Hurry to Cirque Dreams Holidaze before it leaves town! Photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Weekend 2025 in Houston Top Things To Do: Winter Break at MFAH, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, and More
Santa's Wonderland in College Station is open on Christmas Day. Photo by Rebecca Ortiz.
What’s Open on Christmas Day 2025 in Houston? A List of Awesome Things To Do
Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
Houston's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
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
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
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
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
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
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
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
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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
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!)
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.
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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
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The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
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Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
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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
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Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
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These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
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Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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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
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.
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Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.
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Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company
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Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
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Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Houston has many kid-friendly museums, and not all are children's museums. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.
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New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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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
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Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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Your little learner will love the variety of toddler classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
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Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.
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Fun and Free Activities for Kids in January 2026 : Things To Do in CT with Kids

Kick off 2025 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
Kick off 2025 with fun and free things to do in Connecticut this January! Family Day event photo courtesy of the Yale University Art Galleries.
12/29/24 - By Jennifer Coe

It may be cold in Connecticut, but 2026 activities are just beginning to warm up! Get your tickets now for Dinosaur World Live! coming to the stage at Warner Theater. This is a Dino-lover's dream come true as kids will engage in the interactive show, see life-like dinosaurs, and explore the pre-historic world. Learn all you can at Reptiles Then and Now at Riverside Reptiles in Enfield, Connecticut's ONLY serpentarium! You can also still take advantage of New England Air Museum's School Break special programming at the beginning of the month.

Looking for FREE things to do? Take advantage of the annual Family Art Day at Yale Art Museum, Drop in Crafts at Fairfield Museum, or one of the First Day Hikes on our calendar.

These are just a few of our favorite things to do in Connecticut this January—we're adding more events to the Connecticut Events Calendar every day.

More Things To Do in Connecticut This Week with Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Winterfest in Bushnell Park brings free fun to Connecticut this January 2025. Photo by Andy Hart, courtesy of Winterfest in Hartford.
Winterfest in Bushnell Park brings free fun to Connecticut this January 2025. Photo by Andy Hart, courtesy of Winterfest in Hartford.

Fun Free Activities in Connecticut January 2025

River Tales at The CT River Museum

Essex
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Swing by the Connecticut River Museum for take-home craft activities that engage kids with the Connecticut River’s stunning wildlife and rich history.  READ MORE

First Day Hike at Dino State Park

Rocky Hill - FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
On Thursday, January 1st, the Dino State Park will have their annual “First Day Hike” event! From 10:00am to 1:00pm, there will be Interpretive Naturalists leading guided nature walks along the Red Trail at Dinosaur State Park. READ MORE

New Year's Day Hike in Broad Brook

Broad Brook - FREE
Thursday, January 1, 2026
2.5 mile hike kicks off at 1:00 pm. Food donations will be collected for our local Five Corner Cupboard (human and pet foods). READ MORE

Kid's Cookie & Cupcake Decorating at Lyman Orchards

Middlefield
Friday, January 2, 2026
The perfect activity for kids with a Sweet Tooth! Kids can get creative while decorating freshly baked cupcakes and cookies with sprinkles, candies and frosting! READ MORE

Drop In Crafts at Fairfield Museum

Fairfield
Friday, January 2, 2026
Drop in during the winter break to join Santa’s Workshop! Each day will feature a different toy that children can decorate and take home (while supplies last). READ MORE

School Vacation Week at NEAM

Windsor Locks
Friday, January 2, 2026
Activities running all day! Enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities during school vacation week at the New England Air Museum READ MORE

Winterfest at Bushnell Park in Hartford

Hartford - FREE
January 2-4, 2026
Free skating 7-days a week at Winterfest on the east side of Bushnell Park over by the Pump House. Don’t have your own skates? Winterfest has free skate rentals too. READ MORE

La Befana An Epiphany Tale in New Haven

New Haven - FREE
Saturday, January 3, 2026
Enjoy a free play from the Italian American Historical Society of CT. Plus, celebrate 3 Kings' Day with activities, refreshments, & more! READ MORE

Open Skate at the Milford Ice Pavilion

Milford
Saturday & Sunday, January 3 & 4, 2026
Put on some skates for the first time or...for the hundredth time! READ MORE

Who’s Been Here?: Animal Signs & Tracking at Denison Pequotsepsos

Mystic - FREE
Sunday, January 4, 2026
Spend the afternoon learning how to read the clues animals leave behind. From footprints to scat, uncover which creatures are active at the Nature Center and what their signs tell us. READ MORE

Los Tres Reyes Magos Celebration at Danbury Library

Danbury - FREE
Monday, January 5, 2026
Join DPL as they get ready for the upcoming Los Tres Reyes Magos celebration! Families will enjoy a bilingual reading of The Three Wise Men / Los Tres Reyes Magos and make a fun construction paper craft featuring the Three Kings. READ MORE

Dinosaur World Live at the Warner Theater

Torrington
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this Olivier award-winning interactive show for all the family. Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. READ MORE

Reptiles Then and Now at Riverside Reptiles

Enfield
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Experience REAL FOSSILS from dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures at this unique educational program by Patrick Murphy from Jurassic Classroom! See RREC animals side by side with fossils from their ancient cousins from millions of years ago; learn how dinosaurs live in their modern descendants. READ MORE

Little Red and the Three Pigs at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre

Bridgeport
Opening Saturday, January 17, 2026
A double feature! Two acts with two different stories, but what happens when they meet! You didn’t think the story of Little Red or the Three Pigs were related, but one character connects the two…The big bad wolf! READ MORE

Family Day at Yale Art Gallery

New Haven - FREE
January 25, 2026
On their annual Family Day, Yale invite families to explore our collections and buildings with storytelling and art-making activities for all ages. Enjoy learning more about the art right in New Haven.   READ MORE

The Mermaids Are Back at Mystic Aquarium

Mystic
Friday, January 23 -Sunday, January 25, 2026
Prepare to be spellbound as mesmerizing mermaids return to Mystic Aquarium! On select weekends this January and February, embark on an enchanting adventure as these aquatic wonders gracefully glide through our Caribbean Reef habitat, captivating hearts and sparking imaginations with their magical underwater performances. READ MORE

Owl Prowl at CVHF

Newtown
Saturday, January 31, 2026
Experience the magic and serenity of a mid-winter night hike illuminated by the spectacular full moon. Together, we’ll explore the trails and meadows, listening for the calls of owls echoing through the quiet, cold air. A once-a-year immersive experience that blends the quiet beauty of winter with the wonder of the nocturnal world. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jenny Coe
Jenny Coe is a longtime Mommy Poppins writer and contributor and full-time mom to three boys. Jenny has also been a contributor at Patch and The Reminder (Hartford Courant). Here at Mommy Poppins, Jenny writes about great things for kids to do in Connecticut and New England, affordable fun, and nature experiences (her favorite!).
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