
Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18 | Image credit: Downtown Aquarium – Houston
Our picks for things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18 include 20th Anniversary Celebration at Downtown Aquarium, YMCA After School Care 2023, Family Bat Chat and Night Hike, Saturday Morning Cartoon Cereal Party, & more!
Are you looking for things to do with your kids this weekend in Houston? H-town is a great city to raise kids. In fact, Houston is consistently regarded as one of the most family-friendly in the country.
Apart from a number of great schools, there are always so many different events that kids and families can participate in. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is an excellent destination during the weekends. There is also the Children’s Museum of Houston which always has a lot of great events. These are just two among many such event venues.
But, with so many things to do with kids in Houston, how can you know which ones are genuinely worthwhile? We’ve put together a list of the best weekend activities and events to entertain the whole family. There are cheap events for kids and free things to do with kids this weekend!
Remember to explore Things to Do in Houston This Weekend of August 18, Things to Do in Galveston this Weekend of August 18, and Things to Do in Houston this Week of August 14!
Also, remember to also check out our other Houston posts: Galveston Labor Day Weekend 2023, Houston Restaurant Weeks 2023, Caverns in Texas, and Best Chinese Food in Houston!
TOP PICK! – YMCA After School: The perfect mix of fun and learning

YMCA After School: The perfect mix of fun and learning
The Y makes the most of your child’s after school time by offering active learning opportunities and fun, collaborative play. Housed in local, Houston area schools, YMCA After School Care gives your child the opportunity to participate in active play and collaborate on fun projects.
A typical day in the YMCA After School program consists of:
Y Community Time: A daily welcome into the program with ice-breakers and group games
Brain Power Hour: Dedicated time for students to work on daily homework and participate in self-guided academic learning centers
Exploration: Age-appropriate, hands-on, fun activities designed to reinforce learning concepts
Enrichment: Activities such as music, art, theatre, service learning and character education
Energize: Physical play taking place either outside or in the gym/cafeteria
Get more information about YMCA After School Care and find out if the YMCA program is offered at your child’s school site today!
Start out the school year with a Learning Tool from Nickelodeon! Now offering a FREE TRIAL for 30 Days!!!
You heard that right! Nickelodeon launched Noggin, a learning tool that lets children develop their social skills, communication, and critical thinking with the help of interactive games!
Boosting your kids’ emotional and social learning, this tool lets your kid explore through 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring their favorite characters- Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, Blues Clues, and more!
And the best part is that Right Now Nickelodeon is offering a FREE 30 Day Trial!
Find out why parents LOVE this new app.
Things to do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of August 18, 2023 – Friday
Houston Restaurant Weeks 2023
Get ready to feast and experience the best of Houston through your tummies this Houston Restaurant Weeks 2023! Over 200 local restaurants are lined up to offer prix fixe meals for brunch, lunch, and dinner. And each meal will have a set dollar donation that will benefit the Houston Food Bank and its mission to end hunger and provide food for better lives.
When: Friday to Sunday, August 18 – 20, 2023
Where: Multiple locations
How Much: $39 and $55 for dinner options | $25 for lunch and brunch options
Mariachi Festival

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18 | Image credit: Mariachi Festival
The Houston Mariachi Festival is here! This 3-day festival will feature some of the best mariachi across Texas. Each evening will be filled with different performances headlined by a mariachi band. Winners of the National Mariachi Youth Vocalist competition will also be performing.
When: Friday – Sunday, August 18 – 20, 2023, 7 pm
Where: Wortham Center, 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $29
Miller Summer Mixtape Concert: Hip Hop Night
Dance to the beat this weekend with Miller’s Summer Mixtape Concert series! This weekend, the concert will celebrate Houston’s vibrant music scene with free hip-hop, blues, and country performances under the stars.
When: Friday, August 18, 2023, 7:30 pm
Where: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: Free
Summer BotaniCamp: Flower Power
Dive into the world of flowers with the kids this weekend at the Houston Botanic Garden! Learn all about the life cycle, friends, features, and secrets of flowers in this fun and interesting summer camp.
When: Friday, August 18, 2023, 9 am – 2 pm
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017
How Much: $225 per person
Family Bat Chat and Night Hike

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18 | Image credit: Nature Discovery Center
Learn all about bats with the kids this weekend at the Nature Discovery Center. You’ll also go on a night hike around sunset to maybe see some of the creatures. In addition to that, there will also be bat crafts to do with the kids.
When: Friday, August 18, 2023, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Nature Discovery Center, 7112 Newcastle St, Bellaire, TX 77401
How Much: $10
Finding Nemo Movie Screening
Head out to the City Place with the kiddos this weekend for a free outdoor screening of the Pixar classic, “Finding Nemo.” Bring your favorite snacks and don’t forget your lawn chairs or picnic blankets.
When: Friday, August 18, 2023, 8 pm
Where: City Place, 1250 Lake Plaza Dr, Spring, TX 77389
How Much: Free
Deal Alert – Houston City Sightseeing Tour + Museum of Natural Science option
A good choice for first-time visitors to Houston, this tour offers a comprehensive overview of the city. Visit several well-known landmarks, parks, and stadiums including historic Market Square, Discovery Green, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, Buffalo Bayou, and more. You’ll also have an opportunity to admire the lavish homes and boutiques in River Oaks. A local guide shares insider information about what to see, where to eat, and what to do while you’re in town.
Get more information and check out the Houston City Sightseeing Tour + Museum of Natural Science option TODAY!!!
Things to do in Houston on Saturday with Kids – August 19, 2023
Vibe Artisan Market

Image credit: PostHTX
Get ready to do some major shopping this weekend! There will be over 120 local artists, makers, and creatives showcasing their creations at the Vibe Artisan Market at Post Houston’s X Atrium. There will also be complimentary cocktails, a photo booth, an art gallery, and over 20 restaurant concepts.
When: Saturday, August 19, 2023, 12 pm – 7 pm
Where: X Atrium, POST Houston, 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
How Much: Free
Saturday Morning Cartoon Cereal Party
It’s Cartoon Cereal Party this weekend at the Houston Toy Museum! Get to watch a mix of classic episodes of favorites like G.I. Joe, TMNT, Rainbow Brite, and more while the kids enjoy a milk and cereal buffet. All the classics will be there.
When: Saturday, August 19, 2023, 10:30 am
Where: Houston Toy Museum, 321 W 19th St Suite C, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: $1 – $18
All About Bees

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18 | Image credit: Uncommon Bees
Get to learn all about bees this weekend with the kids. Discover why native bee populations are declining and learn what you can do to help them. You’ll also get to taste a variety of local Texas honey and each family will get to take home a bee home.
When: Saturday, August 19, 2023, 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
How Much: $40
Aurora Picture Show Summer Camp World Premieres
Revel in the creativity of Houston kids and teens at the Aurora Picture Show Summer Camp! This weekend, the organization will host a free screening featuring a wide range of creative short films made by kids and teens from Houston. All films were made through the Aurora summer youth education program.
When: Saturday, August 19, 2023, 1 pm – 3 pm
Where: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
How Much: Free
Start out the school year with a Learning Tool from Nickelodeon! Now offering a FREE TRIAL for 30 Days!!!
You heard that right! Nickelodeon launched Noggin, a learning tool that lets children develop their social skills, communication, and critical thinking with the help of interactive games!
Boosting your kids’ emotional and social learning, this tool lets your kid explore through 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring their favorite characters- Peppa Pig, Dora the Explorer, Paw Patrol, Blues Clues, and more!
And the best part is that Right Now Nickelodeon is offering a FREE 30 Day Trial!
Find out why parents LOVE this new app.
Things to do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of August 18, 2023 – Sunday
20th Anniversary Celebration at Downtown Aquarium

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18 | Image credit: Downtown Aquarium – Houston
The Downtown Aquarium is celebrating its 20th anniversary this Sunday! Celebrate with exhibit and ride discounts, animals, a kids’ craft and education table, live music, and more.
When: Sunday, August 20, 2023, 10 am – 9 pm
Where: Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: All adventure passes are $20
Do you know of any more Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of August 18? share them with us in the comments!
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