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
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families
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
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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
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
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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

Best Overnight Summer Camps in Texas

Camp La Junta offers an overnight summer camp in Texas. Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
Camp La Junta offers an overnight summer camp in Texas. Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
3/2/25 - By Rachael Cherry

Overnight summer camps in Texas are known for creating lifelong memories as kids try new activities, make new friends, and experience the great outdoors, all while building self-confidence and fostering personal responsibility. 

Texas is a haven for overnight summer camps, offering a range of different types. Whether you're looking for adventure camps, Christian camps, or specific boys and girls camps, we have it all. Most offer a minimum of one week stays for campers, with some going all the way up to four week stints. All of them promise an unparalleled experience that will leave your kid empowered and excited to return next year. 

We also have a comprehensive camp guide and directory for even more summer camp ideas. 

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Camp Cho-Yeh is a Christianity-based overnight summer camp. Photo courtesy of Camp Cho-Yeh
Camp Cho-Yeh is a Christianity-based overnight summer camp. Photo courtesy of Camp Cho-Yeh

Overnight Summer Camps in Texas

Pine Cove City

Ages 2nd - 12th grade | Columbus & Tyler
Pine Cove offers a Christian camp experience with a great mix of fun and faith. Campers can enjoy exciting activities like bungee trampolines, water slides, skits, and Bible studies, all while building lasting memories. Parents will appreciate the camp's app, which provides daily highlight videos, photos, and digital mail to keep them connected to their child's experience. It's a wonderful way for kids to have fun, form new friendships, and grow in their faith, while giving parents peace of mind. READ MORE

Camp OTX

Ages 6 - 14 | Bandera
Camp OTX provides a new experience every summer, with activities that evolve as campers grow older. The camp's schedule blends personal interests with group activities, ensuring a well-rounded experience for each camper. With more than 50 activities to choose from, themed nights, and Christian worship services, Camp OTX fosters both individual growth and spiritual development. Campers are also divided into teams for fun, competitive challenges. READ MORE

Carolina Creek Christian Camps

Ages Kindergarten - 12th grade | Huntsville
Campers can look forward to a week full of action-packed fun at this camp, where large group games, outdoor worship by the river, and small group sessions offer plenty of opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. The camp designs activities to ensure that campers face both challenges and successes, helping them build confidence, conquer fears, and develop new skills.  READ MORE

Camp Champions

Ages Kindergarten - 12th grade | Marble Falls
Camp Champions on Lake LBJ encourages kids to disconnect from technology and immerse themselves in outdoor fun. With options for 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-week sessions, campers can enjoy over 50 activities ranging from archery and water skiing to tennis and sand volleyball. Each day is packed with six activity periods, and evenings bring exciting group events like dances, movie nights, and games. READ MORE

Camp Longhorn

Ages 2nd - 10th grade | Burnet
Camp Longhorn's motto, "Everybody is somebody," stands out as campers are encouraged to take personal responsibility through a mix of individual activities and teamwork. With three locations to choose from—Inks Lake, Indian Springs, and C3 on Inks Lake—there are plenty of options for session lengths, from 1 to 3 weeks. Kids can enjoy over 25 activities, along with themed days and special events throughout their stay. READ MORE

Vista Camps

Ages 6 - 16 | Ingram
Vista Camps is a perfect choice for kids looking to disconnect from technology and spend the summer outdoors connecting with nature and making new friends. Campers get to choose 10 activities from over 40 options, allowing them to try a variety of fun experiences throughout their stay. Whether it's water sports, ropes courses, creative arts, or animal care, there's something for everyone. With 1- and 2-week sessions available, it’s a great opportunity for kids to explore their interests, challenge themselves, and create unforgettable memories in a beautiful outdoor setting. READ MORE

Camp Cho-Yeh

Ages 1st - 12th grade | Livingston
Camp Cho-Yeh is a Christianity-based camp. In addition to spiritual growth, campers enjoy a variety of exciting activities, like mountain biking across over 700 acres of scenic land and tackling challenging ropes courses. With one- and two-week camp sessions available, depending on age, it’s a great place for kids to grow, have fun, and make lasting memories. Camp Cho-Yeh also offers day camp options, making it flexible for different needs. READ MORE

Camp Allen

Ages 8 - 16 | Navasota
Camp Allen is a Christian camp offering a wide range of activities like archery, nature hikes, and environmental education. The dedicated staff and session leaders are focused on ensuring that campers leave with a stronger connection to God and meaningful relationships. Camps are held in week-long sessions. READ MORE

Camp Lone Star

Ages 5 - 18 | La Grange
At Camp Lonestar, campers can enjoy classic camp activities like archery, swimming, and hiking, while also building new friendships and deepening their relationship with Christ. The camp provides a meaningful experience with Bible Study sessions and plenty of opportunities to grow in faith. Sessions last either 2 or 5 nights. READ MORE

Camp Olympia

Ages 6 - 16 | Trinity
With 1, 2, and 3-week sessions and over 45 activities to choose from, Camp Olympia offers something for everyone, whether they’re into water sports, outdoor adventures, or creative activities. Located just an hour from Houston on Lake Livingston in the Pineywoods, the camp provides a beautiful, fun-filled environment where kids can gain independence and build important skills like teamwork and leadership. READ MORE

Kidventure Overnight Camps

Ages 8-16 | Rocksprings
Kidventure offers a variety of activities that teach important life lessons while being fun and engaging. Campers can try things like the high ropes course, zip line, paddle boarding, kayaking, riverfront activities, gladiator course, hiking, rock climbing, and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills, build confidence, and create lasting memories. READ MORE
Heart O' the Hills is an overnight summer camp in Texas for girls. Photo courtesy of Heart O' the Hills Camp
Heart O' the Hills is an overnight summer camp in Texas for girls. Photo courtesy of Heart O' the Hills Camp

Overnight Summer Camps for Girls in Texas

Kickapoo Kamp for Girls

Ages 7 - 15 | Kerville
Kickapoo Kamp limits enrollment to just 110 campers, giving each session a true "family" feel. The camp's focus is on helping girls build self-confidence, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. With activities like archery, arts and crafts, water skiing, dance, fitness, and nature exploration, campers have plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves and grow in a supportive environment. Summer terms range from 1 to 3 weeks. READ MORE

Camp Mystic for Girls

Ages 7 - 17 | Hunt
Camp Mystic's goal is to help girls become better versions of themselves by encouraging growth through fun, adventure, and meaningful connections. Whether through horseback riding, canoeing, or team games, the camp provides plenty of opportunities for personal development. New campers are assigned to one of two tribes, and this tribe becomes a foundation for all future years at camp, creating a sense of community and long-lasting bonds.  READ MORE

Heart O' the Hills Camp

Ages 6 - 16 | Hunt
Heart O' the Hills is a traditional summer camp for girls that focuses on character building and personal growth. With 2- and 4-week session options, campers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities like horseback riding, Red Cross swimming instruction, wilderness survival, and more. Each camper is placed into a competitive tribe, fostering teamwork and camaraderie, with friendly competitions throughout the camp.  READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys
Photo courtesy of Camp La Junta for Boys

Overnight Summer Camps for Boys in Texas

Camp La Junta for Boys

Ages 6 - 14 | Hunt
Camp La Junta is a fantastic choice for boys looking to unplug and dive into an adventure-filled summer. With 2- and 4-week session options, boys can participate in activities like mountain biking, scuba diving, riflery, and more, all designed to help them set and achieve attainable goals. The camp allows campers to create their own schedules based on their individual interests, providing an opportunity to grow in independence and self-confidence.  READ MORE

Camp Stewart for Boys

Ages 6 - 16 | Hunt
Camp Stewart is a traditional boys-only sleepaway camp nestled in the hill country along the Guadalupe River. Boys can pick from 1, 2, and 4 week sessions that focus on cultivating personal growth and responsibility through instructor-led lessons and daily events and activities. Activities include outdoor cooking, archery, ceramics, riflery, and water rescue. There are also special events throughout the session, like polocrosse, rodeo, Mardi Gras lunch, and Hawaiin shirt day. READ MORE

Marine Military Academy's All Boys Summer Camp

Ages 11 - 18 | Harlingen
Marine Military Academy offers a structured, high-energy environment. This 4-week camp is focused on discipline, courage, and leadership, with exciting outdoor activities like ropes courses, ziplines, and swimming to keep campers in constant motion. Campers are assigned to a company based on their age and live in barracks throughout the session, creating a true military-style experience. With young men from all over the world attending, it's an opportunity for boys to develop valuable skills, build character, and push their limits in a supportive, goal-oriented setting. READ MORE

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