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
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
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
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
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.
GUIDE
Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
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
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
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with 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 courtesy of Canva
GUIDE
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
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
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
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
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

21 Best Things to Do in Houston October 2024 with Kids: Zoo Boo, Texas Renaissance Festival, and More

Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
Houston is full of Halloween events this October. Scream on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green
9/29/24 - By Rachael Cherry

From fall festivals to Halloween and beyond, October is packed with activities for kids. Don’t miss our favorite free and fun things to do in Houston with kids this month.

October holds one of our favorite annual events, Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo, and you can check it out daily in October.  Add in the Bayou City Art Festival, Wings over Houston, the Texas Renaissance Festival, and Galaxy Frights, and it's abundantly clear that a Fall Bucket List is nothing short of necessary.

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

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Texas Renaissance Festival is one of our top things to do in October. Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival via Facebook
Texas Renaissance Festival is one of our top things to do in October. Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival via Facebook

Best Activities in Houston in October 2024

Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo

Museum District
Friday, September 27 though Thursday, October 31, 2024
Enjoy fall festivities at the Zoo during Zoo Boo! Costumes are encouraged, and guests will have plenty of favorites to experience like the Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel, the spooktacular Scary-Go-Round, photo ops all over the Zoo, daily fall-themed enrichment with the animals, and much more! READ MORE

The Original Greek Festival

Montrose
Thursday, October 3 through Saturday, October 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

Disney Jr. Live - Lets Play!

Sugar Land
Friday, October 4, 2024
In “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play” presented by Walmart, Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse with all his favorite pals including Minnie and Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals, Ginny and Bitsy from “SuperKitties” and Ariel from “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” find out who is behind this and help save the playdate? READ MORE

Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park

Memorial Park
Friday, October 11 through Sunday, October 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

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

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

Houston Fire Museum Grand Reopening!

Midtown – FREE
Saturday, October 12, 2024
Join an exciting celebration as the Houston Fire Museum reopens its doors on Saturday, October 12! Learn fire safety from a virtual firefighter, venture through the inflatable fire safety house, and see firsthand how "Old 7's" has been restored to its original glory. 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
Saturday, October 12 through Sunday, 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

Hocus Pocus Pops at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

The Woodlands – FREE
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Enjoy a  Houston Symphony show that will haunt your memory for decades to come. Expect trick or treating in the plazas, songs with just the right amount of scary, and fun spread out over every inch of The Pavilion. READ MORE

Halloween in the Hangar at Lone Star Flight Museum

Southeast Houston
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Get ready for some spooky fun at Lone Star Flight Museum! Kids can trick or treat in the hangar, enjoy storytime, or create some spooky crafts for a frightfully good time.  READ MORE

Monster Jam at NRG Stadium

Southwest Houston
Saturday, October 19, 2024
It's time for Monster Jam at NRG Stadium, with fan favorites such as Grave Digger, Gas Monkey Garage, and more battling it out around the track and performing crash-worthy stunts and freestyles. READ MORE

KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou

East Downtown – FREE
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Kids Day is a free annual event for the entire community to experience a full day of fun including hands-on nature activities, a birds of prey show, music, performances, face painting, and more! READ MORE

ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum

Memorial Park
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

Galaxy Frights at Space Center Houston

Southeast Houston
Saturday, Oct 19 through Sunday, October 27, 2024 (Weekends)
Space Center Houston transforms into a launchpad for space-themed Halloween fun. Transport the whole family to explore the wonders of space–with a spooky twist! Show off Halloween costumes, enjoy special activities, and more.   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, October 25 through Saturday, October 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

Mediterranean Festival

West University
Saturday, October 26, 2024
Explore the culture of the Mediterranean through food, sweets, music, and entertainment.   READ MORE

Wings Over Houston Airshow

Ellington
Saturday & Sunday, Oct 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

Places featured in this article:

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Downtown Historic Katy
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
First Lutheran Church of Galveston
St. George Orthodox Christian Church