Kick off a new month with an exciting week of the best kid-friendly things to do in Houston from Monday, May 1 to Sunday, May 7, 2023.
This week, bring toddlers to meet the Paw Patrol in Downtown, craft a piñata for Cinco de Mayo, learn about Japanese culture, and 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 Family Things To Do in Houston This Week
- 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.
- Toddler Tuesday: Puppy Birthday to You with Paw Patrol at Discovery Green | Tuesday, May 2 | FREE – Bring the kiddos to meet the puppies from Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol at Discovery Green. Soft play equipment will also be provided. 10:30am to 12:30pm.
- Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars at Shell Energy Stadium | Wednesday, May 3 – The Dash embark on their next group stage game of the NWSL Challenge Cup, facing familiar foes in the Chicago Red Stars. $7 and up. 7pm.
- Free Family Night: Cougars Initiative to Engage at Children’s Museum Houston | Thursday, May 4 | FREE – The University of Houston organization hosts a workshop to engage children in improving their listening and language skills, as well as provide free hearing and pre-literacy screenings for your child. 4pm to 8pm.
- Llama Piñata Workshop at Kidcreate Studio | Friday, May 5 – On 34th Street, this kid-centric creativity space hosts a drop-off workshop where kiddos can learn how to create their own fridge-worthy piñata. $32. 4:30pm to 5:30pm.
- 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 Polish Harvest 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.
- Books on the Bayou at the Water Works | Saturday, May 6 | FREE – Head over to the Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park for a fun, free story time event for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and their parents or caregivers. 9am to 9:45am.
- LULAC Cinco de Mayo Parade in Downtown Houston | 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. Astros legend José Cruz serves as this year’s grand marshall. 10am.
- Trail Mix: Music, Magic & More for All Ages at M-K-T | Saturday, May 6 | FREE – This free monthly show in the Heights offers a variety of entertainment for kids, including live music, magic shows, and more. Mendocino Farms will provide free food and you can participate in giveaways from Color Me Mine Houston. 10am to 11am.
- Art & Nature: Earth, Wind, Fire, Water at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center | Saturday, May 6 – This nature workshop gathers kids ages 7 to 12 for a late morning activity that practices different art techniques incorporating the four natural elements of earth, wind, water and fire. $30. 10am to noon.
- 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.
- Spring Festival 2023 at the Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park | Saturday, May 6 – Head to Buffalo Bayou’s green space in the shadow of skyscrapers to enjoy live music, international cuisine, beer and wine, kids activities and more, all in support of Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project’s mission to provide holistic legal services to immigrants in need. $25 and up. Noon to 4pm.
- 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.
- 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.
Find More Things to Do in Houston All Year Long
You can find more fun in our interactive event calendar and 365 Weekend Guides.
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