Things to do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of November 17 Alley Theatre A Christmas Carol, The Great Houston Pie Run, & More!

Things to do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of November 17 Alley Theatre A Christmas Carol, The Great Houston Pie Run, & More!

Our picks for things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of November 17 include the Alley Theatre: A Christmas CarolThe Great Houston Pie Run, Zoo Lights: Opening WeekendLighting of the Doves, & more!


Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information presented is subject to change. Please confirm with the organizers/businesses before you make plans to head out! 

Remember to check out our other Houston posts: Winter Wonders at Discovery Green, Mexican Restaurants in Conroe, Date Night Ideas Houston, and Midtown Houston Restaurants


TOP PICK – Frostival and Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!

Enjoy Winter Wonders with Frostival and Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!

Enjoy Winter Wonders with Frostival and Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green!

As Houston’s favorite holiday destination, Discovery Green, along with the Green Mountain Energy Ice, invites everyone to make the most of this winter season. Whether you’re gliding on the ice, marveling at public art, or simply enjoying the festive atmosphere, there’s a touch of magic waiting for everyone at Discovery Green!

Excited to have fun and slide and glide through the coolest ice rink in Houston? Then take note of the hours of operation so you can plan your visit soon!

  • Monday – Thursday 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. 
  • Friday, Saturday & HISD School Holidays* 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 
  • Sunday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Thanksgiving Day 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. 
  • Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve11 a.m. – 7 p.m. 
  • Christmas Day & New Year’s Day – 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
  • Martin Luther King Day (Jan. 15) 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

*HISD School Holidays are (Nov. 20 – 24; Dec. 25 – 29; Jan. 1 – 5, 8 & 15) 

Green Mountain Energy Ice closes to the public at 5 p.m. on Nov. 19, Dec. 17, and Jan. 21 and at 4 p.m. on Dec 10 & 12.

Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Regular admission for the ice rink is $17 plus tax, including skate rentals

For more information and the latest updates on events and schedules, visit Discovery Green’s website and sign up for the newsletter at discoverygreen.com/newsletter.


Create Wonderful Memories with the Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet in Sugar Land!

Things to do in Houston this Weekend with Kids - Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is back, and it’s better than ever!

Bring your family and friends to experience this beloved holiday tradition, featuring an international cast of world-class dancers, Ukrainian Principal Artists, jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, and stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. You’ll be transported to a magical world of wonder and nostalgia, where anything is possible. Don’t miss your chance to see this unforgettable ballet!

Don’t miss out on the best seats. Book your tickets to the Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet TODAY!!!


Things to do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of November 17, 2023 – Friday

City Lights Kickoff Opening Weekend

Watch Avenida Houston come to life with dazzling lights, enchanting songs, and heartwarming performances of “A Happy Houston Holiday” this weekend! The show will feature world-class performers, local talents, and even community groups with medleys that everyone can sing along to.

When: Friday, November 17, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Where: Avenida Houston, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston, TX 77010
How Much: Free


The Sandlot Movie Screening

Bring a picnic blanket and your favorite snacks or grab takeout from surrounding restaurants this weekend at Market Square Park for a screening of the classic “The Sandlot.” It’s the perfect way to have fun and destress with your family or friends.

When: Friday, November 17, 2023, 8 pm
Where: Market Square Park, 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Free


Zoo Lights: Opening Weekend

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of November 17 | Zoo Lights: Opening Weekend

Image credit: Houston Zoo

Enjoy the magic of the holiday season with your family at Zoo Lights at Houston Zoo! The place will be lit with thousands of twinkling lights and there will also be tons of surprises for you to look out for. 

When: Friday, November 17, 2023- January 7, 2024, 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
How Much: Starts at $22.95 | Prices vary by date


LaCenterra Christmas Tree Lighting

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of November 17 | LaCenterra Christmas Tree Lighting

Image credit: LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch

Welcome the Christmas season at La Centerra this weekend with the family! Enjoy as they light up their 51-foot Christmas tree. There will also be tons of other family-friendly activities to watch out for.

When: Friday, November 17, 2023, 6 pm – 9 pm
Where: La Centerra at Cinco Ranch, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy, TX 77494
How Much: Free


Deal Alert – Check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Houston 

Groupon deals on kids' activities in Houston

Check out current discounts at highly rated kids’ activities including museums, horse-riding lessons, indoor climbing, gymnastics, paintball, and more! Sometimes you can save as much as 75%, so make sure you check these deals on a regular basis and  SAVE BIG while taking care of yourself! 

Participating businesses include the Children’s Museum of Houston, Bowlero, Moonstruck Drive-In, multiple paintball locations, and many more! 

Get more information and check out the Latest Deals on Kids’ Activities in Houston! 


Things to do in Houston on Saturday with Kids – November 18, 2023

Lighting of the Doves

Enjoy the beginning of this year’s Christmas season with the Lighting of the Doves at Town Green Park. Expect traditional and international performances, vendor booths, snow play areas, a special appearance by Santa Claus, children’s activities, and a dazzling fireworks display. 

When: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 3 pm – 8 pm 
Where: Town Green Park, 2099 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380
How Much: Free | $5 for snow play areas and snow slides


Alley Theatre: A Christmas Carol

Alley Theatre: A Christmas Carol

Image credit: Alley Theatre

Celebrate the Christmas spirit with Alley’s new adaptation of the classic “A Christmas Carol.” Enjoy colorful Victorian costumes, lively dancing, special effects, stunning sets, and just the right blend of Christmas carols. Please take note that the show is best for kids aged 6 and above. 

When: Saturday, November 18 – December 30, 2023, 7 pm 
Where: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $35 | Ticket prices vary by date


The Great Houston Pie Run

The Great Houston Pie Run

Image credit: The Great Houston Pie Run

If you don’t want to get up early for Thanksgiving turkey trots, the Great Houston Pie Run is for you! You can run the 10K, 5K, or Kids K. After the run, there will be beer and, of course, warm delicious pie waiting.

When: Saturday, November 18, 2023, 7:30 am 
Where: King’s BierHaus in the Heights, 2044 E T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77008
How Much: Starts at $25


List your Event on the Houston On The Cheap Calendar – for FREE! 

Event Promotion in Houston

We have now enabled the Community Event Submission feature on our website. You can submit your event for Free and assuming it is appropriate for our audience, your event will get listed on our calendar – for FREE! 

Check out our Event Listing Page and submit your event TODAY!!!


Things to do in Houston with Kids this Weekend of November 17, 2023 – Sunday

Plantsgiving

The Houston Plant Market is coming to M-K-T this weekend! Shop from over 30 local and small businesses selling everything from plants to local honey, soap, handmade jewelry, candles, and more. There will also be a family-friendly scavenger hunt. And you’ll also get complimentary hot cocoa.

When: Sunday, November 19, 2023, 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: M-K-T, 600 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007
How Much: Free


Main Street Theater for Youth: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast

Watch the dazzling classic fairytale of Beauty and the Beast come to life this weekend at the Main Street Theater for Youth. Enjoy dazzling sets, costumes, and songs that will get stuck in your mind for days. 

When: Sunday, November 19 – December 23, 2023, 12 pm or 3:30 pm
Where: MATCH – Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston, 3400 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
How Much: Starts at $30.50


Glad to Be Me: A Singalong Extravaganza

Help your kids learn how to build their confidence and manage their emotions with Children’s Museum Houston’s Glad to Be Me show! This 40-minute, one-person interactive show uses inspiring songs, kid-friendly poetry, and simple games for the kids to enjoy. Adults will love it, too!

When: Sunday, November 19, 2023, 1 pm – 4:30 pm
Where: Children’s Museum of Houston, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
How Much: Included in general admission


Houston Texans vs Arizona Cardinals

Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of November 17 | Houston Texans vs Arizona Cardinals

Image credit: NRG Park

Enjoy an exciting game with the family this weekend as the Houston Texans defend their home turf from the boys of the Arizona Cardinals. Grab your tickets now!

When: Sunday, November 19, 2023, 12 pm
Where: NRG Park, NRG Center, 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
How Much: Starts at $53

Do you know of any more Things to do in Houston with kids this weekend of September 22? Share them with us in the comments!


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! Hope you enjoyed our list!


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Travel on your mind? Check out our weekly updates to Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend, Things to Do in San Antonio with Kids this Weekend, Things to Do in Boston this Weekend with Family, and  Things to Do in Dallas with Kids this Weekend.