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
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Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
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
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Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.
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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
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
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Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
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See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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
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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.
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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
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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
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
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Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
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

MLK Weekend 2025 on Long Island: Best Things To Do with Kids

Explore the out-of-this-world possibilities of space travel at the Long Island Children's Museum's new exhibit. Photo courtesy LICM
Explore the out-of-this-world possibilities of space travel at the Long Island Children's Museum's new exhibit. Photo courtesy LICM
1/17/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this long MLK weekend? From movies and concerts to civil rights activities and more, here are our top picks for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.

Meanwhile, the Lunar New Year festivities at the Heckscher Museum of Art boasts lion dances, hands-on stations, origami art, and more.

There's more adventure to be had at the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire show at Nassau Coliseum, and don't miss the Long Island Children's Museum's latest exhibit, Moon to Mars. It's also hosting some special programs set for MLK Day—read on for all the details.

More Things To Do on Long Island this Week with Kids

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Top Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Totally Taylor Drop-off Program at Kidz Course

East Northport
Friday, January 17
Kidz Course gives parents a night out while kids enjoy a Taylor Swift-themed night of entertainment. This experience includes a make-and-take craft, a concert, glitter slime, pizza, and ice cream. READ MORE

MLK Weekend of Service: Read-a-Loud with Bryant Library

East Hill – FREE
Saturday, January 18
The Bryant Library’s Children’s Department leads story time and arts and crafts, inspiring children to learn about kindness and MLK’s mission. READ MORE

Tracks & Traces at Hempstead Lake State Park

West Hempstead
Saturday, January 18
Learn about tracks and traces at Hempstead Lake State Park. Join nature educators for a stroll around the park as you find signs of wildlife. READ MORE

Author Read-Aloud at the Huntington Public Library

Huntington – FREE
Saturday, January 18
Join Maria Wen Adcock, author of It's Chinese New Year, Curious George, as she teaches kids about Lunar New Year. Enjoy a presentation, book reading, and a fun craft as you celebrate the Year of the Snake. READ MORE

Exhibit: Moon to Mars at the Long Island Children's Museum

Garden City
Opens Saturday, January 18
Blast off in Moon to Mars, a new, interactive, STEAM exhibit that transports children to out-of-this-world experiences in space travel. This touring exhibit was designed with support from NASA’s Deep Space Exploration Systems at the Johnson Space Center. READ MORE

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at Nassau Coliseum

Uniondale
Saturday, January 18-Sunday, January 19
Following the success of Glow-N-Fire in 2025, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live continues the momentum into 2026 by introducing an all-new truck to the tour: Rhinomite - the dynamite Rhino-themed truck at this Nassau Coliseu show. READ MORE

Power-Up Playdate at Play a La Mode

East Setauket
Sunday, January 19
Get ready for a real-life Super Mario adventure at Play à La Mode that also includes games, a visit with Mario and Princess Peach, and more. READ MORE

Walk-In Touch Tank at Jones Beach Energy & Nature Center

Wantagh - FREE
Saturday, January 18 - Sunday, January 19
Drop in to the Jones Beach Nature Center to meet resident aquatic animals. An in-house educator introduces visitors to hermit crabs and snails, some of which you might recognize from around Long Island  READ MORE

AdvoKids at LICM: International Day of Person’s with a Disability

Garden City
Monday, January 20
In December, the Long Island Children's Museum's AdvoKids program focuses on International Day of Person’s with a Disability, introducing visitors to the actions of disability rights advocate Nyle Di Marco and the importance of being inclusive. Museum patrons will then decorate the ASL sign for love.  READ MORE

MLK National Day of Service

Various Locations – FREE
Monday, January 20
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day each year, Americans are encouraged to step up to make communities more equitable, and to take action to create the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. Examples include cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, or helping those who are food insecure. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service in Glen Cove

Glen Cove – FREE
Monday, January 20
Join members of the AHRC community at the annual event in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. March as a community ahead of attending a program commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King. READ MORE

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March

Long Beach – FREE
Monday, January 20
Gather at the corner of Laurelton Boulevard and West Park Avenue in Long Beach for this March honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy.  READ MORE

MLK Discovery at the Long Island Explorium

Port Jefferson
Monday, January 20
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with this Dream Big Discovery Day at the Long Island Explorium, where young engineers can explore their creative potential. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jaime Sumersille
Jaime Sumersille, a mom of two boys in Bellmore, has been writing for Mommy Poppins for over a decade. She’s always exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and new attractions, and loves sharing those experiences on the site. Jaime enjoys adding her family’s perspective to Mommy Poppins’ mission.
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