Fun Kids Activities in Houston this Weekend

Fun Kids Activities in Houston this Weekend

Our top picks for Fun Kids Activities in Houston this Weekend of November 29 include:

Free Activities this WeekendGalveston’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony and Froberg’s Christmas Tree Farm Opening Weekend

Top Picks for Friday: Zoo Lights and Holiday Train

Things to Do on SaturdayMoana’s Ocean Commotion – A Polynesian Thanksgiving and Dasher’s Lightshow

Best Events on Sunday: The Polar Express and Themed Skate Nights


Editor’s Note: We work hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before heading out!

Also, please note that this article may contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services that we genuinely believe will benefit our readers!

In case you are wondering about the choice of listings in this article, here is how we come up with our recommendations.

Get ready for Thanksgiving in Houston with our articles on 60 Houston Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day 2024 Parade and  Thanksgiving Week 2024 Events Houston!

Also check out our articles on the 2024 Guide To Christmas Tree Lighting Houston, Best Sandwiches in Houston, Radiant Nature Houston Botanic Garden, and Kids Eat Free Galveston!


Free Events For Kids in Houston this Weekend

City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic Kick-off Party

Peppermint Plaza is the place to be on Friday. Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with live music, captivating street performers, and a festive craft station for everyone to enjoy.

Don’t miss the magical moment as the tree lights up at 6:15 PM following special guest remarks.

When: Friday, November 29, 2024 | 5:30 pm – 8 pm
How Much: Free

Memorial Wishes at Memorial City Mall

Get ready to have Santa hear your wishes at Memorial City Mall. The event is best for kids 6 and under.
 
When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 – December 6, 2024
How Much: Free

Holiday at Hendley Green in Galveston

Galveston Historical Foundation is kicking off the holiday season with a free, festive extravaganza at Hendley Green in Historic Downtown Galveston.

Indulge in holiday cheer with a Dickens Pub offering craft beer and wine, snap a photo with Santa in his sleigh, savor roasted chestnuts, and join in on fun games and activities. Don’t forget to pen a letter to the jolly old elf himself!

The fun doesn’t stop there! Join the crowd as they head to nearby Saengerfest Park for the City of Galveston’s official Tree Lighting Ceremony.

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 4 pm – 6 pm
How Much: Free

Galveston’s Official Tree Lighting Ceremony

The City of Galveston is illuminating the season with its official Christmas tree lighting at Saengerfest Park. Join Santa Claus, Queen Victoria of the 51st annual Dickens on the Strand, and the talented Galveston Ballet for a magical evening.

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 6 pm – 8 pm
How Much: Free

Froberg’s Christmas Tree Farm Opening Weekend

Pick your Christmas tree for the year with the kids at Froberg’s Christmas Tree Farm opening weekend! Cut your own tree, make your own ornament, take photos with baby cows, enjoy face painting, or have a strawberry express ride. 

When: Saturday, November 30 – December 1, 2024
How Much: Free

Fun Kids Activities in Houston this Weekend of November 29 – Friday

A Berry Merry Christmas at Dewberry Farms

Dewberry Farm is your one-stop shop for holiday cheer! Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with 2 Dazzling Shows featuring 3 million twinkling lights. Build a Snowman, Toss Real Snowballs, and Meet Santa himself!

Best of all? Parking is free!

When: Friday, November 29, 2024 – December 23, 2024 
How Much: $29.95

Zoo Lights

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of November 29 | Zoo Lights

Image credit: Houston Zoo

Explore the zoo and find your favorite animals come to life in beautiful lanterns with Zoo Lights! Plus, get to marvel at the thousands of twinkling lights set up all around the area. Don’t forget to take pictures!

When: Friday, November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025 
How Much: Start at $27.50

Immerse yourself in a world of wonder at the Radiant Nature Chinese Lantern Festival. Witness breathtaking, larger-than-life installations that celebrate the beauty of nature and the promise of the Lunar New Year.

This year’s festival is even more spectacular than before! Explore towering ginkgo and pine trees, a majestic Chinese temple, a mesmerizing geometric dome, and adorable pandas munching on bamboo.

And that’s not all! The interactive zone is back with illuminated swings, an angelic wings photo spot, and a whole host of new, Instagram-worthy experiences.

When: Friday, November 29, 2024 
How Much: Starts at $28.50 | Free for kids 2 and under  

Santa’s Wonderland 

Ride hayrides and trains, listen to live music, shop ‘til you drop, and take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. Savor delicious treats at the food village, cozy up by the campfire, and most importantly, meet Santa himself!

When: Friday, November 29 – December 30, 2024 
How Much: Starts at $39.95 

Holiday Train at Hermann Park

Hop on the Hermann Park Railroad for a magical holiday adventure.

Experience the wonder of the season as you ride through the park, surrounded by twinkling lights and festive tunes.

When: Friday, November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025
How Much: $6 all day pass weekdays | $7 all day pass weekends

Trains Over Texas at HMNS

This holiday season, make unforgettable memories with your family as you explore the largest indoor O-scale model railroad in Texas.

Watch as multiple trains wind their way through iconic landscapes, from the rugged beauty of Big Bend National Park to the bustling cities of Houston and Dallas. You’ll discover hidden gems like the Enchanted Rock and the Balcones Escarpment, all recreated with incredible detail.

When: Friday, November 29, 2024 – December 31, 2024
How Much: $25 for adults | $16 for kids

Fun Kids Activities in Houston this Weekend – Saturday, November 30

 
Dive into a world of pure holiday magic at Coca-Cola’s Classic Christmas. This year, Memorial City Mall transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland, illuminated by millions of twinkling lights.
 
Lose yourself in a mesmerizing light display, shop for unique gifts at the vibrant Market Square, zoom down the thrilling Snow Slide, and glide across the ice rink.
 
When: Saturday, November 30 – December 29, 2024 | 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
How Much: Starts at $27.99

Take a jolly old-fashioned train ride in open air coaches while experience hundreds of Christmas lights and displays. There will also be Santa’s Speedway with go-karts and a free Elf show. Concessions are available. 
 
When: Saturday, November 30 – December 24, 2024 
How Much: Starts at $12 | Free for kids 2 and under

Moana’s Ocean Commotion – A Polynesian Thanksgiving!

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of November 22 | Moana's Ocean Commotion - A Polynesian Thanksgiving!

Image credit: cmhouston

Dive into a Polynesian paradise this Thanksgiving!

Join other families for a captivating evening of Polynesian dance performances and a special story time with Moana herself! Also, celebrate the release of “Moana 2” and embrace the spirit of adventure and gratitude.

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 10 am – 3 pm
How Much: $19.95 

Holiday in the Plaza

Holiday in the Plaza

Image credit: citycentrehouston

Santa Claus himself will be arriving in style in a sleek Sewell Cadillac at 11 AM at City Center. Bring your camera and capture precious moments with the jolly old elf and his two furry friends.

Don’t forget to spread the joy! Donate a new, unwrapped toy to Santa’s Cadillac and receive a complimentary photo.

And that’s not all! Enjoy festive performances by the Houston Show Choir at 12, 2:30, and 4 PM. 

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024 | 11 am – 4 pm
How Much: Free

The Sazon Latin Food Festival is coming to Houston! Join us for two days of mouthwatering Latin cuisine, vibrant live music, and endless fun.

Bring your family and friends to experience the best of Latin America, all in one place. From sizzling street tacos to decadent desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving. So come hungry and ready to indulge!

When: Saturday, November 30 – December 1, 2024 
How Much: Free

Head over to the 50th annual Texas Renaissance Festival, a magical journey back to the 16th century. Explore a 55-acre European village filled with live music, thrilling performances, and handcrafted treasures. Indulge in exotic foods and drinks, ride exciting rides, and meet fascinating characters.
 
When: Saturday, November 23, 2024 
How Much: Ticket prices vary

Dasher’s Lightshow

Dasher's Lightshow 2024

Image credit: Dasher’s Lightshow Houston

Enjoy a spectacular 20-minute hayride where you’ll dive into a dazzling display of Christmas lights.
 
When: Saturday, November 30 – December 24, 2024 
How Much: Starts at $15

Things to Do in Houston with Kids this Weekend – Sunday, December 1

The Polar Express

Dress in your PJs and get ready for a fun-filled adventure on the Polar Express. You’ll meet beloved characters like the conductor, the singing chefs, and the hobo. And of course, you’ll get to meet Santa Claus himself!

Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, and maybe even a tangle with a caribou. Once you arrive at the North Pole, you’ll dance with elves and receive a special gift from Santa: a silver sleigh bell.

When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 
How Much: Starts at $34

Themed Skate Nights at Ice Skate Memorial City

Every weekend this season, the Ice-Skating Rink is hosting themed skate nights. Dress up as your favorite holiday character, don your coziest sweater, or top off your look with a festive hat. With every skate rental purchase, you’ll receive a free admission ticket!

When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 
How Much: Free if dressed in the theme

Holiday Bash at Rice Village

Join the community at Rice Village for a festive extravaganza filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable fun. From meeting Santa Claus to snapping Instagram-worthy pics, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy live music, creative crafts, and delicious treats from local vendors.

Don’t forget to bring a toy donation for Toys for Tots and spread some holiday cheer. And yes, you heard it right—there will be SNOW! So bundle up and come celebrate the season at Rice Village District.

When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 
How Much: Free

Winter Wonderlawn at Post

Step into a winter wonderland at POST’s Downtown Holiday Lights Celebration. Skylawn is transformed into a magical realm with over 100,000 twinkling lights, a towering 25ft Christmas tree, and captivating holiday-themed experiences. 
 
This winter wonderland awaits you until January 11th.
 
When: Sunday, December 1, 2024 | 5 pm – 10 pm
How Much: $7 – $10 | Free for children 5 and under  

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Liezel L.