See historic planes and meet veterans at Wings Over Houston. Photo courtesy of the event.
Wings Over Houston, Trick-or-Treat Events, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
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!)
Best Things to do in Houston for Halloween
GUIDE
Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Houston
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
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
Best Trunk-or-Treat and Alternative Trick-or-Treat Events in Houston for Halloween 2025
Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Best Things to Do in Houston October 2025 with Kids, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Scream on the Green is one of Houston's free Halloween events. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Top Free Halloween Events in Houston 2025
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
GUIDE
Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2025
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
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
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.
20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids
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
Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC
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
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday
Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Best Museums in Houston for Kids and Families
In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
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
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
Kid-Friendly Salons and Spas Near Houston
Climb with your kids at one of these indoor rock climbing gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
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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Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
For the best baby clothes, try these Houston baby boutiques. Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
The Coolest Baby Clothes in Houston: Best Boutiques & Stores

Things to Do in Houston This Weekend: Holiday Lights, Trains Over Texas

Enjoy one last round of festive fun at Sugar Land Holiday Lights this weekend. Photo courtesy of Sugar Land Holiday Lights.
Enjoy one last round of festive fun at Sugar Land Holiday Lights this weekend. Photo courtesy of Sugar Land Holiday Lights.
1/2/20 - By Rachael Cherry

Happy New Year! We hope you had a safe, fun, festive time ringing in the new year with family and friends!

Even though the holidays are technically over, there's still time to get in some last minute holiday fun. Magical Winter Lights, White Christmas at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, and Sugar Land Holiday Lights are all running through this weekend, giving you one last opportunity for festive fun before reality sets in.

Ready to kiss the holidays goodbye, but still need some awesome activities to keep the kiddos busy? We feel you. Which is why we have our Winter Bucket List at the ready, as well as a round-up of some of 30 Things to Do with Houston Kids Over Christmas Break and the best indoor play spaces.

Our event calendar is updated daily so you always have inspiration, and our January GoList highlights some of the best events happening throughout the month. Now is also the perfect time to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you can stay up to date with minimal work.

Let's make this year a great one for our families, starting with this weekend.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

All aboard! Trains Over Texas is departing from HMNS soon; head to the Museum one last time before they leave. Photo courtesy of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.
All aboard! Trains Over Texas is departing from HMNS soon; head to the Museum one last time before they leave. Photo courtesy of the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Things to Do All Weekend

Trains Over Texas at HMNS

Museum District
Create holiday memories by traveling across Texas by model railroad in this scratch-built O-scale model.  READ MORE

Prismatica at Avenida Houston

Downtown
Check out Downtown's newest art installation: Prismatica. By day, Prismatica reflects Downtown Houston. By night, Prismatica creates life-size kaleidoscopes. Prismatica is an interactive composition of light, bells, and reflections that visitors can wander through and rotate. READ MORE

Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds

La Marque
Magical Winter Lights Festival features thousands of intricately designed lanterns in various themes, shapes, and sizes. READ MORE

Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Sugar Land
Bring your friends and family out to enjoy over 3.5 million lights, a dazzling 40 ft. light up tree, light shows, numerous themed displays, Santa Claus, holiday vendors, food, and SO much more!  ​ READ MORE

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

Clear Lake
Embark on a holiday adventure that transcends Earth’s boundaries and transports you to the edge of the universe. Galaxy Lights is a space-themed holiday light show that defies gravity. READ MORE
Experience art through hands-on activities during CAMH's monthly Open Studio. Photo courtesy of Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
Experience art through hands-on activities during CAMH's monthly Open Studio. Photo courtesy of Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

Things to Do Saturday

Memorial City Coffee & Cars

Memorial
Grab your coffee cups and rev up your engines; Coffee & Cars at Memorial City lets you check out everything from classics that date back to the early 1900s to the latest and greatest, like the McLaren P1 and Porsche 918 Spyder. READ MORE

Tree ID Walk at Nature Discovery Center

Bellaire
Follow along as Master Naturalist Jim McKee leads a walk through the trees to teach about how to identify the different trees in Russ Pitman Park. READ MORE

Toy Train Show & Swap Meet - Houston

Westchase
All aboard! It's time to get on track for spring with a day full of operating layouts, buying and selling trains, door prizes, train raffles, and more. READ MORE

Popovich Comedy Pet Theater at MATCH

Downtown
Enjoy unparalled fun as Gregory Popovich takes the stage with this motley crew of animals! The show mixes physical comedy, world-champion juggling and the extraordinary talents of his furry friends for a show that is perfect for kids of all ages.  READ MORE

Open Studio at CAMH

Montrose
Drop in to CAMH to take advantage of Open Studio, which features hands-on activities that tie in to the current exhibitions on view. You'll experience art in new, profound ways as you experiment and explore in the studio.  READ MORE
Enjoy an easy morning of strolling through classic cars, hot rods and more while sipping on coffee. Photo courtesy of Dana Pritchard, Woodlands Performance & Suspension.
Enjoy an easy morning of strolling through classic cars, hot rods and more while sipping on coffee. Photo courtesy of Dana Pritchard, Woodlands Performance & Suspension.

Things to Do Sunday

The Woodlands Car Club Cars & Coffee for a Cause

The Woodlands
Join car enthusiasts on the first Sunday of every month to check out awesome cars, enjoy some coffee, and support the Change for Charity program. READ MORE

Dia de los Reyes Magos at Traders Village

Jersey Village
Celebrate one of the most significant holidays in Latin America at Día de los Reyes (or Three Wise Men Day). Also known as the Feast of the Epiphany, Día de los Reyes commemorates the visit of the three kings or the Magi to Baby Jesus, thereby representing Christ’s physical revelation to the gentiles. In honor of the day, you can get a slice of the traditional Rosca de Reyes and a cup of hot chocolate*, and take pictures with Reyes Magos. READ MORE

Sunday Family Studio at MFAH

Museum District
Families are invited to join a teaching artist for an afternoon in the galleries and the studio. Spend time exploring and learning about a work of art, and then create your masterpiece. READ MORE

Galveston Symphony Orchestra: Happy New Year, Vienna Style!

Galveston
The Galveston Symphony Orchestra presents its New Year Concert with a twist of Vienna style.  READ MORE

Skating with the Stars at Discovery Green

Downtown
Enjoy this FREE event at Discovery Green and watch Houston's top figure skaters show off on the Ice! READ MORE

Places featured in this article: