Homeschool & family fun in Houston

Halloween at the zoo through Oct 31. Extended evening hours with themed nights: Oct 23 Fairytale & Movie, Oct 26 Villains, Oct 27 Game, Oct 28 Galactic, Oct 29 Safari, Oct 30 Pop Icons.

• When: Through Oct 31, 2026; extended hours Oct 23 and Oct 26–30
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.); until 9 p.m. (last entry 8 p.m.) on extended nights
• Price: Included with general admission; members free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy dated zoo admission online.

Halloween-themed party for babies and their grown-ups in the 4th-floor Program Place.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
• Time: 2:15–3 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Babies 0–18 months with a caregiver
• Booking: See the library event page.

Little ones come in costume for an afternoon of Halloween fun and games.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Oct 26, 2026

• When: Mon Oct 26, 2026
• Time: 12–1 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Ages 6 and under with caregivers
• Booking: See the library event page.

After-school Halloween crafts, games and a costume contest (bilingual English/Spanish event).

Upcoming dates: Mon, Oct 26, 2026

• When: Mon Oct 26, 2026
• Time: 4–5:30 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Toddlers through elementary, with families
• Booking: See the library event page.

Free family evening with games, prizes and crafts. Costumes highly encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Oct 26, 2026

• When: Mon Oct 26, 2026
• Time: 5–6:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See the library event page.

Halloween crafts for homeschoolers.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Homeschoolers ages 5–10
• Booking: See the library event page.

Family-friendly evening of Halloween crafts and games. Wear a costume.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27, 2026
• Time: 5–7 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Ages 3–12
• Booking: Register on the library event page.

Sugar-cookie decorating, calavera (sugar skull) mask crafts, treats and a showing of Disney's Encanto.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026

• When: Wed Oct 28, 2026
• Time: 3:30–5:30 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Families
• Booking: See the library event page.

Spooky stories, crafts, treats and family Halloween fun. Costumes welcome.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Oct 28, 2026

• When: Wed Oct 28, 2026
• Time: 4–6 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Reserve a spot on the library event page.

Annual Halloween festival with games, crafts and live music. Costumes welcome.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Thu Oct 29, 2026
• Time: 3:30–5 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See the library event page.

Decorate a pumpkin-patch brownie, make a Halloween craft, watch a family-friendly spooky movie and join the costume contest.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Thu Oct 29, 2026
• Time: 4–6 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Families
• Booking: See the library event page.

Stories, crafts, snacks and treats. Costumes encouraged.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Thu Oct 29, 2026
• Time: 4:15–5:15 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Ages 4–8
• Booking: See the library event page.

Spooky all-ages story time with books, silly songs and a simple craft.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See the library event page.

Weekly homeschool learning group at the library.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Oct 26, 2026; Mon, Nov 2, 2026; Mon, Nov 9, 2026

• When: Mondays: Oct 26, Nov 2 and Nov 9, 2026
• Time: 1–1:45 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Homeschool students
• Booking: See each library event page.

A bit of science, technology, engineering, art, math and books for young homeschoolers. Oct 27 is Halloween Science.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026; Tue, Nov 24, 2026

• When: Tuesdays: Oct 27 and Nov 24, 2026
• Time: 2–3 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Homeschoolers in grades K–3
• Booking: Seats are limited; sign up on each library event page.

Board games, coloring and Keva blocks for homeschool families. Adults with children 0–12 stay in the room.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026; Thu, Nov 19, 2026

• When: Thursdays: Oct 29 and Nov 19, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See the branch calendar.

Three-week nature science units. November: Weather Watchers. December: Arboretum at Night.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 2, 2026; Mon, Nov 9, 2026; Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Mon, Dec 7, 2026; Mon, Dec 14, 2026; Mon, Dec 21, 2026

• When: Mondays: Nov 2, 9, 16 and Dec 7, 14, 21, 2026
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Price: $85 per three-week unit; Family Tree membership or above required
• Ages: Ages 5–12
• Booking: Register for a whole unit on the Arboretum page.

Monthly homeschool nature-journaling series. November: Preserving a Memory. December: Seasons Change.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 2, 2026; Mon, Nov 9, 2026; Mon, Nov 16, 2026; Mon, Dec 7, 2026; Mon, Dec 14, 2026; Mon, Dec 21, 2026

• When: Mondays: Nov 2, 9, 16 and Dec 7, 14, 21, 2026
• Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m.
• Price: $45 members / $60 non-members per month
• Ages: Ages 7–14
• Booking: Register by the month on the Arboretum page.

Monthly homeschool science program. Nov 3: "Saving Species: Medicinal Plants." Dec 1: "Isolated Islands: Ocean Ecosystems." Morning family session or afternoon science session by grade band (PK3–1st, 2nd–4th, 5th–8th, 9th–12th).

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 3, 2026; Tue, Dec 1, 2026

• When: Tuesdays: Nov 3 and Dec 1, 2026
• Time: Family session 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (check-in 9:30); science session 2–4 p.m.
• Price: Family session $18 per person ($10 members), ages 2 and under free but must register; science session $20 per student ($10 members)
• Ages: Family session: adults and youth 3–17. Science session: students age 3+
• Booking: Registration required on the Moody Gardens ticket site.

⚠️ Galveston is about an hour from central Houston.

An introduction to skilled-trade careers for homeschool students.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 4, 2026

• When: Wed Nov 4, 2026
• Time: 12:30–2 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Listed for teens and adults; open to all
• Booking: Registration through the library event page.

Twice-monthly meet-up for homeschool students; younger siblings are welcome.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 5, 2026; Thu, Nov 19, 2026; Thu, Dec 3, 2026

• When: Thursdays: Nov 5, Nov 19 and Dec 3, 2026
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Grades 6–12 (younger siblings welcome)
• Booking: See each library event page.

Improvised-music workshop for homeschoolers led by Nameless Sound; instruments are provided.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Nov 9, 2026

• When: Mon Nov 9, 2026
• Time: 2–3:30 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Homeschoolers ages 6–18
• Booking: Registration requested; it opens Oct 26 on the library event page.

Monthly meet-up: parents connect while kids do a library activity.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Nov 11, 2026; Wed, Dec 9, 2026

• When: Wednesdays: Nov 11 and Dec 9, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Homeschool families
• Booking: See each library event page.

Homeschool-only visit to the living-history ranch on Dec 18. On Nov 12, Frontier Days (the ranch's biggest living-history event: pioneer village, cattle-drive cookout, re-enactors) is set aside for homeschool, private-school and other student groups.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 12, 2026; Fri, Dec 18, 2026

• When: Thu Nov 12 (Frontier Days) and Fri Dec 18, 2026
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Student admission free for Fort Bend County residents (Fort Bend address at registration and Texas ID at check-in); other prices not listed on source
• Ages: Students with an accompanying adult
• Booking: Advance registration required; tickets are limited. Questions: 281-343-0218 x220.

Homeschool families get an extra hour before public opening: classroom activities, NASA Tram Tour, Rocket Park and Astronaut Mission Memories talks (11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.).

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 13, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026

• When: Fridays: Nov 13 and Dec 11, 2026
• Time: Starts 8 a.m. (one hour before public opening)
• Price: $14.95 in advance; members free
• Ages: Homeschool families
• Booking: Registration required. Advance sales end one week before each date.

A welcoming space for homeschooled kids to make friends and try new activities.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 13, 2026

• When: Fri Nov 13, 2026
• Time: 1–2 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Elementary and middle grades
• Booking: Seats are limited; sign up on the library event page.

Monthly hands-on lesson on the fundamentals of flight. Nov 19: Flight Instruments (make a compass and kneeboard). Dec 17: Weight and Balance (experiments and aircraft models).

Upcoming dates: Thu, Nov 19, 2026; Thu, Dec 17, 2026

• When: Thursdays: Nov 19 and Dec 17, 2026
• Time: 9–10:30 a.m.
• Price: $12 per registrant (members save $2)
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: Register for each date on the museum homeschool page. Registrations are non-refundable.

Homeschool groups get field-trip rates for the museum's halls and shows.

• When: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., by reservation
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Field-trip rates; see the museum field-trip page
• Ages: Groups of 10 or more K–12 students (smaller groups are charged for 10)
• Booking: Book at least 3 weeks ahead: reservations@hmns.org or (713) 639-4659.

Guided tour of two hangars of historic planes, the Flight Academy exhibits and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame. Grades 5–12 can add the Aviation Learning Center (pre-flight inspection and flight simulator).

• When: By reservation
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Guided tour $8 per student, $10 per adult; Aviation Learning Center $12 per student, $10 per adult
• Ages: All grades (minimum 10 students)
• Booking: Request at least 3 weeks ahead; one payment for the group is due 2 weeks before. education@lonestarflight.org or (346) 352-7658.

Free admission every Thursday night. Your group must include a child. On Oct 29 it is the Halloween "Happy House!" party.

• When: Every Thursday
• Time: 5–8 p.m. (last admission 7 p.m.)
• Price: Free
• Ages: Families with children 12 and under
• Booking: Booking tickets ahead is encouraged; tickets go fast.

Free general admission to the permanent exhibit halls on Tuesday evenings, first come, first served.

• When: Every Tuesday
• Time: 5–8 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.)
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No tickets; first come, first served.

Free general admission every Tuesday through 2026, with registration. Note: the museum is closed Oct 31–Nov 1 and Nov 5, 2026.

• When: Every Tuesday
• Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Free (registration required; up to 6 tickets per transaction)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Tickets are released at the start of each month and reserved online. If sold out, some walk-in tickets may be available from noon.

Permanent Collections are free to everyone every Thursday (open until 9 p.m.). Children 12 and under are always free. The outdoor Cullen Sculpture Garden and PNC Roof Garden are free every day.

• When: Every Thursday
• Time: Open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays
• Price: Free Thursdays (special exhibitions need a discounted ALL ACCESS ticket)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking listed.

Always-free art museum on a 30-acre campus: main building, Menil Drawing Institute, Cy Twombly Gallery and the Dan Flavin Installation at Richmond Hall. Pencils and sketchbooks are welcome.

• When: Wednesday–Sunday. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Time: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No tickets. Groups larger than 15 should reserve ahead.

Día de los Muertos celebration right after Zoo Boo.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 1, 2026; Mon, Nov 2, 2026

• When: Sun Nov 1 and Mon Nov 2, 2026
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Zoo admission; see the zoo page
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy dated zoo admission online.

Family STEM activities across Space Center Houston.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Nov 8, 2026

• When: Sun Nov 8, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Price: Included with general admission
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy general admission online.

Space-themed holiday light show with a new galactic snow slide. Admission includes the indoor exhibitions (tram tours closed). Sensory-friendly nights offered with discounted admission.

• When: Select dates, Nov 14, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (members preview Nov 13)
• Time: 6–10 p.m. (last admission 9 p.m.)
• Price: $19.95–$27.95 by date for guests over 3; children 3 and under free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy dated tickets online; popular dates sell out.

Evening stargazing from the museum.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Nov 17, 2026

• When: Tue Nov 17, 2026
• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Price: See the event page
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: See the HMNS events page.

Evening walk-through holiday light display. Closed Dec 9 and Dec 24; open Christmas Day. Sensory Inclusive Night Mon Nov 30.

• When: Nov 19, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (closed Dec 9 and Dec 24)
• Time: 5:30–10:30 p.m. (last entry 9:30 p.m.)
• Price: Dated tickets (children 2 and under free); see the zoo ticket page
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy dated tickets online.

⚠️ The Nov 20 Wine Fest night is 21+ and is not included here.

ICE LAND: Caribbean Christmas (hand-carved ice at 9 degrees), a mile-long Holiday Lights Trail (formerly the Festival of Lights), outdoor ice rink, Arctic Slide, holiday 3D/4D films and a kiddie train. The Holiday Pass covers these after 4 p.m.

• When: Nightly, Nov 21, 2026–Jan 2, 2027
• Time: 6–10 p.m.
• Price: ICE LAND $35 adults, $29 kids 4–12 and seniors; Holiday Pass price varies by date (lowest Sun–Thu, Nov 30–Dec 17). Skate rental extra; parking free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy tickets on the Moody Gardens holiday pages.

⚠️ Galveston is about an hour from central Houston.

Stanton Welch's Nutcracker (10th anniversary) with more than 300 Houston Ballet Academy students. About 2 hours with one intermission. Value Day performances are offered.

• When: Nov 27–Dec 28, 2026 (evening shows and weekend matinees)
• Time: See the performance calendar
• Price: See the Houston Ballet ticket page
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Pick a performance on the Houston Ballet page.

Kids create and decorate a personalized ornament to take home.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 2, 2026

• When: Wed Dec 2, 2026
• Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Grades K–5 (limit 25 children)
• Booking: Space is limited; see the library event page.

53rd annual Victorian London street festival: parades, four stages, Tiny Tim's Play Land, a Shopkeeper Skills Village and roaming characters. Half-price gate admission in Victorian costume.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026; Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 4 (5–9 p.m., free), Sat Dec 5 (10 a.m.–9 p.m.), Sun Dec 6 (12–6 p.m.), 2026
• Time: Varies by day (see schedule)
• Price: Fri free. Sat/Sun: adults $20, youth 7–12 $13, 6 and under free (prices rise $5 on Nov 20)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy tickets on the GHF tickets page. Rain or shine; no pets or ice chests.

⚠️ Galveston is about an hour from central Houston.

Cozy crafts, games and festive fun for the whole family at Heights, Freed-Montrose, Carnegie, Alief-Henington and Collier libraries (and other branches; see the HPL calendar).

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026

• When: Sat Dec 5, 2026
• Time: 1:30–4 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See each branch event page.

Free admission to the permanent halls for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 7, 2026

• When: Mon Dec 7, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Free (pre-registration required)
• Ages: Individuals with disabilities and their families
• Booking: Pre-register on the HMNS events page.

Festive holiday celebration for all ages.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 9, 2026

• When: Wed Dec 9, 2026
• Time: 4–5 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Register on the library event page.

Festive preschool story time with songs and Santa himself. Bring a camera for a photo with Santa.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Dec 15, 2026

• When: Tue Dec 15, 2026
• Time: 10:15–11 a.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Ages 3–5 with caregivers
• Booking: See the library event page.

Free family photos with Santa (with Constable Garcia's office). Families get a printed and a digital copy. First come, first served; they may not reach everyone in the hour.

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 16, 2026

• When: Wed Dec 16, 2026
• Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Families
• Booking: No registration; first come, first served.

Dreamy winter celebration for all ages. Come in your coziest pajamas.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 17, 2026

• When: Thu Dec 17, 2026
• Time: 5–7 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Register on the library event page.

Mark the winter solstice at the museum sundial.

Upcoming dates: Mon, Dec 21, 2026

• When: Mon Dec 21, 2026
• Time: 12–2 p.m.
• Price: See the event page
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: See the HMNS events page.

Countdown to NOON with music, crafts and dancing for toddlers. Central Library 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Flores Neighborhood Library 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 31, 2026

• When: Thu Dec 31, 2026
• Time: Central 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Flores 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
• Price: No fee listed
• Ages: Toddlers 18–36 months with caregivers
• Booking: Space is limited; register on each event page.