Celebrate Earth Day at the Houston Arboretum. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum
Earth Day at the Houston Arboretum, Spring Festivals, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend With Kids
Spend Mother's Day weekend at Moody Gardens. Photo courtesy of the Gardens
Fun Things To Do on Mother's Day 2024 in Houston
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
Houston Art Car Parade is free this April. Photo courtesy of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Best Free and Fun Things To Do in Houston With Kids April 2024
GUIDE
Houston Summer Camp Guide
Dish Society has four locations for Mother's Day brunch in Houston. Photo courtesy of Dish Society
Best Mother's Day Brunch in Houston
There are lots of farms offering berry picking near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms, Facebook
Best Strawberry Picking Farms and Strawberry Festivals in Houston
Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
Little boy at bat. Photo by Jodi Mercier for Mommy Poppins
Best Sports Summer Camps in Houston: Soccer Camps, Baseball Camps, and Basketball Camps
A field of bluebonnets near Houston. Photo by Phineas Adams, courtesy of Unsplash
Where To Find Bluebonnets in Houston This Spring 2024
Buffalo Bayou Park, located in the heart of Houston, is home to one of the biggest skate parks in the country.
Buffalo Bayou Park Houston: A Mom's Insider Guide
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
Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
Explore our guide of classes for kids in Houston.
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Houston Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
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
The GardenBar at Tiny Boxwoods is perfect place for families to enjoy a delicious meal.
Best Outdoor Dining in Houston at Family-Friendly Restaurants
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
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Indoor Fun Guide for Houston 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 by Rachael Cherry
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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
SwimJim offers baby swim classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of SwimJim Baby Swim School, Facebook
Baby Swimming Classes in Houston: Swimming Lessons for Babies and Toddlers
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
Get building at Dig World TX near Houston.
Dig World TX is Construction-Themed Heaven for Little Builders
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
Birthday Venues Near Houston That Won't Break the Bank
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
Kids walk a nature trail at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum
11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in Houston
Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids
Photo courtesy of texasgatorfest.com
Up Close with Alligators Near Houston: Gator Experiences for Every Budget
Walking inside Hermann Park's Japanese Garden. Photo courtesy of Vicky Li Yip.
Hermann Park Beginner’s Guide: Exploring Houston’s Hermann Park with Kids
Building sandcastles at Port Aransas Beach.
Top 15 Things to Do in Corpus Christi with Kids
Houston is full of great places to celebrate first birthdays. Photo courtesy Sweet Pecks Photography
Top Places to Host a First Birthday Party in Houston
Kids learn and play at the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Photo courtesy the Dallas Arboretum
25 Best Things To Do in Dallas, Texas with Kids
Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.
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Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide

Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2024: Top Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day at the Original MLK Parade. Photo courtesy of theparade
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr Day at the Original MLK Parade. Photo courtesy of theparade
12/29/23 - By Elizabeth R

From New Year's Day to MLK weekend and beyond, January is packed with activities for kids, indoors and outside. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do in Houston with kids this month.

Celebrate the start of 2024 with a free, family-friendly event featuring live performances and traditional Japanese games at Japan Junction: Oshogatsu 2024 at Levy Park. And make sure not to miss MATCH Family Fun Day, an afternoon chock full of free fun for little ones, with an entire city block filled with performances and activities organized by the Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston. 

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

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Best Free Things To Do in Houston January 2024

AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! at Shell Energy Stadium

Downtown
Friday through Sunday, January 5-7, 2024
AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will bring a weekend of music to Houston leading up to the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. The free concerts will take place at Shell Energy Station, kicking off with performances by KIDZ BOP. READ MORE

Japan Junction: Oshogatsu 2024 at Levy Park

Upper Kirby
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Celebrate the start of 2024 with a free, family-friendly event featuring live performances, traditional Japanese games, omikuji fortune-telling, craft stations, and food concessions. READ MORE

Hands-On Houston: From Junk to Jewelry at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

Museum District
Saturday, January 6, 2024
Join HCCC at this free drop-in event to create a wearable brooch with found objects, beads, and other jewelry-making materials. READ MORE

We Are Houston Run Fest at Discovery Green

Downtown
Saturday & Sunday, January 13-14, 2024
The Houston Marathon weekend of events includes activities for everyone in the family at Discovery Green.  READ MORE

The Market at Sawyer Yards

Arts District
Saturday, January 14, 2024
The Market at Sawyer Yards takes place on 2nd Saturdays, in conjunction with Sawyer Yards Open Studios. Enjoy a curated market, meet artists, and view their works in the open studios. READ MORE

MATCH Family Fun Day

Midtown
Sunday, January 14, 2024
MATCH Family Fun Day is an afternoon chock full of free fun for little ones, with an entire city block filled with performances and activities.  READ MORE

30th Annual MLK Grande Parade Midtown Houston

Midtown
Monday, January 15, 2024
The annual MLK Grande Parade will be held in Midtown. This year's theme is "We Still Believe." READ MORE

46th Annual Original MLK Jr. Parade Downtown

Downtown
Monday, January 15, 2024
Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the 46th "Original" MLK, Jr. Parade followed by the MLK Jr. Festival. READ MORE

Arbor Day Celebration at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Memorial Park
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Join the annual Arbor Day Celebration to recognize the importance of trees,  experience the flavors of the forest, and enjoy tree activities and crafts. READ MORE

Monthly Volunteer Workday at Buffalo Bayou Park

Downtown
Saturday, January 20, 2024
Houstonians ages nine and up are invited to join Buffalo Bayou Partnership for community-wide volunteer days at Buffalo Bayou Park happening the third Saturday of each month. READ MORE

Sing! Move! Play! with Houston Grand Opera at Levy Park

Upper Kirby
Saturday, January 27, 2024
Sing! Move! Play! celebrates opera’s greatest hits through action-packed workshops filled with singing, rhythmic movement, and creative play. READ MORE

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