Gazillion Bubble Show is headed to downtown Houston this weekend. Photo courtesy of the event.
Gazillion Bubble Show, Family-Friendly Theater, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Right by the zoo entrance, Jack's Cafe has a quick serve window for snacks and drinks before you start exploring.
Where to Eat Near the Houston Zoo: Family-Friendly Restaurant Picks
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Your Baby in Houston
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
GUIDE
Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Keep costs down with a party at a local playground. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties
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
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) in Houston
Cheap, delicious, and good for leftovers. Photo of Buffalo Grille by Jessica Stautberg
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Houston for Kids and Families (Under $10!): Recs From Locals
Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2026. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Houston in January 2026, According to MP Editors
Play Street Museum West U is perfect for toddlers. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
The Best Places that Opened in Houston Last Year: 11 New Things To Do with Kids
Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
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!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
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
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
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 Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) in Houston
Keep costs down with a party at a local playground. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties
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

Family-Friendly Fun for Oktoberfest Near Washington, DC

Get in on the action at the Gaithersburg Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of the festival
Get in on the action at the Gaithersburg Oktoberfest. Photo courtesy of the festival
9/23/24 - By Jennifer Swope

While we can't all go to Munich for the annual Oktoberfest celebration, we can celebrate Oktoberfest near DC at a variety of family-friendly events. From dachshunds racing at The Wharf to a month-long kid festival at Shipgarten, these festivities include food and fun for all ages. Read on for our list of Oktoberfest events near DC you won't want to miss.

For more autumn activities, visit our Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Kids. And don't forget to check our family activity calendar, as we're always adding more events.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The Weiner 500 Daschund Dash is a fun part of Oktoberfest at the Wharf. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC
The Weiner 500 Daschund Dash is a fun part of Oktoberfest at the Wharf. Photo courtesy of the Wharf DC

Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest Near DC

Kings Dominion Oktoberfest

Doswell, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, through November 3, 2024
Kings Dominion's Oktoberfest offers authentic German food, beverages, music, games, and family-friendly entertainment. Plus, the park’s most popular rides are open. READ MORE

Frederick's Oktoberfest

Frederick, MD - Saturday, September 28, 2024
German food, beer, wine, music, dancing, and fun! Frederick’s Oktoberfest celebrates German heritage, brings friends and neighbors together for a weekend full of good food and drink, and raises monies to support many community causes and charities. READ MORE

Rocktobierfest (at Rockville Town Center)

Rockville, MD - Saturday, September 28, 2024
Free
Rocktobierfest is the City of Rockville's premiere Oktoberfest-themed festival. The festival features two stages of entertainment, including German and rock music, and a wide selection of beer for sale from local breweries. Guests can also enjoy an artisan shopping area and purchase food from vendors providing Oktoberfest-themed food options. READ MORE

Oktoberfest at John Carlyle Square

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, September 28, 2024
Free
Celebrate a festive Oktoberfest in the heart of Old Town Alexandria! Get ready for a day filled with traditional music, lively entertainment, a beer garden, shopping, and the unmistakable spirit of Bavarian merriment. READ MORE

Family Oktoberfest at Shipgarten

McLean, VA - Sundays, September 29 - October 27, 2024
Free
Shipgarten is hosting Oktoberfest Kid and Family Festivals on Sundays this fall. Bring the entire family for a day filled with laughter, music, and unforgettable memories. This event is perfect for children of all ages, and admission is free. READ MORE

Fort Belvoir Oktoberfest

Fort Belvoir, VA - Thursday - Sunday, October 3-6. 2024
Fort Belvoir Army Garrison celebrates Oktoberfest by welcoming the general public to its annual four-day event featuring carnival rides, games, German cuisine, music, dancing, and large inflatables for the entire family.  READ MORE

Oktoberfest at The Wharf

Washington, DC - Saturday, October 5, 2024
Free
It’s that time of year to wear a dirndl or lederhosen for Oktoberfest. This annual event includes the Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash from 2-5pm, Polka on the Pier from 5-7pm, stein hoisting, German food, lively music, and more.  READ MORE

Oktoberfest Neighborhood Block Party at Prince of Peace Church

Springfield, VA - Saturday, October 5, 2024
Free
Enjoy live music, food, drinks, a beer garden, lots of children's activities, door prizes, and more at Prince of Peace's Oktoberfest event. The event happens rain or shine. READ MORE

Vienna Oktoberfest

Vienna, VA - Saturday, October 5, 2024
Free
Families can celebrate Oktoberfest at this annual festival held in Vienna. Guests can expect a beer/wine garden, German food, music, and free kids' activities. READ MORE

Gaithersburg Oktoberfest

Gaithersburg, VA - Sunday, October 13, 2024
Free
Experience a taste of Germany at the annual celebration of Oktoberfest in Gaithersburg. Enjoy festival food, free wagon rides, pumpkin and face painting, strolling entertainers, and much more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Jennifer Swope
Jennifer Swope, a DC resident since 2003, transitioned from humanitarian work to freelance editing in 2012 to stay home with her two kids. This shift sparked her passion for finding fun ways to keep them entertained—and inspired her to contribute to Mommy Poppins. When she's not navigating DC's chaos with her kids, she and her husband love watching sports, planning their next trip, and attending concerts. Follow Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferswope.
Recent Articles By Jennifer Swope:
Read more articles by Jennifer Swope.