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
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
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Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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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
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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
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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

CT's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families Summer 2025

Fill the summer days and nights with fun at these free summer music festivals in Connecticut! Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
Fill the summer days and nights with fun at these free summer music festivals in Connecticut! Photo by Ally Noel for Mommy Poppins
6/6/25 - By Jennifer Coe

Grab the kids and bring some chairs or a blanket because this summer, there is a free local concert happening near you. Music lovers can assemble to hear your fave oldies, rock, jazz and more and let those dance moves rip! Meet up with another family, and make an entire night of it.

Looking for more free things to do? Find more summer fun in  Our zepic Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in CT With Kids. And don't forget to check out our Connecticut Kids Summer Guide for our experts' picks for fun in the sun!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Groove to the sounds of the Bomba Workshop at the CT Museum of History and Culture. Photo credit: Bomba de Aquí
Groove to the sounds of the Bomba Workshop at the CT Museum of History and Culture. Photo credit: Bomba de Aquí

CT's Free Concerts and Music - Hartford Area Summer 2025

Southington Concerts on the Green

Southington
May 28 - Sept. 3, 2025
Music on the Green begins on May 29 and goes until September 4, every Wednesday night. Admission is Free. READ MORE

Symphony in the Park in Hartford

Hartford
June 14, 2025
Join the Hartford Symphony and the Carolyn Kuan, conductor Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Also, Michael Sigal, violin, 2024 Young Artist Competition Winner Schauntice Shephard, and soprano Hartford Gay Men’s Chorus. READ MORE

Norton Park Summer Concerts in Plainville

Plainville
June 19 - July 31, 2025
This weekly concert series at Norton Park has a night for everyone's taste in music. Meet at the Norton Park Band Shell and bring a chair. READ MORE

Bomba Workshop with Bomba de Aquí at CT Museum of History and Culture

Hartford
June 21, 2025
Bomba de Aquí, led by Brendaliz Cepeda (Granddaughter of the “Father of Bomba” NEA Heritage fellow Rafael Cepeda) and current SNEAP Mentor Saul Peñaloza, will be teaching a free, family friendly workshop on Bomba Drumming and Dance. READ MORE

Make Music Day Hartford | Ed Fast & Congabop

Hartford
June 21, 2025
Hartford joins cities worldwide on the longest day of the year to celebrate the annual Make Music Day Hartford. Bring a picnic and your dancing shoes to the garden of the Butler-McCook House and join the party in Hartford’s best kept secret—our historic garden oasis–with perennial crowd favorite Ed Fast and Congabop.  READ MORE
From classical to kids tunes, these shows will delight. Summer Concerts at Twin Brooks Park photo courtesy of Trumbull Parks and Recreation
From classical to kids tunes, these shows will delight. Summer Concerts at Twin Brooks Park photo courtesy of Trumbull Parks and Recreation

CT's Free Concerts and Music - New Haven Area Summer 2025

International Festival of Arts and Ideas

New Haven
June 14 - 28, 2025
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas is an extravaganza of performing arts, lectures, storytelling, music, and conversations that take over theaters, town green, and open spaces in New Haven. The 2025 schedule runs from June 14 through June 28, and most events are free. READ MORE

Summer Concerts at Twin Brooks Park

Trumbull
June 17 - August 19, 2025
The Town of Trumbull’s Summer Concert Series is presented by the generous support of our sponsors. Concerts occur Tuesdays from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at the Town Hall Green and Gazebo. READ MORE

Voices of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration in Waterbury

Waterbury
June 19, 2025
Join us for a powerful and inspiring Juneteenth Celebration presented by City Youth Theater/City Stage Company and 3D Music Academy. This memorable evening will honor African American history and culture through music, poetry, spoken word, and dynamic presentations celebrating resilience, unity, and hope. READ MORE

Family Arts Festival in Hamden

Hamden
June 21, 2025
Family Arts Festival: A full day of hands-on arts, live performances & creative fun for all.  READ MORE

Juneteenth New Haven's 10th Anniversary Celebration

New Haven
June 21, 2025
It's Juneteenth New Haven’s 10th Anniversary—a powerful, authentic celebration presented by The Descendants of the CT 29th Regiment, honoring the legacy of one of the most heroic Black military units in U.S. history. Their bravery helped secure freedom for enslaved African Americans—and without them, there would be no Juneteenth. READ MORE

City of Floating Sounds on the New Haven Green

New Haven
June 21, 2025
Experience a magical summer evening on the New Haven Green with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, as the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with Yale Schwarzman Center, presents City of Floating Sounds, a free, open-air concert that celebrates New Haven’s rich history and culture. READ MORE

Grassy Strip Music Series at Madison Beach Hotel

Madison
June 26 - August 28 2025
The Grassy Strip Music Series at Madison Beach Hotel returns for the 2025 summer season with free, live outdoor shows beginning Thursday, June 26.  Free and open to the public, The Grassy Strip Concerts are 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and begin with The Pledge of Allegiance. Summertime food and beverages will be available for sale. June 26 Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez July 10 Dave Matthews Tribute Band July 17 Orleans July 24 Shaboo AllStars July 31 Quinn Sullivan Band August 7 Jeff Pitchell and Texas Flood August 14 Lee Ann Lovelace Band August 21 Gold Dust Woman August 28... READ MORE

Walnut Beach Summer Concerts 2025

Milford
June 27 - August 31, 2025
Bring your dancing shoes for a late afternoon concert on the shore. The Walnut Beach Assoc. presents its annual summer series, consisting of 6 weeks of shows. READ MORE
Free concerts take the stages around Connecticut for family fun in Summer 2024! Celebrate Mansfield Festival photo by Brian Bystrek, part of the Summer Concerts on the Square in Storrs
Free concerts take the stages around Connecticut for family fun in Summer 2024! Celebrate Mansfield Festival photo by Brian Bystrek, part of the Summer Concerts on the Square in Storrs

Free Concerts and Music in Eastern CT Summer 2025

Summer Concerts on the Square in Storrs

Storrs
June 4 - July 31, 2025
These free musical performances are open to the public and take place in the Mansfield Town Square. Performers have yet to be announced. READ MORE

Free Concerts at Washington Park in Groton

Groton
June 20 - August 1, 2025
The summer is right around the corner and so are the Concerts in the Park music series for 2025. There will be an exciting schedule of bands this year, packed with bands new to the park along with a few of our very favorites returning for another go. Additionally, the last show of the summer will be on City Day, our annual celebration of all things City of Groton. READ MORE

Summer Sound Waves at Esker Point

Groton
June 26 - August 14, 2025
Get ready to groove this season with the community's favorite beach concert series, Summer Sound waves. This year there will be 8 weeks of quality music down at Esker Point. READ MORE

Blue Monday Concerts in Mystic

Mystic
July 7 - 21, 2025
Blue Monday Concerts return to Mystic River Park for three free concerts on Monday July 7th, July 14th and July 21s.The concert series is a fundraiser for the Stonington Education Fund and the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center. READ MORE
Don't forget the sunscreen when you head out to these free shows! Peanut Butter Jam Concert photo courtesy of Fairfield Parks and Recreation
Don't forget the sunscreen when you head out to these free shows! Peanut Butter Jam Concert photo courtesy of Fairfield Parks and Recreation

CT's Free Concerts and Music in Fairfield Summer 2025

Rock the Block in Milford

Milford
May 29 - Sept 18, 2025
Join the FREE block party concert series downtown with live music on Bank Street, street games, local eats, sidewalk sales and fun. Grab some chairs and come downtown for an evening of safe and community-involved entertainment. READ MORE

Redding Concerts on the Green

Redding
June 15 - August 24, 2025
“Concerts on the Green” are held at the Redding Town Green on Sunday evenings from 6-8 PM. These concerts are 100% funded by generous company and private donations. Concerts begin June 15. READ MORE

Peanut Butter Jam Concerts at the Sherman Green

Fairfield
June 18 - July 30, 2025
Kids enjoy interactive musical, foot stompin' performances on the Sherman Green every Wednesday this summer. Pack a picnic and journey down for a children's musical celebration!  READ MORE

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park Concerts in Greenwich

Greenwich
June 25 - August 20, 2025
The Wednesday Night Concert series begins on June 25 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park (unless otherwise noted). All Concerts Start at 7 p.m. READ MORE

Summer Concert Series in Newtown

Newtown
June 26 - July 31, 2025
Newtown's Summer Concert Series is back with concerts at the Dickinson Memorial Bandshell. Every week for 6 weeks, enjoy live music. Bring a chair and some tasty snacks. READ MORE

Tuesday Tunes Kids Concerts in Newtown

Newtown
July 8 - 29, 2025
Tuesday Tunes are concerts specifically with kids in mind! Bringing some great kid-centric entertainers in for kids on a weekly basis, Newtown hosts these free conerts during the summer! READ MORE

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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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