Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.
Elf in Concert, Polar Palooza, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids
Photo courtesy of Moody Gardens
Houston's Unusual and Underrated Christmas and Holiday Activities
Head to the Houston Zoo for a fun outing this Christmas break. Photo courtesy of the zoo
Houston's Top Things to Do Between Christmas and New Year's with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
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
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
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
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
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
17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens
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.
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
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
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
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
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

Things to Do in DC This Weekend: Science, Dinosaurs, Children's Theater

Treat your toddler to a morning of learning. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
Treat your toddler to a morning of learning. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center
1/1/20 - By James Smith

Happy New Year, DC. You've survived the gift-giving rush, Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and now can focus ahead to a bright 2020.

This weekend you can usher in the new year with science adventures in Washington, DC and Baltimore, dinosaur discovery in Laurel, even some toddler time at the Smithsonian Early Education Center. And that's just the beginning: Enjoy children's theater in DC, ice skating at a local rink, and more.

Why not check out some final holiday happenings at the Botanic Garden Conservatory before the seasonal run ends. Whatever you do, know your friends at Mommy Poppins DC will be with you all through 2020.

Need more inspiration? See our guide to the best winter break activities with kids in the DC area before they head back to school. And remember, our events calendar is loaded with fun, family events through January and beyond. Sign up for our FREE newsletters to receive posts such as this right to your inbox.

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Enjoy a lap or two around the rink. Photo courtesy of Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Enjoy a lap or two around the rink. Photo courtesy of Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Things to Do With Kids in DC All Weekend

Wonderplace at the National Museum of American History

Washington, DC - FREE
This 1,700-square-foot exhibit gives kids ages 0-6 a hands-on experience with elements taken from the adult exhibits, providing a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity. It features plenty of interactive elements, including a construction area, a climbing structure, a soft-play area for crawlers, a pretend farm and kitchen with play food and accessories, a mini portrait gallery, and more.  READ MORE

Play, Work, Build at the National Building Museum

Washington, DC
Play, Work, Build is an interactive area where children and adults can put their hands to work using a variety of construction toys and tools. READ MORE

Season's Greenings: America's Gardens!

Washington, DC - FREE
Explore botanic gardens from Hawaii to Maine in this year's Season's Greenings holiday show. Plant-based re-creations of conservatories, fountains, and sculptures will fill the model train room. These will include iconic gardens scenes like Brooklyn Botanic Garden's vibrant red Japanese torii gate, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' flamingo topiaries, Missouri Botanical Garden's famous Climatron conservatory, and Huntsville Botanical Garden's Rocket Garden featuring NASA space nodes and rockets. READ MORE

The Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Washington, DC
Head to DC's largest outdoor ice rink to enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center, Key Bridge, and historic Georgetown while you glide around the ice. Twinkling snowflakes and decorations light up the rink at night. Penguins for beginner skaters are available for an additional fee. READ MORE

Toddler Trailblazers at Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center

Washington, DC
SEEC workshops offer hands-on experiences that introduce young children to concepts in playful ways designed to support a child’s development. READ MORE

AURORA: The Spirit of the Northern Lights

Washington, DC
Visitors can discover the magic of the aurora as they journey to the northern lights at ArtecHouse. Inspired by nature and powered by creative technology, this immersive installation transforms kids and adults to a place where the aurora borealis is within reach and winter powers can be found by those who seek them. READ MORE

Festival of Light at Maryland Science Center

Baltimore
No, it's not a holiday festival. Instead, kids can create some brightness in the darkest time of the year by manipulating the properties of light with musuem educators. READ MORE

Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus! (The Musical!)

Washington, DC
Based on the best-selling Pigeon picture books by author Mo Willems, the musical comedy Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus stars an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers. Best for ages 5 and older. READ MORE

Things to Do in DC With Kids, Saturday, January 4

Dinosaur Park Open House

Laurel, MD - FREE
Enjoy fun for all ages during Dinosaur Park Open House where visitors can see a rare deposit of fossils from the Cretaceous period. Paleontologists and educators showcase dinosaur fossils, casts, and models, while participants are invited to search for new fossils, weather permitting. There's also a dinosaur-themed playground open daily. READ MORE
Delight in the antics of The Great Zucchini. Photo courtesy of The Great Zucchini
Delight in the antics of The Great Zucchini. Photo courtesy of The Great Zucchini

Things to Do in DC With Kids, Sunday, January 5

Family Fun: The Great Zucchini

Washington, DC
The Great Zucchini, Washington's funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show, where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh.  READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

About the Author

James Smith
James Stephen Smith is a seasoned journalist who transitioned from reporting at Newsday to a more relaxed life as a father and director of media relations at St. John's University. He manages the university’s messaging while also contributing to Mommy Poppins, a site he discovered after his third daughter was born in 2011. Fun fact: James nearly made it on Jeopardy but missed a Final Jeopardy question on art history—only to watch a colleague nail it and become a two-time champion.
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