Mommy Poppins - Things to Do with Kids - Houston

Houston AutoBoative Show

Elizabeth R — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 18:27:57 +0000

Repeats every day until Sun Feb 01 2026.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 Various times

Thursday, January 29, 2026 Various times

Friday, January 30, 2026 Various times

Saturday, January 31, 2026 Various times

Sunday, February 1, 2026 Various times

https://www.autoboativeshow.com

Cost:

$20

From engines to anchors, this epic motor show is the region’s ultimate destination to shop, compare, and experience everything from luxury yachts and fishing boats to cars, trucks, SUVs, and EVs—all in one place. Designed with families in mind, the event also features hands-on fun and interactive attractions for all ages, including kid-friendly activities and photo ops.

With exciting additions like a Polaris off-road track, a Modern Luxury Lane, and the return of the always-popular Camp Jeep, the 2026 AutoBoative Show is a can’t-miss outing for car lovers, boat enthusiasts, and families alike.

What’s In Store for 2026

Polaris Power Sports Zone, the presenting sponsor of the Houston Boat Show, anchors an all-new adventure area packed with off-road thrills and rugged performance demonstrations.

Give Back Day, on Thursday, Jan. 29, the AutoBoative Show will shine a spotlight on 20 of Houston’s best nonprofits for guests to learn about volunteering or donating, and being part of these organizations.

Test Driving: showcasing the latest electric, hybrid, and gas models, attendees can test-drive vehicles from Camp Jeep, Chevrolet, Ford, Stellantis, Subaru, and Toyota.

Expert-led Tours, for serious shoppers, journalists from the Texas Auto Writers Association will lead groups through vehicle options that fit their lifestyle and provide unbiased and knowledgeable information on each vehicle sector.

Family Fun Activities, Modern Luxury Lane, and a Classic Car Collection return, with new interactive elements and photo ops.

Recommended Age:

All Ages

Age:

NRG Center

One NRG Parkway

77054 Houston , TX

Phone: 713-535-3231

29° 41' 11.1012" N, 95° 24' 28.0368" W

Texas

Ticketed:

Activity Category:

Boats, Buses & Trains

Admission Services

Toddler Takeover at Children's Museum of Houston

Rachael Cherry — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:55:51 +0000

Repeats every day until Fri Jan 09 2026.

Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 9:00am to 5:00pm

Friday, January 9, 2026 - 9:00am to 5:00pm

https://www.cmhouston.org/events/toddler-takeover

Cost:

$19.95; members free

With the big kids back in school, it's the toddlers' turn to explore and play! Join for two days of fun, hands-on activities designed just for the little ones.

‍

‍WHAT'S HAPPENING

‍

Thursday, January 8

Toddler Story time & Craft: Little ones can enjoy a fun story followed by a hands-on craft that sparks creativity and imagination.

When: At 11 am and 1 pm in the Parent Resource Library

‍

Mini Drama: The Dragon at the Birthday Party: Celebrate friendship and inclusion with Kip and Ember in this interactive story time where kids help a dragon and their friend solve challenges while learning empathy, kindness and teamwork!

When: At 10 am, noon and 2 pm in Kids' Hall Alcove

‍

Toddler Takeover - EcoStation: Decorate paper "flowers", fold the petals, then water them and watch them magically grow!

When: From 9:30 to 10:30 am & 1:30 to 2:30 pm in EcoStation

‍

Zumbini: This early childhood education program uses original music and movement to foster cognitive, social, and emotional development in children ages 0-4, while creating a bonding experience for families.

When: At 5:30 pm in Tree Top

‍

Friday, January 9

When: At 10 am in Kids' Hall Alcove

‍

Toddler Takeover – Kaleidoscope:Fun With Umbrellas! Toddlers can learn about the importance of sharing and kindness with a cute storybook and activity that incorporates the development of fine motor skills.

When: From 11 am to noon & 2 to 3 pm in Kaleidoscope

‍

Fun Friday with DJ Tyler: Celebrate with DJ Tyler’s tunes, games and bubbles galore—perfect for little ones ready to move, groove and play!

When: From 9 am to noon in Kids' Hall Alcove

‍

Toddler Story time & Craft: Little ones can enjoy a fun story followed by a hands-on craft that sparks creativity and imagination.

When: At 11 am & 1 pm in the Parent Resource Library

Recommended Age:

0-5

Houston

Inner Loop

Medical Center/Museum District

Events

Age:

Preschoolers

Children's Museum of Houston

1500 Binz

77004 Houston , TX

Phone: (713) 522-1138

29° 43' 21.6552" N, 95° 23' 6.4068" W

Texas

Ticketed:

Activity Category:

Fairs & Festivals

Games & Gaming

Admission Services

Memorial Park’s ‘Scream Tunnel’ for the Houston Marathon

Elizabeth R — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:31:50 +0000

Sunday, January 11, 2026 - 6:30am

https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/events/chevron-houston-marathon-at-memor...

Cost:

Free

Join Memorial Park’s ‘Scream Tunnel’ to cheer on Chevron Houston Marathon runners as they tackle the course and make their way through the Park’s Kinder Land Bridge tunnels.

Lawn chairs and handheld signs are welcomed and encouraged!

Chevron Houston Marathon: Memorial Park Land Bridge Tunnels at Mile 20.5
Location: Memorial Drive & N Picnic Lane

Recommended Age:

All ages

Age:

Memorial Park

7575 North Picnic Lane

77007 Houston , TX 29° 46' 1.4268" N, 95° 26' 52.1484" W

Texas

Ticketed:

Activity Category:

Free

Sports

Admission Services

Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi In Concert at the Houston Symphony

Elizabeth R — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:04:11 +0000

Repeats every day until Sat Jan 10 2026.

Friday, January 9, 2026 Various times

Saturday, January 10, 2026 Various times

https://houstonsymphony.org/performance/star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-concert/#hs...

Cost:

Tickets start at $41

Watch the thrilling final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy on the big screen, and feel the full splendor and Force of John Williams' soaring score, performed live by the Symphony!

Approx. 120 mins

Intermission

20 mins.

Recommended Age:

Age:

Jones Hall

615 Louisiana St

77002 Houston , TX 29° 45' 39.2076" N, 95° 21' 54.0144" W

Texas

Ticketed:

Activity Category:

Films & Photography

Music

Admission Services

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

Sarah Banks — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 17:26:20 +0000

The best local food at the best prices.

St. Lucia With Kids: Stay at Coconut Bay and Explore the Island’s Best Family Adventures

Meghan Rose — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 13:10:07 +0000

I live in LA, so for tropical vacations, we tend to head to nearby Hawaii. But we took the long flight to the Caribbean this fall, and I have to say, I’m sorry we waited so long. For a fantastic mix of awesome adventures, gorgeous beaches, relaxing cabanas, stunning nature, great food, loads of animals, and a plethora of activities for kids and the whole family, you can’t beat the island of St. Lucia. Yes, the island famous for honeymooners and romance is actually a wonderful family vacation.

We stayed at the all-inclusive Coconut Bay Beach Resort and had maybe the most perfectly balanced tropical family vacation I’ve ever experienced. Think chocolate tasting/making, drive-in volcano, snorkeling with endangered turtles, and the best Kids Club I’ve seen.

Below, I’m sharing the real insider stuff. Not just the list of top things to do, but the details: what you need to pack (and what to not pack!), which days you should plan on adventures and which you should lie by the pool, and even what to eat.

Check out our complete Guide to Caribbean Family Vacations. Now, here are my tips on making a trip to St. Lucia with kids a rousing success:

Cruise Control Road Rally

steven_203279 — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 17:20:04 +0000

Saturday, February 7, 2026 - 1:00pm to 3:00pm

https://riddlerroadrally.com/event/?eventId=110

Cost:

$59

Riddler Road Rally isn’t just a game; it’s a live, citywide scavenger hunt on wheels you’ll never forget. Teams race across the city solving riddles in our custom app, chasing GPS-tracked clues, and laughing through unexpected twists. Whether you’re bonding with friends, making memories with family, or feeding your competitive streak, the thrill is real, and so is the prize.

Shift into high gear for a day of discovery and competition. Jump behind the wheel to navigate a series of clever clues and hidden stops across the Bay Area, racing against time and rival crews. Every solved puzzle brings you closer to victory as you uncover landmarks, local gems, and unexpected surprises. Play solo or with a team of up to five. 10% of every entry fee fuels a growing cash jackpot, split 60/25/15 among the top 3 teams. Whether you’re chasing the win or just out for the ride, Cruise Control Road Rally delivers high-energy fun, teamwork, and a fresh way to explore the coast with friends and family.

Recommended Age:

18+

Age:

Starting Point for the Rally

5175 NASA Road 1

77586 Seabrook , TX 29° 33' 51.9264" N, 95° 4' 9.3684" W

Texas

Ticketed:

Activity Category:

Games & Gaming

Admission Services

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

Carrie Taylor — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 12:55:08 +0000

Your kids can play for free at these spaces all around Houston.

Best Shared Family Calendar Apps (Tested by a Real Parent)

Ally Noel — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 11:02:52 +0000

If you’ve ever missed a Spirit Day, double‑booked soccer practice, or realized after pickup that early dismissal was today... "Hi! Welcome to the club." This is exactly why I went down the rabbit hole of family calendar apps in the first place.

For Mommy Poppins, I didn’t just research these apps; I actually used them with my own family. On iPhones, Android devices, and laptops. With kids who sometimes check apps… and sometimes make me wonder why I pay for cell phone service

Below are the best shared family calendar apps I’ve personally tested — what actually worked in real life, what felt over hyped, and which families each app is truly best for. For more tried-and-tested parenting hacks, check out our Mommy Poppins Parenting Hacks Guide.

Model Train Display at The Woodlands Children's Museum

museum_127164 — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Repeats every day until Fri Jan 09 2026.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

Thursday, January 8, 2026 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

Friday, January 9, 2026 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

https://woodlandschildrensmuseum.org/model-train-display/

Cost:

All Points North Model Railroad Association will bring their circus-themed model train display to the museum January 6–9, 2026! This vibrant and whimsical layout features a Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster, moving parade, and an animated big top tent—complete with hundreds of miniature people enjoying the sights and sounds of the carnival.

Recently showcased at the Austin Model Train Show, this intricate display promises to captivate children and families alike. Young visitors can watch the tiny trains chug through colorful carnival scenes, spot hidden surprises among the crowd, and marvel at the attention to detail that brings this miniature world to life.
Model railroad features a moving parade, Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster, and animated big top tent with over 300 people enjoying the carnival atmosphere. A small locomotive “kiddie train” pulls a custom-made set of passenger cars through the carnival, adding to the delight of the old-time traveling circus. Special side benches and lighting allow children to enjoy the display from all angles.
Included in the price of admission, which is $9 for adults and children 1 year and older.

Recommended Age:

1-7

Age: