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
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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
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.
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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
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
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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.
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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.
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
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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
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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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Reaching for Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
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Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
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Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in Houston for Families

Galveston Oktoberfest is one of many kid-friendly festivals near Houston. Kid zone photo courtesy of Galveston Oktoberfest
Galveston Oktoberfest is one of many kid-friendly festivals near Houston. Kid zone photo courtesy of Galveston Oktoberfest
9/1/24 - By Rachael Cherry

It's fall festival season in Houston, the time of year where you can spend your weekends celebrating everything from cultural food to art to pumpkins to sunflowers. With tons of fall festivals near Houston over the next few months, the opportunities for enjoying cooler temperatures (okay, that may be a bit ambitious) and good, old-fashioned family fun are endless. Here’s our roundup of fairs and festivals in Houston this fall.

For more fun things to do with kids this fall, check out our Fall Activities Guide for Houston Families.

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Try Waller County Fair for some rodeo fun. Photo courtesy of the Waller County Fair and Rodeo
Try Waller County Fair for some rodeo fun. Photo courtesy of the Waller County Fair and Rodeo

Fall Festivals Near Houston For Kids and Families

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at the Alvin Museum

Alvin – FREE
Saturday, September 7, 2024
The Alvin Museum Society hosts the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta with vendor booths, live performances, and activities for kids. READ MORE

Japan Festival Houston at Hermann Park

Museum District – FREE
Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8, 2024
Japan Festival Houston is an annual celebration of Japanese culture held in Houston’s Hermann Park. READ MORE

Texas Gatorfest

Anahuac
Friday September 13 through Sunday, September 15, 2024
Head to the Alligator Capital of Texas for an exciting weekend of festivities celebrating the alligator and its wetland habitat. READ MORE

Hummingbird Festival at Kleb Woods Nature Center

Tomball – FREE
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Witness hummingbirds in peak migration as you enjoy games, activities, and educational programs for the whole family. READ MORE

Dewberry Farm Fall Festival and BOOrific Nights

Brookshire
Saturdays and Sundays, September 14 - November 3, 2024
Bring the whole family to Fall Festival and enjoy a day of Texas-sized fun filled with pumpkins, great food, friendly farm animals, and over 40 rides & attractions!  READ MORE

Hispanic Heritage Celebration at the Houston Farmers Market

The Heights – FREE
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Enjoy an unforgettable day filled with vibrant live music from local Latin artists, a shop local market pop-up showcasing the best from Hispanic artisans, mouthwatering traditional foods, captivating Aztec and folklorico performances, fun activities for kids, and meaningful community engagement.   READ MORE

Houston Pumpkin Festival at Discovery Green

Downtown
Friday, September 20 through Sunday, October 27, 2024
Experience a day filled with family-friendly activities, photo opportunities, and the world’s largest bouncy pumpkin.  READ MORE

Missouri City's Oktoberfest

Missouri City – FREE
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Experience a taste of German culture at this family-friendly Oktoberfest event. READ MORE

Fall Fest at Tanger Outlets

Texas City – FREE
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Head out to Tanger Outlets Houston to celebrate the season with some great Fall fun. Families will enjoy a Pumpkin Patch, a live Petting Zoo, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Face Painting, and more. READ MORE

Froberg's Fall Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival

Alvin
Saturday & Sundays, September 21 - November 3, 2024
Come out to the annual Corn Maze and Fall Festival. Test your luck trying to find a way through the strategic Corn Maze, play at Berry Fun Land, pick a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, and more.  READ MORE

Blessington Farms Pumpkin Patch

Simonton
Saturdays & Sundays, September 21 - November 24, 2024
Pick out a Pumpkin at the Fall Pumpkin Patch and enjoy some fun at Farm Funland. READ MORE

Houston Slavic Heritage Festival

Independence Heights
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Join Slavic communities to honor Saint Cyril & Saint Methodius and to share in a celebration of Slavic heritage with ethnic foods, singing, and dancing. READ MORE

Waller County Fair and Rodeo

Hempstead
Thursday, September 26 through Saturday, October 5, 2024
Enjoy a BBQ cook-off, demolition derby, rodeo, calf scramble, carnival, and more at the Waller County Fair. READ MORE

Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo

Rosenberg
Friday, September 27 through Sunday, October 6, 2024
Visit the Fort Bend County Fair and enjoy carnival rides, themed days, BBQ competitions, live music, and much more. READ MORE

Bat Fest at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Memorial – FREE
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Enjoy fun bat-themed activities and crafts for the kids, story time, food trucks, and a blood drive with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center at this family-friendly event READ MORE

Take Me Outdoors Houston at Discovery Green

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, September 28, 2024
Experience hands-on activities, exposure to the great outdoors, and more as you visit booths and engage with Texas Parks and Wildlife during this family-friendly festival.  READ MORE

Groovfest at the Tomball Depot

Tomball – FREE
Saturday, September 28, 2024
This groovy event includes an exciting kids' zone, a throwback 360 photo booth, face painting, a bubbles station, stilt walkers, and live music. READ MORE

Annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze at P-6 Farms

Montgomery
Saturdays & Sundays, September 28 through Nov 3, 2024
Experience fall fun at P-6 Farms' Fall Festival, which offers exciting activities and attractions for all ages including pumpkin picking, corn maze, flower fields, and rides and attractions.  READ MORE

The Original Greek Festival

Montrose
Thursday, October 3 through Saturday Oct 5, 2024
Opa! The Original Greek Festival has been bringing a host of festivities to Houston for over 50 years and includes children's activities, live music, dancing, food, shopping, and more.  READ MORE

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

Conroe
Friday, October 11 through Sunday, October 13, 2024
The family-friendly event features live music, food vendors offering festival and Cajun favorites, arts & crafts vendors, a professional carnival, assorted community and educational exhibits, and an annual Catfish Pageant. READ MORE

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

Memorial Park
Friday, October 11 through Sunday, Oct 13, 2024
The 2024 Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park returns with national and international artists for a dynamic weekend full of art, food, music, and entertainment. READ MORE

Spooktacular at the Depot at Tomball Depot Plaza

Tomball – FREE
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Grab the family and your Halloween costumes and head to Spooktacular to kick off Halloween fun at Tomball Depot Plaza. There are games, bounce houses, face painters, food, music, a movie, and a pumpkin photo boo-th. READ MORE

BeeWeaver Infuzzed Fall Festival

Navasota
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Enjoy live music, arts and crafts, costume contests, a family-friendly haunted history hayride with treat bags for kids, live hive tours every hour, face painting, retail discounts, and so much more! READ MORE

Korean Festival Houston at Discovery Green

Downtown – FREE
Saturday & Sunday, October 12 & 13, 2024
Korean Festival showcases the best of Korean food, music, performing arts, and culture. READ MORE

Katy Rice Harvest Festival

Katy
Saturday & Sunday, October 12 & 13, 2024
Bring the family and enjoy a full day of great craft vendors, live music, kids zone, food trucks & much more!   READ MORE

Texas Renaissance Festival

Todd Mission
Saturdays & Sundays, October 12 - December 1, 2024
It's the 50th season of North America’s largest Renaissance theme park. Join other Renaissance fans to celebrate all the fun, food, music, shopping, and entertainment that the Texas Renaissance Festival is known for bringing. READ MORE

ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum

Memorial
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Grab your costumes and get the kids together for the Arboretum’s biggest family event of the year! ArBOOretum features fun fall activities for all ages including live animals, pumpkin decorating, and Houston’s only Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail. Enjoy these fall classics and so much more! READ MORE

Houston Energy Day Festival

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Energy Day is Houston’s largest free family festival showcasing exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). READ MORE

Nature Discovery Center's Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival

Bellaire – FREE
Saturday & Sunday, October 19 & 20, 2024
Pick out the perfect pumpkin and enjoy some fall fun at the Bellaire Nature Discovery Center's annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. READ MORE

Scream on the Green at Discovery Green

Downtown – FREE
Friday, October 25, 2024
Scream on the Green® returns with a costume contest, living sculptures, palm readers and psychics, games, music, and more. Plus, enjoy a screening of Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. READ MORE

Island Oktoberfest in Galveston

Galveston – FREE
Friday & Saturday, October 25 & 26, 2024
Don your German costumes, grab your bier steins, and head to Galveston's Island Oktoberfest, an annual event that is packed with two days of music, dancing, authentic German food, a children's activities area, and more.  READ MORE

Wings Over Houston Airshow

Southeast Houston
Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27, 2024
One of the top air shows in the United States, this premier Houston event is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation. READ MORE

The 24th Annual Día de Muertos Festival at MECA

Old Sixth Ward – FREE
Saturday & Sunday, November 2 & 3, 2024
This year's Día de Muertos two-day celebration will offer children's ​art activities, an ofrendas/altar exhibition, artist and artisan vendors, delectable festival foods, and three captivating performance stages.  READ MORE

Story Square in Discovery Green – Texas Family Literacy Festival

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Journey to Story Square, where alphabet magic spells fun family learning. This day is sure to dazzle with the bliss of alphabet magic and an unforgettable haven for families with children of all ages. READ MORE

IGBO Fest Houston at Discovery Green

Downtown – FREE
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Experience West African traditional dances, cultural presentations, and jollof rice.  READ MORE

Children's Festival: Barnyard Bash at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

The Woodlands
Saturday & Sunday, November 9 & 10, 2024
Join a spectacular two-day Barnyard Bash! Featuring Peppa Pig on the Main Stage plus hands-on activities, toddler fun, art projects, inflatable adventures and rides - and more! READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Knights of Columbus Hall and Grounds
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Downtown Historic Katy
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
First Lutheran Church of Galveston