Stearman Santa photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum
Mistletoe Market, Carols on the Green, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Take a road trip to play in the snow. Photo courtesy of Canva
Snow Near Houston? 6 Places in Texas Where You Can See Snow This Holiday Season
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids
Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Best Things to Do in Houston December 2024 with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Go Rio Riverboat at Hilton Palacio del Rio San Antonio during Christmas. Photo by Nan Palermo via Flickr 2.0
The Best Family Christmas Getaways in Texas
Christmas trains near Houston 2024. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Pictures with Santa Claus in Houston: From Malls to Rodeos
Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
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
Holidays at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
19 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Houston for Kids
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
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
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
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
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in 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
Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
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
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
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
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.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
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
Little girl playing at an indoor play space in Houston. Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
Top Indoor Playgrounds & Play Spaces in Houston
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
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
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
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's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
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
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
GUIDE
Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
Best Baby Stores in Houston, From Clothes to Gear to Resale
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
25 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
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
Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer
Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Exploring The Children's Museum Houston
Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Houston: 10 Cool Party Places for Teens and Tweens
There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fishing Lakes Near Houston and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio with Kids: 26 Best Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas
Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston
The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
Best Family-Friendly Spa Resorts And Hotels Near Houston
Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
Camping in Houston: Best Campgrounds in Texas for Families
Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay
Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs
Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston with FREE Ice Cream
Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids
Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
17 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Clear Lake and Webster
Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers
The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas
Reaching for Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Best Things to Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science with Kids
Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids

Thanksgiving Weekend Things To Do in Boston: Turkey Trots, Tree Lightings, F.A.T at MIT

The Franklin Park Turkey Trot is family friendly. Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Coalition
The Franklin Park Turkey Trot is family friendly. Photo courtesy of Franklin Park Coalition
11/26/19 - By Lucie T

Dust off those running shoes and get ready for the pre-Thanksgiving feast turkey trots! A few popular ones include the Franklin Park, Family Gratitude, and the Feaster Five, with race proceeds going to worthy causes. If you prefer to trails to roads, why not hike with goats? Science enthusiasts will love the F.A.T. Chain Reaction, and Disney fans should check out this Holiday-Themed Play Date.

Speaking of the holidays, we've just about reached the point when you can shamelessly turn up the Christmas tunes, have breakfast or take selfies with Santa, pick out your own tree, or celebrate a tree lighting in town. The Macy's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony happens Friday. In the meantime, from all of us at Mommy Poppins, we hope you have a delicious, plentiful, and joyous Thanksgiving!

Also on Mommy Poppins this week:

Need more family fun ideas? Check out our full events calendar and be sure to like and follow our Facebook page.

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Take a hike....with a goat! Photo courtesy of Goats to Go
Take a hike....with a goat! Photo courtesy of Goats to Go

Things To Do Thursday

Jamaica Pond parkrun 2nd Annual Turkey Trot

Jamaica Plain
Thanksgiving is the largest running day in the world and is all about family and community so a Thanksgiving parkrun is a perfect way to spend the morning. READ MORE

Franklin Park Turkey Trot

Dorchester
The Franklin Park Turkey Trot is a Boston family tradition, held annually on Thanksgiving morning for the last 7 years. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Day Goat Hike

Georgetown
Take a stroll in the woods with goats on leads and some roaming free as you hike through the farm. Meet & greet other animals, such as horses, llama, sheep, and dogs. Goat treats are provided. The walk is a little over a mile round-trip on gravel and hilly terrain, and at "goat" speed. READ MORE

Thanksgiving Potluck at Imagine

Cambridge
Families, friends, and community are invited to forge new traditions and friendships with shared food and fun. READ MORE

Family Gratitude Turkey Trot 5K and Kids 1/2 Mile

Dedham
This year’s race agains benefit the Dedham Food Pantry, Dedham Food Pantry, and local Ripples of Hope service initiatives, and takes place on Thanksgiving morning. READ MORE
Exercise your brain after all that turkey eating at MIT's Chain Reaction Event. Photo courtesy of MIT Museum
Exercise your brain after all that turkey eating at MIT's Chain Reaction Event. Photo courtesy of MIT Museum

Things to Do Friday

Macy's Christmas Tree Lighting

Boston
Celebrate the downtown Macy's annual tree lighting ceremony with confetti and live musical performances.  READ MORE

Celebrate! with Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers

Dorchester
Families can join the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers as they share stories of both their history and modern culture in a performance that culminates with a full audience powwow in honor of Native American Heritage Month. READ MORE

Santa Arrives By Charles Riverboat

Cambridge
Santa arrives at CambridgeSide on a Charles Riverboat at Canal Park outside Food Court. READ MORE

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Lynn

Lynn
A Charlie Brown Christmas features Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and all the Peanuts gang as they produce their own Christmas pageant and ultimately learn the true meaning of Christmas.  READ MORE
This winter wonderland is animal themed. Photo courtesy of Southwick Zoo
This winter wonderland is animal themed. Photo courtesy of Southwick Zoo

Things to Do All Weekend

Southwick Zoo Winter Wonderland

Wreath Decorating

Milton
Celebrate the start of the holiday season by creating a beautiful and unique wreath to take home. READ MORE

Christmas Festival of Lights at La Salette

Attleborough
Celebrate La Salette Shrine Light's 72nd year. The lights have been shining brightly each year at Christmastime since 1953. See over 2,000 manger scenes from around the world illuminated by 400,000 lights and more. READ MORE

Night Lights

Boylston
Night Lights is an annual inclusive, secular event where visitors of all backgrounds can celebrate winter, light, and nature together. READ MORE
The Roslindale town tree is set aglow on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Roslindale Village Main Street
The Roslindale town tree is set aglow on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Roslindale Village Main Street

Things to Do Saturday

Charles Hotel Tree Lighting

Cambridge
Families are invited to come around 4pm to have their children help decorate the trees outside the hotel.  READ MORE

Annual Tree Lighting & Small Business Saturday

Roslindale
This festive event always draws a crowd, featuring live musical performances, ornament-making, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrive on the Ladder 16 truck before the official lighting of Roslindale's holiday tree. READ MORE

PJ Masks Live

Boston
PJ MASKS LIVE is back with an all new super-heroic, live musical show, featuring the heroic trio. READ MORE

Boston Tuba Christmas Concert

Boston
Faneuil Hall Marketplace presents the 34th annual Boston Tuba Christmas Concert where families can join the fun and watch as over 150 tuba players serenade the crowd with everyone’s favorite holiday classics in front of the Blink! tree at Marketplace Center. READ MORE

Elsa visits Room to Bloom

Beverly
Elsa is coming to Room to Bloom where is interacts with the children for 90 minutes of singing, dancing, and story-telling. Frozen costumes are encouraged. READ MORE

Things to Do Sunday

Disney Junior Holiday-Themed Play Date

Chestnut Hill
Aimed at entertaining and delighting children of all ages, the event features activities inspired by some of Disney Junior's most popular television series including Fancy Nancy, Muppet Babies, Puppy Dog Pals, T.O.T.S. and Vampirina. READ MORE

Santa’s Workshop & Hot Cocoa with Mrs. Claus at Smolak Farms

North Andover
Celebrate the holiday season at Smolak Farms with festive activities for all ages! The barn will be brimming with holiday cheer, featuring both creative and heartwarming experiences: Upstairs: Hot Cocoa and Story Time with Mrs. Claus Time: Story readings at 11 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM Cost: $12 per person Decorate a personal mug and savor a warm cup of cocoa as Mrs. Claus shares enchanting holiday tales. Downstairs Barn Activities Ornament Making with the... READ MORE

Breakfast With Santa at The Shops at Chestnut Hill

Brookline
Little ones should come dressed in pajamas or favorite holiday attire and join The Shops at Chestnut Hill for a festive morning of arts & crafts, holiday readings by Santa, and enjoy breakfast with the jolly guy himself. READ MORE

Brunch With Santa at Old Sturbridge Village

Sturbridge
Brunch with Santa at the Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village offers a large selection of brunch items and a chance for the little ones to meet Santa Claus. READ MORE

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