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.
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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
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.
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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
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
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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.
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

Santa by Plane and Train and More Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend

Festival of Games is a holiday gaming and shopping event at the Cradle of Aviation. Photo courtesy of Festival of Games
Festival of Games is a holiday gaming and shopping event at the Cradle of Aviation. Photo courtesy of Festival of Games
12/12/25 - By Jaime Sumersille

Looking for the best things to do on Long Island this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your schedule.

Ready to ride straight into some holiday spirit, Long Island? Little train lovers can watch Santa roll into Greenport by train at the Railroad Museum of Long Island’s holiday open house with a visit from Santa, while plane fans can catch him arriving by plane during the free Reenactment of the Flying Santa at the Fire Island Lighthouse. Bonus: both events are totally free!

If you’re looking to keep the festivities going, Sunday brings a lively Hanukkah Glam & Sing-Along at Good Life Club Haus, complete with songs and celebration. Or, for a low-pressure outing that doubles as a great energy-burner, families can enjoy free Bowling with Santa at AMF and Lucky Strike locations all weekend long. 

Looking for even more fun things to do this weekend? Our Long Island Events Calendar is packed with great family activities every day of the week—and you can filter by age, location, or even free events!

Not getting our newsletter list yet? Subscribe for free and get the best local family fun sent straight to your inbox. Already subscribed? Please share it with a friend and start planning your weekend together!

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Santa flies over Fire Island this weekend. Photo courtesy of Fire Island Lighthouse Prevention Society
Santa flies over Fire Island this weekend. Photo courtesy of Fire Island Lighthouse Prevention Society

Best Things To Do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids

Home for the Holidays Festival at Coe Hall

Oyster Bay
Friday, December 12 - Sunday, December 14
Get ready for all the cozy holiday feels at Coe Hall’s Home for the Holidays festival—one of Long Island’s most magical family traditions! Planting Fields transforms into a winter wonderland, and it’s the perfect spot to make some merry memories with the kids. READ MORE

Cookie Night at Dee's Nursery

Oceanside
Friday, December 12
Families can enjoy a magical visit with Santa at Dees’ Nursery, where kids decorate an apron, create a festive holiday craft, and have fun designing their own cookies. READ MORE

Hampton Ballet Theatre School Presents The Nutcracker

East Hampton
Friday, December 12 - Sunday, December 14
The Hampton Ballet Theatre School (HBTS) presents its 16th annual production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s beloved Nutcracker. READ MORE

Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers Open House

Levittown – FREE
Friday, December 12 - Sunday, December 14
Take a peek at Long Island's largest operating O-gauge train layout when the Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers holds an open house. READ MORE

Posey School of Dance Northport Nutcracker Ballet

Greenlawn
Friday, December 12 - Sunday, December 14
Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season and be captivated by an awe-inspiring production of the Nutcracker Ballet. READ MORE

Winter Wonderland at Clark Botanic Garden

Albertson – FREE
Opens Saturday, December 13
Clark Botanic Garden transforms this holiday season into an idyllic winter wonderland where guests will find themselves immersed in all that makes the season special. Meet Santa and other special guests, enjoy holiday lights and scenery, crafts for kids, a holiday pajama party, Santa Paws, and more.  READ MORE

Reenactment of the Flying Santa at the Fire Island Lighthouse

Fire Island – FREE
Saturday, December 13
In 1953 Pilot Snow (a.k.a. “Flying Santa”) flew his plane past the Fire Island Lighthouse and left packages of holiday gifts for the lighthouse keeper and his family. Relive this historic event and expect a special guest in a red suit via biplane! READ MORE

Long Beach Electric Light Parade

Long Beach – FREE
Saturday, December 13
Marvel at antique cars, fire trucks, floats, and bicycles wrapped in Christmas lights at this festive holiday parade throughout the west end of Long Beach. READ MORE

Chanukah Concert at Green Acres Mall

Valley Stream – FREE
Saturday, December 13
Celebrate the Festival of Lights at the Green Acres Chanukah Concert and enjoy a live performance by Aryeh Kunstler. READ MORE

Hanukkah Glam & Sing-Along at Good Life Club Haus

Merrick
Saturday, December 13
Head to Good Life Club Haus for a magical way to celebrate Hanukkah — filled with creativity, sparkle, music, and other holiday magic. READ MORE

Holiday Festival at Cassidy Hill Farm

Manorville
Saturday, December 13
A bounce house, photos with Santa, and much more headline this Holiday Festival at Cassidy Hill Farm. READ MORE

Railroad Museum of Long Island Holiday Open House with Visit From Santa

Greenport – FREE
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 14
The Railroad Museum of Long Island invites guests to its free Holiday Open Houses with a special visit—via the rails—from Santa himself. READ MORE

Bowl with Santa at AMF/Lucky Strike Locations

Babylon, Centereach, Commack, Melville & Sayville – FREE
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 14
Select AMF/Lucky Strike locations across Long Island are offering a bowl with Santa event, complete with free bowling, arcade fun, and holiday photos for families. READ MORE

Festival of Games: Holiday Shopping & Gaming at the Cradle of Aviation

Garden City
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 14
Long Island Retro Gaming Expo presents this Festival of Games, a holiday-themed extravaganza of shopping and gaming experiences at the Cradle of Aviation ahead of the holiday season. READ MORE

The Magic of Montauk Holiday Celebration

Montauk – FREE
Saturday, December 13 - Sunday, December 14
Join the Montauk Chamber and Visitors Center for its Magic of Montauk holiday event.  Stroll the lit holiday path around the town green, featuring holiday gift vendors, hot cocoa contest, children’s activities, festive treats, food trucks, beer and wine, live music, Santa meet and greet, and live reindeer. READ MORE

Gingerbread House Workshop at Old Bethpage Village Restoration

Old Bethpage
Sunday, December 14
Decorate a gingerbread house and take photos with Santa at Old Bethpage Village Restoration during this festive event.  READ MORE

Hanukkah Festival & Menorah Lighting in Glen Cove

Glen Cove - FREE
Sunday, December 14
The City of Glen Cove and Chabad of Sea Cliff–Glen Cove invite the community to celebrate the season at the Annual Chanukah Festival & Menorah Lighting in Village Square. READ MORE
There's heaps of snowy fun in store this season. Photo courtesy of Camelback
There's heaps of snowy fun in store this season. Photo courtesy of Camelback

More Things To Do on Long Island This Week With Kids

20 Best Things To Do on Long Island with Kids December 2025, from Mommy Poppins Editors

Here are our picks for must-do activities on Long Island this December. READ MORE

Top Free Things To Do Indoors on Long Island: Free Places To Play Indoors

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
Check out a festive light displays to amp up the holiday cheer. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity
Check out a festive light displays to amp up the holiday cheer. Photo courtesy of LuminoCity

Holiday Fun for Long Island Kids

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Long Island Kids

Find all the best local holiday events and activities for kids and families, from Santa to ice skating. READ MORE

20 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities on Long Island in 2025

Theses are our picks for the best in holiday fun on Long Island. READ MORE

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other 2025 Holiday Shows for Kids on Long Island

These are the best stagings of the timeless holiday ballet on Long Island. READ MORE

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and 2025 Holiday Lights on Long Island

Check out these LI homes that are decked out for the holidays. 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.
Recent Articles By Jaime Sumersille:
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