See aquatic life without a fee at Sea Center Texas. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Keep Cool in Houston: Top Beaches, Swimming Lakes, Splash Pads, and AC Spots
Photo courtesy of Frogs, Snails and Fairy Tales
Top 10 Best Indoor Play Spaces in Houston
Explore our guide of classes for kids in Houston.
GUIDE
Guide to Classes for Houston Kids
Task-tackling service Taskrabbit is able to take on tons of back-to-school projects you may not have even considered outsourcing.
25 Back-to-School Tasks You Didn't Know You Could Pay Someone Else to Do
Houston has a variety of affordable afterschool programs. Photo courtesy of GirlStart
Free and Cheap Afterschool Programs in Houston
There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.
Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1
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
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
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
Never Stop Live Tour photo courtesy of the Kidz Bop Facebook page
Best Things to Do in Houston August 2023 with Kids
Splashway Waterpark is located in Sheridan, TX, about 90 minutes drive from Houston. Photo courtesy of Splashway Waterpark
Splashway Waterpark: Beat the Heat this Summer with a Daytrip From Houston
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
Levy Park is a splash pad in Houston's inner loop. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Best Splash Pads, Splash Parks, and Water Playgrounds in Houston
Houston's bucket list for kid activities
100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up
Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social
Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston
Cool off at one of Houston's free public pools. Photo courtesy of Houston Parks - Houston Parks & Recreation
Free Public Swimming Pools in Houston for Summer 2023
Dinos Alive is the perfect indoor activity this summer.
Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience Featuring Life-Sized Dinosaurs
Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas
These water parks and other swimming spots are perfect for summer birthday parties in Houston. Photo courtesy of the City of Conroe Parks and Recreation
Swimming Spots to Host a Pool Party for Your Houston Kid
Texas has 367 miles of coastline for you to explore. Photo by Michael Hogan, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Hidden Gem Beaches in Texas for Your Summer Family Trips
Photo courtesy of the City of Friendswood
Houston's Free Concerts and Outdoor Music Festivals for Families This Summer
Photo courtesy of Osprey Cruises
30 Things To Do Near South Padre Island, TX with Kids
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is free every Thursday! Photo courtesy of Levy Park
50 Free Things To Do in Houston This Summer With Kids
Movies Under the Moon offers free outdoor movies in Houston this summer. Photo courtesy of Kings Harbor
Free Outdoor Movies in Houston this Summer for Kids
Round up the girls and head out for a kid-free night in Houston. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Bee Meadery
Mom's Night Out in Houston: 5 Fun Itineraries for a Kid-Free Evening
Even little ones can enjoy the slides at Strawberry Water Park. Photo by Ashley Jones
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Houston Water Parks and Theme Parks Guide
The GardenBar at Tiny Boxwoods is perfect place for families to enjoy a delicious meal.
Best Outdoor Dining in Houston at Family-Friendly Restaurants
Kids love the carousel on Kemah's boardwalk.
Top Things to Do at Kemah Boardwalk with Kids
GUIDE
Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Kids
Cool off this summer at one of these Houston water parks. Photo courtesy of Big Rivers Waterpark
Best Outdoor Water Parks in Houston for Family Fun
There are lots of farms offering berry picking near Houston. Photo courtesy of P6 Farms, Facebook
Strawberry and Berry Picking near Houston: The Best Pick-Your-Own Farms
Photo by Mommy Poppins
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Outdoor Activities Guide for Houston Kids
San Antonio has a lot of budget-friendly things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Botanical Garden
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Houston Families
Fishing in Lake Somerville. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
10 State Parks Near Houston With Lakes, Beaches, and Hiking
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Houston Summer Camp Guide
Mad Science is a science summer camp in Houston. Photo courtesy of Mad Science of Houston
Top Science Summer Camps for Houston Kids
Art summer camps in Houston offer creative fun this summer. Photo courtesy of the Mad Potter
Best Art Summer Camps for Houston's Creative Kids
These Houston summer camps are the perfect day camps for preschoolers. Photo courtesy of Kidventure
Best Houston Summer Camps for Preschoolers
Spend the summer at one of these fun summer camps near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Gymnastics Academy
30 Best Summer Camps in Houston
Birdwatching at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, photo courtesy of Houston Audubon
Best Things to Do in Memorial, West Houston with Kids
Summer Camp photo courtesy of the Houston YMCA
Free and Affordable Summer Camps In Houston
Photo courtesy of Cypress Academy
Ninja Warrior Gyms, Obstacle Courses, and Parkour in Houston for Kids
Hero Headquarters is a birthday party entertainment company in Houston. Photo courtesy of Hero Headquarters
15 Fun Houston Birthday Party Entertainers Who Will Come to Your House
Check out one of these breakfasts in Houston for a casual meal when the kids get up early. Photo courtesy of Snooze
Best Breakfasts in Houston for Kids and Families
Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo by Rachael Cherry
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Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide
Photo courtesy of Threadfare Children's Boutique
Best Baby Stores in Houston, From Clothes to Gear to Resale
The Houston Zoo is a great stop for kids, and near other things to do in Houston, too. Photo by Jessica A., courtesy of the zoo
3 Days in Houston with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Photo courtesy of Bellagreen
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Houston: Where Kids Can Play While Parents Eat
Montessori preschools focus on hands-on learning. Photo courtesy of The Woodlands Montessori School
13 Top-Notch Montessori Preschools in Houston
Levy Park in Houston. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture
Houston Parks With Playgrounds That are Worth the Drive
Playgrounds Without Limits photo courtesy of Memorial Park, Facebook
Accessible Playgrounds in Houston: 14 Places Where All Kids Can Play
Take a look at one of these popular toddler dance classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Houston Ballet preschool program.
Toddler Dance Classes in Houston for your Tiny Dancer
Baby music classes are a great way to bond and learn. Photo courtesy of Musik Garden
Baby and Toddler Music Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Pregnancy Classes and Parenting Classes in Houston
Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum of Houston
Exploring The Children's Museum Houston
Birthday party places near Houston include arcades, escape rooms, climbing gyms, and more. Photo courtesy of The Main Event
Teen Birthday Party Ideas in Houston: 10 Cool Party Places for Teens and Tweens
There are a variety of fishing lakes near Houston to fish with your kids. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Fishing Lakes Near Houston and More Kid-Friendly Places To Go Fishing
SwimJim offers baby swim classes in Houston. Photo courtesy of SwimJim Baby Swim School, Facebook
Baby Swimming Classes in Houston: Swimming Lessons for Babies and Toddlers
San Antonio is full of amusement parks, good food, and lots of other things to do with kids. Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio with Kids: 26 Best Things To Do in San Antonio, Texas
Try fishing for the first time in Lake Livingston. Photo courtesy of Lake Livingston State Park, Facebook
Fun Things to Do in Lake Livingston State Park with Kids
Get building at Dig World TX near Houston.
Dig World TX is Construction-Themed Heaven for Little Builders
Kids eat Free at Dickey's on Sundays with each adult purchase of $10 or more. Photo courtesy of Dickey's
13 Kid-Friendly Barbecue Restaurants in Houston
The St. Regis in Uptown is one of Houston's best family-friendly resorts.
Best Family-Friendly Spa Resorts And Hotels Near Houston
Photo courtesy of Lake Conroe KOA Campground, Facebook
Camping in Houston: Best Campgrounds in Texas for Families
Hiking at Garner State Park in the Texas Hill Country. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas Hill Country with Kids: Where to Go, Eat, and Stay
Fresh air is one of the best antidotes to a grumpy toddler or baby. Photo courtesy of Bigstock
Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston and the Suburbs
Come for the queso, stay for the ice cream at these Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston.
Best Tex-Mex Restaurants in Houston with FREE Ice Cream
Explore the 21 miles of trails around the park, of varying lengths and difficulty to suit your family’s needs.
20 Things to Do in Huntsville State Park with Kids
Kids can learn about Robotics at the Houston Space Center. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ortiz.
Top Attractions in Houston for Kids and Families: Museums, Theme Parks, & More
Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook
Birthday Venues Near Houston That Won't Break the Bank
Samuel Sykes, owner of Trill Taco, photo courtesy of Samuel Sykes
10 Black-Owned Restaurants Near Houston to Try with Kids
Calling all space lovers! NASA’s Space Center Houston, photo by Rebecca Matheson Ortiz
17 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Clear Lake and Webster
Toddlers can enjoy playing with the foam block structures at Exploration Park. Photo courtesy of Exploration Park
Best Houston Playgrounds and Parks for Toddlers
The Menil Collection is a free art museum in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Menil Collection
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston
​Galveston's Schlitterbahn is an indoor waterpark near Houston. Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn in Galveston Island
The Best Indoor Waterparks in Texas
Reaching for Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Best Things to Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science with Kids
Kids walk a nature trail at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum
11 Amazing Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in Houston
Horseback riding is a favorite kid activity in Conroe
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Photo courtesy of texasgatorfest.com
Up Close with Alligators Near Houston: Gator Experiences for Every Budget
Walking inside Hermann Park's Japanese Garden. Photo courtesy of Vicky Li Yip.
Hermann Park Beginner’s Guide: Exploring Houston’s Hermann Park with Kids
Building sandcastles at Port Aransas Beach.
Top 15 Things to Do in Corpus Christi with Kids
Photo courtesy Sweet Pecks Photography
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Kids learn and play at the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum. Photo courtesy the Dallas Arboretum
25 Best Things To Do in Dallas, Texas with Kids
Explore the amazing parks in Pearland. Photo courtesy of Pearland Parks and Recreation
Top 10 Things to Do in Pearland, TX with Kids
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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Back to School Bash is happening this weekend in Houston. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston
Back to School Events and More Things To Do in Houston this Weekend with Kids

Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Houston

Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station
11/27/22 - By Nan Ross

There's something magical about Christmas lights that make the holidays come alive (even in Houston when it's 80 degrees in the winter). Twinkling Christmas lights and snowy scenes always help make spirits bright! From drive-thru Christmas lights experiences to walking adventures, and from traditional holiday lights or out-of-this-world displays, we've rounded up holiday and Christmas lights to suit every taste. For the best Christmas lights in and around Houston, check out one of the locales or events below.

 And for more holiday and Christmas ideas, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Photo courtesy of Dasher's Lightshow
Photo courtesy of Dasher's Lightshow

Drive-thru and Drive-by Christmas Lights in Houston

The Light Park in Spring

Fri Nov 4, 2022 - Sun Jan 1, 2023 - Spring
Enjoy the most exciting drive-through light show right here at The Light Park. Eat, drink, and watch as we electrify the night with millions of Christmas lights and festive music. READ MORE

The Light Park in Katy

Fri Nov 4, 2022 - Sun Jan 1, 2023 - Katy
Experience the magic of holiday lights by driving through The Light Park, which features an interactive holiday experience that includes millions of twinkling lights, holiday music, and festive cheer.  READ MORE

Dasher's Lightshow

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Fri Dec 30, 2022 - Humble
Stunning light tunnels and acres of twinkling lights await as Dasher's Light Show takes over the parking lot of Newark's Moonlight Cinema. Cruise through the course as holiday music pulses through your car's speakers.  READ MORE

River Oaks Christmas Lights

Thu Nov 24, 2022 - Mon Dec 26, 2022 - River Oaks
Free
Travel into a holiday wonderland and tour the River Oaks neighborhood. READ MORE

Prestonwood Forest's Nite of Lights

Fri Dec 9, 2022 - Sat Dec 31, 2022 - Prestonwood
Free
Prestonwood Forest invites you to judge which streets and houses have the best and most award-worthy holiday decorations. Since the '80s, this neighborhood has lit up during the holidays with extravagant light displays with themes on each street. READ MORE
Photo courtesy of Holidays at Moody Gardens
Photo courtesy of Holidays at Moody Gardens

Holiday and Christmas Light Shows and Experiences in Houston

Santa's Wonderland

Fri Nov 11, 2022 - Fri Dec 30, 2022 - College Station
Experience Santa's magical world at the biggest Christmas attraction in the state of Texas. READ MORE

Texas Winter Lights Marriot Marquis Houston

Fri Nov 11, 2022 - Tue Jan 3, 2023 - Downtown
Take part in an interactive walk- or float-through lights experience at the Marriot Marquis Houston. Guests can swim through the lights in the Texas-shaped lazy river, snap photos, enjoy nightly snowfalls, dine on a winter-themed dining menu, and more. READ MORE

Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston

Sat Nov 12, 2022 - Sun Jan 1, 2023 - Clear Lake
Enjoy an out-of-this-world light experience at Space Center Houston this holiday season.  READ MORE

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Sun Jan 8, 2023 - Museum District
The Houston Zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland with life-sized animal lanterns and thousands of lights. READ MORE

Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Sun Jan 1, 2023 - Southeast Houston
Experience Lightscape, a holiday lights and music event that features a winding path through the Garden lined with stunning immersive installations. READ MORE

Magical Winter Lights

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Sat Jan 7, 2023 - Baytown
Magical Winter Lights immerses guests in elaborate light displays of various themes. There is a holiday market, carnival games, arts and crafts, a food court, and lots of family fun. READ MORE

Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Sun Jan 1, 2023 - Sugar Land
The annual Sugar Land Holiday Lights puts more than 3 million lights and 8 themed areas, along with special holiday movie nights, a carnival, a visit from Santa Claus, and more. READ MORE

Holidays at Moody Gardens

Sat Nov 19, 2022 - Sat Jan 7, 2023 - Galveston
Head down to Moody Gardens for an unparalleled holiday experience that includes seven different attractions.  READ MORE

Friendswood's Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail

Fri Nov 25, 2022 - Sat Dec 31, 2022 - Friendswood
Free
Walk through over 100,000 twinkling holiday lights, mail letters to Santa, and snap some family Christmas photos at the Home for the Holidays Lighted Christmas Trail.  READ MORE

Hometown Holidays and Trail of Lights at Silver Sycamore

Mon Dec 12, 2022 - Fri Dec 30, 2022 - Pasadena
Indulge in some holiday magic at the annual Hometown Holidays and Trail of Lights. With over 100,000 lights to see, games for the kids, and more there is no shortage of holiday cheer to enjoy.    READ MORE

Cistern Illuminated: A New Seasonal Experience

Fri Nov 25, 2022 - Sun Jan 8, 2023 - Downtown
Come experience Cistern Illuminated, a custom, seasonal lighting experience in the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Designed by Kelly O’Brien of Fenris, this new installation will feature soft warm lights directed at the Cistern’s 221 columns, enhancing their uncanny reflection in the glassy water below. Variations in tone evoke an atmosphere of flickering candlelight. Houstonians are invited to escape the holiday rush and experience the other-worldly serenity of the Cistern in a new way.   READ MORE

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