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Let someone else cook Thanksgiving dinner this year. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Kid-Friendly Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Houston
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
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
Visit Froberg's Farm for fall festival fun, a pumpkin patch, and more. Photo courtesy the fall
GUIDE
Houston Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Family Getaways 2024
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
Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade! 2023 photo © Richard Carson
Best Things to Do in Houston November 2024 with Kids
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
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
From pumpkins to corn mazes, there's loads of seasonal fun at local farms. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do in Houston This Fall
Galveston Oktoberfest is one of many kid-friendly festivals near Houston. Kid zone photo courtesy of Galveston Oktoberfest
Best Fall Festivals and Fairs in Houston for Families
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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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
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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
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
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
Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids

Thanksgiving Day Weekend 2024 in Houston: Thanksgiving Parade, The Nutcracker, and Holiday Celebrations

Berry Merry Christmas begins this Thanksgiving weekend in Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Berry Merry Christmas begins this Thanksgiving weekend in Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
11/27/24 - By Rachael Cherry

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this Thanksgiving weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

As always, the City of Houston is putting on its amazing Thanksgiving Day Parade. And, if you have family in town, consider taking them to experience a Holiday Boat Cruise on Buffalo Bayou – it’s an event that is uniquely Houston! The Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker opens this weekend, but if your kids are still too little to sit through theater, take them to find that perfect tree at Froberg's Tree Farm opening weekend.

If you decide last minute that you don't want to cook, we have lots of kid-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving. You can also find all things Thanksgiving in our Thanksgiving Activities Guide - everything from themed crafts to recipes and more. 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Mommy Poppins Houston team!

More Things To Do in Houston this Week with Kids:

Head downtown for the 2024 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.
Head downtown for the 2024 City of Houston Thanksgiving Parade this weekend. Photo by Jim McIngvale.

Things to Do This Thanksgiving Weekend 2024 in Houston with Kids

Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade

Downtown – FREE
Thursday, Nov ember 28
H-E-B presents the city of Houston's annual Thanksgiving Parade, where families can enjoy traditional parade floats, attractions, and entertainment. The parade will be led by nine-time gold medalist Carl Lewis and honors Houstonians who competed in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. READ MORE

Froberg's Christmas Tree Farm Opening Weekend

Alvin – FREE
Friday, November 29 through Sunday December 1
Enjoy the opening weekend of Froberg's Christmas Tree Farm with cut your own trees, create your own ornament, photo booth with baby cows, strawberry express ride, face painting, and Christmas treats.   READ MORE

The Houston Ballet Presents The Nutcracker

Downtown
Friday, November 29 through Sunday, December 29 (Select Dates)
Houston’s holiday tradition continues with the magic and wonder of Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker. READ MORE

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Smart Financial Centre

Sugar Land
Saturday, November 30
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event.   READ MORE

Moana's Ocean Commotion - A Polynesian Thanksgiving! at Children's Museum Houston

Museum District
Saturday, November 30
Enjoy Polynesian dance performances and join Moana herself for a special Thanksgiving-themed story time and celebrating the release of the “Moana 2” movie. It’s an adventure across the sea to be thankful for!   READ MORE

Holiday in the Plaza at CityCentre

Memorial – FREE
Saturday, November 30
Come visit Santa and 2 of his reindeer at CityCentre during Holiday in the Plaza. Donation of new, unwrapped toys can be donated in exchange for a complimentary picture with Santa.  READ MORE

Holiday Bash at Rice Village

West University – FREE
Sunday, December 1
Kick off the holiday season at Rice Village’s biggest seasonal celebration yet! Marking the 4th anniversary of the Rice Village Farmers Market with a Holiday Bash including Santa photos, carolers, kid's craft tables, face painting, and snow! READ MORE

Oh, What Fun! Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at City Place

Spring– FREE
Sunday, December 1
Experience the magic of the holidays at City Place with free family-friendly activities, festive music, and endless photo opportunities to create lasting memories.   READ MORE

Sleeping Beauty The Musical at Main Street Theater

Midtown
Select Dates through Sunday, December 22
Experience the family-friendly musical Sleeping Beauty performed by Main Street Theater.  READ MORE

A Christmas Carol at the Alley Theatre

Downtown
Through Sunday, December 29
Celebrate the holidays with the Alley’s hit new adaptation with colorful Victorian costumes, special effects, lively dancing, stunning sets, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. READ MORE

Holiday Boat Cruise on Buffalo Bayou

Downtown
Weekends through Sunday, December 29
Enhance your holiday season with a festive experience like no other by joining a Holiday Boat Cruise on Buffalo Bayou! These immersive boat tours offer up-close views of the bayou’s unique ecology with glittering lights of the downtown Houston skyline as a sparkling backdrop.   READ MORE

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