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. 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

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CITYWIDE, MULTI-DAY OPTIONS

Free Play Houston (formerly Free Forest School)

A group that hosts events where children and their parents or caregivers meet to explore and play together in nature. You’ll share a snack, take a hike, play in the woods, and have circle time. Adults get a chance to unplug and step back Kids and their imaginations take the lead! Several meeting places across the Houston area.

Gymnastics & Gyms/ YMCA

Look into your local gymnastics offerings many offer basic classes for preschoolers and some offer Mommy & Me style classes.  This goes for regular gyms too, particularly YMCAs offer these sorts of classes as well.

Gymboree,  The Little Gym, My Gym

These nationwide chains have multiple locations across the Houston area that focus on play and music based learning and fun.  They tend to run from $80-100 per month.

Houston Parks & Recreation Department: Tiny Tots Program

(Suspended due to Covid-19)

Parents are invited to participate in this program for youth ages 4 and under. This parent/ child program includes: fitness activities, arts and crafts and social games.

Libraries

Almost all locations offer FREE story time and/ or craft activity for the very young through preschool. Check out Harris County Public Libraries and Houston Public Libraries to find your location, then search their events calendars.

MOPS

Nationwide group supporting all moms.

Tinkergarten

Time outdoors for the whole family’s health, happiness, and connection to our planet.

We Rock the Spectrum

A great option for those looking for a more sensory-friendly option but inclusive of all children.

MONDAYS

Little Beakers 

• (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

Museum Monday at the Lawn (Suspended)

Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., The Lawn at Memorial City

Every Monday from 10-11:30am The Houston Museum of Natural Science brings amazing and interactive exhibits that will teach your kids while they have fun, too!

Storytime at the Square (Suspended)

Mondays, 10-11:30 a.m., The Square at Memorial City

Join Ms. Jana Banana as she reads and acts out some of her favorite stories.  This fun and interactive event is aimed to spark the love of reading for listeners both young and old!

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.

Storytime Under the Tree at Olson Park

Every Thursday, 5 p.m. (January 6 – March 4), Every Monday & Thursday March 7- December 22, East Harris County Activity Center

Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on while a story is read. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in Olson Park.

Sugar Land Town Square Playtime in the Plaza: The Jolly Trolley

Mondays, noon

The tremendous, tumbling, tossing, traveling trolley is making a stop at Town Square every Monday!  Tots from 18 months to 5 years of age are welcome aboard the trolley to enjoy a magical moment of play for up to two hours. Mark your calendars, drop the kids off and enjoy some afternoon me-time while they watch your children. *Signed waivers required.  Fee: $15 for 30 minutes, $20 for 1 hour.

Tyke Hikes at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Select Mondays, 9:30-10:30 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 Mini Ninjas

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am (Walking to 3 years old)
Tuesday – Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., NW Houston (Ages 4+)

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 

• (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

MFAH Playdate (Suspended)

Tuesdays (June-August), 10:45 a.m.

Children up to 35 months old, and an adult caregiver, are invited to enjoy a multi-sensory experience in the galleries. Each month focuses on a different work of art. Families sing songs, listen to storybooks, and participate in fun games and activities, all while being introduced to ideas and themes found in art, such as color, size, and texture. Free with general admission, Ages 12 & younger Free.

MFAH Family Storybook Circle

(previously a separate program, it is now combined with Sunday’s Family Zone)

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.

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.

Nature and Discovery Center

Winter, Spring, and Fall: Tuesdays from 10-11:15 a.m. or 4-5 p.m., Bellaire

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.

Summer: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m., Bellaire

Growing with Plants & Nature hosted by Harris County Master Gardeners

(Face to face events Suspended due to Covid-19 – join their Facebook Group for Zoom activities)

One Tuesday per month (usually the 4th), 10-11:15 a.m., NW Houston; FREE

Open Garden Days is a program for children 3-teen (though older children and teens will move through the activities very quickly. When it was held in the gardens at Bear Creek Park there was more for them to interact with at a higher level but the facilities were a total loss in Harvey and will not be rebuilt.) and there is a toddler area for young children.  This is a really great program to attend but please RSVP by Sunday night to ogd.harrishort@gmail.com, so they have the correct amount of supplies.

Titmouse Club (Audubon Houston) (Suspended)

Tuesday and Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Designed for ages 2 1/2 to 5 years to discover nature through themed activities and nature walks. Cost is $5/class or $20 for five prepaid sessions.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum Rhyme Time

First and Third Tuesdays, 10:15am

Rhyme Time for babies and toddlers ages 6-24 months. Meets FIRST and THIRD TUESDAYS each month at 10:15am. Included with admission!

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.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

The Little Picassos class meets Wednesdays, 9:30am and 10:30am, to explore art (two and three year-olds). Show Me meets Thursdays 9:30am. Got Science for 4 & 5 year olds meets on Tuesdays at 9 am. Robotiks for 5-6 year olds meet Wednesdays 10am & 4:15pm.

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.  

WEDNESDAYS

Iron Sports Mini Ninjas

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am (Walking to 3 years old)
Tuesday – Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., NW Houston (Ages 4+)

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.

Gymboree in the Park (Suspended)

Second and Fourth Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon; FREE

Evelyn’s Park Conservancy in Bellaire hosts Gymboree bimonthly. There will be bubbles, dancing sing-a-longs, and Gymboree exclusive parachute time.

Kidtastic on The Square (Suspended)

Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m. at The Square at Memorial City; FREE

Join host such as Gymboree Play & Music and others for a morning of fun at The Square. This popular Kidtastic event is for children ages 1 to 4 years old. Stick around for face paint fun!

Little Beakers 

• (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

Missouri City Tots & Crafts (Suspended)

Offered twice per month on second and fourth Wednesdays. Free play and crafts for kids. No registration required for this free, family fun event!

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

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

Bring your little ones to Tot*Spot (our exclusive exhibit for children 35 months and under), and mingle with other mommies during Mommy Mingle Wednesdays. Daddies, nannies, and caretakers are welcome, too! Plus, enjoy free coffee and snacks on us (while supplies last).

Nature Story Time at the Nature Discovery Center

Wednesdays, 4-4:30 p.m.; FREE

Drop-In program, for ages 3-5 years, with stories, puppets, specimens, songs and more for preschoolers and their caregivers.

Summer: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30-11:45 a.m. and Wednesdays from 2-3 p.m., Bellaire

Storytime at the Pond

Usually third Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m., Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center

Once a month we gather together in the forest to read a great nature-themed story. Afterward, we make a fun craft that correlates with the story that we read. Times are not always consistent – go to their Facebook page for the most up to date events.

Storytime Tour at Rienzi (Suspended)

Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

Introduce children to the magic of art and literature in an intimate, house-museum setting. Storytime Tours are fun and interactive! The stories relate to themes highlighted through the works of art in the Rienzi Collection. Recommended ages: 3+; Free with Rienzi admission, which is waived for ages 12 & younger.

Tadpoles Club at Jesse H. Jones Park (Suspended)

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.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.

Titmouse Club (Audubon Houston) (Suspended)

Tuesday and Wednesdays, 10-11 a.m. at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary

Designed for ages 2 1/2 to 5 years to discover nature through themed activities and nature walks. Cost is $5/class or $20 for five prepaid sessions.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

The Little Picassos class meets Wednesdays, 9:30am and 10:30am, to explore art (two and three year-olds). Show Me meets Thursdays 9:30am. Got Science for 4 & 5 year olds meets on Tuesdays at 9 am. Robotiks for 5-6 year olds meet Wednesdays 10am & 4:15pm.

THURSDAYS

Iron Sports Mini Ninjas

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am (Walking to 3 years old)
Tuesday – Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., NW Houston (Ages 4+)

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 

• (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

MFAH Summer Art Explorers (Suspended)

Thursdays, 11 a.m. (June – August)

This summer, journey through the Museum?s collection, exploring the stories behind works of art from around the world. In the galleries, families can participate in playful discussions about works of art, sharpen observation skills with sketching, and listen to exciting stories connected to the works of art on view. In the studio, participants are invited to experiment with a new material, tool, or process used to create art. Drop in! This program is free with Museum admission, which is FREE for everyone on Thursdays! 

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 at Tomfoolery Toys (Suspended)

Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.; Meyerland

Enjoy an interactive early learning storytime with LEAP – Literacy Enrichment And Play!  Storytime includes a book, songs, rhymes, and movement that promotes early literacy development.  Storytime is twenty minutes. Stories and activities are appropriate for ages 2 1/2 to 5 years.

Storytime Under the Tree at Olson Park

Every Thursday, 5 p.m. (January 6 – March 4), Every Monday & Thursday March 7- December 22, East Harris County Activity Center

Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on while a story is read. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic in Olson Park.

The Woodlands Children’s Museum

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

The Little Picassos class meets Wednesdays, 9:30am and 10:30am, to explore art (two and three year-olds). Show Me meets Thursdays 9:30am. Got Science for 4 & 5 year olds meets on Tuesdays at 9 am. Robotiks for 5-6 year olds meet Wednesdays 10am & 4:15pm.

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 at Evelyn’s Park (Bellaire)

Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., NW Houston (Ages 4+)

Come and join us under the covered Trevilion overlooking Bellaire Blvd for our weekly reading circle and storytime! Each week we will be leafing through the pages of a new picture book and reading aloud to our friends in the park! 

Iron Sports Mini Ninjas

Tuesdays & Thursdays 11am (Walking to 3 years old)
Tuesday – Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., NW Houston (Ages 4+)

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 

• (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

MFAH Little Artists (Suspended)

First Friday and Saturday of each month, at10:30 a.m. 

Children ages 3 to 5, and an adult caretaker, are invited to experience an exciting art adventure at the Museum! Together, learn about the materials and processes artists used to create different works of art throughout the Museum. This program includes a storybook circle, multisensory play, materials exploration, and making an art project in the studio. The morning concludes with an educator-led conversation in the galleries.

MFAH Our Youngest Artists (Suspended)

Fourth Friday and Saturday of each month 10:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

Babies and toddlers up to 35 months old, and their caregivers, are invited to discover and create! With the art on view as inspiration, guests are encouraged to touch, explore, and make their own works of art using washable, nontoxic materials. The event concludes with a visit to the galleries to see the work of art that inspired the day?s program.

Mommy Mingle in the Tot*Spot at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center (Suspended)

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

Bring your little ones to Tot*Spot (our exclusive exhibit for children 35 months and under), and mingle with other mommies during Mommy Mingle Wednesdays. Daddies, nannies, and caretakers are welcome, too! Plus, enjoy free coffee and snacks on us (while supplies last).

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 (Suspended)

Every Third Friday, 10 a.m. – noon, Memorial; FREE

Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus presents Parachute Play Time with Gymboree Play & Music for a morning of toddler-friendly fun. Young children are encouraged to learn and develop as they play movement games, participate in song and dance, and experience the famous 20-foot rainbow parachute.

Toddler Skate

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

Bring your 7 and unders for $5 skating every Friday!

SATURDAYS

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 Family Zone + Studio (Studio is still suspended)

Sundays, 1-4 p.m. (the Studio is open select Sundays at 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.); Museum District

Every Sunday, it’s Art Time Family – Time at the MFAH. Look for signs in the main lobbies to tell you which gallery the Family Zone is located in that day. In the Family Zone, you will enjoy storytime at 1:30 p.m. & 3:30 p.m. as well as engaging activities, coloring sheets, and colored pencils. In the studio, create an art project inspired by original works of art on display in the Family Zone.

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