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
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
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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
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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
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
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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
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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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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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Sensory-Friendly Events in Houston for Kids

Sensory Friendly Day event at Houston Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the Houston Children's Museum
Sensory Friendly Day event at Houston Children's Museum. Photo courtesy of the Houston Children's Museum
7/6/25 - By Elizabeth R

Sensory-friendly events in Houston are a good option for kids who prefer a calmer, more predictable environment—whether they're on the autism spectrum or not. These thoughtfully designed experiences often feature lower lighting, reduced noise levels, and fewer crowds, making them ideal not only for neurodivergent children of all ages, but also for younger kids who may be overwhelmed by busy or high-energy spaces.

In Houston, several standout venues make it a priority to offer inclusive programming. Main Street Theater and The Hobby Center both host Relaxed Sensory Inclusive Performances—live shows that are adapted to be welcoming for all. For year-round play, We Rock the Spectrum provides a fully sensory-friendly indoor gym experience, with multiple Houston-area locations designed specifically for kids of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together.

Read on for a list of sensory-friendly events and spaces around Houston that your whole family can enjoy.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Sensory Hours at Slick City. Photo courtesy of the Slick City location in Katy.
Sensory Hours at Slick City. Photo courtesy of the Slick City location in Katy.

Sensory-Friendly Fun in Houston for All Kids

Sensory Friendly Event at Space Center Houston

Southeast Houston
Friday, August 29; Saturday, September 20; Saturday, November 15, 2025
Space Center Houston invites people of all ages diagnosed with conditions such as, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, to explore science and space exploration in a reduced sensory environment. READ MORE

Sensory Friendly Event at HMNS

Museum District
Saturday, September 27; Monday, December 1, 2025
Three times a year, HMNS offers Sensory Friendly events where exhibits and venues are modified for those with sensory sensitivities. Exhibits and venues are modified to create a sensory neutral environment. The Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham Giant Screen Theatre also offer modified 2D shows with house lights on and the volume reduced. READ MORE

Sensory Friendly Day at Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center

Sugar Land
Monday, Oct 6, 2025
Get ready for an extraordinary adventure at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, where children with autism spectrum disorder and their families are invited to an exclusive event like no other! Step into a world of wonder where the lights are dimmed just right, the sounds are carefully curated, and there are no distracting motions to interrupt your exploration. READ MORE

Sensory Friendly Day at Children's Musem Houston

Museum District
Monday, October 13; Monday, December 15, 2025
Join Children's Museum Houston for a sensory-friendly event designed for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and sensory processing differences to explore the Museum in a supportive, low-stimulus environment filled with inclusive and engaging activities for all. READ MORE

AMC Sensory Friendly Films

Multiple Locations
Second and Fourth Thursdays
AMC Theatres, in partnership with the Autism Society, offers Sensory Friendly Film showings designed for individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. During these special screenings, the lights are turned up, the sound is lowered, and guests are welcome to move, talk, dance, or sing throughout the film — creating a relaxed and inclusive movie-going experience. READ MORE

Bounce N Play Seabrook Sensory Nights

Seabrook
Third Thursdays
Bounce N Play Seabrook hosts Sensory Night, a special event created to accommodate children and families with sensory processing differences and special needs. The environment features dimmed lighting, soothing music, and a quieter atmosphere to ensure a comfortable, calm, and enjoyable experience for all guests.   READ MORE

Slick City Katy Sensory Hours

Katy
Select Dates
Sensory Hours provide a specially designed time for guests who prefer a calmer, quieter environment. During these hours, the music is turned down and a more relaxed atmosphere is created to accommodate children and individuals with sensory sensitivities. READ MORE

Urban Air Houston (NW) Sensory Friendly Jump

Northwest Houston
First Sundays of the Month
Typically held on the first Sunday of each month from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, this event is specially designed for children with Autism and special needs. It offers a calm, welcoming environment without loud music or flashing lights—allowing kids to enjoy the park and have plenty of fun! READ MORE

Houston Ballet Sensory Friendly Performances

Downtown
Select Performances
Houston Ballet's Sensory-Friendly performances are modified for audience members with neurological differences. Trained volunteer staff the event to ensure a positive experience for all.    READ MORE

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About the Author

Elizabeth R.
Elizabeth R. is a writer, editor, and mom. She shares all the fun things to do in Houston on social @mommypoppinshouston
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