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
Let the kids get some energy out before sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum
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Let someone else cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
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Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
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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
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College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
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Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 2023 photo © Richard Carson
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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
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Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
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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
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Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
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Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
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Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
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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
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Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
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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
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Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
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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
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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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
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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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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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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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14 Sleepaway Camps for Connecticut Kids

Check out all the fun at these Connecticut sleepaway camps, like race cars at Camp Awosting. Photo courtesy of Camp Awosting
Check out all the fun at these Connecticut sleepaway camps, like race cars at Camp Awosting. Photo courtesy of Camp Awosting
3/2/25 - By Jennifer Coe

Sleepaway camps for Connecticut kids give youngsters the opportunity to learn and grow. Summer is a time for kids to explore nature, make new friends, and expand their independence. These Connecticut sleepaway camps offer kids the opportunity to be among peers and try new things. And these overnight camps around Connecticut have a variety of programs, with something to offer everyone!

 Looking for more summer camp options? Check out the Best Sleepaway Summer Camps in the Northeast  or our list of Free and Affordable Summer Camps in Connecticut anduse our Camp Directory to find the right fit for your family. 

Frolicking on Mount Tom Pond is one of the many fun activities at Camp Chinqueka. Photo courtesy of Camp Chinqueka
Frolicking on Mount Tom Pond is one of the many fun activities at Camp Chinqueka. Photo courtesy of Camp Chinqueka

Sleepaway Camps in Litchfield County

Camp Awosting

Morris
Located on Bantam Lake, this boutique traditional overnight camp emphasizes individual attention for boys ages 6-16. Activities offered include sports, waterskiing, extreme adventure, arts and crafts, ceramics, laser tag, and outdoor camping. READ MORE

Camp Chinqueka

Bantam
Camp Chinqueka is a boutique traditional overnight camp for girls ages 6 to 16 on beautiful Mt. Tom Pond. Days feature both instructional and elective time for activities. Activities include sports, waterfront (including waterskiing), gymnastics, arts, nature, ropes, go-karts, and horseback riding, plus a trip program for senior campers. READ MORE

Camp Hazen YMCA

Chester
This long-running camp—90+ years—ensures that its counselors focus on teaching life-long skills in a fun, enriching environment. For kids entering second through eighth grades there is a one-week "sampler" camp during the third week of August, featuring all the activities of traditional two-week programs. READ MORE

Camp Sloane YMCA

Lakeville
Camp Sloane YMCA is everything that kids are looking for in a summer camp. It has a rich history of creating magical memories for campers, combining traditional camp activities with modern twists. The choice of activities - everything from sailing to horseback riding, to climbing and dance lessons – allow campers to embrace the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.   READ MORE

Camp KenMont and KenWood

Kent
KenMont (a boys camp) and KenWood (a girls camp) offer children 3.5 week sessions of camp in a beautiful, lakeside location. Campers will stay in modern cabins with electricity and plumbing and will choose from a diverse assortment of activities to filln in their daily routine such as rock climbing, sports, skateboarding, tennis, yoga, jewelry and ceramic making and much more. KenMont and KenWood accept campers in grades 2-10 and also offer a brother/sister week of camp. READ MORE

YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls

Litchfield
Located at the base of Mohawk Mountain, Camp Mohawk provides a meaningful camping experience to girls ages 7-15 for the summer. Mohawk offers close to 40 activities weekly. From sports to knitting, Camp Mohawk covers it all in both overnight and day camp options. Girls can sign up for as little as one weekend as many as 8 weeks this summer.  READ MORE

Camp Washington

Washington
Children of all faith traditions are welcome at Camp Washington, the official camp and retreat center of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Campers explore the 300-acre campus, relax, learn, have fun, and foster friendships that last a lifetime.  READ MORE

Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp

New Milford
Buck’s Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp is a unique program where campers have the freedom to choose their activities in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Campers work with qualified, professional artists and instructors who nurture and support their skills and interests in professionally equipped studios. READ MORE

Sleepaway Camps in Eastern Connecticut

Incarnation Camp

Ivoryton
Established in 1886, Incarnation Camp's historic roots and strong alumni support enable it to offer the best in summer camping at a fraction of the price of comparable sleep away programs. Campers choose the layout of their day from a roster of activities including field and court sports, fine arts and crafting, performance arts, nature & farm, outdoor cooking, and more.  READ MORE

Camp Claire

Lyme
Camp Claire offers residential camp for children ages 8 to 14. Campers will choose daily activities from a long list including: sailing, sports, camp craft, archery, ropes course, arts and crafts and so much more. Located in Hamburg Cove, the camp has traditional housing and lots of natural life all around. For six weeks, campers also get to enjoy all the amenities of the camp such as the gaga pit, sand volleyball court, sports fields, canoes and kayaks and low ropes course.  READ MORE

Camp Asto Wamah

Columbia
With limited enrollment, Camp Asto Wamah's yearly overnight camp seeks to help campers build positive qualities that will help them throughout life, an appreciation for the outdoors, and great relationships with one another. Campers can choose from 3 two-week sessions and a one-week coed session. Each camper will get to try their hands at arts and crafts, swimming, boating, sports and much more.  READ MORE
SJ Riding Camp offers options ranging from a one-day camp through a three-week overnight session. Photo courtesy of Farm Camp at SJ
SJ Riding Camp offers options ranging from a one-day camp through a three-week overnight session. Photo courtesy of Farm Camp at SJ

Sleepaway Camps in Connecticut

Camp Laurelwood

Madison
This coed Jewish summer camp provides an all-around summer experience for day and overnight campers including access to two pools, instructional swim, sports, dance, cooking, nature, woodworking, archery, high and low ropes courses, boating, robotics, martial arts, music, and arts and crafts. A one-week rookie camp explores Jewish identity and values, nature appreciation, and friendship.  READ MORE

SJ Riding Camp

Ellington
SJ Riding Camp, a summer horse back riding camp located in CT for girls ages 8-16, is an ideal place to improve riding skills, learn to ride, learn more about horses, take on the responsibilities of horse and animal care, and have fun. It’s also a great summer camp to make new friends, because everyone here shares your enthusiasm for horses and other animals.  READ MORE

YMCA Camp Woodstock

Woodstock Valley
Woodstock Summer Camp provides a safe environment to try a seemingly endless amount of new activities. With a culture driven by CHoRR (pronounced “core”) values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility, it is easy to see why kids keep coming back to Woodstock year after year. With both day and sleepaway options, Camp Woodstock has a program that is just right for your family.  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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