With pandemic restrictions easing, we’re all ready to get out and about. But there are some very good reasons why this year’s vacay might be a staycay, namely rising gas prices and airline cancellations. Who wants to spend vacation at the airport?
Balmoral residents have another reason why they might not be getting behind the wheel of a car or heading over to Bush Intercontinental Airport to go on vacation — they have a tropical paradise right in their own backyard.
A short walk, bike ride or golf cart ride to the Balmoral Amenity Village transports residents to the tropics, where white sand beaches, two acres of crystal clear water and swaying palm trees create an idyllic setting. There, kids can build sandcastles, toddlers can splash at the water’s edge and adults can lounge and relax. Those preferring a traditional pool can head to the infinity pool at the clubhouse, which overlooks the lagoon. Those wanting even more water play (and who doesn’t?), can head over to the splashpad at the Amenity Village. Planned events such as movie nights and float fests add to the beachy fun.
The Balmoral Amenity Village with its crystal clear lagoon (the state’s first!) is so fantastic that in 2020 it was named the best master-planned community amenity in Houston AND in Texas by the Greater Houston Builders Association and Texas Builders Association, respectively.
More opportunities for play are coming to Balmoral this summer when Victory Park opens. The park will have a tennis court, basketball pavilion, sports field, two playgrounds, amphitheater and more.
Of course, Balmoral residents who must jet off to some distant location have it easier than most — Bush Intercontinental Airport is less than 10 miles away.
Would you like to not worry about next year’s vacation? Several of our builders have homes underway now.
Texas offers many options for summer adventures. The Lake Houston area is one of them. Something of a hidden gem, Lake Houston has something for everyone, including outdoor enthusiasts, thrillseekers, fashionistas and more. Best off all, everything is minutes from Balmoral.
Explore the Lake
Lake Houston is an 11,000-acre reservoir for the San Jacinto River. Stocked with catfish, largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill and more, the lake is popular with fishers. Sailors also love it. Kayaks, motorized boats, canoes and more are all welcome. There are a few beaches and swimming holes available for families looking to cool down.
Camp, Hike, Wander
If camping is in your blood, head out to Lake Houston Wilderness Park. The 5,000-acre park is the only one in the Houston Parks and Recreation system that allows overnight camping. Not a camper? No problem. You can spend the day hiking or biking the more than 20 miles of forested trails. Equestrian trails are also available (BYOH – Bring Your Own Horse). Children will enjoy learning about the local flora and fauna at the Joe Turner Nature Center.
Stop and Smell the Flowers
An option for those who prefer a more manicured approach to nature, this nationally recognized arboretum and botanical garden boasts the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the region. Visitors can stop and smell the pink camellias, admire the Dogwood trees, hike well-maintained trails, picnic and enter the butterfly house. Best of all, it’s free.
Do It All at Grand Texas
What’s there to do at Grand Texas? What isn’t there! Grand Texas is a multi-theme adventure park where families can cool down at Big Rivers Waterpark, race go-carts at Speedsportz Racing Park and hold baby gators at Gator Bayou Adventure Park.
Shop, Dine Play
What do you feel like doing this weekend? Shop? Dine out? Attend a concert? You can do it all at Redemption Square. Located within Generation Park, Redemption Square offers shops, restaurants and activities. Summer events include the First Friday Night Market and Concert series, summer movie nights and Saturday cars and coffee mornings.
Old McDonald Has a Farm
Spend a day down on the farm. Old McDonald’s Farm has been entertaining families for more than 30 years. The 15-acre park features a petting zoo, pony rides, a train ride, duck pond, forts and a swimming pool.
Kick Back with a Cold One
The Lake Houston area is a paradise for craft brew lovers. The area boasts four craft breweries each more delicious than the last. Ingenious Brewing Company features 24 taps and an ever-changing menu of sours, pilsners, ales and stouts. Add a frozen “beer topper” to keep things cool. Back Pew Brewing makes its home in an old church but the beer is anything but conventional. Megaton Brewery serves up its own brews as well as ciders and wine. Lake Houston Brewery offers great beer, great food and a magnificent view of the lake.
Balmoral residents have beautiful kitchens, but when the Texas heat is on, they flock to their favorite local restaurants. Which ones do they favor? Take a look.
3333 Atascocita Road
Humble, Texas 77396
281-852-6261
Ken “Pop” Hunt made his dream of owning a crawfish restaurant a reality in 2012 and people come from miles away to chow down. The family-owned restaurant serves New Orleans staples such as crawfish, garlic shrimp and all the fixings. The entire Hunt family went to attend “sno-ball school” at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz — the oldest sno-ball stand in New Orleans — to learn the art of shaved ice, making this crawfish “shack” a cool place to slurp down snow cones.
631 Wilson Road
Humble, Tx 77338
281-623-5091
Hippo Burgers may have five locations now, but it got its start in Humble. Billed as the best burger in Humble, it’s a staple with the locals who stop off to pick up the original Hippo Burger as well as chicken sandwiches, nachos, Cajun onion rings, delectable shakes and more.
5105 FM 1960 E
Humble TX 77346
281-812-4777
The only authentic Indian restaurant and grocery serving the Kingwood, Humble and Atascocita neighborhoods delivers curries, biryani, vegetarian dishes and naan as well as spices and ayurvedic natural products.
217 S Avenue G
Humble, Texas 77338
281-446-6717
For special occasions, Balmoral residents make reservations at the only French bistro in town. Locals dine on dishes such as escargot, seared foie gras, blue crab, filet mignon and crème brulee. Wines are expertly selected to pair beautifully with your meal.
5354 FM 1960 Road E
Humble, TX
281-570-4094
A unique restaurant in Humble, this family-owned business serves up Korean delights including pan-fried dumplings, kimchi tofu stew, chicken katsu and Korean pork belly. Korean pancakes are a particular favorite.
What’s it like to live the “Lagoon Life” at Balmoral? Fun! Here’s a typical day in the life of Balmoral residents.
Most days start with breakfast in the kitchen of their gorgeous homes. Whether they gather in the informal dining area for chocolate chip pancakes or at the island for a healthy smoothie depends on the family. Either way, family members are sure to be busy planning their day.
If it’s a weekday, parents will head to work and kids to school. Balmoral’s convenient Humble location makes it easy to head off to Houston employers. Children attend well-regarded Humble ISD schools including West Lake Middle School, considered one of the top 100 middle schools in Harris County by Niche.
Weekends are another story. On weekends, Balmoral residents head to our Mediterranean-blue lagoon. Some residents will pick up a paddleboard or kayak and sail away. Others will chill in the crystal-clear waters. Adults will lounge on the white sands while young children build elaborate sandcastles beside them. Is it relaxing? That’s an understatement.
Our lagoon is our most heralded amenity, but — just like at any resort — there is more to do than laze on the beach. We built a huge amenity complex for our residents to enjoy and enjoy it they do. Take a tour and you are sure to see them working out in the fitness center or taking a dip in our infinity-edge pool. Relaxation takes all forms, and some of our residents take full advantage of our hammock row to catch a little shut-eye. Residents of all ages enjoy spending time on our 7,500-square-foot clubhouse, sand volleyball court or playground.
Our fitness fanatics enjoy working on their beach bodies at Fitness Hub Park. Most walk, jog or bike over there, then test their skills on the 8-foot climbing wall, bamboo jungle or rope up. There’s a row station to keep those abs looking great.
At the end of the day, tired residents head home. Usually, they traverse our GreenBoLT trail. This alternative transportation experience allows them to use electric golf carts, scooters, bicycles and their own feet to safely and conveniently get to their own front doors.
Before bed, many take advantage of their included technology package to quickly stream the latest, must-watch movie or television program. Then it’s lights out and time to dream about another great Balmoral day.
Want to live like one of our residents? Visit with our builders to see about making the Lagoon Life yours!
Summer is coming, and the best summer camps are already filling up. If you haven’t signed your children up, don’t despair. There are some amazing day camps near Balmoral. From art to sports there is sure to be something to spark your child’s interest.
Science and Technology
11343 N Sam Houston Pky E
Humble, TX 77396
9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
Session 1: June 6-July 24
Session 2: July 11-29
Ages 4-8
$99 per week
You’re never too young to start learning about STEAM. Children will be engaged with weekly challenges including coding, crafts, cooking, experiments and more. Snacks are included.
Summer Science Safari
3603 W Lake Houston Parkway
Kingwood, TX 77339
Time TBD
Session 1: June 13-17
Session 2: June 20-24
Session 3: July 18-22
Grades 5-8
$699 per week
Designed specifically for middle schoolers, this camp focuses on putting science into action. There will be field trips and activities. Camp fee covers travel, tickets and entry fees. Lunch and snacks are not provided.
Camp Invention-Humble
12500 Will Clayton Parkway
Atascocita, TX 77346
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Session 1: June 20-23
Session 2: June 27-30
Grades K-6
$245 per child
Children will have fun while exploring science and technology. Themes include aquatic innovation, space exploration, building a robotic artist and creating a mega marble arcade.
The Arts
1580 Kingwood Drive
Kingwood TX 77339
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
June 6-Aug. 5
Ages 7 and up
$495 per camp
Music-loving kids can explore their creative side, learn to play or polish their skills at a variety of music camps offered by School of Rock. Summer camps include Rock 101, AC/DC, The Beatles, Pop Legends, 80s Rock and Songwriting.
Sports
The Karate School – Atascocita
7021 Atascocita Road
Humble, TX 77346
7 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
June 1-Aug. 9
Ages 5-13
$45 per day, $185 per week per child
This martial arts school/daycare will build confidence, character, discipline and self-control. Activities include group games, arts and crafts, STEM projects, carnival day, talent show and two field trips per week.
JC Sports Houston
18610 Page Forest Drive
Humble, TX 77346
9 a.m.-noon half day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. full day
Five week-long sessions beginning June 6
Ages 4-13
$80 single day, $200 half day, $325 full day, $40 lunch add on
Children will improve their skills in soccer, baseball, basketball and football. There will be competitive games between teams. Full-day campers will participate in Epic Water Day, Glow in the Dark Soccer, Glow in the Dark Nerf Wars, Laser Tag, and more.
JC Sports Houston
18610 Page Forest Drive
Humble, TX 77346
9 a.m.-noon half day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. full day
June 20-24
Ages 4-13
$80 single day, $200 half day, $325 full day, $40 lunch add on
Kids explore their dance, science, nutrition, physical fitness and team building.