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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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
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.
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
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NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas
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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
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Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
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City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.
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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.
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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
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

Best Trunk-or-Treat and Alternative Trick-or-Treat Events in Houston for Halloween 2025

These trunk-or-treats in Houston are a good alternative to trick-or-treating. Photo courtesy of Klein UMC Children's Ministries
These trunk-or-treats in Houston are a good alternative to trick-or-treating. Photo courtesy of Klein UMC Children's Ministries
10/5/25 - By Ashley Jones

Looking for a fun and family-friendly alternative to traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating? Houston offers a wide variety of trunk-or-treats, trick-or-treat trails, and community candy events that are perfect for young children — especially those who may not want to stay up late or walk long distances. Best of all, many of these alternative trick-or-treat options take place throughout October, giving your family plenty of opportunities to dress up and join the spooky fun all month long!

For more Halloween events and ideas, check out our Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Houston.

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Children's Museum Houston has trick-or-treating events. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Children's Museum Houston has trick-or-treating events. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston

Best Trunk-or-Treat and Alternative Trick-or-Treat Events in Houston

Boo on the Boardwalk in Kemah

Kemah – FREE Friday, October 3 - Friday, October 31, 2025 (Weekends)
The FREE spooktacular event includes creepy crafts, trick or treating, costume contests, special performances, and more ghoulish fun on Freaky Fridays, Spooky Saturdays & Scary Sundays. READ MORE

The Woodlands Boofest 2025

The Woodlands – FREE
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Get ready for a spooktacular time at The Woodlands' 2nd Annual BOOFEST—a family-friendly Halloween celebration packed with festive fun! READ MORE

Trick or Treat at Traders Village Houston

Northwest Houston – FREE
Saturday, October 4 - Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Weekends)
Celebrate Halloween all month long at Traders Village Houston with the city’s biggest weekend trick-or-treat event! Every weekend in October, families can enjoy free candy, festive craft stations, fun photo ops, and more. Kids are encouraged to come in costume and enjoy a safe, family-friendly Halloween experience. READ MORE

Halloween at the BOOseum at Children's Museum Houston

Museum District
Thursday, October 9th - Friday, October 31, 2025
This Halloween season, Children’s Museum Houston is brewing up a cauldron of frightful fun as it transforms into the BOOseum! Packed with spine-tingling excitement and eerie surprises, the museum offers a playful mix of spooky science, ghostly games, and creepy crawlers—perfect for young witches, wizards, and thrill-seekers of all ages. READ MORE

ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum

Memorial Park
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Grab your costumes and get the kids together for the Arboretum’s biggest family event of the year! ArBOOretum features fun fall activities for all ages including live animals, pumpkin decorating, and Houston’s only Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail. Enjoy these fall classics and so much more! READ MORE

Tricks & Treats in the Park at Buffalo Run Park

Missouri City – FREE
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Don't miss out on the spooky fun along the Tricks & Treats trail. There will be candy, games, costume contests, and so much more!  READ MORE

Galaxy Frights at Space Center Houston

Southeast Houston
Saturday, October 18 - Sunday, October 26, 2025 (Weekends)
Transport the whole family to explore the wonders of space–with a spooky twist! Show off your Halloween costumes, enjoy special activities and more. READ MORE

Trick-or-Treating in the Multiverse Family Night at Meow Wolf Houston

Fifth Ward
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Come for the candy, stay for the magic! Alongside Trick-or-Treating there will be lo-fi puppet performances and a costume contest! Costumes encouraged.  READ MORE

Boos & Brews on 19th Street

The Heights – FREE
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Get into the Halloween spirit at this beloved Heights tradition! Along with seasonal brews, families can enjoy trick-or-treating for kids and costume contests for kids, adults, and even pets. Sip, stroll, and celebrate Halloween in one of Houston’s most festive neighborhoods. READ MORE

6th Annual M-K-T Hike, Bike & Fright Fest

The Height – FREE
Saturday, October 25, 2025
  Give 'em pumpkin to talk about with M-K-T Hike, Bike & Fright Fest's 5th annual event packed with frightfully fun live entertainment, a sitewide HallowGreen Houston Plant Market, and a FREE kiddo and dog-friendly Trick-or-Treat Trail with stops for sweets and spooky surprises throughout M-K-T! READ MORE

Halloween Classic Car Show at The National Museum of Funeral History

North Houston
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Get ready for a spooky spin on classic cars at the 17th Annual Halloween Classic Car Show, presented by the Houston Metropolitan Car Club (HMCC) at the National Museum of Funeral History. Guests are encouraged to come in costume and bring a trick-or-treat bag for a one-of-a-kind trunk-or-treat experience, with vintage vehicles decked out in Halloween flair.   READ MORE

Halloween in the Hangar at Lone Star Flight Museum

Southeast Houston
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Bring your Boo Crew for a Halloween adventure like no other! The hangars transform into a fright plan packed with trick-or-treating and spooky, family-friendly fun inside 130,000 square feet of air-conditioned space. READ MORE

Camden Park's Fall Festival

Westchase District – FREE
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Camden Park invites families to an evening full of festive fun, community spirit, and plenty of treats at its annual Fall Festival. Children are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costumes and bring a bag or bucket for safe and sweet trick-or-treating throughout the event. READ MORE

Trick or Treat Trail featuring Monster Mash

The Woodlands – FREE
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Princesses, pirates, ghosts, and goblins are invited to don their costumes and enjoy a spooktacular celebration at the annual Trick or Treat Trail featuring Monster Mash.  READ MORE

Boo Bash 2025 at Katy Mills Mall

Katy – FREE
Friday, October 31, 2025
Bring your Ghouls, Goblins & Little Monsters to join Katy Mills for Trick-or-Treating in a fun, family-friendly environment. READ MORE

13th Annual Halloween Trick-or-Treat at CityCentre

Memorial – FREE
Friday, October 31, 2025
Little ghouls and boys are invited to the family-friendly destination for a fun and safe Halloween evening featuring a district-wide trick-or-treat and spooy tunes and Halloween performance in the Plaza. READ MORE

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