Things to do in Houston with Toddlers & Preschoolers: Ongoing Weekly Events & Activities

Get Out and Play, Preschoolers!

Our city has some great options for things to do in Houston with toddlers and preschoolers ongoing weekly. And, many events and activities are FREE!.

From exploring nature to exploring art to storytimes and meeting new friends, all over Houston, there is always something to do with kids. What’s different about this list? Our list is curated to find enriching opportunities for toddlers and preschoolers and their families. Most of the items on our list are not drop-off style classes, but ones where families engage and have fun with their tikes!.Check them out our list and let us know your favorites.

Individual events for Preschoolers will be added to our Calendar of Events, please check there for the most up to date information about specific Days or Events.  Looking for something for older kids? We have a list for that too!

Be sure to check out these two great options as well: Houston’s BIG list of Splashpads & Spray Parks and Houston’s BIG list of FREE Indoor Playgrounds.

*Always independently verify times and prices

CITYWIDE, MULTI-DAY OPTIONS

MONDAYS

Little Beakers Preschool Discovery 

• Cypress | 30 minute class on Mon 9:45am or 1:30pm; Th 1:30pm
• The Woodlands | 30 minute class on Fri 9:45am; Tu or Fr 1:30pm
• Katy/ Memorial | Wed 9:45am; Wed or Fri 1:30 pm

Mama Circle and Mom & Baby Yoga Motherhood Center

Mondays at 11 a.m., Tuesdays at 10:45am or Friday 11a.m,. near River Oaks

Relaxed yoga classes for moms and babies up to 10 month old.

Stories and Crafts in the Cabin with Houston Audubon

Select Mondays & Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend this 1-hour program which includes books, songs, rhymes, movement activities, and a craft. Each session has a unique theme. Registration is required. $10 fee per session. Younger and older siblings may attend for free as long as they are looked after by an adult.

Storytime in the Gardens

Mondays, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Mercer Botanic Gardens

In partnership with Harris County Public Library, Mercer Botanic Gardens presents a unique storytime in the natural setting of Mercer for parents and children to enjoy together. Storytime garden locations vary each week. Call 713-274-4160 to find out the location or to check for cancellations due to weather or holidays.

Free event! Recommended for children ages 2 – 5.

Tyke Hikes at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Select Mondays, 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Children 18 months to 3 years, with their adult companions, can join a naturalist for a story reading, a simple nature activity or craft, and a stroller-friendly hike on the beautiful Arboretum trails. Enjoy an interesting new nature experience each week with themes such as bats, raccoons, owls, and trees.  Free for members, $7 per child for nonmembers.

TUESDAYS

Iron Sports Tiny Ninjas & Ninja School

Thursdays, 11am (Walking to 3 years old) | Tuesday-Friday, noon (Ages 4-9)

For toddlers and preschoolers, tiny ninjas and mini ninja classes are available from walking age up. Drop-in about $20 per class, monthly memberships, punch card options, and sibling discounts are available.

Levy Park HPL Family Storytime

Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

Storytime presented by Houston Public Library.

Little Beakers Preschool Discovery 

• Cypress | 30 minute class on Mon 9:45am or 1:30pm; Th 1:30pm
• The Woodlands | 30 minute class on Fri 9:45am; Tu or Fr 1:30pm
• Katy/ Memorial | Wed 9:45am; Wed or Fri 1:30 pm

Mommy and Me at Nehemiah Center

Tuesdays 9:00 a.m.

The Mommy and Me Program consists of weekly sessions for toddlers and a caregiver (e.g. parent, grandparent). Children participate in a variety of activities to stimulate key developmental areas: physical, cognitive, social-emotional, communication and self-help skills. Caregivers learn activities that can be continued outside of these sessions. This program is free of charge.

Mama Circle and Mom & Baby Yoga Motherhood Center

Mondays at 11 a.m., Tuesdays at 10:45am or Friday 11a.m,. near River Oaks

Relaxed yoga classes for moms and babies up to 10 month old.

Nature’s Way at John Paul Landing

Tuesdays 3 p.m., Cypress

Explore the world of nature Tuesdays at 3pm. There will be a nature related story and then an activity or outside exploration. Best for ages 2-5. Free but registration required.

Pre-School Programs at Nature and Discovery Center

Winter, Spring, and Fall: Tuesdays from 10-11:15 a.m. or 4-5 p.m., Bellaire
Summer: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m., Bellaire
Story Time is Wednesdays, 4 p.m.

Curious Kids is their class for Preschoolers and parents. They included themed activities and nature walks. $15-20 per class. Sessions run every Winter, Spring, and Fall. Or, if you have a group of five you can create your own class. Further, Nature Story Time is held Wednesday afternoons at 4pm – this program is free.

Stories and Crafts in the Cabin with Houston Audubon

Select Mondays & Tuesdays, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend this 1-hour program which includes books, songs, rhymes, movement activities, and a craft. Each session has a unique theme. Registration is required. $10 fee per session. Younger and older siblings may attend for free as long as they are looked after by an adult.

Story Time at the Pond

Tuesdays 10am, Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center

This program is geared towards preschool age children. Once a month we gather together at Bluegill Pond to read a great nature-themed story. Afterward we will venture into the nature center for an animal encounter activity. 

The Woodlands Children’s Museum Rhyme Time

Tuesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Rhyme Time for babies and toddlers ages 6-24 months. This floor program is included with admission! ($8 for ages 1+) Babies, toddlers and their parents or caregivers are invited to our interactive Rhyme Time dedicated just for little ones. Meeting in our enclosed toddler area, so children can feel free to move around and explore, we will be singing songs and discovering hand rhymes. Built-in socialization time for moms and babies to get to know one another presents a great opportunity to meet other moms and babies in our community.  

Toddler Tuesdays at Discovery Green

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Downtown; FREE

Toddlers and their caretakers enjoy a morning of interactive story time, costumed character meet and greets, activities, and soft play equipment from Toddler Towns. Every week features a themed story time with crafts to help toddlers discover the joy of reading and imagination.  

Turtle Tots

Tuesdays 10am and 5pm, Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve

Turtle Tots is an outdoor program for children aged 3-6, that will inntroduce them to the wonders of the animal  kingdom.  Each session will focus on a different type of animal. The program can include guided nature walks, hands om activities and an interactive presentation. Ages 3-6.

WEDNESDAYS

Early Childhood Explorations at The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. and Thrusdays 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, Little Picassos (Twos and threes) explore art as a learning experience and are more interested in “doing” art than making finished products. Thursdays, Playing Attention, is an early play-based preschool experience for 2 -3-year-old children with the comfort of a parent or caregiver nearby.  Registration by Session.

Iron Sports Tiny Ninjas & Ninja School

Thursdays, 11am (Walking to 3 years old) | Tuesday-Friday, noon (Ages 4-9)

For toddlers and preschoolers, tiny ninjas and mini ninja classes are available from walking age up. Drop-in about $20 per class, monthly memberships, punch card options, and sibling discounts are available.

Little Beakers Preschool Discovery 

• Cypress | 30 minute class on Mon 9:45am or 1:30pm; Th 1:30pm
• The Woodlands | 30 minute class on Fri 9:45am; Tu or Fr 1:30pm
• Katy/ Memorial | Wed 9:45am; Wed or Fri 1:30 pm

Mini Milestones at The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Wednesdays 11:30 a.m.

Meet other babies (3-18 months) and families, of similar age, during guided play by a skilled Physical Therapist, as we journey through each major milestone of independent movement with a focus each week on a new mini milestone. Discover options to your questions regarding child development, selecting engaging toys, activities at home, play room set up, or anything else related to movement! Leave empowered to play with purpose as your child grows and changes and with a personal resource for questions down the road! Registration by 4-week session or drop-in available, if not at capacity.

Mommy Mingle in the Tot*Spot at the Children’s Museum of Houston

First Friday of each month, 10 a.m. – noon; FREE with general admission

Bring your little ones to Tot*Spot (an exclusive exhibit for children 35 months and under), and mingle with other mommies during Mommy Mingle (Daddies, nannies, and caretakers are welcome, too!). Plus, the Tot*Spot has their own pop-up events several times each month.

Pre-School Programs at Nature and Discovery Center

Winter, Spring, and Fall: Tuesdays from 10-11:15 a.m. or 4-5 p.m., Bellaire
Summer: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m., Bellaire
Story Time is Wednesdays, 4 p.m.

Curious Kids is their class for Preschoolers and parents. They included themed activities and nature walks. $15-20 per class. Sessions run every Winter, Spring, and Fall. Or, if you have a group of five you can create your own class. Further, Nature Story Time is held Wednesday afternoons at 4pm – this program is free.

Storytime at the Pond

Usually Tuesdays 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center

Gather together in the forest to read a great nature-themed story. Afterward, meet an animal ambassador or other fun activity. Times are not always consistent – go to their Facebook page for the most up to date events.

Tadpoles Club at Jesse H. Jones Park

Wednesdays (bimonthly), 9 a.m. or 11 a.m.

This interactive program introduces preschool-aged children to nature with animals, puppets, short walks, crafts, and stories. Ages 3 and 4 only! Parent must accompany child. Sorry, no younger or older siblings. Reservations required.

THURSDAYS

Early Childhood Explorations at The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. and Thrusdays 9:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, Little Picassos (Twos and threes) explore art as a learning experience and are more interested in “doing” art than making finished products. Thursdays, Playing Attention, is an early play-based preschool experience for 2 -3-year-old children with the comfort of a parent or caregiver nearby.  Registration by Session.

Fledgling Friends with Houston Audubon

Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

This fun and engaging class is for curious children ages 3-5. The program will focus on the animals and plants that call Texas home. Each class includes a lesson, story, craft, and outdoor activity or hike. Registration is by semsester.

Iron Sports Tiny Ninjas & Ninja School

Thursdays, 11am (Walking to 3 years old) | Tuesday-Friday, noon (Ages 4-9)

For toddlers and preschoolers, tiny ninjas and mini ninja classes are available from walking age up. Drop-in about $20 per class, monthly memberships, punch card options, and sibling discounts are available.

Little Beakers Preschool Discovery 

• Cypress | 30 minute class on Mon 9:45am or 1:30pm; Th 1:30pm
• The Woodlands | 30 minute class on Fri 9:45am; Tu or Fr 1:30pm
• Katy/ Memorial | Wed 9:45am; Wed or Fri 1:30 pm

Nature Story Time

Thursday (monthly), 10 a.m., Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve

Join us for a this bi-monthly program, designed with the Littles in mind. Using a popular children’s book series, we will read about, discuss, and seek to find elements and creatures in nature. Each session will cover a different creature or aspect of nature. A short hike will be included in most programs. Ages 2-8

Storytime at Blue Willow Bookshop

Thursdays, 10 a.m., Memorial

Each Thursday as we read stories, sing songs, and do an art activity. The themes change weekly. This storytime is great for toddlers and preschoolers.

Storytime in the Park (Woodchase)

First and Third Thursdays at 6 p.m.

Hosted by Houston Public Library, stop by for a family story time experience!

Zoo Sprouts

Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.,  Museum District (some special editions available throughout the year)

Programming for ages 18-23 months, 2-3 years, and 4-5 year olds.

FRIDAYS

Circle Time in the Park

Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon; FREE

Evelyn’s Park Conservancy in Bellaire hosts circle time under the covered Trevilion overlooking Bellaire Blvd. The weekly reading circle and storytime leafs through the pages of a new picture book and reads aloud to our friends in the park! 

Iron Sports Tiny Ninjas & Ninja School

Thursdays, 11am (Walking to 3 years old) | Tuesday-Friday, noon (Ages 4-9)

For toddlers and preschoolers, tiny ninjas and mini ninja classes are available from walking age up. Drop-in about $20 per class, monthly memberships, punch card options, and sibling discounts are available.

Little Beakers Preschool Discovery 

• Cypress | 30 minute class on Mon 9:45am or 1:30pm; Th 1:30pm
• The Woodlands | 30 minute class on Fri 9:45am; Tu or Fr 1:30pm
• Katy/ Memorial | Wed 9:45am; Wed or Fri 1:30 pm

Little Explorers’ Nature Tales

Friday (monthly), 10-11 a.m.. NW Houston – Kleb Woods and John Paul Landing

This nature-themed storytime is for little explorers, 3-6 years old. Each month will feature different stories and activities. Come prepared to spend time indoors and outdoors, and feel free to bring drinks and snacks to enjoy outside. Free, but registration required.

Mama Circle and Mom & Baby Yoga Motherhood Center

Mondays at 11 a.m., Tuesdays at 10:45am or Friday 11a.m,. near River Oaks

Relaxed yoga classes for moms and babies up to 10 month old.

MFAH Playdate

Fridays (monthly), 11:30 a.m.

Through play and experimentation in programs like MFAH Playdate, toddlers have their first experience with art. This program invites children 4 and younger, with their adult caregivers, to join a Museum educator for a multi-sensory experience in the galleries. Participants sing songs, listen to storybooks, and join in fun games and activities, all while being introduced to ideas and themes found in the art on view at the MFAH. $10 per adult / $10 per child (A general admission ticket is required in addition to the MFAH Playdate ticket. General admission is free for MFAH members and ages 12 & younger.)

Motherhood Center Mom & Baby Yoga

Tuesdays 10:45am or Friday 11am, near River Oaks

Relaxed yoga classes for moms and babies up to 10 month old.

Parachute Play Time

Every Third Friday (March – October, 9-11 a.m., Memorial)

Parachute Play Time is back! Join the British International School of Houston on the third Friday of every month from March – October with fun craft activities and games – don’t miss out on the big parachute!  It’s sure to start your Friday off right! Attendance is $6 per child. RSVP Required.

Storybook Theatre at The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Fridays 11 a.m.

Introduce your child to the wonder of reading and instill a love of books at an early age. Storybook Theatre combines your favorite childhood books with songs, rhymes and fingerplays which are meant to promote early literacy and enhance language development. Included with general admission.

StoryTime at Houston Botanic Garden

Third Friday, 10:30 a.m.

Join the team from the Park Place Regional Library for a story time at the Houston Botanic Garden for kids of all ages! Story time will take place on the 3rd Friday of each month at 10:30 in the morning. ​*Tickets are free, but are limited to the first 50 visitors. You must reserve a ticket for this event.​*

Storytime on the Terrace

Fridays 10:30 a.m., Montrose

Storytime at Montrose Collective! The Terrace is located on the 2nd floor, outside Sunless Château

Toddler Skate

Fridays, 10 a.m. – noon,  West Houston

Bring your 10 and unders for $10 skating every Friday!

SATURDAYS

Story Time at Brazos Bookstore

Saturdays 10:30 a.m.

Story Time is a Saturday morning tradition at Brazos, perfect for kids ages 2 to 5! Join Rebecca as she reads two picture books—PLUS, we’ll have coloring set up as well! Story Time is a great family activity, with books uniting kids and adults alike!

Zoo Sprouts

Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.,  Museum District (some special editions available throughout the year)

Programming for ages 18-23 months, 2-3 years, and 4-5 year olds.

SUNDAYS

MFAH Little Artists includes Storybook Circle

Sundays (monthly), 1 p.m.

Families are invited to join an exciting art adventure at MFAH. Activities include a storybook circle, making art projects in the studio, and visiting the galleries with an MFAH teaching artist. Recommended for families with children ages 3 to 5. $10 per person (Museum admission is required in addition to the Little Artists ticket. Admission is free for MFAH members and ages 12 & younger.)

Let us know your favorite things to do in Houston with toddlers and preschoolers! Now, let’s get out and play, Houston!