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

Best of December: 14 Top Things To Do in Houston with Kids

Zoo Lights photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo
Zoo Lights photo courtesy of the Houston Zoo
12/2/22 - By Rachael Cherry

Christmas lights and holiday activities are back this December in Houston, and that's just the beginning of things to do in Houston this month. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! This December 2022 has a host of amazing Santa brunches happening all over the city, a variety of Nutcracker performances, and kid-friendly New Year's celebrations like Noon Year's Eve at CityCentre. Let's embrace all of the amazing festivities this month and make it a December to remember.

To find more December fun check out our lists of the best Holiday and Christmas events in Houston and the best Holiday lights and drive-throughs.

 

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Christmas Village at Bayou Bend photo courtesy of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Top Things To Do in Houston with Kids this December

Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Daily through Fri Dec 30, 2022 - River Oaks
Discover an immersive Christmas experience at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.  READ MORE

Lightscape at Houston Botanic Garden

Daily through 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

Zoo Lights at the Houston Zoo

Daily through 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

Cinderella at Main Street Theater

Select Days through Fri Dec 23, 2022 - Midtown
The timeless magic of the romantic fairy tale of a prince and his Cinderella, and the hilarity of the silly stepsisters and their stepmother, will enchant audiences this holiday season. READ MORE

Cistern Illuminated: A New Seasonal Experience

Select days through 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

Ice at Discovery Green

Daily through Sun Jan 29, 2023 - Downtown
Glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover the holiday magic on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green.   READ MORE

Dickens on the Strand

Fri Dec 2, 2022 - Sun Dec 4, 2022 - Galveston
Brush off your bowlers and prepare your petticoats as Galveston Historical Foundation presents the 49th annual Dickens on The Strand. Held the first weekend in December, the annual festival is a holiday tradition with great family programming, live entertainment, parades, and more.  READ MORE

The Great Yōkai Adventure at Asia Society Texas

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Museum District
Free
In the Great Yōkai Adventure, adventurers embark on a series of quests involving mysterious creatures from Japanese folklore. Guests encounter  characters like the kappa (water goblin) and kitsune (nine-tailed fox) while learning about the stories and artistic traditions behind these legendary figures. READ MORE

Home Alone: Film with Live Orchestra at the Houston Symphony

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Downtown
Composer John Williams’ delightful score is performed live to picture by the Houston Symphony at this special screening of the holiday favorite comedy classic Home Alone. READ MORE

Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular at City Hall

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Downtown
Free
Mayor Sylvester Turner and Reliant will kick off the holiday season at the Reliant Lights Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular. The public is invited to Hermann Square at City Hall.   READ MORE

Stearman Santa at Lone Star Flight Museum

Sat Dec 3, 2022 - Sat Dec 17, 2022 (Saturdays) - 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

Ho-Ho-Holiday at the Houston Symphony

Sat Dec 17, 2022 - Downtown
This festive concert includes songs from Disney’s Frozen, music from The Polar Express, “Sleigh Ride,” a holiday sing-along, and more.  READ MORE

Menorah Lighting Celebration at Sugar Land Town Square

Sun Dec 18, 2022 - Sugar Land
Free
Come celebrate Chanukah and the lighting of the Menorah at the Sugar Land Town Square, with Chabad of Sugar Land.  READ MORE

Noon Year's Eve at CityCentre

Sat Dec 31, 2022 - Memorial
Free
Welcome the new year in the plaza with a family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: