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.
Easter is right around the corner and whether Balmoral residents are hosting brunches, egg hunts or four-course formal dinners, they want decorations. We’re sure you do, too. You could buy them but why not get out your glue gun instead? We’ve put together a basketful of Easter crafts you and the kids will love. Ready to hop to it?
Door Décor
Greet your guests with some fun door decor. Wreaths aren’t just for Christmas and this Pom-Pom Bunnywreath is just too cute. This colorful egg wreath is a classic. Why go round when you can hang this beautiful watering can wreath instead? Prefer banners to wreaths? We’ve got you covered with this adorable bunny door hanger.
Eggs-traordinary Eggs
Looking to up your Easter egg game? Forget messy dyes and hand your kids puffy paints for some neon-bright eggs. Easter is no “yolk,” but you’ll have fun crafting these “punny” Easter eggs. Need to quickly decorate a few dozen eggs for the church egg hunt? Go with these simple tattooed eggs.
Here’s Comes the Easter Bunny
It’s not Easter without the bunny. Why decorate with a regular crepe paper ball when you can hang this bunny ball instead? Fill an Easter basket with these dressed up lollipops. These bunny bags are perfect for packing sweet treats. Accessorize your kid’s Easter best with these floral bunny ears.
‘Hop-pening’ Centerpieces and Tablescapes
Dress your table up for the holiday with DIY topiaries, napkin rings and table runners. Your table will look “eggs-cellent” when you set out these Easter egg topiaries. Your guests will be very “hoppy” with these bunny napkin rings. Your peeps will love these place card holders. Get personal with these monogrammed egg placeholders. Decorate the kids’ table with this colorful striped egg table runner.
‘Chick’ This Out
Who doesn’t love baby chicks? Kids will love assembling these construction paper chicks. Memorialize your child’s first Easter with this handprint chicken. These pom pom chicks will look cute on any mantelpiece. Get out the paper plates and let the kids create chicks for the refrigerator or doors.
Food to ‘Dye’ For
Food crafts are our favorite. These miniature Kit Kat Easter baskets by Taryn Whiteaker will look great on your dessert table. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to put together these bunny pudding cups. Rice Krispies meet elegant design in these Easter nests. Ditch the boring bunny cupcakes and serve up these carrot patch cakes instead.
You’ve chosen your builder, floor plan and homesite. What’s next? A visit to your builder’s design center where you will be presented with a dizzying array of upgrades. Some upgrades are worth the extra cost as they will add to the value of your home. Which ones? Here are 10 you’ll love:
Focus on the Kitchen
If your upgrade budget is limited, focus on the kitchen. Your family will be spending a lot of time there. If you decide to sell your home, the kitchen is the first thing prospective buyers will look at. Kitchen cabinets should be upgraded as it is time-consuming and expensive to remodel. Opt for taller cabinets that reach to the ceiling for more storage and a finished look. Under-cabinet lighting helps when you want a midnight snack. If an island does not come standard with your home, add it.
Opt for Wood Floors
With most new homes, tile and carpet are standard. Wood floors are easier to keep clean. They add warmth to any room. It’s better to have your builder install them when your home is being built. Doing it afterward often costs as much as upgrading. Homes with wood floors are considered more desirable by homebuyers.
Beautiful Master Baths
Many builders offer alternate master baths. Some include the tub, others remove it. Choose based on your needs. If you are older and plan to age in place, you might remove the tub and extend the shower for ease of use. Tubs and showers are almost impossible to rip out later. If you want a jacuzzi tub or extra shower heads, do it now. Radiant floor heating is a nice-to-have option that needs to be done before tile is installed. If you want your toes warm on winter days, have your builder install it.
Smart Home Technology
Most new homes come with home automation packages including smart thermostats, a front door lock, smart lights and a garage door opener. You can upgrade the package at the design center. Add a video doorbell so you can see who is knocking. Did you know there are smart toilets? These can save you money on your water bill and some even clean themselves. Smart shades can be raised and lowered remotely from your smart phone or tablet.
Think About Electricity
Anything electrical should be done while your home is being built. Add extra outlets to simplify your life. Outlets that exist directly behind your wall-mounted television hide unsightly cords. USB outlets cut out the need for charging stations. Add a back-up generator to keep the lights on.
Energy Efficient Options
Balmoral builders are committed to building “green,” environmentally friendly homes. However, you can upgrade the insulation, add dual-pane windows and more. If offered, consider adding solar panels and put a charging station for electric vehicles in the garage.
Extend Your Patio
If you plan to entertain alfresco, extend your patio. A larger patio can create dining and entertaining spaces. It’s also easier to do it when your house is being built. Nice touches include outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. If you don’t like the look of concrete, your builder often has other choices such as high-quality tile.
Add Storage
You can never have too much storage. Builders can add cabinets and shelves to utility rooms and garages. Ask about built-in shelves and cabinets for the media room, home office and family room. See if you can add an extra closet or turn a regular closet into a walk-in one. Some builders can add extra storage in the attic.
Great Garages
Adding garage bays or hobby areas to the garage is a regularly offered option. Take your builder up on it. You can use the extra square footage for a workshop, office or storage area. When junior gets his license, he won’t be parking on the driveway.
There’s more to Balmoral than beautiful homes, white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. Our community is in Humble, a small town with a big heart and plenty of things to do. What sort of things? Take a look!
Parks and Playgrounds
Free
This 4-acre park opened in 1944. Among its many amenities is a public swimming pool open May through September. Families also come to picnic, play tennis and attend events at the Phillip Cezeaux Recreation Center.
Free
A local favorite, this 24-acre park boasts two miles of trails, an open-air pavilion, picnic shelters, a playground and a half-court basketball area.
Free
A lot of events are held at this scenic park due to the stage in the recreation area. There’s also a playground, picnic areas and a gazebo.
Nature Areas
Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
Free
Bountiful blooms dot this 393-acre horticultural haven. Visitors enjoy exploring more than 60 acres of beautifully maintained gardens that feature bamboo, color displays, daylilies, endangered species, ferns, gingers, herbs, tropical plants and more. There are also trails to walk, a butterfly house to see, picturesque picnic areas and a cypress swamp.
Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Reserve
Free
Weighing in at 312 acres, this beautiful nature reserve allows you to view wildlife in their native habitat, participate in educational programs and stroll more than eight miles of paved, handicap-friendly pedestrian trails.
Talk With the Animals
$16.80 per person, children under 18 months free
Old McDonald never had a farm like this one. Kids enjoy train rides, petting zoos, pony rides, an Indian village, duck pond and more. A swimming pool is open during the summer and a pumpkin patch in the fall.
Cypress Trails Equestrian Center
Trail rides start at $60, Lunch rides at $95
Ride to adventure on forest trails, taking in Humble beauty at a steady clip-clop. All skill levels are welcome. A popular activity is the lunch ride, which includes a picnic meal. Pony rides, horse boarding and private lessons are also available.
Too Much Fun
Free Admission
When it comes craft beers, this brewery is in a class by itself. The beers are brewed in small batches, so every week brings something new. Some interesting options include Pistachio Baklava Cream Ale, Smarty (Peanut Butter Bramble) and Double Vanilla Double FroYo. The 2,400-square-foot taproom features events such as trivia nights, yoga and craft nights.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
$14.99-$23.99 per person
Choose one or all of the many adventures available, including trampolines, climbing walls, a warrior course, tubes playground, a dunk basketball zone, options for kids seven and under and more.
$24.99 per person
Think you can escape the Titanic or entombment in an Egyptian pyramid? Find out at the most realistic escape rooms in Houston. You have an hour to consider the clues and puzzle your way out of your predicament.
It’s Historical
Free
Learn all about the history of Humble and the Lake Houston area. There’s also a research center housing a genealogy library, as well as yearbooks and newspapers from the museum’s collection.