Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Entertain them, distract them, and tire them out with a trip to one of these great stroller hikes in Houston and the surrounding area. Even if your toddler can start off walking, these flat, surfaced trails mean you can push along the stroller for when they run out of steam. Sit your kiddo in their seat and get yourself some exercise at the same time.

Houston is blessed with many parks and paths that provide visual stimulation with rivers, trees, wildlife, and more. Many of them have playgrounds, bathrooms and refreshments to make it an easy and fun trip out. Here's our guide to some of the best trails you can hike in the Houston area. And if you're into parks with playgrounds, don't forget to check out our Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers.

Although we may miss having snow at Christmas in Houston, one of the benefits is that the weather is great for a winter day trip to outdoor and indoor attractions. You shouldn’t have to worry whether the roads will be clear of snow or need to pack thermal sweaters! We’ve drawn up a list of family-fun-filled winter day trips that can help you get out of the house and make festive memories. Plus, these destinations are all less than two hours from Houston by car, so you shouldn’t have too many cries of “are we there yet?” Read on for details of trips North, South, East, and West of Houston. Whichever direction you want to head in, we have a fun destination!

Check out our car games to have fun even while you drive. For ideas closer to home, don’t forget our Winter Activities Guide.

All timings are approximate and by car from the center of Houston.

Did you know that there are an estimated 500,000 or more alligators in Texas? And did you know that alligators love fruit and can climb trees? Your kids can learn these facts and more about alligators at several fun gator experiences and organized alligator attractions in Houston and beyond. Getting up close with an alligator is definitely a jaw-dropping activity that will WOW your kids, so we've included gator activities for every budget—from the local Brazos Bend State Park to Gator Country Adventure Park to a Louisiana gator roadtrip.