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We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Houston

Tips and tricks by Houston locals, for locals.

Are you having a hard time finding somewhere entertaining and affordable for your kiddos to be when school lets out? I know after-school care can be extremely expensive across Houston, but don’t get too stressed out just yet! There’s plenty of free and low-cost fun options. From storytime at Houston Public Library to free tennis lessons, I’ll show you where your kids can have a good time on a budget.

What could be a better place for your kids to read and learn something new than their local library? Whether you want to play board games, enjoy storytime, play with Legos, or work on arts and crafts, there’s tons of kid-friendly free fun. Check out 

🏊 Houston Parks and Recreation Department Activities

 and other after-school activities for kids? Whether your child wants to swim, play soccer, or participate in flag football, they can try something new this fall. The city also has after-school enrichment programs where kids can work on crafts, explore nature, and do fitness activities.

If you have a daughter in 4th or 5th grade who’s interested in STEM, 

enroll them in this weekly after-school program

. The girls will participate in exciting scientific investigations and other activities that will sharpen their science, technology, engineering, and math skills.

Want your child to be the next Coco Gauff or Naomi Osaka? The City of Houston is partnering with the Houston Tennis Association to offer 

free year-round beginner and intermediate tennis lessons

 at tennis centers and neighborhood courts across the city. Another plus? This program is open to kids up to 18 years old, so your whole family can up their tennis game!

Back in 2016, Houston Endowment initiated a study that found 

several Houston neighborhoods did not offer quality out-of-school activities

 alongside other organizations and city departments. This program now connects kids with fun opportunities all over Houston, from performing arts and Girl Scouts to tutoring and mentorship, there is something for everyone in your family. Use 

The best free or low cost after-school activities in Houston. 

The Best Free or Low Cost After-School Activities in Houston

The Best Free or Low Cost After-School Activities 

Tips and tricks for living your best Houston life, by locals, for locals.

Houston Life Hacks

So, it’s hurricane season, and you have a flashlight, some cans of food, and, if you’re lucky, a 

. But, do you have a plan for your pet? To keep your fur babies safe, I’ve compiled 

some tips below from my City Cast Houston colleagues

Keep calm during the storm. Our pets take their cues from us. If we are frantic and scattered, they will be hyper and anxious right along with us.

Keep your pets in the same room with you. They need to know where you are. If you have to evacuate your home, you don’t want to have to search for them.

. Put them on them before the storm, and it’ll help them with the sound.

Toys and treats ease stress. Make sure you have their favorite toys and treats to distract them.

Pets rely on smell. City Cast Houston host Raheel Ramzanali puts an old shirt on his dog that smells like him. You could also put a shirt that smells like you inside their crate.

Have an evacuation plan. Many shelters and hotels do not accept pets so identify a safe place you can go with your pet ahead of a storm.

Build a hurricane kit for your pet, similar to your own, with food, water, medicine, a first aid kit, grooming items, and any important medical records.

Consider having your pet microchipped if they aren’t already.

Contact your local emergency management office for more advice or information or shelters that accept animals.

Have a way to call them and make sure that they answer you. Practice this pre-storm. Once the storm blows in, they might start to hide. For City Cast lifestyle contributor Olivia Flores Alvarez, it’s a can of tuna for her cats.

If you don’t want to bring them inside the house to ride out the storm, then keep them in the garage.

City Cast Houston producer Carlignon Jones puts her dog in a really big cage outside. She stuffs hay, old blankets, and sheets everywhere to block the wind.

If you have to bring your pet inside and want to keep them in one specific area, 

Get an airtight container to transport all of your pet’s medication, food, toys, and treats.

Have a list of hotels and shelters that are pet-friendly.

Update your pet’s vaccines. You may be denied shelter or hotel if you don’t have updated vaccine documentation. Have a hard copy of those record vaccines.

Learn the heimlich maneuver and CPR for your pet.

, so they can be tracked if they get lost during the storm.

Join a neighborhood pet group on social media. They show photos of lost pets. If you get separated from your pet, this might be a resource to find your pet.

Take clear, color photos of your pet’s face and whole body, in case you need to use it .

Did we miss any pet prep tips for hurricane season?

Got other tips? 

Hurricane season started this month and lasts until Nov. 30. So, how can you prepare?

How To Prepare Your Pets for Houston's Hurricane Season

How To Prepare Your Pets for Hurricane Season

 yet? If not — from one procrastinator to another — this is a PSA that your non-REAL ID driver’s license isn’t gonna cut it at airport security starting May 7, 2025 that's less than a month from now!

For most purposes, REAL IDs and other state-issued ID cards aren’t that different. The main distinction is that, starting early May, state-issued IDs that aren’t considered REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted by the TSA.

 for the types of documents you have to show to get an ID card that’s considered acceptable for domestic air travel (i.e., a REAL ID), and it also lays out the types of anti-counterfeiting measures states should take when issuing the cards.

Implementation has been delayed … a lot. Enforcement of the law was supposed to start in 2008, but not all states offered REAL ID-compliant cards, and 

 against the requirements because of privacy or cost issues. The most recent delay was to provide states with more time to 

How Can I Tell If My ID is Already a REAL ID?

Whether your ID was issued by Texas or another state, it 

should have a gold star in the upper corner

 if it’s considered REAL ID-compliant. 

Here's how that would look with Texas IDs

It depends. You’ll need one if you’re 18 or older and want to take a domestic flight, get into a federal government facility that requires ID, or enter a military base — unless you have a different form of federally-accepted ID that you can show instead, like a passport or military ID.

If your current license hasn’t expired, 

. This is usually the fastest way to get a REAL ID.

steps through the Texas Department of Public Safety

Not able to renew online, or prefer to do it in person? Find a 

. Be mindful of appointment wait times — 

find up-to-date estimated availability here

 to ensure you’re prepared for your visit.

REAL IDs will be required for boarding all domestic flights starting May 7, 2025. Have you gotten your REAL ID yet? Here's how to get one in Texas.

How to Get a REAL ID in Texas

We’re only days away from the official deadline to file your tax return on April 15. Still trying to figure out how to get it done on time? Well, there’s free tax help offered across the Houston area. Here are some resources to help you during crunch time!

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program offers free help to Houston taxpayers. Some centers offer services in other languages, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish. Use 

tax prep help at BakerRipley at multiple locations across Houston.

 The community development group has professional tax services for families and individuals earning $58,000 a year or less.

The Harris County Public Library is also offering 

free tax preparation assistance at locations across Houston

The University of Houston-Downtown’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 

offers free tax help to senior citizens and the disabled

 and those earning $76,000 a year or less. You can drop in for an in-person session on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, or a virtual appointment during designated hours.

Where to Get Free Tax Help in Houston

Houston is a mighty mix of crazy hot summers, award-winning restaurants, traffic jams, a thriving arts scene, natural disasters, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet. So, what does it take to survive the diverse and sprawling city we know and love?

🚗 Add an Extra 20 Minutes for Travel Across the City

The one predictable thing about Houston traffic is that it's constantly unpredictable. Ha! Make sure to plan extra time for accidents and traffic back-ups, especially during morning and afternoon rush hour times.

⚾ Don’t Trash Talk Any Houston Sports Team. Especially the Astros!

all of their sports teams, even if they don’t always have a winning record. To keep your Houstonian card, don’t talk trash about any of our sports teams, whether they’re in a rut or going to the playoffs. Also, please 

don’t bring up the Astros World Series cheating scandal in 2017

🍽️ Buy Stretchy Pants and Make a Restaurant Bucket List

, so even if you ate out every meal for almost 10 years there’s no way you’d try them all. Good news: you can still have a blast exploring as many restaurants and eateries as possible, featuring cuisines and fusion food from all over the world. Pro tip: Buy stretchy pants and follow City Cast Houston’s food coverage to make your bucket list. For example, 

here’s our monthly picks of H-Towns best new bars and restaurants

Hurricanes in Houston are inevitable! Unfortunately, that also means we deal with extreme flooding and power outages. Prepare ahead of time for hurricane season, which begins June 1 and lasts until November. It’s never too early to start with this 

I know it’s cold right now, but summer will be back before you know it and temperatures in the 90s will last from mid-May until September. Be prepared. 

 And pro tip: If you have natural hair or are a curly-haired Houstonian, your hair is 

 going to cooperate if you straighten it over the summer. So, don’t do it.

It’s a myth that it doesn’t get cold in Houston. (Just venture outside.) Sometimes 

, and even on rare occasions see snow! You should buy a winter coat if you haven’t already. It’s common to see a Houstonian wearing a jacket and winter boots – even when it’s sunny and in the 60s in January. Hey, we have to at least 

🎭 Immerse Yourself in Arts and Entertainment

 with many offering free admission on different days throughout the month – especially 

. Enjoy a musical, Broadway show, murder mystery, or small play 

 And good news for music lovers: Artists from all over the world 

Another misconception about Houston is that we’re all concrete and shopping malls. But don’t stay cooped up in your house! Explore our treasured green spaces at 

🌮 Figure Out Your Favorite Tex-Mex Spot, Quick.

If you don’t have a favorite Tex-Mex spot to share in conversation, you will definitely lose your Houstonian card. From 

, there are tons of delicious choices. So pick one, quick!

And if you feel like you’re a true Houstonian or just getting the hang of it, don’t forget to 

 with the team about rules we stick to in Houston.

What does it take to survive the diverse and sprawling city we know and love?

9 Essential Rules for Surviving Houston 

9 Essential Rules to Thrive in Houston

It’s that time of the year, when it’s darker earlier than usual and colder outside. Some of you may be fighting the winter blues, and others may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder. Whatever you’re struggling with this winter season, here are tips on how to cope.

Seasonal affective disorder affects many people during the winter months. It’s more severe than just a case of the winter blues 

because it can interfere with how you function daily.

 You might lose interest in hobbies or other activities, or overall feel hopeless, worthless, or irritable. Talk to your doctor or a licensed therapist about your symptoms if you think you have SAD. Many companies offer employee assistant programs that sometimes include free therapy sessions. Check with your company.

Light therapy can help many people. Less sunlight during the fall and winter months can mess up your body’s internal clock and trigger SAD. Health professionals recommend 

sitting in front of a light box every morning for 30 minutes

 or more. However, some people may need other kinds of treatment, such as antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Maybe you’re just fighting winter blues, which is less serious than a clinical diagnosis of SAD. If so, 

try to get your body moving at least four times a week.

 Luckily in Houston, we still have some sunshine and warm days during the winter, so it’s the perfect time for a bike ride, run or walk around your neighborhood or at the park.

Stick to a solid sleep routine. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time during the week and weekends.

Laugh! Giggles have been shown to counteract depressive symptoms in your brain. Meet up with a funny friend, or find a fun holiday movie, or rewatch one of your favorite television episodes.

Some things that always make me happy during the winter: strolling through 

; getting a warm drink from one of my favorite coffee shops like 

; baking a dessert for myself; putting on one of my favorite TV shows, listening to my favorite songs, and spending time with friends and family.

In need of more ways to enjoy January? We have a 

guide filled with fun activities to partake in all month long

How are you fighting the winter blues in Houston? 

How To Fight The Winter Blues

Now that that holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles all over your rug? Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

The short answer: Probably not. Most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is non-recyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and 

recycle a natural tree through the regular streetside program

 if it can fit in the bin. But your best bet is to recycle it through the city. Most recycled trees are turned into wood chips, mulch, or compost, so be sure to prep your tree for recycling by removing any decor, lights, and non-organic items. You can also get creative and 

repurpose your tree for other home projects

 If the tree is in decent condition, and you’re just ready for a new one, consider donating it to a local organization or charity. 

 also accepts tree and decoration donations to distribute to families in need around the world.

If you have unusable decorations or holiday lights, recycle them at 

 locations will take your faulty holiday lights and recycle them for you.

Are your decorations in good working order? Give them a new life by donating them to a local organization, a thrift store, or hardware store.

I’ll leave you with one last tip for the overachievers out there: Take notes on 

how to reduce your holiday waste next year

Where should you recycle your Christmas tree? How do you responsibly get rid of holiday trash? 

Where to Recycle Your Christmas Tree in Houston 

How to Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste

Are you worried about where you should recycle those pumpkins before you put up Christmas decorations? Or what to do with all of that excess trash when you throw a holiday party? If any of these questions have popped into your mind lately, I have a breakdown on how to understand Houston’s trash and recycling pick-up.

If you just moved to a new area, type your address in this map 

 Recycling is picked up every other week on the same day as your trash pick up. Some items can be recycled improperly and contaminate clean recyclables at the sorting center. So, 

: cans, cartons, glass, paper, and plastic. Also, don’t put a plastic bag around your recycled items because it can contaminate it further.

What To Do With Pumpkins, Trees & Other Holiday Items

drop off pumpkins, jack-o-lanterns, seeds, and pumpkin pulp

 at the following locations until Dec. 6:

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

the city will also release a list of tree locations

 where you can drop it off to recycle. Bulky items that you want to get rid of from the holidays can be picked up during heavy trash days. Keep reading for more info on that!

Tree waste such as tree limbs, branches, and stumps are picked up once a month during odd numbered months: January, March, May, July, September, and November. Junk waste such as furniture, appliances, and other bulky items are picked up during even numbered months: February, April, June, August, October and December. To find out which day is your heavy trash pick up, 

. If you want to get rid of tree or junk waste before your designated day, then you can drop it off at 

your Neighborhood Depository/Recycling Center.

Do you have other tips that I need to know?

Are you trying to figure out Houston's trash schedule? I have a guide for you. 

How To Understand Houston Trash Days 

We know our City Cast Houston readers are prepared for what’s happening in H-town. You probably already have your valid ID, you’ve checked what voting center to go to, and reviewed what’s on your specific ballot. But how well do you know your civics trivia?

Test your election-readiness with this Houston Voter Election Quiz

Houston Election Quiz

Life Hack: Houston Election Guide Quiz

Unfortunately, we’re about to smack dab in the middle of cold, flu, and COVID season. To stay on top of it, you can now 

 that will be mailed to your home via U.S. Postal Service. Each household can get four nasal swab rapid tests to detect the current virus strains, while supplies last.

COVID-19 tests have a shelf-life for when they can best detect the virus, but some expiration dates on diagnostic tests have actually been extended. 

 to search your test by manufacturer or name to see if it’s still a viable option.

 was approved by U.S. regulators last month to target the most recent virus strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

 for ages 6 months and older — and especially for people who have underlying health conditions, are over 65, or are pregnant. Previous vaccines no longer cover the current strain, and if you’ve been previously infected, your immunity wanes overtime.

If you want to get a vaccine somewhere other than your primary care office, check the local 

 are also offering COVID-19 boosters. If you're an older adult, have a disability, or a veteran, you can call 832-393-4301 to see if you qualify for an in-home vaccination through the Houston Health Department.

How can Houstonians get free COVID-19 tests? 