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
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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
GUIDE
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
20 Things To Do in Conroe with Kids
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
13 Places to Host a First Birthday Party Near Houston
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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Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide
Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks
20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids
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

Pictures with Santa in Houston and More Fun Santa Experiences

It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria
11/25/22 - By Rachael Cherry

Hoping for some cute pictures with Santa? We have a list of places to get Santa photos in Houston and the suburbs.

Sitting in Santa's lap for the quintessential pictures with Santa is a hallmark of the Christmas season, and Houston has a multitude of options this year for getting a great shot. From pictures with Santa at the mall plus other fun Santa events, you’re sure to get that perfect Santa photo this season. 

So if you're looking for places to hand in that holiday list in person, here is where you can get pictures with Santa in Houston this year. ​​For even more chances at a photo with the big guy, check out our list of Santa Breakfasts in Houston, and for more holiday fun, check out our Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Say
Say "reindeer!" Santa's Wonderland courtesy of Bass Pro Shops

Pictures with Santa at Houston Malls and Other Stores

Make Memories with Santa at Memorial City Mall

Sat Nov 5, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Memorial
Make memories and get your Holiday Photo with Santa at St. Nick’s Park in Dillard’s Court at Memorial City Mall.  READ MORE

Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland

Sat Nov 5, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Katy and Pearland
Free
Bass Pro Shops presents a festive holiday celebration featuring free photos with Santa Claus! READ MORE

Pictures with Santa at The Woodlands Mall

Fri Nov 11, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - The Woodlands
Santa's helpers have been working hard decking the halls for you and your family, so don’t miss out on taking tree-mendous pics with St. Nick! READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Baybrook Mall

Mon Nov 14, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Friendswood
Embark on an enchanted adventure to take pictures with Santa. Join him to create magical memories you and your family will always remember! READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Willowbrook Mall

Thu Nov 17, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Willowbrook
Tis the season for taking photos with Santa at Willowbrook Mall! Put on your best festive clothes, get your wish lists ready, and come for a visit with Saint Nick. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at the Galleria

Thu Nov 17, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Uptown
Santa Claus is at the Galleria ready to take photos with his favorite friends! READ MORE

Photos with Santa at First Colony Mall

Thu Nov 17, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Sugar Land
Take photos with Santa at First Colony Mall. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Katy Mills Mall

Thu Nov 17, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Katy
Snap some photos with Santa at Katy Mills Mall. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Deerbrook Mall

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - Humble
Ho ho ho! Santa is stopping at Deerbrook Mall for photos with the kiddos.  READ MORE

Santa at Market Street

Sat Nov 19, 2022 - Sat Dec 24, 2022 (Daily) - The Woodlands
Who brings lots of Christmas cheer for little boys and girls who have been good all year? Santa Claus himself will be greeting children of all ages as Market Street continues the much-loved holiday tradition of photos with Santa. READ MORE

Photos with Santa at Sugar Land Town Square

Sun Nov 27, 2022 - Sun Dec 18, 2022 (Sundays) - Sugar Land
Free
Step into a magical winter wonderland and visit Santa Claus at Sugar Land Town Square, then snap a free picture with your favorite man in red. READ MORE

Santa Sightings By The Bay in La Porte

Thu Dec 8, 2022 - Thu Dec 15, 2022 (Thursdays) - La Porte
Free
Looking for somewhere to take pictures with Santa? Join us for the event, Santa Sightings! Meet Santa, get your pictures taken, and hand-deliver your Christmas wish list.  READ MORE
Stearman Santa ditches the deer in favor of the plane. Photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum
Stearman Santa ditches the deer in favor of the plane. Photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum

Pictures with Santa Pictures Near Houston at Festivals and Events

Santa's Wonderland

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

Sugar Land Holiday Lights

Fri Nov 18, 2022 - Sun Jan 1, 2023 (Daily) - 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 (Daily) - Galveston
Head down to Moody Gardens for an unparalleled holiday experience that includes seven different attractions.  READ MORE

Holiday in the Plaza at CityCentre

Sat Nov 26, 2022 - Memorial
Free
Come visit Santa and 2 of his reindeer at CITYCENTRE from 12 to 5 PM on Saturday, November 26, during Holiday in the Plaza presented by Sewell Cadillac. Santa will kick off the festivities when he arrives in his Sewell Cadillac at 12 PM to spread holiday cheer and pose for pictures. Santa's reindeer will be in attendance as well - please remember to be gentle as they have a big day coming up! Dance along to holiday classics with the Houston Show Choir at 1:30, 3, and 5 PM. READ MORE

Holiday in the Park at Bellaire Town Square

Thu Dec 1, 2022 - Bellaire
Free
Kick off the holiday festivities Holiday in the Park! Snow is in the forecast and Santa is coming to Bellaire Town Square and is ready to hear all of your holiday wishes. There is also music from local choirs, food, and tons of family fun. READ MORE

WinterFest at Galveston County Fair & Rodeo

Fri Dec 2, 2022 - Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Hitchcock
The Annual Galveston County Fair and Rodeo WinterFest features children's activities, scavenger hunts, a gingerbread house contest, hay rides, Santa, caroling, and lots of family fun. READ MORE

Jingle on the Boardwalk

Fri Dec 2, 2022 - Sun Dec 18, 2022 (Fridays through Sundays) - Kemah
Every weekend during December is full of holiday festivities on the Boardwalk.  READ MORE

Christmas on Texas Avenue

Fri Dec 2, 2022 - Sun Dec 4, 2022 - Baytown
Free
Head down to Baytown for the annual Christmas on Texas Avenue, where Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance for photo opportunities. READ MORE

Storytime with Santa at LaCenterra

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Sat Dec 17, 2022 (Tuesdays and Saturdays) - Katy
This December, gather the family together and join us outside in Heritage Square for Storytime with Santa, Presented by Texas Children's Hospital. During each show, Santa will spend 30-40 minutes reading stories to children outside by the 51ft Christmas tree, with a picture opportunity offered afterward. A small gift from Texas Children's Hospital is also included, as is hot chocolate served by Gelato & Co. READ MORE

Reindeer Park in Deer Park

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Deer Park
This holiday celebration is packed with activities for the whole family, including snow areas, live music, skating, s'mores and more.  READ MORE

Christmas in the Park at Kingwood Town Center

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Kingwood
Free
Head to Town Center Park in the heart of Kingwood for the free community Christmas in the Park Festival and Tree Lighting, featuring shops, entertainment, vendors, fanciful eateries, artists, and more. READ MORE

A Katy Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Katy
Free
The Annual Katy Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival has food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts, carriage rides, Santa Photos, and lots of family fun. READ MORE

Cookies with Santa at Sugar Land HMNS

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Sugar Land
Enjoy holiday crafts in Santa Land, the tradition of cookies and milk, and a takeaway photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus. READ MORE

Stearman Santa at Lone Star Flight Museum

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Sat Dec 17, 2022 - Southwest Houston
Santa’s giving his reindeer a break before the big night, and borrowing a PT-17 Stearman for some Houston visits.   READ MORE

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Fri Dec 9, 2022 - Fri Dec 23, 2022 (Daily) - River Oaks
Discover an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.  READ MORE

Santa's Morning Jingle at The Woodlands Children's Museum

Sat Dec 10, 2022 - The Woodlands
Visit Santa at the Morning Jingle and mingle with Frosty the Snowman.  READ MORE

Conroe Christmas Celebration

Sat Dec 10, 2022 - Conroe
Free
Celebrate the holidays with festivities including photos with Santa and train rides. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Galveston County Fairgrounds
Historic Downtown Katy
Heritage Place - Downtown Conroe