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
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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
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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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14 Top Free Things To Do in Houston With Kids in November

Tour Weiss Energy Hall on Free Thursdays at HMNS. Photo courtesy of the Museum
Tour Weiss Energy Hall on Free Thursdays at HMNS. Photo courtesy of the Museum
11/4/22 - By Rachael Cherry

Looking for free things to do in November in Houston? Check out our list of kid-friendly free events in Houston.

November is here, and that means we're all trucking along through the month in anticipation of putting on our stretchy pants and indulging in lots of good eats and treats in celebration of Thanksgiving. However, since our favorite turkey-filled holiday isn't happening until the end of the month, we found lots of free things to do in Houston for the family to enjoy until then. 

From celebrating holidays at the annual Veterans Day Celebration or Thanksgiving Day Parade, to the Lighting of The Doves Festival and free train rides at Zube Park, there are lots of amazing free events in Houston to take advantage of this month. Check out our Fall Activities Guide for even more seasonal fun.

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Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade photo by Carson Productions
Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade photo by Carson Productions

Free Things to Do in November in Houston

Free Thursdays at Houston Museum of Natural Science

Thursdays in November, 2022—Museum District
Make your way through all of the permanent exhibits at Houston Museum for Natural Science for free on Thursdays. READ MORE

Free Family Night at The Children's Museum of Houston

Thursdays in November, 2022—Museum District
It's a night of FREE family fun at the Children's Museum of Houston every Thursday evening from 5-8 p.m.  READ MORE

Night Market 2022 at Asia Society Texas Center

November 4, 2022—Museum District
Enjoy all the tastes, sights, sounds, shopping, and fun that Asia Society visitors have come to anticipate and love. Drawing inspiration from street markets commonly found in East and Southeast Asia, Asia Society Texas' all-ages festival celebrates Houston's AAPI communities through food, arts, and activities. Enjoy the eats and treats of South Asia with Bollywood dance performances, a Diwali-inspired funfair, and more. READ MORE

Family Philanthropy Day

November 5, 2022—Garden Oaks
Greater Houston Community Foundation and Center for Family Philanthropy invite the community to Family Philanthropy Day, an annual volunteer event for ages 5+ to participate and learn about a specific issue area affecting the Greater Houston community. This year, the event will focus on combating food insecurity in the Houston area. Attendees will enjoy curated, hands-on service projects in support of local community needs. All projects are kid-friendly and will make a big impact for local nonprofits organizations. Volunteer activities will include packing meals for the families... READ MORE

Woodlands Wildflower Festival

November 5, 2022—Spring
Spend a family fun day at the park with an art contest, free wildflower seeds, crafts, face painting, a bouncy house, vendors, and food trucks.   READ MORE

Seabourne Nature Fest

November 5, 2022—Rosenberg
Take a step back in time to explore how the prairie looked prior to settlers at the annual Seabourne Nature Fest. There will be hands-on activities, nature tours, live animals, performers, kids' crafts, and more at this family event.  READ MORE

Hands-On Houston Family Festival

November 5, 2022—Museum District
Join HCCC for the return of our HANDS-ON HOUSTON FAMILY FESTIVAL, a free community event for families and visitors of all ages. This year, the festival celebrates recycling and the fall exhibition, CraftTexas 2022, with hands-on making and food and refreshments from Moon Rooster food truck. Visitors can also explore family-friendly events at neighboring arts organizations, Lawndale Art Center and Houston Met Dance.   READ MORE

MFAH's Fall Festival: Dream with the Alebrijes

November 6, 2022—Museum District
Please join The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on November 6 for a free, family-friendly event to celebrate the opening day of the Golden Worlds: The Portable Universe of Indigenous Colombia exhibition, the museum’s Latin American collection, and the unveiling of six new sculptures from local artists, who have been inspired by the Mexican folk-art tradition of alebrijes and their own cultural heritages. Visitors can stroll through the MFAH campus to view the new sculptures, eat from several food vendors, enjoy music and dance performances, and explore the MFAH’s... READ MORE

City of Houston Annual Veterans Day Celebration

November 11, 2022—Downtown
Salute our Veterans during the annual Houston Salutes Veterans Day Celebration. READ MORE

Lights and Lanterns : Family Art Workshop at Discovery Green

November 12, 2022—Downtown
The shortest day of the year and the longest night, the winter solstice, is a time to celebrate the birth of light. In countries around the world, this is done with lantern festivals. Children will learn about the tradition with a reading and a lantern-making workshop using plastic cups, pipe cleaners, paint, and battery tea light candles. READ MORE

HALS Public Ride Day at Zube Park

November 19, 2022—Hockley
Every third Saturday of the month (and some special Sundays as well), enjoy free train rides at Zube Park. READ MORE

Lighting of the Doves Festival at Town Green Park

November 19, 2022—The Woodlands
The Lighting of the Doves Festival is a long-standing tradition in The Woodlands that signifies the start of the holiday season in the community. Symbolizing peace during the holidays, the ceremonial illumination of the giant doves has attracted thousands of visitors each year. The Festival includes traditional and international performances, showcasing the cultural diversity of The Woodlands and holiday traditions celebrated around the world. Featuring snow play areas, vendor booths, children’s activities and strolling entertainment, Lighting of the Doves culminates with a special... READ MORE

Annual City of Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade

November 24, 2022—Downtown
H-E-B presents the city of Houston's annual Thanksgiving Parade, where families can enjoy traditional parade floats, attractions, and entertainment. READ MORE

Family Movie Night at Levy Park : The Santa Clause

November 25, 2022—Upper Kirby
Bring your holiday spirit and the whole family for Family Movie Night featuring the movie The Santa Clause.  READ MORE

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