Top 15 Things to Do for Kids in Houston This Month: May 2023

A child dressed as Thor holds a hammer above their head
Kids under 6 get in free all weekend long at Comicpalooza in May | Photo: Darrell Williams; courtesy of Comicpalooza

Welcome the warmer temps with our guide to the best kid-friendly things to do in and around Houston for May 2023.

This month, roam the earth with dinosaurs, immerse yourself within many cultures, take in a colorful event with unicorns, help Mom feel special, and much more.

Do you know an event that could make the list? Drop us a line at [email protected] with a link to the official event details.

Top 15 Things To Do for Kids & Families in Houston This Month: May 2023

  • Dinos Alive at Marq’e Entertainment Center | Ongoing Step back in time and get a sense of the sheer scale of the largest beasts to walk the earth at the Dinos Alive Immersive Experience, now in Spring Branch through late June. More than 80 animatronic dinosaurs can be viewed in their natural habitat, along with an added boost thanks to the latest in virtual reality technology. While the exhibit is popular with dinosaur fans of all ages, kids can also take advantage of a special “Budding Experts” interactive space, where they can get hands on paleontology experience and even tame some of the most iconic dinosaurs of all time. $20 and up; price varies by date and time. Times vary.
  • Houston Polish Festival at Our Lady of Czestochowa Roman Catholic Church | Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7 | FREE – Held in spring and the fall, the Houston Polish Festival combines traditional and modern elements featuring food, drink, and entertainment, plus a Children’s Corner that offers an area full of exciting games, face painting, bounce houses and more. Though free to attend, food and drinks are on you. Times vary.
  • Here Comes the Surf at Galveston Children’s Museum | Saturday, May 6 | FREE – Kiddos can take to the coast and learn about rip tides, sea creatures, beach ecology, personal fitness and more at this free, action-packed afternoon at the Children’s Museum in Galveston. 10am to 1pm.
  • LULAC Cinco de Mayo Parade | Saturday, May 6 | FREE – The festive parade from LULAC returns again to the streets of Downtown, with special guests and dignitaries leading a procession of schools, businesses and community leaders to the rhythm of Latin music. 10am.
  • East End Street Fest at the Esplanade at Navigation | Saturday, May 6 | FREE – Held during Cinco de Mayo week, this festival celebrates the art, music and heritage of East End with dance performances, live bands, artwork and plenty of fun for kids at the Plaza de los Niños. Noon to 6pm.
A drummer performs on stage
The Japan Festival returns to Hermann Park after a four-year hiatus | Courtesy of Houston Japan Festival
  • 27th Annual Keels & Wheels at Lakewood Yacht Club | Saturday, May 6 & Sunday, May 7 – In Seabrook, this annual showcase of immaculately detailed autos and vintage boats returns to the shores of Clear Lake. Attendees can tour through a wide array of vehicles and vessels from the historic to super cars and contemporary styles. Kids will also have a chance to compete in a soap box derby, check out a vintage firetruck, and more. $30 and up; $15 for ages 13 to 18 with student ID; free for ages 12 and under. Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 9am to 4pm.
  • Japan Festival Houston 2023 at Hermann Park | Saturday, May 6 & Sunday, May 7 | FREE – Following a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the popular Japan Festival returns to Hermann Park, offering two days of cultural celebration through music, dance and martial arts, food, hands-on activities and more. 11am to 6pm.
  • Celebrate Miller: It’s Our Birthday! at Miller Outdoor Theatre | Friday, May 12 | FREE – A highlight of Miller’s centennial, this event features a massive birthday cake for those in attendance, special activities and performances from the Houston Ballet. 6pm.
  • Unicorn World Houston at George R. Brown Convention Center | Friday, May 12 to Sunday, May 14 – Frolic through a magical wonderland of unicorns, rides, crafts, stables and games at this weekend convention in Downtown. Walk amongst life-sized unicorns, trot through a magical forest, and have a fun-filled day of unicorn-themed activities. $39 and up; free for ages 2 and under. Times vary.
  • Pollinator Festival at Urban Harvest Farmers Market | Saturday, May 13 | FREE – The weekly farmer’s market hosts a special celebration that focuses on pollinating animals. Visitors can see honeybees on display in an observation hive, enjoy samples of hyperlocal neighborhood honeys from Bee2Bee, check out pollinator plants, and create a paper cup plant starter. 9am to 11am.
Kids ride on bikes with colorful decorations
The 2nd Houston Art Bike Festival gets rolling in May | Courtesy of Houston Art Bike Festival
  • Houston Art Bike Festival 2023 at MacGregor Park | Saturday, May 13 | FREE – Celebrate personal creativity on two wheels at this second annual festival and bike parade featuring art bikes from HISD schools, live music, art activities, food trucks, and more. 9am to 6pm.
  • Mother’s Day Tea at George Ranch Historical Park | Saturday, May 13 – Bring Mom along for a ’40s-style tea party at the Fort Bend historical park. Ms. Mamie George will guide you through fashion, etiquette and flowers while enjoying traditional tea and cakes. Registration required. $25; $15 for ages 4 to 12; free for ages 3 and under. Seatings at 11am and 2:30pm.
  • 50th Annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival at Pasadena Fairgrounds | Thursday, May 18 to Sunday, May 21 – The annual strawberry fest celebrates its 50th anniversary in Pasadena, featuring a weekend of barbecue, carnival rides, a car show, mutton bustin’, a kids zone, and more. Single day tickets are $15; $5 for ages 6 to 10; free for ages 5 and under. Weekend passes are $30. Times vary.
  • The International Festival at Discovery Green | Saturday, May 20 | FREE – Held around the world, this festival gathers artists and cultural representatives for a day of exchange between cultures, communities and diverse peoples that promotes peace, love and friendship. Expect live music and performances, gourmet foods, and unique art on display. 2pm to 9pm.
  • Comicpalooza at George R. Brown Convention Center | Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28 – The 3-day Comicpalooza is the largest annual, multi-genre, comic book, science fiction, anime, gaming, and pop-culture convention in the southern United States. The fan event returns to Downtown Houston over Memorial Day Weekend with cosplay, fan talks and panels, celebrity appearances, cosplay competitions, shopping opportunities, autographs, and more. Single day passes range from $46 to $69, depending on the day; weekend passes start at $98. Times vary daily.

Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long

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Shea Kummer is a mom to 3 active boys living in Katy. She has a business degree from Texas Christian University and a background in social media management. When she's not cheering on her boys, she can be found looking for the best ways to make lasting family memories.