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

Free Fun Things to Do with Connecticut Kids in January

Courtesy J. Carter
Courtesy J. Carter
12/29/18 - By Jennifer Coe

Now that the holidays are over and we are settling into the darker and colder months, that's no reason to stay in and miss out on all of the fun! There are still lots of things to do this winter, even FREE things. Here's a list of our favorite free events this January, and don't forget to browse through our Winter Guide for more winter fun.

 
 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Hartford

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Tuesday January 1- Saturday January 6 - Hartford
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

First Day Hike in Burlington

Tuesday January 1 - Burlington
Get the new year off to a healthy start with a 5.5-mile hike through the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area. Participants should bring water and dress appropriately. READ MORE

Immigrant After School Youth Enrichment

Tuesday January 1 through June 27 - Hartford
This is an after school program aimed at immigrant youths. Session times are 2pm to 3:30pm and 3:30 to 5pm. Times can vary, check the website for full schedule. READ MORE

Family Program: Charting Your Story: Maps

Friday January 5 - Hartford
Discover the exciting story of mapmaker Bernard Romans! Explore the exhibit War, Maps, Mystery: Dutch Mapmaker Bernard Romans and the American Revolution and then participate in hands-on map-making activities and crafts. READ MORE

Read With Gizmo

Friday January 5 - Hartford
Do you have a reluctant reader at home? Come to the Hartford Public Library on the first and third Saturday of each month to meet with Gizmo and her handler. READ MORE

Ice Fishing Class at Winding Trails

Saturday January 19 - Farmington
The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program offers a free in-depth ice fishing class that introduces you to the wonders of water, fish, and fishing during the winter. The morning class includes a video, hands-on demonstrations with the equipment, how to stay safe on the ice, and additional activities that will teach and entertain youths and adults alike. READ MORE
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels

Southern Connecticut

New Year's Day Hike at Ansonia Nature Center

Tuesday January 1 - Ansonia
Start the year with a breath of fresh air; join a Nature Center naturalist who will ring in the new year by leading an invigorating hike along the woodland trails. If snow covers the ground, you may even break out the snowshoes. READ MORE

Christmas in Europe

Tuesday January 1 - February 9 - New Haven
Christmas is celebrated around the world, and the Knights of Columbus once again pay homage to traditional holiday festivities. Christmas in Europe includes more than 100 items, including nativity scenes. READ MORE

Tot Shabbat in New Haven

Friday January 25 - New Haven
Come celebrate Shabbat with Rabbi Michael at Temple Emanuel with songs and stories! Perfect for children under 5 and their families. READ MORE

DEEP CARE Family Ice Fishing Workshop

Saturday Januray 26 - Litchfield
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Fisheries Division sponsors this program for the seventh consecutive year. READ MORE

Screening of the Film Straws

Wednesday January 9 - Wilton
STRAWS, an award-winning documentary that illuminates the problems related to straws and other single-use plastic pollution that inundate our waterways and oceans. Doors open at 6:30 and screening begins promptly at 7 p.m. After the screening, there will be a short panel discussion and Q&A session with Charlie Taney of the Norwalk River Valley Trail and Members of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association as well as Bridget Cervero and David Hudson of The Maritime Aquarium. Advance registration is recommended. READ MORE
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels

Eastern Connecticut

Killingworth First Day Hike

Tuesday January 1 - Killingworth
Start the new year on the right foot (and left foot) with a moderate 2.5 mile hike through Chatfield Hollow State Park. The trail is rugged in places and not suitable for strollers. Bring snacks and water. READ MORE

Shoreline Ringers Handbell Concert

Friday January 5 - Old Saybrook
Shoreline Ringers, a community handbell choir based out of southeastern Connecticut, awes and inspires audiences with their ringing. READ MORE

Fire & Ice Festival

Saturday January 19 - Old Saybrook
This winter event is open to the public and fun for all ages, hosted on the waterfront at the Waterfront Terrace and Grand Ballroom of the Saybrook Point Inn and Spa. READ MORE
Photo by Pexels
Photo by Pexels

Central Connecticut

Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden

Tuesday January 1 - Meriden
The Festival of Silver Lights at Hubbard Park in Meriden, Connecticut, is a beloved annual event that transforms the park into a magical winter wonderland with over 300,000 sparkling lights. Each year, the festival features an array of displays, including illuminated animals, trees, and intricate holiday scenes, all beautifully arranged around the park’s lake and walkways.  READ MORE

New Year's Day Open House at Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown

Tuesday January 1 - Middletown
The Annual New Year's Day Open House will feature docent tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, and light refreshments.  READ MORE

Love Heals All Wounds at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford

Friday January 11 - Wallingford
Movement artists Lil Buck and John Boogz perform with an ensemble cast. Through dance, they address social issues like racism, violence, and the environment. 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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