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    School's out

    The ultimate Houston list of kid-friendly and family fun for spring break 2023

    Holly Beretto
    Mar 10, 2023 | 5:50 am

    While much of Houston is headed to the Colorado slopes or beach towns for spring break, many are choosing to stay home and explore the city.

    With that in mind, we're rounded up a list to beat boredom this spring break. From dinosaurs to shows to hands-on fun, to lagoons, wild animals, and spacey journeys, Houston boasts an array of activities to engage kids of every age.

    We'll update this list, so save, bookmark, and check back for even more best bets for spring break.

    Arts, crafts, and hands-on activities

    Brazos Bookstore
    The independent bookstore's spring break lineup blends storytelling and art history in an array of activities that include painting, printmaking and more.

    Color Factory
    Head to Upper Kirby for this vivid, immersive experience that takes guests into an explosion of colors. New for spring is the Colors in Bloom confetti room and a larger-than-life bluebonnet installation that pays homage to Texas' beloved blue state flower. During spring break, guests can create their own planers and take home wildflower seeds to grow.

    Cooking Classes at Central Market
    With options for children ages 7 to 9 or ages 10 to 12, little chefs can learn how to make a host of tasty dishes including classic fried chicken, pizza, breakfast favorites and more.

    Dig World
    This amusement park in Katy lets kids operate real construction equipment, picking up cones and testing their driving skill behind the wheel of a Caterpillar 263D3. Passes are offered in two-hour increments, which means plenty of time for fun.

    Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
    Experiment with different materials, tools and techniques with a different focus every day of spring break. Artists of all levels will find ways to tap into their creativity to craft unique pieces they'll treasure forever.

    Spring Break Camp at Main Street Theater
    Campers ages 6 to 12 will create an original play, create their own costumes and props, and play theater games. Classes are offered daily during spring break from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Immersive activities, museums, and more

    Children's Museum Houston
    The ultimate kids' destination's Spring Break Destination Celebration runs from March 11 through 19, kicking off with a street festival and offering a variety of events daily. There's a bungee trampoline, Pi Day celebrations, human hamster balls and a host of other activities to keep kids enthralled.

    Dinos Alive Exhibit

    Get up close and personal, prehistoric style at this immersive experience. More than 80 life-sized dinosaurs, including the fearsome T-Rex, the shrub-eating Stegosaurus and others are on display, offering an incredible opportunity to see what life among these epic beasts was like.

    Discovery Green
    The downtown park has plenty of activities available during the break, nearly all of them free. There's a showing of Jurassic Park: World Dominion on May 16. There are mad scientist demonstrations and hands-on STEM fun. There's even an outdoor roller rink, where guest can skate for a fee. Check the park's extensive calendar for the most up-to-date listings.

    Hermann Park
    There's always something happening at Hermann Park, whether it's visiting the Houston Zoo and learning about animals, taking a ride on the train or the pedal boats, or exploring the McGovern Centennial Gardens. It's easy to spend a day (or more!) at the park's many attractions. Know that spring break means bigger crowds than usual, so arriving early to find parking, or riding METRO to get there, is advised.

    Holocaust Museum Houston
    Beginning with spring break, the museum will offer extended hours from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, lasting throughout the summer. The museum has several activities planned for spring break, such as survivor talks and story times.

    Houston Museum of Natural Science
    It's easy to spend a full day at this Hermann Park museum, between its permanent exhibits, IMAX theater and planetarium. But the big news for spring break is that the museum's beloved Cockrell Butterfly Center reopens on March 11 after extensive renovations. Explore the new rainforest conservatory and learn why these delicate creatures are an important part of our natural world and how to help preserve them.

    Houston Zoo
    The zoo offers extended hours during spring break, which means more time to visit the new cougar cubs, Shasta VII and Louie, as well as take in experiences like zookeeper talks, ride the Wildlife Carousel or feed a giraffe. The zoo highly recommends making reservations online ahead of time for the best experience.

    The Lone Star Flight Museum
    Fun really takes off at this museum dedicated to aviation and flight history. Multiple activities are planned over spring break, including making and flying paper airplanes, DC-3 and Howard 250 plane tours, testing drone skills and more.

    Museum of Fine Arts Houston
    Anyone who's wanted to feel like part of the art will love MFAH's grand-scale, immersive presentations, Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish, on view beginning March 12. These epic installations are created with thousands of LED lights and two-channel video production that gives visitors the experience of walking in a dream.

    Space Center Houston
    Blast off with spring break fun at Space Center Houston's Moon2Mars Festival, March 11 through 19. Celebrating NASA's Artemis Program, the event features virtual reality experiences, performances, and astronaut meet-and-greet opportunities. Music fest concerts include '80s pop icon Rick Springfield.

    Stage and theatrical fun

    Don't Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus The Musical

    Main Street Theater for Youth offers this production based on the much-loved children's book by Mo Willems about an over-eager bird ready to step into the driver's seat. Playing at the MATCH, there are twice-daily shows during spring break. On March 15, there's a special Pigeon Party, including Pigeon's favorite food: hot dogs.

    Free Shows at Miller Outdoor Theatre

    Spring break coincides with the opening of Miller's 100th season as Houston's premiere destination for free arts programming. ON March 17, catch the energy and artistry of the Trinity Irish Dance Company and on March 18, get into the groove of the Roaring '20s with activities such as photo installations, live mural painting, Vaudeville performers and an evening show by the Hot Sardines. Pack a picnic, grab a spot on the hill and see why this is one of Houston's most-loved traditions.

    Staycations

    LagoonFest Texas
    As CultureMap has regularly reported, LagoonFest Texas boasts more than 24 million gallons of water and kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, sailing, and other water fun at this mega park in Texas City. The park is open daily from 11 am to 7 pm for spring break, with a la carte options so kids and adults can choose their own water adventure.

    Margaritaville Lake Resort
    The whole family will find something to love at this Lake Conroe retreat. Book the resort's The Weather Is Here package to get 10 percent off the best room rates and a $50 resort credit. With amenities like the Fin City Arcade, mini golf, a pool and more, it'll be an experience to remember.

    Marriott Marquis Houston
    With its Texas-shaped, lazy river pool, this downtown destination is the perfect spot for families looking for fun without leaving town. Marriott’s Spring Break Package, which includes a $150 Total food and beverage credit, which can be used over one or two days, 20 percent off a spa service, access to Altitude Pool Deck and unlimited bike rentals. Rates start around $330 and a two-night minimum is required.

    The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

    Houston’s regal, 27-acre playground is offering a spring break package that includes an in-room movie, stuffed animal, popcorn, and candy upon arrival, plus complimentary hotel self-parking and late check-out (if available).

    While the kids frolic in the Houstonian Club's pools, Bungalow or Hideout, parents can enjoy date night at TRIBUTE restaurant, cocktails at The Bar Patio, massages at Trellis Spa, or work out at the club — with no resort fees.

    Lagoonfest Texas kids moon jump
      

    Photo courtesy of Lagoonfest Texas

    Dive into spring break at Lagoonfest Texas.

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    These are the 14 best things to do in Houston this weekend

    Craig D. Lindsey
    Jul 16, 2025 | 6:30 pm
    Goo Goo Dolls
    Photo courtesy of Goo Goo Dolls
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    This weekend, it’s all about music, comedy, celebration, and getting free chicken.

    The Goo Goo Dolls and Kam Franklin will have live concerts. Mo Amer and Kym Whitley will be doing back-to-back stand-up shows. Little Jewford will pay tribute to Kinly Friedman with a live show. Karbach Brewing is bringing back Frida Fest. And Nando PERi-PERi will salute Nelson Mandela Day by giving free chicken and fries to whoever donates some canned goods.

    So, let’s ease on down the road and see what’s popping this weekend.

    Thursday, July 17

    Little Jewford's Sentimental Journey: Remembering Kinky Friedman
    Little Jewford's Sentimental Journey will highlight songs from Kinky Friedman's catalog and the Great American Songbook. Little Jewford will also share a few of his favorite memories of Kinky and stories from their travels. Little Jewford was eight years old when he met Kinky Friedman at Echo Hill Ranch in 1958. They began a friendship and musical pairing that would last more than 60 years. Little Jewford is also an accomplished pianist with a unique, entertaining style all his own. 7 pm.

    River Oaks Theatre presents Film Strip: Barbarella
    Grimm and Ghoulia, headmistresses of The Sisterhood of Lili St. Cyr, present another monthly screening of a cult movie, preceded by a rotating cast of burlesque beauties. This time around, we have Jane Fonda starring in this erotic, space-age, comic-book adaptation from 1968, where she’s a space traveler tasked with finding and stopping the evil Durand-Durand. BTW, quoting and singing along with the film is encouraged. Surprise gags and performances may take place during the film. 8 pm.

    Goo Goo Dolls in concert
    You can go back to the 2000s this weekend, as rock band Goo Goo Dolls will be performing in Sugar Land's Smart Financial Centre. Currently on the road for their Summer Anthem Tour, the Grammy-nominated, diamond-certified rockers (best known for “Iris,” one of many millennial pop ditties guitar-playing frat guys played for sorority girls at parties back in the day) are also at work on their 15th studio album. Dashboard Confessional, another rock outfit who rose to prominence during the Bush II era, will be the opening act. 8 pm.

    Friday, July 18

    Nelson Mandela Day at Nando’s Peri-Peri
    In honor of Nelson Mandela Day on Friday, Nando’s Peri-Peri is turning compassion into action with a nationwide food drive, rewarding guests with free flame-grilled chicken and Peri Chips in exchange for non-perishable food donations. At the Houston locations in Post Oak and Katy, donations will go to Second Servings, the city’s only perishable food rescue organization. Second Servings is also collecting donations to support those affected by the devastating floods that recently impacted Central Texas. 3 pm.

    Mo Amer: El Oso Palestino Tour
    Palestinian-American stand-up comedian (and hometown boy made good) Mo Amer may have wrapped up the second and final season of his acclaimed Netflix show Mo this year. But that doesn’t mean the man hasn’t stopped bringing the funny. Before he heads off to do two back-to-back shows at the Dubai Comedy Festival, he’ll do an early show right here in H-Town, as part of his El Oso Palestino Tour. As of press time, only a limited number of standing room only tickets remain. 7 pm.

    Punch Line Houston presents Kym Whitley
    Kym Whitley knew she was blessed with the gift to make people laugh after Redd Foxx told her she had “the comedic goods.” The comedienne and former host of BET talk show Oh Drama! has appeared in such movies as The Nutty Professor and Next Friday. She’s also done guest shots on My Wife and Kids, Two Broke Girls, That’s So Raven, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, on an episode that saved a man from going to death row. She even appeared in a Netflix documentary about it. 7:30 and 9:45 pm (7 and 9:15 pm Saturday).

    A.D. Players presents The Wizard of Oz
    Since we’re all still in a Wicked frame of mind, A.D. Players presents a stage version of the L. Frank Baum classic. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination, crossing over the rainbow to the beautiful land of Oz. To find her way home, Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to find the Wizard. But the Wicked Witch of the West threatens to destroy these newfound friends as they make their journey. Through Sunday, August 10. 7:30 pm (2 and 7:30 pm Saturday; 2 pm Sunday).

    Saturday, July 19

    Houston Pets Alive! And Trust Guss Injury Lawyers present Puppy Palooza
    Houston Pets Alive! and Trust Guss Injury Lawyers team up for Puppy Palooza this weekend, at the Houston Pets Alive! headquarters. Houstonians are invited to a family-friendly adoption event where attendees can meet up to 50 adorable puppies of all sizes, breeds, and personalities, looking for their forever homes. The event not only offers a chance to welcome a new furry friend into your life, but also supports Houston’s local shelters by helping reduce overcrowding and giving at-risk pets a second chance.

    Moody Center for the Arts presents Summer Jam
    Moody's annual Summer Jam will feature art activities, galleries to explore, an indoor farmer’s market, local food vendors, and more. The event includes access to Figurative Histories and Collective Memories as well as programming with Black art/culture reference library The Reading Room. In addition to a scavenger hunt, face painting, and bubble play, Red Bird Press will lead a printmaking activity for the duration of the event. Noon.

    Karbach Brewing Co. presents Frida Fest
    Karbach Brewing Co. is bringing back its annual Frida Fest, a two-day celebration honoring art icon Frida Kahlo through art, fashion, and community. In partnership with nonprofit MuXerhtx, Karbach’s biergarten will transform into a vibrant cultural hub. Saturday’s festivities will include an art show, a fashion show, and a lookalike contest, while Sunday will have a mariachi performance, a flower-making workshop, and a DJ playing beats. Saturday attendees will get first access to exclusive Frida Fest glassware. 1 pm (11 am Sunday).

    The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston presents Iolanthe
    The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston, Houston’s longest-running opera company, will present Iolanthe, a hallmark of Gilbert and Sullivan’s signature satire that cheerily blends fantasy and pointed social commentary. It skewers the British legal system, the House of Lords, and Victorian sensibilities with clever wit and a charming score. Iolanthe (pronounced "eye-oh-LAN-thee") is a comic opera sung in English and is enjoyable for all ages. Through Sunday, July 27. 7 pm (7 pm Friday, 2:30 pm Sunday).

    Sunday, July 20

    National Ice Cream Day
    National Ice Cream Day is this Sunday, and these are just some of the several places around town marking the occasion with deals and specials. The Sunrise House in Montrose has both an ice cream-topped waffle and an affogato. Both locations of The Pit Room will take $2 off any creation made with Blue Bell ice cream. Asian American diner Agnes and Sherman will be serving root beer floats and banana splits. Houston-area locations of Lick Honest Ice Creams will donate 10 percent of sales to Buffalo Bayou Partnership. All four Houston-area locations of Jeni’s will add its new sundae fudge sauce for free to any scoop. (Times and locations vary.)

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston presents Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
    Marlee Matlin became the first deaf actor to win an Oscar for her performance in Children of a Lesser God. In this new documentary, she discusses her personal and professional struggles — including her meteoric rise to fame in a predominantly hearing industry, a tumultuous high-profile relationship, getting sober, and years of being overlooked by Hollywood. Through split-screen interviews with both deaf and hearing contributors, the film weaves a poignant narrative of Matlin’s career, highlighting her tireless fight for inclusion. 5 pm.

    Dan Electro’s presents Kam Franklin & Friends
    Kam Franklin and a bunch of her musical pals will be performing this weekend at Dan Electro’s. Best known for belting powerful vocals as the lead singer of Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers, this dynamic interdisciplinary artist is also a passionate activist for justice and equity — amplifying Black, queer, femme, and non-binary voices across the arts. She’ll be joined by Sergio Trevino, Louis Morales, Sara Van Buskirk, Uncle Tino, and Blacknintendo. 7:30 pm.

    Goo Goo Dolls
      
    Photo courtesy of Goo Goo Dolls

    Goo Goo Dolls will play in Sugar Land July 17, 2025.

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