Head downtown for the 2025 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Houston: Thanksgiving Parade, The Nutcracker, and Holiday Celebrations
Let the kids get some energy out before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum
What's Open in Houston on Thanksgiving? Places Open for Family Fun
Let someone else cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Houston
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 2023 photo © Richard Carson
18 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
There are plenty of choices for pumpkin patches near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Best Pumpkin Patches Near Houston for Fall Fun
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall 2025
Houston Fall festivals that are fun for the whole family. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Ultimate Guide to Fall Festivals in 2025 for Houston Families
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly
John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
It's the opening weekend of Zoo Lights! Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Zoo Lights, Astros Light Up the Park, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

Best Things to Do in CT with Kids in September 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Ready Go Dog Show will be at the Norwalk Oyster Festival for family fun in CT this September 2025. Photo courtesy of JLS Communications
Ready Go Dog Show will be at the Norwalk Oyster Festival for family fun in CT this September 2025. Photo courtesy of JLS Communications
8/29/25 - By Jennifer Coe

September is all about fairs in Connecticut! In September 2025, there's the rustic Hebron Harvest Fair, the ag-terrific Four-Town Fair, North Haven Fair (tons of rides) and the Haddam Neck Fair. For a fair that celebrates coastal Connecticut, head to the Norwalk Seaport Association's Oyster Festival for amazing food, kids activities, and live music for the whole weekend. 

Also this month, travel back in time to the Renaissance Fair and devour a turkey leg, or watch a jousting match and shop for a kid-size armor get up. Or maybe you've got someone in your family who'd rather wear a princess dress at the Fairy Tails Day at the Beardsley Zoo where there will be a meet and greet with princesses and heroes!

Explore our Fall Fun Guide for our top picks for autumn activities. You can find family-friendly ideas for things to do on our ever-growing event calendar. 

Ye olde-fashioned fun is galloping to CT this September 2025. Photo courtesy of The Connecticut Renaissance Faire
Ye olde-fashioned fun is galloping to CT this September 2025. Photo courtesy of The Connecticut Renaissance Faire

Best of September 2025 - Events in Connecticut

The Connecticut Renaissance Faire

Lebanon
Weekends in September 2025
Step back to the past at The Connecticut Renaissance Faire. It's a time to play and unwind, to feast and drink, and a time to celebrate the old-fashioned way. READ MORE

Bishop's Fall Festival in Guilford

Guilford
September 1-30, 2025
Join Bishop's for their annual Fall Festival, running August 30 through November 1, where classic autumn fun meets Connecticut pizza pride. Enjoy apple picking, corn maze, activity area, wagon rides, cider, and more — this year, all infused with a special nod to the state’s most iconic food …stay tuned for more, this year’s Fall Festival is one you knead to experience.  READ MORE

Haddam Neck Fair

Haddam Neck
All weekend long, there will be rides, concessions, petting zoo, children's activities, agricultural contests, entertainment, and more. READ MORE

Puppet Fest at Stepping Stones Musem

Norwalk
September 1, 2025
Step into the whimsical world of puppetry at our third annual Puppet Fest—a museum-wide celebration of storytelling, creativity and hands-on fun! During this exciting three-day festival, enjoy awe-inspiring performances from acclaimed puppeteers, take part in guided and self-guided puppet-making activities and get creative during interactive workshops designed to spark imagination. READ MORE

Hebron Harvest Fair

Hebron
September 4-7, 2025
One of the largest fairs in Connecticut, the Hebron Harvest Fair is an agricultural event that features animal displays, various food, animal pulls, truck pulls, country music, carnival midway, and something to do for the entire family.  READ MORE

Annual North Haven Fair

North Haven
September 4-7, 2025
The annual North Haven Fair features lawn mower racing, kid's entertainment, a petting zoo, magic shows, and more. There will also be rides and games by Rockwell Amusements. READ MORE

Back to School Glow Party at Darien Arts

Darien
September 5, 2025
Join Darien Arts Center for an electrifying Family Glow Party to kick off the school year! They will be turning our Black Box Theater into a neon wonderland—so wear your brightest colors and get ready to dance under the lights. READ MORE

Norwalk Seaport Association's Oyster Festival

Norwalk
September 5-7, 2025
The beloved annual Oyster Festival features live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages, as well as festival entertainment and attraction for the whole family.  READ MORE

Granby Open Farm Day

Granby
September 6, 2025
Visit 15 farms across Granby to meet the farmers, tour the properties, see how your favorite products are made, enjoy samples, and watch demonstrations. Fun for the whole family. READ MORE

Bingo with Bluey at Stew Leonards in Danbury

Danbury
September 6, 2025
Come join us for "Bingo with Bluey". Kids will get the chance to win prizes all throughout the event.  READ MORE

Pancake Breakfast at Lachat Farm

Weston
September 7, 2025
Join Lachat Town Farm and celebrate the unofficial start of fall. A delightful old-fashioned pancake breakfast, including pancakes, sausage, fruit, coffee, and orange juice, will be served from 8:30am - 10:30am. READ MORE

Music and Muffins with Judy Pancoast in West Haven

West Haven
September 8, 2025
Celebrate the return of storytimes with a special musical performance by Grammy-Nominated artist, Judy Pancoast. Judy's songs are engaging, interactive and sure to get your little one up and dancing. READ MORE

Four Town Fair in Somers

Somers
September 11-14, 2025
Music, entertainment and fun for the whole family at the annual Four Town Fair in Somers where you will find various agricultural contests, livestock competitions, music, jugglers, a midway and more. READ MORE

Family Day: Imagine, Write, Create! at American Mural Project

Winsted
September 13, 2025
Spend the day creating together at AMP’s Family Day—designed for all ages, from toddlers to teens. With a mix of hands-on art activities, story time, a kid-friendly tour, and a special drop-in studio just for teens, there’s something for everyone in the family. READ MORE

Fairy Tails Day at Beardsley Zoo

Bridgeport
September 13, 2025
​Fairy Tails Day turns the Zoo into a magical land, with a day full of fun activities, including princesses, story time at multiple locations on grounds, face painting, performances and animal presentations. READ MORE

Wicked in the Park at Wickham Park

Manchester
September 14, 2025
Join Glinda and Elphaba as they tell their (and sing) their stories before Dorothy Gale's Arrival in Oz and how they became friends... and it all takes place in the Emerald Room of the Irish Garden. Pictures will be taken after the event. READ MORE

Farmer's Fall Adventure at Farmer's Hay Ride

Broad Brook
September 27, 2025
You can’t even buy a fancy coffee for $6… …but you can get a whole day of fall fun at Farmer’s Hayrides! You’ll get: Scenic hayrides,Petting zoo snuggles, Sunflower maze strolls, Cow feeding, Kernel Kingdom corn pit, and Photo ops. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
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