Head downtown for the 2025 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.
Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2025 in Houston: Thanksgiving Parade, The Nutcracker, and Holiday Celebrations
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
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
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
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
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
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
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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
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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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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.
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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
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

Veterans Day Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Photo courtesy of Circus Vasquez
Photo courtesy of Circus Vasquez
11/7/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this Veterans Day weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list.

There are plenty of things to do on Long Island with kids this Veterans Day weekend, including kicking off the holiday season at the Jingle Bell Bash and Annual Tree Lighting at Tanger Outlets in Deer Park, where you can take pics with Santa and hang out with some live reindeer. Check out our calendar for more things to do on Veterans Day itself, Tuesday, November 11, 2025. 

Other top things to do this weekend include enjoying a holiday lights experience at LuminoCity, which returns to Long Island's Eisenhower Park with a new luminescent theme, and getting cozy with some furry farm animals during Patchogue's annual free Walk-Through Zoo.

Of course, it's not too early to start plotting your holiday outings with our list of 25 must-do Christmas and holiday activities on Long Island.

More Things To Do on Long Island this Week with Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Best Things To Do on Long Island Veterans Day Weekend 2025

Circus Vazquez at Walt Whitman Mall

Huntington
Opens Friday, November 7, 2025
This high-energy production by Circus Vasquez boasts big talent under the big top tent, with exquisite dancers, daring trapeze artists, silly clowns, and more. READ MORE

LuminoCity Fantasy Winter Fairyland at Eisenhower Park

East Meadow
Opens Friday, November 7, 2025
Be amazed as towering sculptures illuminate the park, transforming it into an immersive, dazzling fairytale world and a starry holiday dream. READ MORE

Wicked Sing-A-Long at The Suffolk Theater

Riverhead
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Belt your heart out to every song with a room full of Wicked fans at The Suffolk as the lyrics light up the screen – even dress up as your favorite character for a chance to win wicked prizes. READ MORE

Jingle Bell Bash and Annual Tree Lighting at Tanger Outlets at the Arches

Deer Park – FREE
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Get ready to jingle all the way into the holidays! Tanger Outlets in Deer Park invites families to celebrate the season at its Jingle Bell Bash and Annual Tree Lighting. Enjoy lively performances, festive fun, and a sprinkle of holiday magic—then join the countdown as the holiday tree lights up the night sky! READ MORE

Zoo Walkthrough in Patchogue

Patchogue – FREE
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Visit the Patchogue Parks and Recreation building for a fun day with the family at this walkthrough petting zoo. In addition to animals, visitors can peruse craft vendors and pick up a take-home craft to complete with kids at home.  READ MORE

Child + Adult Art Class at the Southampton Arts Center

Southampton
Saturday, November 8, 2025
Join the Southampton Arts Center in the studio for a fun adult and child art class. In this inspiring and nurturing environment, young artists and their companions will have the opportunity to explore their creativity, learn new artistic techniques, and express themselves through various media together. READ MORE

Paint with a Princess at Sparkle on Stage

Freeport
Sunday, November 9, 2025
During this enchanting art class, join Tiana for a dazzling gem painting adventure! Royal artists can explore their creativity and imagination in an empowering, supportive environment. READ MORE

Shadow Puppet Show: Wrapped Presence at the Charles B. Wang Center

Stony Brook
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Caroline and Suzanne Borderies (puppeteers), Mirna Lekic (pianist), and David McCorkle (narrator) present an original shadow puppet show at the Charles B. Wang Center Theatre, with spare, intricate illustrations and lighting palettes that move from black and white to riotous color. READ MORE

Family Pickle Party at the Whaling Museum

Cold Spring Harbor
Sunday, November 9, 2025
Discover what's on the menu on a whaleship, including pickles! Taste pickle samples, decorate a jar, and make your own pickles to take home. Start your holidays early as you make Weihnachtsgurke, a traditional German pickle ornament. READ MORE

Pop-Up Karaoke Party at The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts

East Northport
Sunday, November 9, 2025
The Marcus Center of the Performing Arts is hosting a dance/karaoke party for budding pop and rock stars. READ MORE

Children’s Creative Writing Workshop at the Sands Point Preserve

Port Washington
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
While school’s out, educators from the Story Round welcome young readers and writers to explore magical realism—stories where fantastic elements blend seamlessly into our ordinary world. READ MORE

Fleece to Fiber at the Suffolk County Farm & Education Center

Yaphank
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Learn about the sheep and their wool at the Suffolk County Farm and then watch a representative from LI Yarn and Farm demonstrate the sheep shearing process. READ MORE

Veterans Day at the Long Island Aquarium

Riverhead
Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - FREE for military
Veterans get free admission to the Long Island Aquarium and their families get admission at half price on Veterans Day. READ MORE

Artifacts of Honor: A Veterans Day Display at the Southampton History Museum

Southampton - FREE
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Following the parade and ceremonies for Veterans Day, discover Artifacts of Honor at the Southampton History Museum a special display of military artifacts, personal items, and literature that preserve the stories and sacrifices of the nation’s veterans. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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