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.

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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

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.

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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

The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston

Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.

GUIDE

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

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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

Elf in Concert, Polar Palooza, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

Don't miss the Snow Days at Polar Palooza. Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston.

12/17/25 - By Elizabeth R

Looking for the best things to do in Houston this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

It’s the final stretch before winter break, and while kids are counting down the days off, Houston is packed with festive fun to keep everyone entertained. This weekend is full of merry must-dos for families looking to soak up the holiday magic. Don’t miss Elf in Concert with the Houston Symphony (and yes—we’ve got a discount code!). Head downtown for a free Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, plus be sure to stop by all the sweet, free holiday photo spots while you’re there. And over at Children’s Museum Houston, Polar Palooza kicks off with daily festivities throughout the holiday break—plus Snow Days begin 12/20, when real snow transforms the courtyard into a winter wonderland.

Want to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank? Don’t forget to look for the deals link at the top of the calendar to filter for special offers and the free filter to see only free activities!

More Things To Do in Houston This Week with Kids: