Watch Santa arrive by plane at Stearman Santa. Photo courtesy of Lone Star Flight Museum.
Lights in The Heights, Holiday Festivals, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
The Black Bear Diner in Houston offers Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants Open on Christmas Day in Houston
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
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Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston
21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors
Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.
29 Free Things To Do Indoors in Houston: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days
Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025
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
Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.
27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for 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
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025
College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook
Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season
See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park
Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families
Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025
With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.
Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families
Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.
Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)
Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.
The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston
Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.
Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families
Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.
Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston
Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties
Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva
Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym
Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston
The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school
Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025
Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.
Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win
A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine
Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston
Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston
These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids
Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens
Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston
Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families
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
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
NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages
Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids
See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment
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
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids
City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston
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
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
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
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Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi
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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
Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park
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Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats
Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings
Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston
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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
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
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.
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
MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT
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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
Fun Preschool and Toddler Classes in Houston for Little Learners
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
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms in Houston for Kids

Weekend Fun: Corn Maze, WILD Outdoor Expo, Greek Festivals

Alstede Farms' Giant Corn Maze opens this weekend! Photo courtesy of the farm
Alstede Farms' Giant Corn Maze opens this weekend! Photo courtesy of the farm
9/3/19 - By Laurie Rein

What's on this weekend's menu in New Jersey? Greek delights, delicious seafood, and tons of pre-fall fun. Greek food is in abundance at both St. Demetrios Greek Festival and Flemington Opa! Greek Festival. Aquatic fare is on tap at the Atlantic City Seafood Festival, and tacos galore are available at NJ Taco Fest.

With fall just around the corner, enjoy some outdoor time at the New Jersey WILD Outdoor Expo and local fairs in Red Bank, Toms River, and West Orange. 

Check out our Fall Fun Guide for NJ Kids for more options for family fun, including the Best Fall Fairs and Festivals. And look to our September GoList and event calendar for a complete listing of happenings this weekend and beyond.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Go kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, and more at the WILD Outdoor Expo. Photo courtesy of the event
Go kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, and more at the WILD Outdoor Expo. Photo courtesy of the event

Things To Do All Weekend

New Jersey WILD Outdoor Expo

New Egypt – FREE
The New Jersey Wild Outdoor Expo celebrates the state's bountiful natural resources and rich outdoor heritage. The Expo helps people connect with the natural world by providing a unique blend of conservation information, education and hands-on opportunities to learn outdoor skills and activities. READ MORE

St. Demetrios Greek Festival

Union
Enjoy the foods, sights, and sounds of Greece at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church’s 48th annual Greek Festival. Indulge in homemade, authentic Greek food while enjoying the sounds of Greece with live music and authentic folk dancing—plus rides and games for the kids. READ MORE

Alstede Farms Corn Maze

Chester
It's the season to explore Alstede Farms' popular corn maze, which covers 10 acres of farmland. The theme of this year's maze is Apples.  READ MORE

Flemington Opa! Greek Festival

Flemington
The 15th Annual Flemington Opa! Festival is west Central Jersey's big cultural family event, featuring food, shopping, fun, and entertainment. The restaurant, grill, cafe, and taverna, offers something for everyone. READ MORE

South Jersey Apple Fest

Millville
The South Jersey Apple Fest spans two days and celebrates everything apples. Families are invited to kick off apple harvest season with apple treats, live music, hayrides, crafts, and more.  READ MORE
PAWS for Art welcomes dogs (and their owners) for a day of art and fun. Photo courtesy of Wheaton Arts
PAWS for Art welcomes dogs (and their owners) for a day of art and fun. Photo courtesy of Wheaton Arts

Things To Do on Saturday, September 7

PAWS for Art

Millville – FREE
Bring your family dogs to WheatonArts for a day of art and fun!. PAWS for Art is an annual, free admission event celebrating four-legged friends and their owners. READ MORE

The Downbeach Seafood Festival

Atlantic City
Spanning two days, this annual festival features delicious food, children's activities, live music, competitions, chef demonstrations, and more. READ MORE

Sailfest 2019

Toms River – FREE
Sail over to Toms River for this all day festival, featuring sailboat races, food trucks, vendors, inflatables and live entertainment. READ MORE

NJ Taco Fest 2019

Augusta
If you love tacos, you won't want to miss this taco-centric event. Load up on delicious tacos while enjoying live music, a chihuahua beauty pageant, wrestling matches and more. READ MORE
Grandparents can ride and eat for free at iPlay America this Sunday! Photo courtesy of iPlay America
Grandparents can ride and eat for free at iPlay America this Sunday! Photo courtesy of iPlay America

Things To Do Sunday, September 8

Grandparent's Day 2019

Freehold
Spend Grandparent's Day at iPlay America. Purchase an adult entree, get a free entree for Grandma or Grandpa at Game Time Bar and Grill. READ MORE

Red Bank Street Fair

Red Bank – FREE
Celebrate the season in downtown Red Bank, with vendors, food, rides, crafts, and plenty of springtime fun. READ MORE

Farm-to-Table Apple Pancake Breakfast

Chester
Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat apple pancake breakfast on the farm. The event features a hearty, all-you-can-eat breakfast of homemade pancakes with delicious Alstede fresh apple topping, as well as sausage, eggs, bacon, potatoes, and beverages. Breakfast ticket includes admission to the pick-your-own fields and orchards (you pay for what you pick additionally), tractor drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, as well as admission to the giant corn maze. READ MORE

Morey's Piers Doggie Dash & Splash

Wildwood
Morey’s Piers, celebrating 50 years on the piers in Wildwood NJ, goes to the dogs once again with two tail-wagging events. First up is the Doggie Dash on the beach adjacent to Raging Waters Water Park followed by a puppy pool paw-ty to close out the water park’s season. READ MORE

Touch-A-Truck 2 and Train Ride

Whippany
Come to the Whippany Railway Museum for its Touch-A-Truck 2 & Train Ride event.  This family event offers children of all ages a hands-on opportunity to explore working trucks of all types, as well as meeting the people who build, protect and serve the local community. READ MORE

2nd Annual Rock the Block

West Orange – FREE
This free community event features live music, crafts, bounce houses, fire trucks, face painting and kosher food trucks. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

Laurie Rein
Laurie Rein is passionate about finding fun (especially free!) activities for her twin daughters. Before joining Mommy Poppins New Jersey, Laurie worked in the television industry, with roles as an NBC page, copywriter, affiliate liaison for The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and research manager for CBS.
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