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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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.
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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
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Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.
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These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.
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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
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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
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Things to do on Long Island this Weekend with Kids: Dragon Boat Races, KidStock, Italian Festival

As part of the seasonal festivities enjoy apple-themed games thoughout the day at Harbes Family Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
As part of the seasonal festivities enjoy apple-themed games thoughout the day at Harbes Family Farm. Photo courtesy of the farm
9/11/19 - By Jaime Sumersille

Cheer on dragon boat racing teams as they compete over a 250-meter course at a harborfront festival in Port Jefferson this weekend.

It's all peace and love at Kidstock in Port Washington. This open-air family festival features musical entertainment that kids and parents can enjoy together. There are more festivals at Harbes Family Farm, Garden Of Eve, Benner's Farm, Hofstra University and Hicks Nurseries.

Partake in a day of spy-related tours and activities for Culper Spy Day at the Long Island Museum.

See our Fall Family Fun Guide and our September GoList for the best in seasonal entertainment, including day trip ideas, fall festivals, corn mazes, and plenty of FREE events and activities. As always, our Event Calendar is loaded with fun, daily happenings for Long Island kids.

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Local children and teens compete in Junior Garlic Iron Chef to create a master garlic-flavored pasta sauce - in front of a live audience - in only half an hour at the Garlic Festival at the Garden Of Eve. Photo courtesy of the farm
Local children and teens compete in Junior Garlic Iron Chef to create a master garlic-flavored pasta sauce - in front of a live audience - in only half an hour at the Garlic Festival at the Garden Of Eve. Photo courtesy of the farm

Things to Do on Long Island All Weekend

Garlic Festival at Waterdrinker Farm Riverhead

Riverhead
Celebrate the wonders of this stinky vegetable with a variety of garlic-inspired foods, barnyard fun, hay rides and more at the Garlic Festival at Waterdrinker's Riverhead farm location. READ MORE

Madagascar Jr. at Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts

Smithtown
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them.  READ MORE
Visit Quogue Wildlife Refuge at Pine Barrens Discover Day at the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge's visitor center in Shirley, Photo courtesy of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge
Visit Quogue Wildlife Refuge at Pine Barrens Discover Day at the Wertheim Wildlife Refuge's visitor center in Shirley, Photo courtesy of the Quogue Wildlife Refuge

Things to Do on Long Island Saturday, September 14

Port Jefferson Dragon Boat Race Festival

Port Jefferson — FREE
Cheer on six decorated dragon boat racing teams as they compete in a 250-meter race along the majestic Port Jefferson Harbor. READ MORE

Late Summer Seasonal Stroll at Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve

Lloyd Neck — FREE
Observe seasonal changes on this short stroll. Witness summer's slow, subtle change as she withers and goes to seed. READ MORE

North Hempstead KidStock

Port Washington — FREE
This open-air family festival features musical entertainment kids and parents can enjoy together. The event includes FREE admission to Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson. READ MORE

Culper Spy Day & Book Fair at the Long Island Museum

Setauket- East Setauket
Make a stop at LIM during Three Village Historical Society’s Annual Culper Spy Day. READ MORE

ARTful Adventures at the Hofstra University Museum

Hempstead
Look, listen, and create together. Bring your child to the museum to look at and discuss art and then engage in a hands-on art project. READ MORE

Pine Barrens Discovery Day

Quogue — FREE
A full day of fun for the whole family awaits. Enjoy scavenger hunts at the Quogue Wildlife Refuge and Wertheim Wildlife Refuge. Learn about two of Long Island’s most important natural areas by experiencing them first-hand. Wear protective clothing and mosquito/tick repellent. Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult. READ MORE

MeadowWalk Art Show

Oyster Bay
Join Oakcliff Sailing for a special afternoon. Begin your journey at Oyster Bay Marine Center.Take a boat ride through the harbors of Oyster Bay and disembark on a private meadow on Centre Island.  READ MORE
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to learn about the seal species we find in our local waters, Photo courtesy of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to learn about the seal species we find in our local waters, Photo courtesy of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society

Things to Do on Long Island Sunday, September 15

Seals in New York at Hallock State Park Preserve

Riverhead — FREE
Join Atlantic Marine Conservation Society scientists to learn about the five pinniped seal species found in our local waters, the threats that they face during their seasonal time near Long Island, and how we can help them. READ MORE

North Fork Animal Welfare League Visit at the Long Island Science Center

Riverhead — FREE
Children will learn proper pet care “Dos and Don’ts,” how to approach an animal for the first time, and how to safely handle animals.   READ MORE

Fiddle and Folk Festival at Benner's Farm

East Setuaket
Yee haw! The Fiddle and Folk Festival is held on the historic, organic, working Benner's Farm, and features kids' areas, the biggest swing on Long Island, farm animals, gardens, produce, fields and woods, music and food. READ MORE

Italian Experience Festival at Hofstra University

Hempstead
The Italian Experience celebrates Italy's gifts of culture, education, and commerce to America. The festival features food, vendors, handmade crafts, exhibits by cultural organizations, music, dance, poetry, and more for the entire family to enjoy. Each year Hofstra presents an Italian festival, drawing thousands of people from the tristate area. Unlike any other Italian festival, the Hofstra celebration emphasizes the many Italian contributions to American culture. For program information call the Festival Hotline at (516) 463-6582. For vendor/general information, call (516) 463-6925. READ MORE

Art In The Park in Farmingdale

Farmingdale — FREE
Head to Farmingdale's Village Green for a day dedicated to the arts. This annual fest features more than 20 artists displaying their works.  READ MORE

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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.
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