International Art & Kite Festival in Sugar Land. Photo courtesy of the event.
Heights Kids' Day of Music, International Art & Kite Festival, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
There are lots of farms offering berry picking near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms, Facebook
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A field of bluebonnets near Houston. Photo by Phineas Adams, courtesy of Unsplash
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Little boy showing his steer. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2025 Top Things To Do with Kids
One of the kid-friendly rides at the Rodeo Carnival. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Rodeo Houston, Spring Break, St. Patrick's Day, and More Things to Do in Houston March 2025
Houston has several fun baseball summer camps. Photo courtesy of the Space Cowboys Baseball Camp
Best Baseball Summer Camps in Houston
Camp La Junta offers an overnight summer camp in Texas. Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
Best Overnight Summer Camps in Texas
Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Stay at one of these nearby hotels for the easiest Houston Rodeo experience. Photo courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Best Hotels Near the Houston Rodeo for Families
Little Beakers has three locations near Houston. Photo courtesy of Little Beakers
Affordable and Free Summer Camps In Houston
Two girls enjoying a fun gymnastics summer camp in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Gymnastics Academy
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30 Best Summer Camps in Houston
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green
100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
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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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.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX
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.
Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids
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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MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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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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Treat your kid to one of these Houston spas with services for children. Photo courtesy of Float Baby
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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
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
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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
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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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Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
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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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Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
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Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
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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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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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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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Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
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Best Indoor and Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston for Kids and Families

Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Ice at the Galleria provides year-round ice skating in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
11/7/23 - By Rebecca Matheson Ortiz

Can you go ice skating in Houston? Yes, there are even some outdoor ice skating rinks. For some frosty festivity this winter (yes, even in Texas), don your ice skates and head out to one of these great ice skating rinks near Houston for some fun on your feet. Whether you're looking for ice skating lessons or some holiday activities the whole family can enjoy, these six ice skating rinks near Houston offer everything from indoor shopping breaks at the mall to Christmas events under the stars. While some of these are open year-round, others are seasonal set-ups that generally start in November and run through January. For even more family-friendly winter merriment, check out our holiday train ride or Christmas village outing ideas. 

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Ice Skate Memorial City, photo courtesy of the Memorial City Mall
Ice Skate Memorial City, photo courtesy of the Memorial City Mall

Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in Houston

Ice at the Galleria

Galleria
Located within The Galleria, Texas' largest shopping mall, this Houston ice-skating rink is a family-favorite for visitors and locals alike. Skating lessons are offered for all ages and levels, and Public Sessions are available seven days a week. Birthday parties, camps, games, private rentals, and more can be booked at this ice skating rink in Houston. READ MORE

Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex

Willowbrook
Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex offers public sessions and learn-to-skate classes as well as lessons in figure skating and hockey for those who can't get enough of the ice. This ice-skating rink in Houston also offers private room rentals for parties, a restaurant, and a pro shop.  READ MORE

Ice Skate Memorial City

Memorial City
This ice-skating rink in Houston can be found inside the Memorial City Mall. Here, skaters can enjoy open skate hours, ice-skating lessons, and more. Private event room rentals are also available for meetings, events, gatherings, or birthday parties. READ MORE

The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center

Opens seasonally from mid-November through mid-January—The Woodlands
This seasonal ice-skating rink near Houston is located in a 21,000-square-foot multipurpose facility and features cool lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system. It's typically open from mid-November to mid-January, with special holiday hours for all the festivities, from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day. Guests can enjoy ice skating, private lessons, and rentals.  READ MORE
Green Mountain Energy Ice rink photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Green Mountain Energy Ice rink photo courtesy of Discovery Green

The Top Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Houston

Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green

Nov. 6, 2023- Jan. 28, 2024—Downtown
This seasonal Houston ice-skating rink is located in the popular downtown Discovery Green park and comes to life every November through January on the model boat basin of Kinder Lake. The rink is open daily for the season - even on holidays - for visitors to partake in frosty merriment. Special events include Skate with Santa!, Cheap Skate Nights, Special Needs Sunday Night, Skate with the Storybook Stars, and more.  READ MORE

Santa's Wonderland Illuminations Ice Skating Arena

Nov. 10, 2023-Dec. 30, 2023—College Station
This outdoor ice-skating rink is located within the seasonal Santa's Wonderland theme park in College Station - just a short drive from Houston. See the lights on a hayride and experience Christmas Texas-style at the park, then head over the the ice-skating rink to skate beneath the stars. The 45-minute skate sessions must be reserved in advance. General admission must be purchased separately.  READ MORE

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About the Author

Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
Rebecca Matheson Ortiz is a mom of two, a proud Aggie (2013—Whoop!), and a seasoned writer/editor with over a decade of experience. She’s the editor at Moose May and has worked with top publications like Vacations Magazine, Travel 50 & Beyond, and Where to Retire. Based in Houston, Rebecca loves exploring the city’s family-friendly gems with her kids. Writing for Mommy Poppins lets her share their favorite discoveries while staying on top of the latest hot spots.
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