Family-Friendly Attractions Open in Houston on Thanksgiving

1. Catch a movie

Most Houston movie theaters, from the classic Cinemark to your favorite dine-in theaters and beyond, are open on Thanksgiving Day. Enjoy a showing of "Wicked: For Good" or another box-office hit with the family after your turkey and mashed potatoes.

2. Visit Moody Gardens - Galveston

Moody Gardens is open each year on Thanksgiving and welcomes guests to explore the pyramids, enjoy a turkey-filled feast, and more. There's a ton to do there, and the trip makes for an unforgettable holiday.

3. Explore the Houston Arboretum - Memorial Park

Take a stroll through the trees and soak in the cooler temperatures at the Houston Arboretum. The buildings are closed, but the trails are open to visitors on Thanksgiving. Read our newly updated article on the Arboretum for more. 

4. Go bowling

Hit the lanes and see who can get the highest score this Thanksgiving at one of our favorite bowling alleys. Bowlero, Lucky Strike, and Main Event are open and include bowling, arcades, and more for a great kid-friendly activity on Thanksgiving.

5. Volunteer

If you’re looking to making a difference with your kiddos, help serve Thanksgiving meals to those in need with organizations like City Wide Club, Operation Turkey, or one of our other favorites. Children are welcome with parents at many of these opportunities. 

The Boardwalk Bullet is sure to impress. Photo courtesy of the Kemah Boardwalk

6. Stroll the Kemah Boardwalk - Kemah

Embrace some high-flying fun this Thanksgiving at the Kemah Boardwalk, which has rides, restaurants, stores, and lots of fun things to do. Open on Thanksgiving Day for fun that will spark gratitude big time.

8. Splash at Great Wolf Lodge - Webster

Slip into your swimsuits and hit the slides and chutes at the indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge this Thanksgiving. Book a stay or a day pass for a memorable experience with a turkey dinner and access to the seasonal Snowland. Read our full review and see our video for all you need to know.

9. Dine and Play at the Downtown Aquarium - Downtown

Enjoy a full Thanksgiving buffet and then see the exhibits and have a blast at the amusement park at the Downtown Aquarium, open on Thanksgiving.

There's lots of snowy fun in store for the kiddos at Santa's Wonderland. Photo by the author

10. Experience Santa’s Wonderland - College Station

This Thanksgiving, consider getting a leg up on Christmas celebrations and spend your holiday at Santa’s Wonderland, just a short drive from Houston, where you can see the lights, ice skate, meet Santa, and play in snow. We visited a few years ago and have lots of tips for you.

11. Ice Skate at Discovery Green - Downtown

Set out to explore Discovery Green and enjoy some spins around the Green Mountain Energy Presents Ice at Discovery Green ice-skating rink, which is open on Thanksgiving.

Shopping Centers and Stores Open on Thanksgiving

12. Town and Country Village - Memorial

Some stores and restaurants will be open in this Memorial area shopping center.

13. Bass Pro Shop - Multiple Locations

There’s always something neat to see at Bass Pro Shop, from the aquarium setup to holiday décor and wildlife displays. In November, guests can also visit the in-store Santa’s Wonderland to kick off the season.

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving in Houston

Did you forget the rolls or burn the pie? Don’t worry! You can get your last-minute shopping done at these grocery stores open on Thanksgiving in Houston. Many of these stores have modified holiday hours, so make sure to double check before you head out.

• HEB
• Kroger
• Food Town
• Randalls
• Central Market
• Whole foods
• Sprouts

Tips for Families Spending Thanksgiving Day in Houston

• Check open hours in advance as holiday schedules vary
• If you attend the parade, consider taking the metro or planning your parking in advance
• Plan any dining reservations or ticketed events in advance

FAQ: What is Open on Thanksgiving in Houston?

Q: Are any Houston malls open on Thanksgiving?

No, there are no malls open on Thanksgiving Day in Houston.

Q: Can families go ice skating in Houston on Thanksgiving?

Yes! Discovery Green and Santa’s Wonderland (near Houston) are open and have ice rinks.

Q: What Houston grocery stores are open for last-minute shopping?

A great variety of Houston grocery stores, from HEB and Kroger to Central Market, Whole Foods, and Sprouts, are open on Thanksgiving.

Q: Will the downtown METRO be running on Thanksgiving?

Yes, the METRO will be up and running. This is a great form of transportation for getting to and from the Thanksgiving parade or other downtown destinations.