Christmas Village at Bayou Bend is one of our favorite annual holiday events. Photo courtesy of MFAH.

Holiday Festival at Levy Park, Tree Lightings, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

Dickens on the Strand in Galveston. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

21 Best Things To Do in Houston with Kids December 2025, According to Mommy Poppins Editors

Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall. Photo courtesy of Simon Malls/Simon Property Group.

29 Free Things To Do Indoors in Houston: Indoor Places To Play On Cold and Rainy Days

GUIDE

Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families

Santa's Wonderland is a whole holiday lights extravaganza. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland, A Texas Christmas Experience at College Station

Houston’s Brightest: Top Christmas Light Shows and Drive-Thrus for 2025

Beautiful neighborhood Christmas lights are all around Houston. Photo courtesy of the Franck's Christmas Light Show

Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Houston

Bass Pro Shops Present Santa's Wonderland. Photo courtesy of the event.

27 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Houston for Kids

There are so many ways to see The Nutcracker in Houston this season. Photo courtesy of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Houston

It's time to get your annual picture with Santa, and we know just where to go. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria

Best Places for Santa Photos in Houston This Holiday Season 2025

College Station is perhaps the closest Christmas town to Houston. Photo courtesy of Santa's Wonderland at College Station, Facebook

Top 10 Christmas Towns in Texas to Light Up Your Holiday Season

See alligators in Beaumont, about 90 minutes from Houston. Photo courtesy of Gator Country Wildlife Adventure Park

Fall Day Trips From Houston for Families

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

Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains Near Houston in 2025

With activities for all, Texas Ren Fest is the largest Renaissance-themed attraction in the county.

SPONSORED

Texas Renaissance Festival: A Magical Fall Tradition for Houston Families

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

Pick your own flowers at one of these Houston farms. Photo courtesy Summer Skye Gardens

Sunflowers, Tulips, and More Pick-Your-Own Flower Farms Near Houston

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

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

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

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

Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston

Best Budget-Friendly (Cheap) Birthday Party Places for Houston Kids

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

Photo by author Rebecca Matheson Ortiz for Mommy Poppins.

Tips and Secrets to the Houston Zoo with Kids

MKT has great family-friendly restaurants! Photo courtesy of @mendocinofarms and MKT

Best Things to Do in The Houston Heights with Kids

There's no shortage of fun baby activities in Houston.

Best Things To Do with Babies in Houston Before They Turn 1

Houston's bucket list for kid activities

100 Things To Do In Houston Before Kids Grow Up

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

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

Bowling is a fun indoor activity to add to your list this summer. Photo courtesy of Palace Social

Kid-Friendly Bowling Alleys in Houston

Fishing at Sea Center in Freeport, TX. Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife

Freeport with Kids: Best Things To Do in Freeport, Texas

Holiday Festival at Levy Park, Tree Lightings, and More Things to Do in Houston This Weekend with Kids

Free Outdoor Movies in Houston this Summer for Kids

Screen on the Green photo courtesy of Discovery Green

5/4/25 - By Rachael Cherry

Check out a free outdoor movie in Houston on those summer nights when the sun finally sets and the heat starts to ease up. Houston offers plenty of free, kid-friendly outdoor movies throughout the summer—perfect for a fun family night under the stars without spending a dime.

We have a list of free outdoor movies inside the Loop and another for free outdoor movies in Houston's suburbs.

Why Outdoor Movies are Perfect for Houston Families this Summer

After a full day of Ultimate Summer Bucket List activities, catching an outdoor film is a relaxed, easy way to wind down and spend time together. You can bring a picnic from home and enjoy a special night out, without spending extra cash.

Make the Most of Your Outdoor Movie Night

Outdoor movies are a great kid-friendly summer activity, but a little preparation goes a long way. Remember, all summer activities in Houston require bug spray, and if you're getting to the movie before sundown, sunscreen might be necessary as well. And yes, these outdoor movie series are really free, but you'll need to pack any extras yourself—that means water, food, and chairs or a blanket to sit on.

Don't forget to check the movie website to find out about restrooms and start time. Some Houston outdoor movies start early in the evening, while others might begin too late for smaller children.