Looking to escape without needing a passport? We’ve got your weekend plans right here. Whether it’s a family-friendly Memorial Day staycation or a spur-of-the-moment summer getaway, these five destinations near Balmoral in Humble, TX check all the boxes.
Sunny Shores at Galveston Island
Galveston is a timeless classic just a little over an hour’s drive away. Start with a visit to the historic Pleasure Pier, where the whole family can enjoy carnival rides, games and ocean views. If you’re a history buff, make sure to check out Moody Mansion for a peek into the island’s rich past. And of course, no trip to Galveston is complete without a visit to Moody Gardens. For a budget-friendly stay, consider booking a room at the Harbor House Hotel & Marina. If you’re craving a luxury experience, the San Luis Resort is an excellent choice.
Houston’s Vibe, Unfiltered Fun
Just a 25-minute drive from Balmoral, Houston is packed with fun and exciting things to do, making it a fantastic weekend destination. Kick off your trip with a visit to the Houston Museum District. The Children’s Museum Houstonis an absolute must, while the Museum of Natural Science appeals to all ages. If you’d rather spend time outdoors, Discovery Green and Hermann Park offer scenic green spaces. And don’t forget to swing by the Houston Zoo. If you’re on a budget, the Courtyard by Marriott Houston Heights provides comfort and convenience without breaking the bank. For a luxurious stay, the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston delivers five-star amenities.
Chill Lake Vibes
Located about 90 minutes north of Balmoral, Lake Livingston is a tranquil escape perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. This sprawling reservoir is one of the largest lakes in Texas, offering plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing swimming, and more. Spend your weekend hiking the trails or rent a kayak to explore at your own pace. Families can set up a picnic near the water. Budget-conscious travelers will love the cozy cabins available within the state park. If you’re in the mood for something more luxurious, check out the Northshore Resort on Lake Livingston.
Lone Star Nature Haven
For families who love the great outdoors, Brazos Bend State Park is a hidden gem just an hour and a half from Balmoral. Start your visit with a stroll along the hiking trails. Kids will love the George Observatory, which hosts public stargazing events on clear nights. If you’re traveling over Memorial Day weekend, bring a picnic and enjoy the park’s serene atmosphere. For an affordable stay, the park offers well-maintained campsites where you can pitch a tent or park your RV.
Coastal Funway
Located just over an hour from Balmoral, Kemah Boardwalk is packed with attractions that both kids and adults will enjoy. The Boardwalk features thrilling amusement rides, waterfront dining and plenty of shops to explore. Take a ride on the Boardwalk Bullet or enjoy the slower pace of a boat cruise around Galveston Bay. For foodies, there’s no shortage of delicious seafood and sweet treats to sample along the way. Travelers on a budget can find comfortable rooms at the Days Inn by Wyndham Kemah. For those seeking a touch of luxury, the Boardwalk Inn offers beautiful waterfront views.
The Ultimate Staycation
Don’t feel like hitting the road? No problem. If you live at Balmoral every day is a staycation. Whether you enjoy swimming, paddle boarding or just lounging on white sand beaches there is something for you at our crystal lagoon. And don’t forget about our spectacular amenity village with its infinity pool and hammock park. Visit us today.
Creating the perfect backyard space is more than just a home improvement project—it’s an opportunity to extend your living area and design an outdoor retreat for entertaining friends, hosting family gatherings or simply unwinding after a long day. Whether it’s a cozy spot for stargazing or a spacious area for lively barbecues, here’s how to design a welcoming space for any occasion.
Extend Your Options
Building your Balmoral backyard paradise? Step one: an extended patio (your builder can help with that). This is your HQ for all things dining, chilling and showing off to guests. Just don’t let it take over your yard—choose a size and layout that screams “perfectly planned.” A larger patio allows for enough room to comfortably fit a table, chairs, and space for people to walk around without feeling cramped. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 4 feet of clearance around furniture to ensure easy movement.
Divide and Conquer
Craving a backyard that’s the ultimate hangout spot? Divide and conquer! Have one area for dinner feasts and another for lounging like pros. Grill your heart out on one side while guests laugh at your Dad jokes from across the patio. It’s functional and fun—just like any good party should be!
Add Some Fire
Turn your Balmoral backyard into a hotspot—literally—with a fireplace or fire pit. A fireplace brings the drama and makes your yard look like a five-star resort. Meanwhile, a fire pit is the cool cousin: low-maintenance, intimate and perfect for impromptu marshmallow roasting or campfire singalongs. Either choice turns your backyard into the envy of the block.
Brick, Tile or Concrete
Selecting patio materials in Balmoral is like picking teammates. Brick’s the dependable veteran—sturdy but needs some upkeep. Tile is the fancy, stylish pick—great looks but requires careful handling (or it’s game over with slips). Concrete? That’s your all-rounder—easy to manage but might crack under pressure if neglected. Find the material that checks your budget, taste, and durability boxes.
Patio Furniture That Fits Your Vibe
Patio furniture isn’t just furniture, it’s the backbone of your backyard glow-up. Weather-friendly materials like teak, aluminum, or resin wicker are non-negotiable if you don’t want a soggy mess after the first storm. Modular seating is the MVP for its versatility, and extendable or foldable tables are perfect for unpredictable guest lists. Sprinkle in lounge chairs, side tables or a bar cart to keep things interesting.
Epic Backyard Hacks
Your landscaping doesn’t have to be boring. Start with Texas-native plants, they’re the no-fuss, no-drama kind. Craft zones for dining, lounging, or daydreaming, and let plants or paths do the work of adding structure. Light it up for some evening charm and pick low-maintenance heroes like mulch or gravel. Then, let your personality shine with a cute garden, eye-catching planters or maybe even a little water feature.
Craft Your Perfect Backyard at Balmoral
Ready to build your perfect backyard? It starts with the perfect home at Balmoral. Visit us today, tour our model homesand start planning your ideal outdoor life.
Spring has barely sprung, but it’s already time to be thinking about summer camp for your kids. Whether they are interested in music, art, science or sports, there is a camp near Balmoral that will make summer a blast.
Humble ISD Summer Camps
Days and times vary, beginning June 2
Grades K-9
$100-$629
Humble ISD offers four different camps appealing to creative kids, science, athletics and aspiring journalists.
CYT Summer Stock
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 16
Ages 8-15
$425
Ogre and donkey lovers unite for a musical performance of Shrek The Musical Jr. Students will audition and be cast in a musical that they will rehearse and bring to the stage.
HTX Soccer Camp
Days and times vary, beginning June 2
Ages 3-18
$90-$190
Learn the fundamentals of passing, dribbling and shooting or level up your skills with a professional coaching staff.
The Karate School
7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 2-Aug. 12
Ages 5-13
$208 per student, per week
Blending karate and day care, these camps will build confidence while kids enjoy field trips, games, arts, crafts, STEM activities, movies, pizza and a talent show.
Cordovan Art School
Times vary, Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 5-16
$136-$549
Voted the best art camps in the Atascocita area, these camps will spark your child’s creative juices. They will learn to draw, play with clay, create anime and more. Half-day and full-day camps available.
School of Rock – Kingwood
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 5-17
$550
Kids that like to rock will love these week-long camps. Beginner camps teach the basics while more advanced students will enjoy playing the greatest hits from the 60s, 70s and 90s.
J C Sports
9 a.m.-noon and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 4-13
$80 single day, $225 half day, $350 full day
How does your child like to play? These camps cover a variety of topics from basic skills to sports and technology.
Creativity Shell
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 2
Ages 3-18
$260-$350 per camp
Whatever your child’s interest, whether it’s cooking, sewing, baking, textile arts, science or clay play — they are sure to have fun at any of these week-long camps.
Second Baptist Camps
1-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, beginning June 2
Grades K-6
$200 per week
Whether your kid is a sports fanatic or a blossoming artist, there is a camp to suit their interests. There are camps for volleyball, musical theater, baseball, basketball, cheer, robotics and more.
Few milestones are as memorable as starting kindergarten. It’s a time of growth, exploration and firsts for kids and parents. For families in Humble ISD, registration opened April 7. Is your child ready? With guidance and thoughtful preparation, you can help your child transition smoothly into this new phase, equipping them to embrace the excitement and challenges of their first big step into school life.
Let’s Get Social
Social skills are an important starting point. Encourage your child to practice sharing, taking turns and playing cooperatively with others. Helping them understand how to express their feelings and resolve conflicts can also go a long way in easing their transition to the classroom environment.
Start With the Basics
Building basic literacy and numeracy skills is another essential part of preparation. Reading together every day helps children recognize letters, sounds and words, fostering an early interest in books and storytelling. Practice counting, recognizing numbers and identifying shapes to introduce early math concepts in fun and engaging ways.
Fine Motor Skills Are a Plus
Fine motor skills are equally important for tasks like writing, cutting and coloring. Simple activities such as drawing, playing with building blocks or using child-safe scissors can help improve hand-eye coordination and strengthen small hand muscles. These skills will make classroom tasks feel less overwhelming.
Can They Follow Instructions?
Teach your child to follow simple instructions and routines. Whether it’s tidying up toys, washing hands before meals or listening to a short list of directions, these habits will help them adapt to the structure of a classroom setting.
Moving to Balmoral with a soon-to-be Kindergartner? Here’s what you need to know to get them registered.
You’ll need proof of your child’s age and identity, such as an official birth certificate or a passport. The district also requires proof of identity for the parent or legal guardian, which can be provided with a driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID.
A current immunization record is also necessary to ensure your child meets state health requirements. This record should include all up-to-date vaccinations as mandated by Texas law. Additionally, proof of residency within Humble ISD boundaries is required. Acceptable documents for this include a utility bill, lease agreement or mortgage statement showing your current address.
Humble ISD elementary schools offer Kindergarten Round-ups where kids and parents can learn more about their new school and meet their teachers. Balmoral kids attend Centennial Elementary School, Groves Elementary School or Ridge Creek Elementary School. Check with the district to find out which school your child will attend and the date of your child’s Round-Up.
We’re excited to see young residents starting their journey. It’s going to be a great school year!
When it comes to Spring, there’s nothing like a good deep clean. But, before you high-five yourself for a job well done, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about those sneaky spots that even the most meticulous cleaner can overlook. These are the secret hideaways for dust, grime and, let’s be honest, some pretty curious surprises. The good news? You don’t need a magic wand or superpowers to get these spots sparkling clean—just a little know-how.
Get Behind Your Large Appliances
Large appliances like the fridge and oven do more than just store food and cook meals—they also collect a lot of dust and grime. Start by making sure the appliance is turned off and safely unplugged. Grab a long-handled duster or a vacuum with a crevice attachment to get rid of the loose debris. For tougher grime, mix some warm water with a mild detergent and gently scrub the surfaces. Don’t rush; take your time to avoid any accidental damage to the appliance or the floor.
Go A Round With Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are lifesavers during hot months, but they can also be sneaky dust magnets. Each spin sends dust particles flying, which means you’re not just cooling the room—you’re also spreading dust. Make sure the fan is turned off. Grab a sturdy step ladder for easy access. A neat trick for cleaning is to use an old pillowcase. Simply slide the pillowcase over each blade and gently pull it back. The dust will be trapped inside, keeping it from raining down on your floor or furniture. Once the bulk of the dust is captured, take a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down each blade thoroughly. For a deeper clean, consider using a mild detergent mixed with water on the cloth.
Grab the Dust Bunnies
Ah, the great underworld of furniture—the realm where dust bunnies thrive, and lost items find refuge. Start by equipping yourself with an extendable duster or a vacuum with the right attachment. For big pieces like couches and beds, furniture sliders are a lifesaver. They allow you to move heavy items without straining your back, making the cleaning process much smoother. As you clean, make sure to get into the corners and edges where dust tends to accumulate the most. An extendable duster is perfect for this job, reaching those tight spots without much effort.
For thorough cleaning, follow up with a damp microfiber cloth to pick up any remaining dust.
Open Those Closets
Closet corners are the ultimate hiding spots for forgotten items and clutter. To tame this mess, begin by completely emptying out your closet. This may sound daunting, but trust me, it’s worth it. With everything out in the open, you can truly see what you’re dealing with. Grab your vacuum or a broom to get rid of any dust bunnies lurking in the corners. Take this opportunity to sort through your belongings and set aside anything that you no longer use. Donate, recycle or store these items elsewhere to make room for what you actually need.
Clean Those Ducts
Air vents and ducts are the unsung heroes of your home, keeping the air fresh and breathable. But these hidden pathways can also become a haven for dust and allergens, affecting both airflow and indoor air quality. Start by removing the vent covers and giving them a good wash with warm soapy water. While those dry, grab your vacuum with a hose attachment and carefully clean out the ducts. For those harder-to-reach spots, consider using a long, flexible brush designed for duct cleaning. If it’s been a while since your last deep clean, you might want to bring in a professional to ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned.
What About a Fresh New Home?
As you clean, think about how great a nice new home in Balmoral would be? Everything in it will be shiny and new with all those hard-to-reach places as clean as a whistle. Visit Balmoral today.