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.
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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
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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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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
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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.
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Building sandcastles at Port Aransas Beach.
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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
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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
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Best Fall Festivals near Houston for Families

Photo courtesy of the Houston Slavic Heritage Festival
Photo courtesy of the Houston Slavic Heritage Festival
9/4/22 - By Rachael Cherry

There’s no better way to usher in the harvest season with the kids than with a fall festival. With tons of fall festivals near Houston over the next few months, the opportunities for enjoying cooler temperatures (okay, that may be a bit ambitious) and good, old-fashioned family fun are endless. Here’s our roundup of fairs and festivals in Houston this fall.

For more fun things to do with kids this fall, check out our Fall Activities Guide for Houston Families.

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Oktoberfest photo courtesy of the City of Missouri City, Texas Facebook page
Oktoberfest photo courtesy of the City of Missouri City, Texas Facebook page

Fall Festivals Near Houston For Kids and Families

Hummingbird Festival at Kleb Woods Nature Center

Sat Sep 9, 2023 - Tomball
Free
Celebrate hummingbird migration at Kleb Woods Nature Center and enjoy games and activities for the whole family. READ MORE

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta at the Alvin Museum

Sat Sep 9, 2023 - Alvin
Free
The Alvin Museum Society hosts the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta with vendor booths, live performances, and activities for kids. READ MORE

Sunflower Festival at Blessington Farms

Sat and Sun from Sep 9 - Sep 17, 2023 - Simonton
Come out to Blessington Farms' 1st Annual Sunflower Festival to take photos, pick your own sunflowers and enjoy Farm Funland. READ MORE

Texas Gatorfest

Fri Sep 15 - Sun Sep 17, 2023 - Anahuac
Free
Head to the Alligator Capital of Texas for an exciting weekend of festivities celebrating the alligator and its wetland habitat. READ MORE

Houston Creole Heritage Festival

Sat Sep 16, 2023 - Downtown
Guests will experience a full day of live music, an assortment of flavorful food, dancing, and more at this family-friendly festival. READ MORE

Dewberry Farms Fall Festival and BOOrific Nights

Sat and Sun from Sep 16 - Nov 12, 2023 - Brookshire
Bring the whole family to enjoy a day filled with fun, pumpkins, great food, and over 40 farm attractions. And on weekends in October stay after dark for BOOrific nights. READ MORE

Bat Fest at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Sat Sep 23, 2023 - Memorial
Free
Houston Arboretum’s Bat Fest is returning! There will be fun bat-themed activities and crafts for the kids, story time, food trucks, and a blood drive with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center.  READ MORE

Take Me Outdoors Houston at Discovery Green

Sat Sep 23, 2023 - Downtown
Free
Experience hands-on activities, exposure to the great outdoors, and more as you visit booths and engage with Texas Parks and Wildlife during this family-friendly festival.  READ MORE

Missouri City's Oktoberfest

Sat Sep 23, 2023 - Missouri City
Free
Experience a taste of German culture at this family-friendly Oktoberfest event. READ MORE

Fall Fest at Tanger Outlets

Sat Sep 23, 2023 - Texas City
Free
Head out to Tanger Outlets Houston to celebrate the season with some great Fall fun. Families will enjoy a Pumpkin Patch, a live Petting Zoo, Carnival Games, Inflatables, Face Painting, and more. READ MORE

Groovfest at the Tomball Depot

Sat Sep 23, 2023 - Tomball
Free
Get Groovy at GroovFest with groovy vendors, kids’ activities, delicious food, and magical music from the summer of love featuring The Fab 5 and more. READ MORE

Blessington Farms Pumpkin Patch

Sat and Sun from Sep 23 - Nov 19, 2023 - Simonton
Pick out a Pumpkin at the Fall Pumpkin Patch and enjoy some fun at Farm Funland. READ MORE

Froberg's Fall Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival

Sat and Sun from Sep 23 - Sun Nov 5, 2023 - Alvin
Come out to the Tenth Annual Corn Maze and Fall Festival. Test your luck trying to find a way through the strategic Corn Maze, play at Berry Fun Land, pick a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch, and more.  READ MORE

Houston Slavic Heritage Festival

Sun Sep 24, 2023 - Independence Heights
Join Slavic communities to honor Saint Cyril & Saint Methodius and to share in a celebration of Slavic heritage with ethnic foods, singing, and dancing. READ MORE

Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo

Fri Sep 29, 2023 - Sun Oct 8, 2023 - Rosenberg
Visit the Fort Bend county fair and enjoy carnival rides, themed days, BBQ competitions, live music, and much more. READ MORE

Waller County Fair and Rodeo

Fri Sep 29, 2023 - Sat Oct 7, 2023 - Hempstead
Enjoy a BBQ cook-off, demolition derby, rodeo, calf scramble, carnival, and more at the Waller County Fair. READ MORE

Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 at Asia Society Texas

Sat Sep 30, 2023 - Museum District
Free
Asia Society Texas' Mid-Autumn Festival features Taiwanese artists and photography, storytelling, and exciting art activities such as lantern-making, paper cutting, and faux mooncakes. READ MORE

Annual Fall Festival and Corn Maze at P-6 Farms

Sat and Sun from Sep 30- Nov 5, 2023 - Montgomery
Experience fall fun at P-6 Farms' Fall Festival, which offers exciting activities and attractions for all ages including pumpkin picking, corn maze, flower fields, and rides and attractions.  READ MORE

The Original Greek Festival

Thu Oct 5 - Sat Oct 7, 2023 - Montrose
Opa! The Original Greek Festival has been bringing a host of festivities to Houston for over 50 years and includes children's activities, live music, dancing, food, shopping, and more.  READ MORE

Korean Festival Houston at Discovery Green

Sat Oct 7, 2023 - Downtown
Free
Korean Festival showcases the best of Korean food, music, performing arts, and culture. READ MORE

Spooktacular at the Depot at Tomball Depot Plaza

Sat Oct 7, 2023 - Tomball
Free
Grab the family and your Halloween costumes and head to Spooktacular to kick off Halloween fun at Tomball Depot Plaza. There are games, bounce houses, face painters, food, music, a movie, and a pumpkin photo boo-th. READ MORE

Texas Renaissance Festival

Sat and Sun from Oct 7 - Nov 26, 2023 - Todd Mission
It's the 49th season of North America’s largest Renaissance theme park. Join other Renaissance fans to celebrate all the fun, food, music, shopping, and entertainment that the Texas Renaissance Festival is known for bringing. READ MORE

Katy Rice Harvest Festival

Fri Oct 13 - Sun Oct 15, 2023 - Katy
Located in Historic Downtown Katy, the annual Katy Rice Harvest Festival is three big days of excitement and family fun with live entertainment and music, craft and food booths, a carnival and more. READ MORE

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

Fri Oct 13 - Sun Oct 15, 2023 - Conroe
The family-friendly event features live music, food vendors offering festival and Cajun favorites, arts & crafts vendors, a professional carnival, assorted community and educational exhibits, and an annual Catfish Pageant. READ MORE

ArBOOretum at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Sat Oct 14, 2023 - Memorial
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.  READ MORE

Story Square in Discovery Green – Texas Family Literacy Festival

Sat Oct 14, 2023 - Downtown
Free
Journey to Story Square, where alphabet magic spells fun family learning. This day is sure to dazzle with the bliss of alphabet magic and an unforgettable haven for families with children of all ages. READ MORE

Nature Discovery Center's Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival

Sat Oct 14 - Sun Oct 15, 2023 - Bellaire
Free
Pick out the perfect pumpkin and enjoy some fall fun at the Bellaire Nature Discovery Center's annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch. READ MORE

Wings Over Houston Airshow

Sat Oct 14 - Sun Oct 15, 2023 - Ellington
One of the top air shows in the United States, this premier Houston event is dedicated to showcasing vintage World War II aircraft, along with the thrills of modern aviation. READ MORE

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown

Sat Oct 14 - Sun Oct 15, 2023 - Downtown
Free
As one of the top art festivals in the country, the outdoor gallery provides patrons with the opportunity to meet artists, view original works, and purchase one-of-a-kind art, world-class paintings, prints, jewelry, sculptures, and functional art, and participate in hands-on art activities for all ages. READ MORE

George Ranch Frontier Days Festival

Sat Oct 21, 2023 - Richmond
Bring the whole family to discover more than 150 years of Texas history. Enjoy hands-on activities, battle re-enactments, live entertainment, first-person costumed interpreters, historic home tours, games, cowboys, vintage vehicles, food, craft vendors, and more. READ MORE

Houston Energy Day Festival

Sat Oct 21, 2023 - Downtown
Free
Energy Day is Houston’s largest free family festival showcasing exhibits focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). READ MORE

Scream on the Green at Discovery Green

Fri Oct 27, 2023 - Downtown
Free
Scream on the Green returns, with a costume contest, music, and a screening of Hocus Pocus. READ MORE

Island Oktoberfest in Galveston

Fri Oct 27 - Sat Oct 28, 2023 - Galveston
Free
Don your German costumes, grab your bier steins, and head to Galveston's Island Oktoberfest, an annual event that is packed with two days of music, dancing, authentic German food, a children's activities area, and more.  READ MORE

Sienna Art Festival

Sat Nov 4, 2023 - Missouri City
Over 50 artists from Greater Houston will be showing and selling their work at this juried event which includes live music, food, and kids' activities.  READ MORE

Children's Festival: Dino Party at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Sat Nov 11 - Sun Nov 12, 2023 - The Woodlands
Join an epic two-day dinosaur adventure featuring Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live on the Main Stage plus hands-on activities, toddler fun, art projects, active adventures, and more. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Knights of Columbus Hall and Grounds
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral
Downtown Historic Katy
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
First Lutheran Church of Galveston