Spotlight Houston
Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.
Elf in Concert, Polar Palooza, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
A free Elf scavenger hunt and more!
Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
Houston's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Hidden gem holiday events around Houston.
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Houston's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
Things to do to get out of the house this winter break.
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
The best events and activities for the holiday season in Houston.
The Black Bear Diner in Houston offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston
Give yourself the gift of time this year.
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
These local toy shops will delight kids and their grownups alike.
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Here are the top, can't-miss things to do with kids in Houston this December.
Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.
29 Free Things To Do Indoors in Houston: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
Your kids can play for free at these spaces all around Houston.
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025
Get in the spirit with a visit to the best Christmas lights displays in the Houston area.
Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston
These neighborhoods go all-in on holiday decorations.
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
Save money this holiday season by checking out this list of FREE holiday events around Houston.
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
Whether you're a Nutcracker purist or a die-hard Christmas Carol fan, Houston has something for...
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
Drop off that wish list in person and get a picture with the big guy.
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
Make some Christmas memories with a trip to one of these Christmas towns in Texas. 
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
Take your little train lovers to see Santa on one of these Christmas trains.
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
Activities, food, and shows for 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!)
Something for every sibling and parent.
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Some of the best adventures are free hidden gems that many locals and visitors overlook.
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
Don't miss HMNS's younger sibling in Sugar Land - it's an exciting museum in its own right.
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Earn badges and have fun at Houston's museums, parks, and more.
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Unique ideas for hosting an unforgettable birthday party in Houston.
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Gymnastics gyms for tiny tumblers to serious competitors and everyone in between.
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
Find out which arcades are best for small kids, school-aged kids, and teens.
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
Get a little extra one-on-one time with your baby!
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
Our favorite claw machine arcades for kids.
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
Venues, vendors, and DIY options for a fun crafting birthday party.
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
Places in Houston to hold your teen's special celebration.
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
Where to find the most delicious ice cream in 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
Your guide to weekend fun on the cheap.
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
Here's our mega-list of awesome things to do in Houston that don't cost a penny.
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
These parks with playgrounds are all perfect for a day out.
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
Have you been to all of these Houston-area science museums?
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
The West U/Rice Village areas have tons of kid-friendly activities. Here are some of our favorites.
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
Head to the country to enjoy berry picking, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, and more.
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
Bookmark this list of Houston's free admission days and free museums.
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
The best deals for birthday party venues in Houston.
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
Indoor and outdoor places for kids to learn skate boarding near 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
Our shortlist of fun attractions for kids in the Houston area.
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
From unique and delicious restaurants to iconic Houston landmarks, there are lots of things to do...
Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
Best Texas Road Trips for Families
Our top recommendations for family-friendly road trips across Texas.
Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston
Discover more about Houston, NASA, Galveston, and more on a kid-friendly tour.
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
Themed restaurants in Houston turn dining out with kids into an exciting adventure. Keep those 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
These breweries have the best patios, menus, and kid-friendly amenities in all of Houston.
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
A sure-fire way to burn off energy while staying cool.
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Some of these batting cages offer coaching and birthday party packages as well.
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
Our list of fun indoor activities for your bored teen.
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
Plan a beautiful party for your birthday girl.
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
The most kid-friendly, entertaining museums in Houston
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
Take advantage of all the kid-friendly fun in the capital of the Lone Star State.
New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip
Sit back and let the guide do the work on one of these family-friendly tours.
The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
These hotels are as fun as the beach.
One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston
Hugging a baby goat will fix your whole day.
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Discover great destinations for a fun day trip or weekend getaway for Houston families.
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
There's more than beach bumming to do at Galveston Island.
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Top tips for visiting the local zoo, from where to eat to which route to take.
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
The Heights is full of fun activities and yummy restaurants for kids.
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
They grow up so fast! Squeeze in these activities before your little one turns 1.
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
The ultimate bucket list for every Houston family, including the best destinations, events, and...
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
Houston offers gym, nature, art, STEAM, and even language immersion classes for little kids.
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
Pamper your little one at one of these spas that offer treatments for kids.
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
Get the whole family involved at these indoor climbing gyms.

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SEE ALL ACTIVITIES EVENTS CLASSES ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL CAMPS PARTIES
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend Collection & Garden - various times Pick
Winter of the Snow Queen: An Interactive Musical Adventure at Stages
Stages - various times Pick
Gingerbread Village at City Place
City Place - 6:00 AM
Family Storytime & a Craft at Levy Park
Levy Park Conservancy - 10:00 AM Pick
Free Tuesdays at Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Museum of Natural Science - 5:00 PM Pick
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend Collection & Garden - various times Pick
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Winter of the Snow Queen: An Interactive Musical Adventure at Stages
Stages - various times Pick
Gingerbread Village at City Place
City Place - 6:00 AM
ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special
ARTECHOUSE Houston - 10:00 AM
Children's Bingo at Levy Park
Levy Park Conservancy - 4:30 PM Pick
Free Family Night at The Children's Museum of Houston
Children's Museum of Houston - 5:00 PM Pick
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Gingerbread Village at City Place
City Place - 6:00 AM
Celebrating Kwanzaa at Children's Museum of Houston
Children's Museum of Houston - 9:00 AM Pick
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend Collection & Garden - various times Pick
Gingerbread Village at City Place
City Place - 6:00 AM
Hip- Hop Dance Workshop at Levy Park by Young Audiences of Houston
Levy Park - 1:00 PM Pick
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Screen on the Green Sing! at Discovery Green
Discovery Green - 7:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend Collection & Garden - various times Pick
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston - 6:00 PM Pick
Santa's Wonderland in College Station
Santa's Wonderland - various times Pick
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend Collection & Garden - various times Pick
Gingerbread Village at City Place
City Place - 6:00 AM
ARTECHOUSE Holiday Special
ARTECHOUSE Houston - 10:00 AM

Latest Articles

Santa's Wonderland in College Station is open on Christmas Day. Photo by Rebecca Ortiz.
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