This post is sponsored by Think About Your Eyes, a national public awareness campaign for vision health.

Summer is finally upon us! As a child, summer was always the time for our family to explore and make memories. I am really looking forward to re-creating some of those with Kai this summer. I have rounded up the top 5 things I can’t wait to do with my kid in Houston! I hope you will check them off with me!

Before we embark on this fun journey together, I wanted to talk to you guys about the importance of your kiddo’s eye health. With kids out of school for the summer, our days are sure to be filled with more screen time (let’s be real) and hours spent in the sun. Here are a few simple things we, as parents, can do to protect their vision.

Set goals for screen time and hold toddlers accountable in ways they can grasp.

We have noticed Kai’s screen time and TV time creep up in the summer. I want to hold her and ourselves accountable because extra screen time can cause more digital eye strain. We bought a cheap piggie timer and she gets to twist the timer to her allowed 30 minutes. We also break it down to 15 minute segments so she doesn’t lose track of time.

Offer alternative activities and protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses and hats whenever outdoors.

See the list at the end of the blog post for our summer bucket list things to do in Houston! Something simple that will keep her occupied for hours is the garden hose! We also really enjoy nature walks and reading outside! Just make sure to apply SPF 30+ and take cover under a hat. Most importantly, protect your child’s eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays with effective children's sunglasses.

Take your child in for annual comprehensive eye exam

Many parents have the misconception that you should wait to a symptom to develop to seek an eye exam. Eye exams are an essential part of a healthy checkup schedule. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), the first comprehensive eye exam for a baby should be at 6 month. Another eye exam should be scheduled at 3 years. Before your kids enter kindergarten or 1st grade at 5 or 6, another eye exam should take place. I frankly had no idea! Summer is the perfect time to take your kids in for an annual comprehensive eye exam! With busy school schedules now behind us, make taking your child to see an eye doctor a top priority! Check out thinkaboutyoureyes.com for educational resources and to find an eye doctor near you! The Kids Vision tab on their website talks about many informative subject like baby eye development, vision in classroom and how to prepare your child for eye exam.

Now we are well educated and prepared, let the fun begin! There are so many free and family friendly activities in Houston like the free museum days but these 5 really stood out to me! Let me know which is on your list too!

5 Things You MUST do this summer with your kids in Houston

1. Visit a Local Houston Fire Station

Tours can be scheduled 4 weeks in advance to get a up close and personal look at a firetruck!

2. Explore Houston Arboretum and visit their discovery room

This 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary has over 5 miles of hiking trails plus water features for the little explore in all of us. So central to downtown Houston, we’ll be sure to get a fancy popsicle after our visit.

3. Family Movie Night in Sugar Land Town Square or Levy Park!

Levy Park

• June 29: Moana
• August 31: The Jungle Book

Sugar Land Town Square

• July 14: Paddington 2
• August 11: Peter Rabbit

4. Rosenberg RailRoad Museum

For a train fanatic like Kai, the Railroad museum is both educational and fun!

5. Kemah Boardwalk

Kai is going to be so excited to feed the fish the ride the train around the boardwalk! There is also a stingray reef and double decker carousel. She is going to flip out when she sees it!