A Houston Mom’s Guide to October 2016

Well, hello FALL! You finally decided to not be a jerk and show up. Anyone else loving these “cooler” mornings and less humidity? I know my hair is loving it, thank you very much. October in Houston may just be one of my favorite times here – the Bayou City knows how to throw down some festivals and all sorts of super fun fall events. Just perusing this list makes me want to go grab a scarf, some boots, and a PSL… well, maybe not quite yet, but close! We are definitely looking forward to all things pumpkin and fall leaves around here, that’s for sure. To help make the most of your October, we’ve compiled a fantastic list of happenings all around our great city. Don’t forget to check out the other great resources at the end of the guide for pumpkin patches, fall crafting, Halloween events, and more!

And since October not only signals the beginning of fall, but also the month for Breast Cancer Awareness, we are incredibly thankful to U.S. Imaging, Inc. for sponsoring this guide and bringing awareness to such a vitally important topic. Mamas, we URGE you… Schedule your annual mammogram today and let’s ERASE BREAST CANCER!  U.S. Imaging has 7 Houston area locations {Sugar Land, Medical Center, Pearland, Tomball, Steeplechase, East Side, and Beaumont} to make it super easy on you so that there isn’t any excuse!  And as you get ready to schedule those screenings, here are a few things you should know…

  • Did you know that a screening mammogram takes less than 20 minutes and is typically covered by insurance?
  • Don’t have insurance?  Not an excuse!  U.S. Imaging offers great cash prices and even payment plans in some cases.  They are fully committed to taking good, loving care of their patients above anything else.
  • With convenient hours including Saturdays, free parking, and board-certified radiologists and technologists, U.S. Imaging takes the excuses out of an annual mammogram that could save your life or the life of a loved one. Call today to schedule your appointment and connect with them here on Facebook.  The best protection is early detection, mamas! We want you to take care of YOU too!!

Now, without further adieu, those plentiful October events…

A Houston Mom's Guide to October 2016 | Houston Moms Blog

October 1st | 9am – 7pm :: Fall Festival at Cornelius Nursery

Join Cornelius Nursery for this family-friendly all day event! From face painting, pie pumpkin decorating, performances by Mad Science, and games galore, this FREE event is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget your camera for perfect photo opps in their pumpkin patch, and get ready to shop till you drop. Moms, make sure you sign up in advance for their Pumpkin Decorating Workshop, where you can create a one-of-a-kind centerpiece to complete your fall decor. {It WILL sell out, so register now!}

October 1st – November 2nd | {check website for times} :: Haunted House at the Natural Museum of Funeral History

Recurring daily for the next month, NMFH returns with their highly acclaimed Haunted House excursion. Various scenes are both designed to frighten with a light-hearted approach as well as educate on a serious topic. Parent warning :: This is rated PG-13 and recommended for ages 12 and up. 12 and under are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.

October 8th | 10am – 6pm :: The Houston Weird Homes Tours

Visit the eccentric and “weird” homes of local artists and rare art collectors of Houston during this self-paced driving tour. Brand new to Houston this year, it’s sure to awe, inspire, and make you scratch your head. VIP tickets are available for $45 and include an exclusive party, regular tickets are $25.

October 8th – 9th | 10am – 6pm :: Bayou City Art Festival

This perennial favorite, put on by the Art Colony Association, is celebrating 45 years of bringing diverse artists to our city while providing a cumulative total of $3.5 million dollars to support local non-profits. Conveniently located in downtown Houston, you can peruse the works of over 300 of the world’s greatest greatest artists and craftsmen. Hungry? No problem. Food trucks galore will be on the premises, along with live music and entertainment. Grab your tickets here!

October 8th – 9th | Sat {10am – 11pm}; Sun {Noon to 6pm} :: Katy Rice Harvest Festival

Named one of Houston area’s top festivals, the Katy Rice Harvest Festival returns for their 36th year. Located in beautiful and historic downtown Katy, this incredibly family-friendly event will not disappoint. Take in live music, craft and vendor booths, and more. Don’t miss the incredible “fair food”, including the finest BBQ in Houston, funnel cakes, and the always popular sausage on a stick. Children under 10 are free.

October 10th & 12th | 9am – 4pm :: Camp Zoofari with The Houston Zoo

If you are lucky enough to be out of school on these days, The Houston Zoo has you covered! For ages 4-12, Camp Zoofari will allow your kiddos to conduct eco experiments, be princesses and superheroes for the day, and even learn about zoo design for the older set. Find all the details here and register soon!

October 11th | 7pm :: Family Movie on the Lawn at Baybrook Mall

Grab the fam bam, lawn chairs, and blankets — and head out for a movie night under the stars featuring Hotel Transylvania 2. The movie will show directly across the lawn from Maggiano’s, so treat yourself to a delicious pasta dinner beforehand!

October 13th – 16th | {check website for times} :: Festa Italiana

Head out to the beautiful camps of St. Thomas University to celebrate the 38th year of the Houston Italian Festival. From wine and beer tastings, pasta eating contests, classic car show, children activities, and grape stomping, there is something for everyone at this high-spirited event. Discounted tickets are on sale now. Salut and let’s celebriamo!

October 15th | 10am & 11:30am :: A Magic Carpet Ride with the Houston Symphony

We adore The Houston Symphony’s Family Series, and “A Magic Carpet Ride” is no exception. Enjoy tales of princes and princesses, genies, and dazzling renditions of the always popular “A Whole New World” and “A Friend Like Me” of Aladdin fame. Children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the powerful and mystical storytelling, along with the powerful orchestrations. This is a hugely popular event so we encourage you to grab your tickets NOW!

October 15th  | 10am – 5pm :: Fire Fest 2016

Head out to Houston Fire Department’s Training Facility for a FREE, fun-filled day for kids of all ages. Take in live fire and rescue demos, learn more about fire safety, and enjoy their Kids Zone. Make sure you stop by Houston’s most popular food trucks to refuel for more fun!

October 15th | 11am – 3pm :: KBR Kids Day on Buffalo Bayou

Hosted by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, you won’t want to miss the 10th annual family fun day at the picturesque Buffalo Bayou Park. Boat rides, bike rentals, and kayaking are just a few of the activities that will get you moving on this Saturday. With over 30 non-profit partners providing learning experiences and entertainment, your child’s imagination is sure to get grooving! Discover more here.

October 15th | 11am – 4pm :: Energy Day Festival 2016

Combining education and FUN, Houston’s largest annual festival featuring STEM {Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics} returns this year bigger and better than ever. Thrilling exhibits and interactive demonstrations out at Sam Houston Park will capture your family’s attention and spark an interest in all things energy. Bonus :: it’ FREE!

October 15th | 11am – 9pm :: Korean Festival at Discovery Green

Organized by the Korean American Society of Houston, this festival shares the Korean culture with all of the greater Houston area. From amazing cuisine to crafts and games, this free event will delight the entire family. Make sure you check out their vendor Hoodadak, recently named one of the top 100 restaurants by Houstonia magazine – kimchi and bulgogi fries for the win!

October 21st – 23rd | Fri {4:30 – 8:30pm}; Sat & Sun {9am – 1:30pm & 3pm – 7:30pm} :: LEGO KidsFest

LEGO fans have been counting down for this amazing fest to roll into town! Each session offers a variety of super fun activities including a massive brick pile, DUPLO build area for the littlest builders, construction zone, and even Disney LEGO Princess, Star Wars, and more. Don’t forget to check out the Model Museum, race ramps, and KidsFest Theatre areas well. Master Builders of all ages will have a complete blast at this interactive event! Highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance here.

October 22nd | 9am – 5pm :: Texian Market Days Festival

Discover over 150 years of Texas history for the 33rd annual Texian Fest at George Ranch Historical Park. Activities include 4 different experiences :: 1830’s settler farm, prairie home tour, 1890’s Victorian mansion with a working blacksmith shop, and a 1930’s cattle ranch home. Your kids will be delighted by the battle reenactments, cavalry drills, and of course, plenty of pioneer food sampling.

October 22nd | Noon – 4pm :: ArBOOretum 2016

Join the Houston Arboretum for their annual fall festival! They will run the full gamut of fun fall events including a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating, hay rides, and face painting. Hint :: Members get early entrance at 10am and children under 3 are free. Pre-order your tickets online for a $2 discount per person.

October 22nd | 7:15 – 9:30pm :: Movie Under The Moon at Sugar Land Town Center

Enjoy a free movie under the stars in the heart of Sugar Land’s Town Center featuring the October appropriate Hotel Transylvania 2. Grab a bite to eat at one of the delicious eateries that surround the plaza and then throw down a blanket to wrap up your evening.

October 29th & 30th | 10am – 4pm :: Repticon Houston Reptile & Exotic Animal Show

Amphibians, reptiles, and snakes – oh my! This show at the Pasadena Convention Center & Fairgrounds is a dream for your animal loving kiddos. Enjoy live presentations, opportunities to interact with exotic animals, plus stock up on the top-rated merchandise to take care of your own at home. Children under 5 are admitted free.

October 29th | 7:30 – 11pm :: Wicked Woods Party at the Arboretum

This event is perfection for a ghouly date night! Walk the trails of the beautiful arboretum while enjoying amazing food stations and “brews” from local companies. After your jaunt, enjoy games and music on the lawn. P.S. – Costumes are encouraged! Go ahead and book that babysitter now and purchase your tickets here.

October 29th | 10am – 4pm :: Bridgeland’s 8th Annual Howl-O-Ween Fest

Grab your children {+ fur babies!} and head out to Bridgeland for their annual Howl-O-Ween Fest.  There you will enjoy food trucks, kids’ activities, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating for pets and kids alike, roaming entertainment, a magic show, vendor booths, pet rescue groups, and even a pooch fashion show and costume contest too!

October 30th | 4 – 8pm :: Halloween Town at Sugar Land Town Square

Celebrate Halloween a day early and break out your costumes for games and activities on this boo-tiful night. They will have plenty of food and frightful activities on hand, plus a costume contest that even Fido can enter. Make sure to check out their website for traffic and parking information.


Check out our other fun fall activities and guides! We gotcha covered!!

Houston Pumpkin Patch Round Up

The Ultimate Guide to Houston Photographers

Texans Win – Freebies and Deals

Fall Crafts {with wine corks!}

Best Coffee Shops in Houston

60 Family-Friendly Restaurants

Why You Need Cute PJ’s for the Holidays


Ready to dive into all of that October fun?  Us too!  But don’t forget, our health comes first!!  Be sure to contact U.S. Imaging to schedule your annual mammogram in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We’ll be checking in throughout the month to be sure you haven’t forgotten!

us-imaging-breast-cancer-awareness

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Meagan Clanahan
Meagan is a Dallas native who has lived in the Katy area for over a decade. She kicked a soccer ball all the way to Louisiana to attend college at her family’s alma mater of LSU, where she promptly fell in love with a Texas Aggie in Baton Rouge for an internship. After swimming back to Texas following Hurricane Katrina, Matt and Meagan fell in love with the Houston area and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Following several years of infertility, their miracle twins Ryan and Quinn were born in June of 2010. She believes there is nothing better than a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, a large Sonic Diet Coke, sushi take-out, Girls Nights Out, and a mindless book to curl up with. Besides playing chauffeur and catering to the whims of her children, Meagan also is the Co-Owner of Houston Moms Blog. You can keep up with Meagan at The Clanahan Fam and on Instagram @meaganclanahan!

1 COMMENT

  1. Thank you for spreading the word about the Houston Weird Homes Tour! Let us know if you would like a media pass to attend the event. contact at weirdhomestour.com

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