Christmas Vacation in Houston: 16 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids

Feeling bored over Christmas vacation? Here's a list of great things to do with kids in Houston over the holiday break.

With the kids out of school, it’s the perfect time to explore Houston. But with kids out of school, it’s also hard to find the time to plan anything! Don't worry, we've got you covered with a curated list of the top things to do over the Christmas vacation so you can spend more time with your family and less time figuring out what to do. 

Don’t forget to check our calendar, which is updated daily with great events and things to do in the area. 

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Top Things to Do in Houston with Kids Over Christmas Vacation

​1. Drive around and view some spectacular holiday lights

Check out all the neighborhoods in the Houston area decked out for the holidays. From River Oaks to Pecan Grove, some neighborhoods go big.

2. See a Christmas light show

From drive-thru lights like The Light Park in Katy to immersive holiday events like Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston, there are plenty of fun holiday light experiences to check out.

3. Visit Houston Botanic Garden to see the show "Radiant Nature"

New this year at Houston Botanic Garden, "Radiant Nature" transforms the Gardens into an illuminated wonderland featuring dozens of Chinese lantern installations after dark.

RELATED: Guide to Holiday and Christmas Events for Houston Families

Head to Houston's only outdoor rink at Discovery Green. Photo courtesy of Discovery Green

4. Go ice skating

One of our favorite ice skating rinks during the holidays is the outdoor rink Ice at Discovery Green, and they even have days you can skate with Santa. There are also many other fun outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks in the Houston area.

5. Get some energy out at an indoor play space

Let your kids get wild at Wonderwild in the Heights, an adventure for free at Frolic’s Castle at Memorial City Mall. Or, get the wiggles out at one of Houston’s best indoor play spaces.

6. Slide your way to fun

Check out Slick City Katy, a newly opened indoor waterless slide park at Katy Mills Mall.

7. Check out a local museum

Visit one of our many great local museums, and don't forget to check for free admission times and days at Houston's museums, zoos, and gardens.

8. Experience immersive illusions

Head to one of Houston’s newest immersive experiences at the Museum of Illusion Houston and prepare to have your mind blown.

9. Hit up the bowling alley

Enjoy bowling at an old-school alley like Del Mar Lanes, and combine it with arcade fun at Palace Social. Or, try out one of the many other kid-friendly bowling alleys in Houston.

10. Play at an arcade

Visit one of our favorite arcades Cidercade, it’s family-friendly until 8pm and only $12 to play all day.

11. Explore on a kid-friendly hike

Local hikes at Sheldon Lake State Park, Brazos Bend State Park, and other kid-friendly hikes in the Houston area are a great way to enjoy the outdoors as a family. 

12. Visit a new park or playground

The amazing new Alief Community Park is a must-visit, and check out other places to explore outdoors from our Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston. 

13. See some animals

Head to the Houston Zoo or check out other great places in the Houston area with petting zoos to get up close and personal with farm animals.

14. Get slimed  

Sloomoo Institute recently opened a location in Houston, where you can play with slime, make your own, and even get slimed.

15. Head out on a day trip

Get out of Houston for the day with an easy day trip to a neighboring town, like the beaches in Galveston or Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.

16. Be a tourist in your own town

Take the kids and out-of-town guests to some of Houston's most iconic places.