Enjoy free family programs at Bayou Bend and Rienzi. Photo courtesy of MFAH.

Astros FanFest, Lego Day, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

Keep costs down with a party at a local playground. Photo courtesy of Levy Park, Facebook

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties

Discovery Green hosts free events like Arte en el Parque, where kids learn Spanish while making art. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green

100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids

Free activities like feeding the ducks at Mary Jo Peckham Park are simple and still great fun for kids. Photo courtesy of Canva

GUIDE

Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide

Children's Museum Houston is free every Thursday evening. Photo courtesy of the Children's Museum Houston

Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) in Houston

Cheap, delicious, and good for leftovers. Photo of Buffalo Grille by Jessica Stautberg

Best Cheap Places to Eat in Houston for Kids and Families (Under $10!): Recs From Locals

Don't miss the MLK Grande Parade this January 2026. Photo by 2C2K Photography via Flickr 2.0

Top Free Things To Do with Kids in Houston in January 2026, According to MP Editors

Play Street Museum West U is perfect for toddlers. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.

The Best Places that Opened in Houston Last Year: 11 New Things To Do with Kids

Yes, you can snow tube in Texas! Photo courtesy of Gaylord Resorts.

Best Snow Tubing for Families in Texas

Tomfoolery is packed with toys. Photo by Jessica Stautberg

The Best Toy Stores in Houston: Gifts for Kids of All Ages

Buffalo Bayou Park has trails, climbing structures, and skate park, slides, and more. Photo by Jessica Stautberg.

Things To Do in Houston That Everyone Will Love - From Toddlers to Teens (and Parents Too!)

Free alligator education at Brazos Bend State Park. Photo by Sarah Banks.

The 10 Best Free Hidden Gems for Kids in Houston

Visit the Hall of Paleontology at the Museum of Natural Science. Photo courtesy of Visit Sugar Land.

Why HMNS at Sugar Land Is a Must-Visit for Houston Families

Help your Scout rack up the badges at these programs in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva.

Best Places to Earn Scout Badges in Houston

Unique Birthday Party Venues in Houston for One-of-a-Kind Birthday Parties

Our favorite gymnastics gyms in Houston. Photo courtesy of Canva

Gymnastics Gyms in Houston: Places to Take Gymnastic Classes, Camps, or Open Gym

Palace Social has bowling and a restaurant in addition to arcade games. Photo courtesy of Palace Social

Where to Find the Coolest Arcades for Kids in Houston

The Mini classes at Goldfish Swim School are a great bonding experience for parent and child. Photo courtesy of the school

Best Mommy and Me Classes for Houston Babies and Parents 2025

Ready Go Amusement Arcade photo by author Elizabeth R.

Houston’s Best Claw Machine Arcades Where Kids (and Parents) Can Actually Win

A crafting party at one of these venues or at home is the perfect celebration for a creative kid. Photo courtesy of Color Me Mine

Best Crafting Parties for Teens in Houston

Our top picks for your Houston bar/bat mitzvah. Photo by Juliano ASTC, courtesy of Pexels.

Fun Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Venues in Houston

These Houston ice cream shops have the best treats for kids. Photo by Kelly Patino, courtesy of Mommy Poppins.

Best Ice Cream Spots In Houston For Kids

Go for a nature walk in on of Houston's huge parks. Photo by Anthony Rathbun, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.

Houston Budget-Friendly Weekend Itinerary for Families

100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids

Levy Park in Houston has one of our favorite playgrounds. Photo courtesy of OJB Landscape Architecture

Best Playgrounds in Houston: Destination Playgrounds Worth the Drive

NASA's Space Center is one of Houston's best science museums for kids. Photo by Pierce Ingram, courtesy of Travel Texas

Explore the Best Science Museums in Houston for Kids: Educational Fun for All Ages

Firetruck Park in West University. Photo by Jessica Stautberg

Neighborhood Guide: Things To Do in West University and Rice Village with Kids

See animals up close at some of these farms near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm

Best Farms in Houston with Family Entertainment

Free Museum Days (and Always-Free Museums!) in Houston

Cheap Party Rental Spots in Houston Great for Kid Birthday Parties

City Park Skate Park near Houston. Photo courtesy of the Sugarland Texas Govt.

Kid-Friendly Skate Parks in Houston

Pleasure Pier in Galveston is a top attraction near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

Best Attractions and Things To Do in Houston that are Kid-friendly

John P. McGovern's state-of-the art playground is perfect for both younger and older children. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green.

20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston With Kids

Stop at Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo for some cool photos on your roadtrip to the Texas Panhandle.

Best Texas Road Trips for Families

Baywatch Dolphin Tours are a fun, kid-friendly tour near Houston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Houston

Make dining out with kids more fun at one of Houston's themed restaurants. Photo courtesy of Rock N Roll Sushi

Themed Restaurants in Houston for a Fun Night Out With Kids

Houston's Walking Stick Brewing Company has plenty of outdoor space. Photo courtesy of the Walking Stick Brewing Company

Family-Friendly Houston Breweries Where Kids Can Play, Too

Urban Air has quite a few trampoline parks near Houston. Photo courtesy of Urban Air Adventure Park

Fun Trampoline Parks Near Houston for Kids to Jump in the AC

Batting cage photo courtesy of the Bellaire Bats

Indoor Batting Cages Near Houston Where Kids Can Practice Their Swings

Photo courtesy of Big Air in North Houston

17 Coolest Indoor Activities for Houston Teens

Plan a magical quinceañera with these dress shops and venues. Photo courtesy of Canva

Quinceañeras in Houston: The Best Dress Shops and Venues for Your Teen Birthday

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

In winter, visit Luminations at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center. Photo by Ann Alva Weiding Photography, at bigredmuse.com.

Austin with Kids: 35 Best Things To Do in Austin, Texas

New to fishing? Try a Galveston fishing boat tour.

Best Kid-Friendly Tours in Galveston For Your Family Trip

The outdoor pool at the Moody Gardens Hotel, photo courtesy of Visit Galveston.

Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Galveston, TX

One of our favorite petting zoos near Houston. Photo courtesy of Dewberry Farm

The Best Petting Zoos Near Houston

Make it an unforgettable family getaway from Houston by hiking Enchanted Rock. Photo courtesy Passport to Texas.

GUIDE

Houston Day Trips and Family Getaways Guide

Photo courtesy of Schlitterbahn Waterparks

20 Top Things To Do in Galveston with Kids

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025

Christmas trains near Houston 2025. Photo courtesy of The Polar Express Train Ride at the Texas State Railroad

10/24/25 - By Rachael Cherry

Looking for Christmas trains in Houston this holiday season? There are still plenty of tickets for Polar Express train rides near Houston.

If you have a little train lover in your life, going on a Christmas train near Houston might just be at the top of the list for Santa this year. Help make kids' dreams come true by celebrating the holiday season on a Polar Express train ride in Houston at one of many festive venues in the area. Many Christmas trains even feature a visit from the big guy himself!

For those of you prepping early for the holiday season, check out our list of our 10 Best Christmas Cookie Recipes, or maybe this list of 50 Fun Elf on the Shelf Ideas.