The Bronx Zoo comes to life after dark during its annual Holiday Lights event. Photo by Terria Clay/courtesy of the Bronx Zoo
Holiday Lights, Christmas Carousel, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a must-see holiday destination in NYC. Photo courtesy of the New York Botanical Gardens
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2025 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 99th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Where to Watch, What's New
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC for Thanksgiving Dinner 2025
Meet Santa aboard The Polar Express chugging along the Morristown and Erie lines. Photo courtesy of the Morristown and Erie Railway
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC in 2025
See your favorite characters come to life at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon inflation. Photo by Eugene Gologursky/courtesy of Macy's.
24 Best Things To Do in NYC with Kids November 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Enjoy a cozy, French-style Thanksgiving meal at Le Rivage. Photo by Evan Sung
25 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025 in NYC
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
NYC's Coolest Christmas Events to Book Now Before They Sell Out in 2025
GUIDE
Holidays in NYC: Ultimate Guide to Christmas, Hanukkah, & Seasonal Fun
Volunteer to help feed families in New York this Thanksgiving.
Best 2025 Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for Families in NYC
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 10. Photo by Heidi Lee
34 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC November 2025 with Kids
Kids as young as 14 can apply for an eco-focused internship at Alley Pond Park in Queens. Photo courtesy of the Alley Pond Environmental Center
Best Museum Programs in NYC for Teens
The 2025-2026 public school year for NYC kids starts on Thursday, September 4.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2025-2026
Get ready for back to school with all the right supplies, classes, and tips.
GUIDE
Back-to-School Guide 2025-2026
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
Ultimate New York City Bucket List: 100 Things To Do in NYC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre and gives the popular Neflix show a prequel. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman
Best Broadway Shows for Kids and Families in 2025
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
Ultimate New York Bucket List: 100 Things To Do with Kids in NY State
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Vinland Playground got a fresh upgrade in Bay Ridge. Photo by NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
Jaw-Dropping New Playgrounds in NYC to Explore with Kids Now
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
100 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
Brooklyn's Flying Apple offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
24 Best Kids' Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Discover the NYC-themed play space hidden inside the Toys
27 Free Things To Do Indoors in NYC: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Playgrounds and Play Spaces in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids Guide
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
GUIDE
NYC Kids Summer Guide: 728 Best Festivals, Deals, Activities & Free Things to Do
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Crafts for Kids Guide: Thousands of Craft Ideas

Best Things to Do in Houston October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
9/28/25 - By Rachael Cherry

From fall festivals to Halloween and beyond, October is packed with activities for kids. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do in Houston with kids this month.

October holds one of our favorite annual events, Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo, and you can check it out daily in October.  Add in the Bayou City Art Festival, Wings over Houston, the Texas Renaissance Festival, and Galaxy Frights, and it's abundantly clear that a Fall Bucket List is nothing short of necessary.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Houston this October —we're adding more events to the Houston Events Calendar every day. And if you're planning to make the trip to Texas Renaissance Festival, make the most of the day with our tips. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Texas Renaissance Festival is one of our top things to do in October. Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival via Facebook
Texas Renaissance Festival is one of our top things to do in October. Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival via Facebook

Best Activities in Houston in October 2025

Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo

Museum District
Friday, September 26 - Friday, October 31, 2025
The Houston Zoo invites families to celebrate the spooky season with its beloved, month-long Zoo Boo event, running from September 26 through October 31. Little ghouls and goblins are encouraged to dress in their best costumes and enjoy a host of autumn-themed activities perfect for all ages. READ MORE

Arts District Month

Arts District – FREE
Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 31, 2025
Arts District Houston invites residents and visitors to celebrate creativity, culture, and community this October during Arts District Month 2025. Anchored in Houston’s historic First and Sixth Ward neighborhoods, this free, family-friendly celebration blends art, history, and neighborhood charm with the city’s most vibrant mix of cultural and culinary experiences. READ MORE

The Original Greek Festival

Montrose
Thursday, October 2 - Saturday, October 4, 2025
Opa! The Original Greek Festival has been bringing a host of festivities to Houston for over 50 years and includes children's activities, live music, dancing, food, shopping, and more.  READ MORE

Cirque du Soleil OVO at Toyota Center

Downtown
Thursday, October 2 - Sunday, October 5, 2025
Toyota Center is excited to welcome Cirque du Soleil OVO from October 2nd to 5th!  From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination. READ MORE

Gabby's Dollhouse Live!

Sugar Land
Friday, October 3, 2025
In this a-MEOW-zing musical show, Gabby unboxes a special acorn that needs the magical touch of a rainbow to grow. But when CatRat causes a color cat-astrophe and breaks the rainbow, Gabby and the Gabby Cats must find the colors again to set things right. READ MORE

Mid-Autumn Family Day at Asia Society Texas Center

Museum District – FREE
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at Asia Society Texas! Enjoy an afternoon of family-friendly fun highlighting the rich traditions and stories behind this beloved holiday.   READ MORE

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

Memorial Park
Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12, 2025
The 2025 Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park returns with national and international artists for a dynamic weekend full of art, food, music, and entertainment. READ MORE

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

Conroe
Friday, October 10 - Sunday, October 12, 2025
The family-friendly event features live music, food vendors offering festival and Cajun favorites, arts & crafts vendors, a professional carnival, assorted community and educational exhibits, and an annual Catfish Pageant. READ MORE

Spooktacular at the Depot at Tomball Depot Plaza

Tomball – FREE
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Guests can enjoy Ghostbusters-themed games, bounce houses, face painting, crafts, local vendors, and more. READ MORE

Houston Pets Alive! Barktoberfest

Spring Branch – FREE
Saturday, October 11, 2025
Join Houston Pets Alive! for Barktoberfest, at The Powder Keg Houston (1300 Brittmoore Rd.). This festive fall celebration, presented by Pacifico, is free to attend and packed with fun for the whole family—people and pets alike.  READ MORE

Korean Festival Houston at Discovery Green

Downtown – FREE
Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12, 2025
Korean Festival showcases the best of Korean food, music, performing arts, and culture and family-friendly crafts and activities. READ MORE

Katy Rice Harvest Festival

Katy
Saturday & Sunday, October 11 & 12, 2025
Bring the family and enjoy a full day of great craft vendors, live music, kids zone, food trucks & much more!   READ MORE

Texas Renaissance Festival

Todd Mission
Saturday, October 11 - Sunday, November 30, 2025 (Weekends)
It's the 51st season of North America’s largest Renaissance theme park. Join other Renaissance fans to celebrate all the fun, food, music, shopping, and entertainment that the Texas Renaissance Festival is known for bringing. READ MORE

Monster Jam Sparkle Smash Bash at NRG Stadium

Southwest Houston
Saturday, October 18, 2025
This special Sparkle Smash Bash features thrilling stunts, fan-favorite monster trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, JCB DIGatron, and of course, Sparkle Smash herself. READ MORE

ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum

Memorial Park
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Grab your costumes and get the kids together for the Arboretum’s biggest family event of the year! ArBOOretum features fun fall activities for all ages including live animals, pumpkin decorating, and Houston’s only Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail. Enjoy these fall classics and so much more! READ MORE

Houston Energy Day Festival

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Energy Day is Houston’s largest free family festival showcasing exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). READ MORE

Galaxy Frights at Space Center Houston

Southeast Houston
Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Weekends)
Transport the whole family to explore the wonders of space–with a spooky twist! Show off your Halloween costumes, enjoy special activities and more. READ MORE

Houston Filipino Street Festival

Sugar Land
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Houston Filipino Street Festival has proudly become the largest Filipino celebration in Texas, offering an unforgettable day of Filipino street food, vibrant entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more! READ MORE

Diwali Festivities - Festival of Unity

Stafford – FREE
Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19, 2025
A family celebration spanning Saturday and Sunday! Embark on a magical journey embracing unity and the spirit of Diwali. Dive into devotion with a grand offering (annakut) of vegetarian delights. Kids Diwali with carnival games and fun-filled food booths. READ MORE

Wings Over Houston Airshow

Ellington Airport
Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19, 2025
One of the top air shows in the United States, this premier Houston event is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation. READ MORE

2025 KBR Kids Day at Buffalo Bayou Park

Downtown – FREE
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Kids Day at Buffalo Bayou Park is a free outdoor festival perfect for enjoying the cooler weather and quality time with family in nature. This year’s event celebrates the park’s 10-year anniversary and will be held at The Water Works. Families are encouraged to come in Halloween costumes and enjoy a full day of festive fun!   READ MORE

Hocus Pocus Pops at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

The Woodlands – FREE
Friday, October 24, 2025
Get ready to kick the Halloween season off in style! Enjoy a haunting evening of plaza trick-or-treating, ghoulish games, spooky songs and a cacophony of costumes! It’s all the fun you’ve come to expect from a Pavilion performing arts show, with a creepy twist that’s just the right amount of scary for any family. READ MORE

Halloween in the Hangar at Lone Star Flight Museum

Southeast Houston
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bring your Boo Crew for a Halloween adventure like no other! The hangars transform into a fright plan packed with trick-or-treating and spooky, family-friendly fun inside 130,000 square feet of air-conditioned space. READ MORE

Nature Discovery Center's Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival

Bellaire
Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 2025
Pick out the perfect pumpkin and enjoy some fall fun at the Bellaire Nature Discovery Center's annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. READ MORE

Scream on the Green at Discovery Green - Cancelled

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Scream on the Green returns with a costume contest, living sculptures, palm readers and psychics, games, music, and more. Plus, enjoy a screening of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. READ MORE

Boo on the Bayou: Celebrating the Port in Your Backyard at the Houston Maritime Center and Museum

East River – FREE
Sunday, October 26, 2025
This special event invites families from across Houston to enjoy a unique blend of Halloween fun and maritime discovery. The event will feature a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment for kids of all ages. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Downtown Historic Katy
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Buffalo Bayou Park - The Water Works
Houston Maritime Center & Museum