Have some fun in the snow at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Christmas Weekend 2024 in Houston Top Things To Do: Polar Palooza, Santa Visits, and More
Check out Gingerbread Village at City Place on Christmas Day in Houston. Photo courtesy of City Place Plaza
What's Open on Christmas Day in Houston: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Christmas Vacation in Houston: 16 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
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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
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
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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
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
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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.
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.
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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
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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.
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
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There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
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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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Houston's bucket list for kid activities
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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
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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
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Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
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Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
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San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
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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
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Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
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Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva
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Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
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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
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Families enjoying a night out. Photo courtesy of Paradigm Brewing in Tomball
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Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
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Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
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Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
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Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
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Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
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Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
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Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
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Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
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There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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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
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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
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The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
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Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
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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
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Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
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Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
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Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
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Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
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Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
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The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
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​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
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Best Summer Camps Near Houston for Teens and Tweens: Sports Camps and Academic Camps

Character Camp is an overnight camp near Houston. Photo courtesy of Character Camp
Character Camp is an overnight camp near Houston. Photo courtesy of Character Camp
3/24/24 - By Jessica Stautberg

Believe it or not, it's already time to start thinking about summer camps near Houston. For teens and tweens, that might include a camp to work on sports or academic skills, and lucky for us, there are plenty of options! Whether you're looking for an overnight sports camp for tweens, a specialty camp for medical science, or a sailing summer camp so your teen can spend summer on the water, there's a summer camp near Houston for everyone.

Don't forget to bookmark our Houston Summer Camp Guide and Camp Directory for more summer camps near Houston.

Summer tennis camps in Houston. Photo courtesy of King Daddy Sports
Summer tennis camps in Houston. Photo courtesy of King Daddy Sports

Sports Summer Camps for Houston Teens and Tweens

Houston Sword Sports Camps

Ages 6-12 | Willow Meadows
This camp camp develops fundamental fencing skills through games and other activities. In the morning session, students learn the history of the sport, how to move, attack and defend, and have a chance to fence other kids and test their skills. During the afternoon session, students learn the fundamentals of stage fencing and put together a sword-fighting play for parents at the end of the week.  READ MORE

Scott Pera Basketball Camps

Ages 1st grade - 9th grade | Medical Center
Held in Rice University's Tudor Fieldhouse, the Scott Pera Basketball Camps teach boys and girls from 1st grade through 9th grade and are dedicated to providing basketball camps that are both instructional and informative along with creating a great atmosphere to learn. The mechanics and drills that are taught at the camps are the same ones used used with the college players. READ MORE

King Daddy Sports Summer Tennis Camps

Ages 5-16 | Willowbend
King Daddy Sports offers tennis summer camps from May through August in an air-conditioned, indoor facility. Camps are for beginner and intermediate level and are designed to promote self-esteem and a love for tennis. There is also an Academy Training Camp for advanced levels. READ MORE

Rice Owls Soccer Camps

Ages 4-18 | Medical Center
Running through June and July, the Rice Owls Soccer Camps offer soccer skills to campers from ages 4-18, at all levels of skill. Campers ages 4-6 attend half day camps, while older campers enjoy a full day of learning soccer skills and playing scrimmages. READ MORE

Camp Quillian

Ages 5-14 | Westchase
Camp Quillian is part of the Sports and Recreation Ministry of First Methodist Houston as is an American Camp Association-accredited day camp that caters to children between the ages of 5-12, as well as Teen Camp for kids ages 13-14. Half day and full day options are available. Programs include indoor and outdoor sports, enrichment classes, arts and crafts, special events, guest speakers, games, VBS, and more. READ MORE

Alliance Fencing Academy Summer Fencing Camp

Ages 5-14 | Memorial
Located in Memorial and The Woodlands, Alliance offers summer fencing sessions that focus on the foundational techniques of fencing. Fencers of all abilities are welcome. READ MORE

HYC Summer Sailing Camps

Ages 6+ | LaPorte
Houston Yacht Club offers summer sailing camps for novice, intermediate, and advanced sailors ages 6-18. Camps teach youths ages to sail, sail better, and learn to race and by the end of the week, most kids can sail by themselves on all wind angles and in most conditions. READ MORE

JC Sports Ultimate Summer Camps

Ages 4-13 | Humble
Is your camper interested in more than one sport? At JC Sports, they can spend their summer learning age-appropriate skills in soccer, basketball, baseball, football, and more. Camps are available in full and half-day options. READ MORE

Camp Olympia

Ages 6-16 | Lake Livingston
With 1, 2, and 3 week sessions and over 45 activities, Camp Olympia is the ultimate overnight camp experience for boys and girls ages 6-16. Located one hour from Houston, Camp Olympia provides the perfect setting for fun and adventure on Lake Livingston in the Pineywoods. Campers gain independence while building teamwork and leadership skills through a customized camp experience and counselor mentorship.  READ MORE

Memorial Indoor Soccer Academy

Ages 5-13 | Energy Corridor
Memorial Indoor Soccer's summer camp gives kids ages 5-13 a way to stay active and beat the heat with summer sessions inside their indoor soccer facility. Camps are full or half day and include ball mastery drills, technical skills, competition, and fun. READ MORE

Bay Area Racquet Club Tennis and Adventure Camps

Ages 5-14 | Multiple locations
Bay Area Racquet Club (BARC) offers half and full day tennis camps for kids ages 5-14. The full day option includes a morning of tennis practice for beginner and intermediate players, then an afternoon of arts and crafts, outdoor games, and a waterslide. In addition to BARC's main location in Clear Lake, camps are offered in Friendswood, Pearland, League City, and Deer Park. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of iD Tech Summer Programs
Photo courtesy of iD Tech Summer Programs

Academic Summer Camps in Houston for Teens and Tweens

iD Tech Summer Programs in Houston

Ages 7+ | Medical Center
Coding, app development, robotics, and video game design bring science and innovation to life for kids during iDTech summer camp sessions. This nationwide program is offered at the Rice University campus and offers week-long courses grouped by age and skill level. READ MORE

Camp STREAM

Grades K - 12 | Various locations
Campers engage in activities that explore science, technology, reading, art, engineering, and math (STREAM) at HPL's FREE summer camp. This week-long camp rotates from branch to branch during different weeks throughout the summer.  READ MORE

Houston Museum of Natural Science - Summer Camps

Ages 6-12 | Museum District
A summer of education and adventure awaits your child at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Summer camps at HMNS are week-long, hands-on science camps for children ages 6-12, featuring more sensational science than ever before! Camps are held at the main and Sugar Land locations. READ MORE

SMART Core Labs

Ages 6-18 | Pearland
SMART Core Labs camps focus on the key pillars of Science, Math, Art, Robotics, and Tech to create a future-ready curriculum. SMART Core Labs believes that the focus on just STEM without the Arts component gets only half the results.  READ MORE

Elite University Summer Camps

Grades K -12 | West University
EUSC provides a wide variety of specialized camps for grades PreK-12, including adventure camp, medical science, culinary arts, horseback riding, veterinary science, mixed media art, fencing, musical theatre, karate, creative drama, robotics, gymnastics, music immersion, and aerospace engineering. Each camp is designed to bring a real-world experience to young minds. READ MORE

Houston Zoo Camp Zoofari

Ages 6-12 | Museum District
The Houston Zoo's annual summer day camp features programs for kids ages 6-12. Age-appropriate activities provide campers with a chance to get up-close and personal with zoo animals while learning about the animals' lives, habitats, health, and more. READ MORE

Houston SPCA Critter Camp

Ages 3rd-8th grade | Timbergrove
Camps will include week-long adventures such as Vet Camp, Animal Rescue and Forensics, and Jr. Pet Pals and include lots of games, crafts, and multiple playtimes every day with adoptable pets. Campers will also meet real animal experts in the fields of veterinary medicine and Animal Cruelty Investigations, as well as animal rescue techs and wildlife specialists — with their native wild animal ambassadors in tow. READ MORE

University of Houston Clear Lake Summer Nature Camp

Ages 6-14|Clear Lake
The University of Houston at Clear Lake offers camps for students who wish to learn about science in nature through hands-on activities. Sessions include age appropriate activities including bird watching, nature walks, dip-netting, gardening, flower pressing, and wildlife observation. READ MORE

Armand Bayou Nature Center EcoCamp

Ages 4-12|Pasadena
Explore the science of the great outdoors during EcoCamp at Armand Bayou Nature Center. Kids will study wildlife, plants, and entire ecosystems up close through different weekly themes that encourage learning through crafts, games, and nature exploration.  READ MORE

HIT Indoor Baseball and Softball Camps

Ages 6-12|Memorial
HIT Indoor offers a softball and baseball skills summer camp from 9am to 2pm, and for kids ages 6-12. Campers are split up by age and ability and learn the essentials of fielding and batting from coaches and high school-age assistants. READ MORE

Houston Elite Cheer

Ages 3-13|Spring Branch
Houston Elite Cheer's summer camp includes instructional cheer and tumbling, but also crafts, games, obstacle courses, and a water day. The camp offers full and half days. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Scott Pera Basketball Camps
Memorial Indoor Soccer Academy
Houston Public Library - Central Library
Elite University Summer Camps - Camp Midtown
Houston SPCA’s Carruth Education Center
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Armand Bayou Nature Center