Celebrate 2026 at the Oshogatsu celebration at Levy Park. Photo courtesy of the Japanese American Society of Houston.
Houston Marathon, Beauty and the Beast, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Cheap, delicious, and good for leftovers. Photo of Buffalo Grille by Jessica Stautberg
Best Cheap Places to Eat in Houston for Kids and Families (Under $10!): Recs From Locals
Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2026. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0
Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Houston in January 2026, According to MP Editors
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
Inside Just Kidding Play Café, a kid-friendly play space tucked inside a coffee shop. Photo by Author.
The Best New Family-Friendly Openings of 2025 in Houston
Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.
Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas
Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg
The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages
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
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 Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) 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
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
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
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
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.
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The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.
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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
Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
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100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up

MLK Weekend 2026 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.

Bundle up this weekend for the charming Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, where a crackling campfire, guided winter walk, a hot cocoa in hand, and a candlelighting ceremony invite your crew to embrace nature and community spirit together - it’s like a neighborhood bonfire with birds and marshmallows.

There's more adventure to be had at the Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live Glow-N-Fire show at Nassau Coliseum, and Disney on Ice at UBS Arena. 

Families can also honor Dr. King's legacy at various state parks or at the Walt Whitman Birthplace with a story and craft. Be sure to check your local library for various service day of service opportunities. 

More Things To Do on Long Island this Week with Kids

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Top Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Disney On Ice Presents Mickey’s Search Party at UBS Arena

Elmont
Thursday, January 15 - Monday, January 19, 2026
Disney On Ice presents Mickey's Search Party, featuring 14 classic and modern Disney stories in an ice skating production. Attend in costume to watch these Disney characters debut at UBS Arena at Belmont Park. READ MORE

Winterfest at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary

Garden City - FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Spend some time in nature at the Garden City Bird Sanctuary, as it hosts a Winterfest celebration. This free event includes a campfire, candlelighting ceremony, a guided walk, hot chocolate, and more.  READ MORE

Junior Ranger Day at the Fire Island Seashore

Patchogue - FREE
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Learn about Fire Island in winter through fun displays and activities. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, complete activities, and take the Junior Ranger pledge. READ MORE

National Theatre Live: The Life of Pi at Guild Hall

East Hampton
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Puppetry, magic, and storytelling come together in this Olivier Award-winning stage adaptation of the best-selling novel Life of Pi at Guild Hall. Filmed live in London’s West End, this cinematic presentation brings the acclaimed theatrical production to the big screen with stunning, state-of-the-art visuals. READ MORE

Central Operating Lines Model Train Open House

Bohemia – FREE
Saturday, January 17 - Sunday, January 18, 2026
The Central Operating Lines Holiday Train show and open house boasts a huge layout spanning 23 scale miles. As an added holiday bonus, Santa will be on hand! READ MORE

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live at Nassau Coliseum

Uniondale
Saturday, January 17-Sunday, January 18, 2026
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

Sunday Science: Science Spa Jr. at CSTL

Rockville Centre
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Sunday Science is the perfect drop-off program for children to learn hands-on science! Warm up from the winter weather with a day at the spa! Experiment to create lip balm, bath bombs, and more to keep you cozy as the cold winds blow.    READ MORE

Rainbow Fish Musical at Showplace at Bellmore Movies

Bellmore
Sunday, January 18, 2026
With shiny, multi-colored scales, Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in all of the ocean, and the only one of his (or her!) kind. Watch this tale unfold on the Showplace at Bellmore Movies stage, courtesy of the Sunrise Theatre Company. READ MORE

MLK Day of Service at the Patchogue-Medford Library

Patchogue – FREE
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Carnegie Library in Patchogue hosts a unique opportunity to learn all about MLK's Day of Service and what you can do to help the Ronald McDonald House. Listen to a story about MLK. Enjoy a short presentation by a Ronald McDonald House ambassador. Then spend some time decorating and stuffing snack bags to donate to families staying at Stony Brook Children's Hospital. READ MORE

Dine In Movie at 317 Main Featuring Ratatouille

Farmingdale
Sunday, January 18, 2026
This six-course immersive dining experience at 317 Main is inspired by a favorite Disney film, Ratatouille. READ MORE

Slime Workshop at the Children's Museum of the East End

Bridgehampton
Monday, January 19, 2026
Have an ooey gooey time making slime during this workshop at the Children's Museum of the East End. READ MORE

Snake Craft at the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery

Cold Spring Harbor
Monday, January 19, 2026
The Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium offers visitors a free snake crafts included with their admission on this date. READ MORE

Holiday Workshops at the Science Museum of Long Island

Plandome
Monday, January 19, 2026
Children ages four and up are welcome to join SMLI on their days off from school to enjoy hours of fun, hand-on science activities. Children can participate in experiments, create crafts, and observe demonstrations. READ MORE

Kids Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum

Huntington - FREE
Monday, January 19, 2026
Kids can listen to a story about Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest American heroes, and complete a fun and thoughtful craft project - all courtesy of the Walt Whitman Birthplace Museum. READ MORE

Long Island State Parks Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Various Locations - FREE
Ongoing in January
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Long Island State Parks throughout the month of January. READ MORE

More Things To Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

Top Free Things To Do with Kids on Long Island in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Enjoy great family-friendly activities on LI this month without spending a cent. READ MORE

14 Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors on Cold and Rainy Days

These great indoor play spaces on LI are absolutely free. READ MORE

Ultimate Winter Bucket List: 34 Best Things To Do with Kids on Long Island

Don't let the long LI winter slow you down–pack your days with these fun activities. READ MORE

Best Snow Tubing near NYC for Families

These slopes in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania offer family-friendly snow tubing. READ MORE

Winter Fun for Long Island Kids

January Holidays for Kids: A Kid-Friendly Celebration for Every Day

Though the holidays are over, we've got 31 things to celebrate in January! READ MORE

Guide to Free Things To Do with Long Island Kids

Find the best FREE kids activities on Long Island. READ MORE

100 Free Things To Do on Long Island with Kids

Here's our mega-list of free things to do on LI with kids. READ MORE

Best Indoor Water Parks near NYC for a Warm Weather Getaway

Enjoy a pool day any time of year at one of these nearby water parks. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

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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