And don't forget to browse our ultimate Houston bucket list, 100 Things To Do in Houston with Kids Before They Grow Up

Fall Bucket List for Kids: Best Things To Do in Houston This Fall

Photo courtesy of Blessington Farms

1. Fall at the Farm

Visit one of the many local area farms to take advantage of outdoor fall activities near Houston. Farm favorites like Dewberry Farms, Blessington Farms, P-6 Farms, and Froberg's Farm are known for their amazing seasonal fun!

2. Armand Bayou Nature Center

Spend the day (or night!) exploring nature at Armand Bayou Nature Center. In addition to hiking trails, the Center offers kayak tours, Fall Ecoprograms for kids, special Halloween night cruises, firefly and bat hikes, birding events, and more. 

3. Boo on the Boardwalk

Head down to Kemah for Boo on the Boardwalk, one of the best fall activities near Houston for kids. This ongoing event includes costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and other activities through the end of October.

4. Wings Over Houston Air Show

 Fly high at the annual airshow Oct. 29-30, 2022 at Ellington Field.

 
Visit 7-Acre Wood Pumpkin Patch near Houston, photo courtesy of Robin Hersey.

5. Pumpkin Patches 

Visit one of Houston’s many area patches to pick out the perfect pumpkin for carving.

RELATED: Houston Day Trips and Getaways Guide

6. Family-Friendly Texas Wineries

For some grown-up time that kids can enjoy, too, why not visit a nearby winery? There are some great ones that are just a short drive from Houston. 

Waller County Fair and Rodeo is classic Texas fun. Photo credit Jerome Mo Yang.

7. Waller County Fair and Rodeo 

Indulge in a day of rodeo fun with BBQ, carnival rides, and calf scrambles.

 
Photo courtesy of the Texas Renaissance Festival

8. Texas Renaissance Festival 

Step back in time at the enchanted world known as RenFest. With jousting and archery, knights and nobles, themed weekends, and lots of family fun, RenFest always provides an unforgettable weekend during the fall months. 

9. Free Tuesday at the Houston Zoo

Enjoy the Houston Zoo for FREE one Tuesday each month. Cooler weather means you can enjoy an entire afternoon comfortably touring all the newest exhibits. 

10. Candytopia

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the wonderful world of Candytopia, a candy lover's paradise that is sure to satisfy. This is a candy coated adventure you don't want to miss!

RELATED: Guide to Playground and Play Spaces in the Houston Area

Hike through scenic wetlands at Challenger Seven Memorial Park, image Brett Stone.

11. Local parks

There are so many amazing destination parks around the Houston area, and fall is the perfect time to test out new parks and spend time playing on all the different playgrounds.

12. Spend the day in Tomball

Pick up seasonal farm-fresh produce and locally made bread, jams, and more at the ever popular Tomball Farmers Market, spend the day exploring the quaint city, then end the night with an outdoor movie during 2nd Saturday at the Depot. 

13. Old MacDonald’s Farm

Spend a day riding ponies, petting different farm animals, running down Sand Mountain, and riding the train at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Humble.

 
Explore Space Center Houston, photo courtesy of @partialmonty.

14. Space Center Houston

For rainy-day fun, take a trip down to Space Center Houston, where your budding astronaut can learn all about the history of the space program, explore different exhibits, and enjoy interactive activities.

15. Take your ghosts and goblins to Scream on the Green

Enter into the citywide costume contest, catch a themed movie, watch fun performances, and have lots of spooktacular fun at Discovery Green's annual Scream on the Green event.

16. Pick Your Own Produce

Get fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables at an area farm, then see what tasty creations you can whip up in the kitchen together. 

17. Young Audiences of Houston 

Join Young Audiences of Houston outdoors at Levy Park for live art experiences on select Saturdays each month. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Lake Conroe KOA Campground Facebook page

18. Take a family camping trip

Pitch a tent and roast s'mores over the fire during a family camping trip. We recommend Pedernales Falls State Park if you haven't been there yet and are up to traveling to the Hill Country, or Huntsville State Park if you're looking for a closer option. If you haven't tackled RV camping yet, but want to, we have an entire article dedicated to RV camping for beginners!

19. Visit Bellaire's Nature Discovery Center 

The Nature Discovery Center is a hidden gem of outdoor fun nestled in Bellaire, and exploring the grounds is always a fun adventure. There are also no shortage of fun events, with some of our favorites being their Park After Dark Hikes and the annual Pumpkin Patch and Fall Festival in October. 

20. Hike around Houston 

Explore Houston's natural beauty by foot on one of these family-friendly hikes. 

RELATED: Great Campgrounds for Families Near Houston  

 
Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum

21. Tyke Hike at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

22. Garden Railroad Days

Check out which trains have been picked to chug along the rails at Rosenberg Railroad Museum's monthly Garden Railroad Day. 

23. Missouri City's Oktoberfest

Experience a taste of German culture at this family-friendly Oktoberfest event. Feast on authentic German food, play games, listen to live German music, and more.

 
Photo courtesy of the Fort Bend County Fair

24. Fort Bend County Fair

The Fort Bend County Fair is a hallmark of the fall season in Houston, so grab your boots and get ready for a weekend of carnival rides, themed days, live music, tasty BBQ, and shopping local vendors.

25. Haunted Drive

Get in some spooky Halloween fun at Haunted Drive every weekend from September 30 through October 31. 

26. Zoo Boo at the Houston Zoo

Zoo Boo never disappoints! Wear your favorite friendly Halloween costume and enjoy a day of visiting with the animals and taking part in a slew of fun Halloween events around the Zoo. 

27. Weekend road trip

Hop in the car and take a weekend road trip with the family to some of Texas' hotspot destinations. Visit the Panhandle, Hill Country, and more.  

 
Photo courtesy of mlb.com

28. Family Sundays with the Houston Astros

Cheering on our Houston Astros is always fun, but doing it on Family Sundays makes a day spent watching baseball even better! 

29. Free Train Rides at Zube Park

All aboard! Hop on one of the three club diesel engines at Zube Park for a free train ride on select Saturdays and Sundays each month.

30. Sam Houston National Forest

Take a day trip (or an overnight camping trip!) out to Sam Houston National Forest, which is only 50 miles north of Houston. With family hiking, fishing, and biking, there are no shortage of active things to do. We've even spotted some eagle's nests' out there in the past, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled!