Texas Ren Fest is back for the fall! Photo courtesy of the Festival
Texas Renaissance Festival, Barktoberfest, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green. Event photo courtesy of the Discovery Green
Top Things To Do to Celebrate Día de Los Muertos 2025 in Houston
These trunk-or-treats in Houston are a good alternative to trick-or-treating. Photo courtesy of Klein UMC Children's Ministries
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Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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Scream on the Green is one of Houston's free Halloween events. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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Zoo Boo is one of our favorite Halloween events for younger kids. Photo courtesy of Houston Zoo
Best Halloween Events in Houston 2025 for Kids and Families: Haunted Houses, Trick-or-Treating, and More
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
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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
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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
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Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
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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
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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
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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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.
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Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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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
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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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.
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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
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Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
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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
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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
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Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
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San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
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Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
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Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
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Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
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Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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For the best baby clothes, try these Houston baby boutiques. Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
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The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
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Top Things to Do in Connecticut This Weekend: Food Festival, Great American Campout

Take to the high seas. Photo courtesy of New England Science & Sailing Foundation
Take to the high seas. Photo courtesy of New England Science & Sailing Foundation
6/23/21 - By Ally Noel

Warmer temps have officially arrived in the Nutmeg State and we are here for it! Bring on beach trips, movie nights, and jumping into a lake. Start summer with loads of family fun by indulging in sweet treats at the North Haven “Fair” Food Festival, snorkeling at Summer Family Weekend Expeditions, or celebrating pride in Ridgefield. 

As always, keep tabs on our Connecticut events calendar for daily updates on happenings at favorite spots, and more local and virtual opportunities for family fun.

 

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things to Do in Connecticut All Weekend

Let's Play Shakespeare

Norwalk
Let's Play Shakespeare is a 30-minute socially distanced yet interactive play  introducing the works of William Shakespeare in a fun environment for kids of all ages.  READ MORE

North Haven "Fair" Food Festival

North Haven
Sample all your favorite foods will be in one place before the fair season starts. Try fried dough, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fried Oreos, cotton candy, pulled pork, the " BIG" donut, baked potatoes, kettle corn, fresh-cut fries, and so much more. READ MORE

New Bruce Community Mural

Greenwich
Help celebrate the wonderful “New Bruce” in the making by creating artwork to be displayed outside the Museum for all to see! This new in-person, drop-in Art Adventures program is designed for children ages 4 and up and their families.  READ MORE

Godspell at Center Stage Theatre

Shelton
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Come see this live and in person production at the Center Stage Theater. READ MORE

Summer Family Weekend Expeditions

Stonington
Join NESS and explore the world of adventure sports and science at locations that may be otherwise inaccessible. Board the vessel NESSie with an experienced captain and educator that will guide you through an awesome adventure. Fish with an experienced angler, explore the underwater world by seining and snorkeling at Sandy Point, East Harbor, or Flat Hammock, or ride the waves by boogie boarding at Napatree! READ MORE
Mermaid Queen Bella Noche reads a story at the library. Photo courtesy of Drag Queen Story Hour
Mermaid Queen Bella Noche reads a story at the library. Photo courtesy of Drag Queen Story Hour

Best Things to Do in Connecticut on Saturday

We're In A Book: Julian Is A Mermaid

Stamford
This is not your average story time. The silliest of CAMP Counselors read and act out a magical story. Families work together to bring the story to life through whimsically guided playtime and some creative crafting. READ MORE

Ridgefield Pride in the Park

Ridgefield
Celebrate Pride at Ballard Park in Ridgefield. This family-friendly celebration has music, games, and much more. This is a great way to teach kids about inclusion and love. READ MORE

Midsummer Celebration Day

Weston
Ring in Lachat’s opening season with some good, old-fashioned summer fun! Take time to walk the trail and watch scenes from Shakespeare’s plays performed by local high school students. Listen to music in the meadow performed by local artists.  READ MORE

Drag Queen Story Hour

New Milford
Join Mermaid Queen Bella Noche and her friend Kaleidoscope Kali for an hour of reading their favorite books and playing fun games with children of all ages! READ MORE

Rose Arts Festival in Norwich

Norwich
New England's largest free music and art festival, Rose Arts is not to be missed. Featuring family-friendly interactive activities, exciting art installations, and more than 75 performances spanning day and evening programs, this is a wonderful way to spend the day.  READ MORE

Great American Campout

New Canaan
The Great American Autumn Campout is an evening full of fun & adventure by camping out in New Canaan’s favorite backyard – the New Canaan Nature Center. Enjoy an evening full of fun, camp tunes, a night hike, s’mores, and the adventure of camping  READ MORE
Enjoy a family tour at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo courtesy of the museum
Enjoy a family tour at the Wadsworth Atheneum. Photo courtesy of the museum

Top Family Events in Connecticut on Sunday

Nerf Wars

New Milford
Get ready for a battle of epic proportions! Bring a Nerf gun and eyewear to Bulls Field for a giant Nerf War. A limited number of safety glasses are available for purchase. READ MORE

Family Tour at the Wadsworth

Hartford
Enjoy art and culture right in downtown Hartford. The Family Tours at the Wadsworth Atheneum are intended for families and adults with younger children.  READ MORE

Ice Cream Sundays at the Adventure Park Storrs

Storrs
Join the Adventure Park in the month of  June for Ice Cream Sundays. Swing through the trees on select Sundays and get a free ice cream treat. READ MORE

The SM&NC Sunday Farm Market

Stamford
Head to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center for its Sunday Farm Market. Local vendors include many favorites, as well as new vendors offering a wide assortment of fresh goods you won't find anywhere else. READ MORE

Virtual Camps and Classes You Can Book Now

Shoe Tying Made Simple

The Shoe Tying Made Simple method is a simple, fun, and engaging way to find success learning this important life skill. The course is taught by a pediatric occupational therapist; enrollment includes a special instructional sneaker shipped to your home, digital handouts, and a one-hour virtual training session.  READ MORE

Soccer Stars @HOME for Preschoolers

Whether they are just learning or ready to improve their skills, kids can take their play to the next level with Soccer Stars @HOME's fully interactive virtual classes. Children can join the weekly class for the entire summer season from home, vacation, or wherever they are.  READ MORE

Preschool Science Through the Alphabet On Demand Video Classes

Preschoolers learn science and literacy in this custom program developed by a former NYC public school teacher. Each program focuses on a letter and a fun science topic. The prerecorded video lessons can be watched at home and enjoyed at any time.   READ MORE

Bucket List Summer Fun in Connecticut

19 Connecticut Area Beaches That Are Great for Families

Explore the best Connecticut beaches for a great family escape in Summer 2025! READ MORE

Drive-In Movie Theaters in Connecticut for Outdoor Movie Nights With Kids

Head to a drive-in movie in Connecticut for a fun family evening. READ MORE

Splash Pads, Spraygrounds and Fountains for Kids in Hartford County

Kids can beat the heat at these splash pads around Hartford. READ MORE

10 Best Ponds and Swimming Lakes for Connecticut Kids

Dive in to the calm waters and beautiful vistas of these lakes and ponds. READ MORE

40 Awesome Summer Day Trips for Connecticut Families

Explore our guide to summer fun that's only a short drive away! READ MORE

8 Fun Popsicle Recipes to Make with Kids

Make frozen treats inspired by July 4th, cake batter, hot cocoa and more. READ MORE

Ultimate Summer Bucket List: 100 Free Indoor and Outdoor Games and Activities for Kids

Check out these 100 ways to pack more play into your summer day. READ MORE

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About the Author

Ally Noel
Ally Noel has lived in Connecticut for over two decades. Before becoming a parent, she worked as an Educational Technology Specialist, helping schools and teachers integrate technology into learning. Now, she’s all about discovering the best family-friendly adventures, activities, and hidden gems. Share your tips, questions, or just say hi at ally@mommypoppins.com, and follow along for family fun at @mommypoppinsct.
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