Whew, first week back to reality is over. Time to reclaim the weekend! Forget boring museum trips, this first full weekend of January (Jan 3-4) is all about soaking up those last few dazzling holiday lights before they vanish, like the amazing Zoo Lights and Astros Light Up the Park! We’ve also spotted a cool, artsy drop-in workshop at CAMH to kickstart that New Year creativity.
Quick Picks
Cowboys Ranch Family Game Day Powered by Ethos
9217 Homeplace Dr.
A genuinely free Saturday afternoon of games for the whole family.
Paper Bag Collage Open Studio at CAMH
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)
Dive into art with a hands-on, messy-ish collage workshop perfect for an indoor afternoon.
Toddler Studio: Cool Colors
Amon Carter Museum of American Art (in Fort Worth, but included for context of search)
An early morning, free studio time specifically designed for your littlest artists.
TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights
This is your absolute LAST CHANCE to see the Zoo transformed into a winter wonderland with those amazing light displays. Seriously, get your tickets now because the lights go *poof* after Sunday night!
Why we picked it: It’s the final weekend for this huge, festive event before it packs up for the year.
Astros Light Up the Park
Walk the illuminated path through Minute Maid Park—they say it winds through the concourse and onto the field! If your kid loves baseball, this is a fun, non-game day way to see the stadium lit up.
Why we picked it: It’s another major holiday light experience wrapping up this weekend, offering a unique walk-through experience at a local landmark.
Paper Bag Collage Open Studio at CAMH
If the kids need a creative outlet, head to CAMH for a drop-in collage workshop inspired by an artist’s work. You can use different kinds of paper bags and reclaimed materials—perfect for a low-stakes, high-creativity Saturday afternoon.
Why we picked it: It’s a free, drop-in, hands-on art activity that makes a museum trip feel less like a lecture and more like play.
Toddler Studio: Cool Colors
While this specific result points to Fort Worth, the Children's Museum Houston *does* have programs like 'Tot*Spot' for little ones. Check the museum's calendar for a similar sensory/color-themed morning activity designed for under-5s—it's a good 'always-on' type of gem.
Why we picked it: Toddler-specific, free studio time is gold for the under-5 crowd when big museums feel overwhelming.
Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) Celebration
The Children's Museum is celebrating Three Kings Day with themed activities inside the museum. Since the museum is already a win, this extra cultural programming makes the ticket price feel more worthwhile this weekend.
Why we picked it: A specific, culturally relevant celebration happening inside a reliably fun spot.
Ice Skating at Discovery Green
The outdoor rink is still open under the skyline, which is way cooler than an indoor rink. They usually have fun extras like Bumper Cars on Ice (check schedule!), so check that out if you have older kids begging for something wild.
Why we picked it: It’s a prime winter activity that feels special when it’s not *always* an option in Houston.
Polar Palooza Snow Days!
The Children's Museum is still running its Polar Palooza with real snow days event this weekend before it wraps up on Jan 5th. If your toddler is craving that 'snow experience' without leaving the city, this is it.
Why we picked it: It’s the last weekend to experience the 'real snow days' event before the winter programming ends.
H-Town Holiday Lights presented by PNC
Okay, it's a light display, but it's FREE and right downtown at Discovery Green, making it an easy, spontaneous stop after dinner. Walk the lights while you’re down there before they pack it up after Sunday.
Why we picked it: It’s a major public light display that is completely free and ends this weekend.
Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden
This is the one with the giant lantern installations, including a dragon—it's super photogenic and feels like you stepped into a different world. It runs through February, but weekends sell out fast, so book your time slot now.
Why we picked it: It offers a truly immersive, quirky light experience that locals rave about, perfect for shaking off the holiday routine.
Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston
If you have an aspiring astronaut, this is the best use of your ticket money this weekend, as the lights wrap up early January. Think space-themed light tunnels and galaxy projections—super cool for older elementary/middle schoolers.
Why we picked it: It’s a great way to utilize the Space Center grounds with a fun, limited-run overlay.
Frida: The Making of an Icon (Opening Day)
MFAH’s groundbreaking Frida Kahlo exhibit is set to debut in January 2026—if it opens this weekend, it's a huge deal for art lovers! While it officially opens Jan 18, check the MFAH site for any early access/member previews that might be happening on Saturday.
Why we picked it: It’s a major, highly anticipated, *new* cultural opening that will attract older kids and teens interested in art.
Bumper Cars on Ice
Yes, you can actually do bumper cars on the ice at Discovery Green! This is back by popular demand and is a super fun, slightly chaotic way to spend a Saturday night downtown.
Why we picked it: It's a highly unique, active event that sounds too good to be true for Houston.
Magical Winter Lights at Fort Bend County Fairgrounds
If you missed the lights closer to town, this one is still going strong! It’s famous for its massive lanterns, including a towering dragon—definitely an 'out-of-the-way but worth-it' winter trip.
Why we picked it: It's one of the last massive light shows running this early in January.
Cowboys Ranch Family Game Day Powered by Ethos
Check out this genuinely free Sunday event at Cowboys Ranch—looks like they are hosting a family game day. This is a great, no-strings-attached way to get out of the house without opening your wallet.
Why we picked it: It's an explicitly listed, genuinely free event for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Houston this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) there are a couple of genuinely free options: check out the Cowboys Ranch Family Game Day on Sunday (ID: houston-4) or take a free evening stroll through the H-Town Holiday Lights at Discovery Green (ID: houston-10).
What’s ending this weekend that we absolutely shouldn't miss?
Your last chance for major holiday fun is this weekend! Don't miss the final nights of TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights (ID: houston-1) and Astros Light Up the Park (ID: houston-2) before they close on Sunday, Jan 4th.
Is there anything good for teens or older kids who are bored of crafts?
For active older kids, try Bumper Cars on Ice at Discovery Green (ID: houston-14) for some chaotic fun, or for the space-obsessed teen, hit Galaxy Lights at Space Center Houston (ID: houston-12) before it ends its run.