Galaxy Lights photo courtesy of the Space Center Houston
Bumper Cars on Ice, Free Events, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2025. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0
Fun Free Activities for Kids in January 2025: Top Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids
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
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
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
Photo by Mommy Poppins
GUIDE
Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston 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
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

New Year's Eve Fireworks, Balloon Drops, and Other Houston Celebrations for Kids

New Year's Noon Bash! Photo from the 2023 celebration at the Children's Museum of Houston.
New Year's Noon Bash! Photo from the 2023 celebration at the Children's Museum of Houston.
12/22/24 - By Rachael Cherry

Houston is brimming with kid-friendly New Year's Eve celebrations where families can ring in 2024. Whether it's making a trip down to the Kemah Boardwalk to watch New Year's fireworks over the water or heading to the ever-popular Children's Museum of Houston for a kid-approved balloon drop and "Noon" Year countdown, you're sure to find a celebration that's perfect for you and your little ones. 

The fun doesn't end on New Year's, either. Our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events will carry you through the end of the holiday season. Or, check out our article on the Top Things to do With Houston Kids over Christmas Break to take advantage of fun things to do while the kids are out of school. 

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox. 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

New Year's SLIME Drop at Sloomoo Institute Houston. Photos courtesy of the event.
New Year's SLIME Drop at Sloomoo Institute Houston. Photos courtesy of the event.

Family-Friendly New Year's Eve in Houston

New Year's Noon Bash! at Children's Museum of Houston

Museum District
It's time to say "GOODBYE, 2024!" and hello to a New Year! No need to stay up till midnight to celebrate the New Year. Children's Museum Houston welcomes guests back to the city's longest-running New Year's Eve celebration just for kids. READ MORE

Sharkey's New Years Eve Bash at Downtown Aquarium

Downtown
Spend New Year's Eve celebrating with Sharkey at the Downtown Aquarium and enjoy a delicious buffet, balloon drop, contests & giveaways for the kids.  READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Celebration at Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah
Free
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Kemah Boardwalk with a night full of delicious food, live music & entertainment, and festive crafts. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you make lasting memories, then cap off the celebration with a stunning fireworks show over Galveston Bay!   READ MORE

Rockin' New Year's Noon at Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center

Sugar Land
Celebrate New Year's Kid-Style! Be entertained with all the fun, New Year's festivities we have planned at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center! READ MORE

New Year's Eve Family Fun Celebration at Galveston Island Brewing

Galveston
Free
Ring in the New Year early at this family-friendly celebration that includes sparkling cider for the kids and a "Midnight" balloon drop at 6pm. READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at CityCentre

Memorial
Free
Welcome the new year in the Plaza with a family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration; dance with a DJ and cap the noon hour off with bubbles! Enjoy face painting, balloon artists, The Texas Bubblers, and more!   READ MORE

New Year's Palooza: Family Celebration at Moody Gardens

Galveston
An action-packed adventure awaits the whole family. Check out hotel packages that include spectacular accommodations and family-friendly activities including air hockey, foosball, bounce houses, arcade games, adult lounge area, attractions tickets, fireworks, and Holiday Fantasy: A Live Show Spectacular tickets.   READ MORE

Sugar Land Holiday Lights New Years Eve and Fireworks

Sugar Land
Enjoy Sugar Land Holiday Lights with more than 3 million lights and 8 themed areas, then kick off 2024 with a firework show at midnight.  READ MORE

POST New Year's Eve Celebration

Downtown
Ring in the new year with a bang! Fireworks return to downtown Houston with Post Skylawn as the launchpad – experience panoramic skyline views, multiple cirque performers, complimentary caricature drawings, live DJ's, a live cover band, a professional firework show at midnight. READ MORE

New Year's SLIME Drop at Sloomoo Institute Houston

Spring Branch
On December 31st and January 1st, join the party at Lake Sloomoo - where you can walk on over 350 gallons of slime and at 11:59 am watch the slime drop! Dozens of gallons of glittery slime will be headed straight for Lake Sloomoo to celebrate the New Year! READ MORE

New Years Day Family Ball Drop at Wakefield Crowbar

Garden Oaks
Free
Bring the kiddos to watch the ball drop at 12 pm & wear your favorite pajamas! READ MORE

High Noon Countdown at The Woodlands Children’s Museum

The Woodlands
Ring in the New Year with a balloon drop extravaganza with your little ones!   READ MORE

Places featured in this article: