can be reached by phone [713.862.4033].

A tennis center is located near the golf course. The Park is also home to baseball and soccer fields, and a sand volleyball court (off Picnic Lane).

The park has a small playground, which can be reached by turning from East Memorial Loop Drive onto Arnot. A swimming and fitness center is there, and the playground is behind it. (The fitness center has restrooms.) Another playground is located near the golf entrance.

Further along East Memorial Loop Drive is another play area with swings only - no playground, but lots and lots of swings. Both this swing area and the playground area have plenty of green space surrounding them for throwing a ball around, or spreading a blanket to lounge the day away.

Throughout the park, dozens and dozens of picnic tables are available, and are shaded by the towering pines.

For restrooms, "port-a-potties" are located in and around most of the major parking lots. The park is run by Houston's Parks & Recreation Department [713.845.1000].

Northwest Indoor Soccer Center hosts year-round indoor soccer leagues, divided by age and skill level. Teams can register, or individuals can sign up to join a team.

Birthday party packages are also available.

Palace Lanes offers bowling, birthday parties, and a snack bar. Visit the website for daily specials with prices by the hour.

Putt for a hole-in-one in the relaxed atmosphere of trickling waterfalls and colorful landscaping on your choice of three challenging 18-hole courses. Tickets for mini-golf are $5.50 for one game, $13.50 for three games.

Also outdoors, baseball and softball batting cages are available at a cost of four arcade tokens for 18 pitches.

Splash and bump your way across the water in your own bumper boat. Drivers must be at least 44 inches tall. Tickets for a five-minute ride are $5.50. If taking a passenger, the driver must be at least 16 years of age; passengers must be between 36 and 44 inches tall.

The space-themed gameroom has dozens of video games for all skill levels, and the rock climbing wall features five climbing areas 22 feet high. The highly interactive LightSpace game features a nine-by-nine foot LED lighted floor where customers can play nine games (dodgeball is the favorite), six activities, or six light shows.

Taking up almost all of the second story of the FunHouse restaurant is a laser tag arena. Tickets are $5.50 for 7-1/2 minutes. Putt-Putt also features a simulated thrill ride movie in its XD 3D Motion Theater.

Kid's Space is a free interactive child's play area for children eight and under. Activities include the Shadow Wall, Infinity Mirror, Knock-Down Dominos, Talking Bob, Interactive Train Play Station, and several computer and video kiosks.

Celebrate a birthday party at Putt-Putt and get 90 minutes of party supervision with your very own Party Entertainer, who entertains guests with magic, ballon art, and games. The party package comes with a private party room, and a choice of mini-golf, laser tag, bumper boats, or arcade tokens. Themed parties are also available.

The FunHouse Cafe dishes up a variety of family foods, including pizza, hot sandwiches on handmade Italian ciabatta bread, salads, and an ice cream parlor.

The Rice University baseball team has been extremely successful since moving into Reckling Park in 2000. Anywhere you sit, you've got an up close and personal view of the game, so it's a great place to see high-quality baseball without shelling out major-league prices. Amenities include concession stands and plenty of strolling space for restless kids.

Every Sunday is a "4 for 40 Family Day" at Reckling Park - get four tickets, four meals, and four drinks for $40. Kids are invited to join the Owls on the field for the National Anthem before the game and to run the bases after the game.

Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the game.

Opened in August 2002, Reliant Stadium is Houston's newest state-of-the-art sports complex. It's the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof with a natural grass playing surface. The roof can open and close to adjust to weather conditions, resulting in year-round, climate-controlled comfort.

The Stadium is the official home of the Houston Texans and RodeoHouston (and its annual two million patrons). The complex seats 71,500.

Robertson Stadium - on the University of Houston campus - hosts the UH Cougars' football games and the Houston Dynamo major league soccer games.

Sam Houston Equestrian Center is a 25-acre site with two outdoor arenas, a covered horse pavilion, and a huge indoor party room.

Lessons are offered year-round for riders of all skill levels, Tue-Fri after school, and Sat-Sun throughout the day. Summer camps are available all summer long, and include not only horseback riding, but also grooming and shampooing the horses, classroom studies, and videos. The Equestrian Center also offers spring break camps.

Birthday party packages include horseback riding and use of the party room for one additional hour. Trail rides are also available for families and out-of-town visitors.

Sharpstown Park and Community Center features a swimming pool, playground, lighted tennis courts, and the Sharpstown Golf Course.

Southside Skate Park is an indoor skate park for boarders young and not-so-young. Everyone 15 and under must wear a helmet. Skateboarding lessons are also available.

Southwest Indoor Soccer Center hosts year-round indoor soccer leagues, divided by age and skill level. Teams can register, or individuals can sign up to join a team.

Space City Futbol Club is a non-profit organization serving the Clear Lake area of Houston and the communities of Seabrook, El Lago, Friendswood, League City, Taylor Lake Village, Clear Lake Forest, Nassau Bay, and Webster, for children ages four and up. The Futbol Club provides a comprehensive soccer program for players of all skill levels.

Falcon Soccer Camp runs for one week in the summer for children ages five to 14. A flyer and registration form can be downloaded from their website.

In addition to bowling, Stafford Lanes has arcade games and food. Birthday party packages include bowling, bowling shoes, party supplies, and food and beverages.

Bowlers of all ages can join also join a league or club.

The Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center includes two rinks for ice skating, hockey, figure skating, parties, and classes. The Center also offers broomball, bumper cars on ice, and a pro shop.

With acres of riding trails, Sundance Ranch offers both group and private horseback riding lessons. Weekly summer camps are offered in June and July for all skill levels.