Spring Break is coming. I know, it seems like the kids were just out for winter break. Yet, here we are. It’s fast approaching and if you aren’t traveling, you probably don’t have a plan in place. Those precious cherub faces will be home for a little over an hour or two {if you’re lucky} before you’ll hear a chorus of, “I’m boooored. What are we doing today?”
Houston is a mecca for fun and entertainment, yet it can seem overwhelming. Never fear mamas, we’ve done the homework for you! Whether your kiddos are interested in science, art, tumbling, or hippotherapy—there’s something out there to spark everyone’s imagination.
FAMILY FUN
Bayou Bend
March 11 – 15
10 am – 5 pm
mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens offers a range of child-friendly happenings in the gardens, mansion, and Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor Center. Don’t forget to pick up your passport when you get there! It’s filled with activities that will spark imagination and guide your young botanists. Get ready for the historical game zone, nature rubbings, a puppet play zone, and a colonial campsite where pioneers can handle cookware, toys, writing instruments, and more.
Blessington Farms
Spring Break Spectacular
March 9 – 17
10 am – 5 pm
blessingtonfarms.com
Escape the bustle of the city and enjoy fun on the farm! U-pick strawberries will undoubtedly provide old-fashioned and unrivaled memories. But that’s not all! Blessington offers hay rides, pedal cars, barrel trains, giant slides, Sand Mountain, and more. No farm is complete without animals, of course. You’ll encounter goats, chickens, and even camels! Fishing is free with admission {bring your own tackle and bait}, but camel and bird feedings are extra. Before you make the trip, check their website for weather and berry updates.
Children’s Museum of Houston
Xtreme Spring Break
March 9 – 17
10 am – 6 pm
cmhouston.org
The fun starts from the minute you reach the front door at the Children’s Museum of Houston. Each day xtreme breakers will enjoy entertainment by jugglers and performers as they enter the bonanza of activities that await. Honestly, I can’t choose what I’m more excited about! The bungee trampolines, carnival zone, and human hamster balls are all good contenders. Explore all five xtreme zones from dawn until dusk. Enjoy all events, all day for only $12.
George Ranch Historical Park
The Family Challenge
March 9 – 16
9 a.m.
georgeranch.org
Looking for a way to engage the whole fam during the break? We have just the place. Introducing the Family Challenge at George Ranch Historical Park. You’ll build a log cabin, learn how to cook with coals, participate in a “cattle” drive, and pony up at the Great Cowboy Relay. Yeehaw! A historic meal is offered every day at noon {reservations recommended}. Grab your boots and get goin’!
Houston Zoo
March 10 – 17
9 am – 7 pm
houstonzoo.org
The Houston Zoo is a great spot for a “naturally wild” experience. Create a scavenger hunt or animal B-I-N-G-O game to keep your wild animals engaged and not simply running from spot to spot. There’s also cool extras like the wildlife carousel or feeding the giraffes! {Please feed responsibly and do not give them your leftover hot dog.} However, the zoo is a popular spot for mamas and kiddos and subsequently gets crowded—quickly. Pack your water and patience. Consider carpooling or utilizing METRO. {DYK there’s actually a discount on admission when you present your METRO card or ticket? Holla!}
Writer’s Note:: Although you can technically plan a trip at any time, we chose March 10th because that is when Houston Zoo switches to their summer hours.
Moody Gardens
March 8 – 17
10 am – 6 pm
moodygardens.com
Virtually everyone in the Houston area is aware that Moody Gardens is synonymous with their trifecta of pyramids:: Aquarium, Rainforest, and Discovery. But, did you know there is also a five-tier ropes course? Hailed as the tallest steel ropes course on the Gulf Coast, Sky Trail challenges agility, balance, and strength—oh, and there’s a roundtrip zip line. While you’re there, take a ride on the colonel paddleboat, experience the action in the 3D theater, or take it up another notch at the 4D special FX theater.
Pleasure Pier
March 8 – 17
10 am – 12 am
pleasurepier.com
Thrill seekers need apply! Take the Pirate’s Plunge, swing over the crowd in the Gulf Glider, or spin out on the Galaxy Wheel. You’ll also be able to load up on carnival favorites {perhaps after riding Cyclone} like funnel cakes, turkey legs, and hot dogs. Pleasure Pier will be offering extended hours for breakers as well as a 3-in-1 deal. For $89.99 you’ll gain unlimited access to the Pier, Kemah Boardwalk, and the Downtown Aquarium for the entirety of spring break! {Score.}
Schlitterbahn Galveston
Bahn Break
March 9 – 17
10 am – 5 pm
schlitterbahn.com
Get a leg up on the waterpark season and head to Schlitterbahn Galveston to catch an {indoor} wave! The “World’s Best Indoor Waterpark” is heating up the Wasserfest section of the park specifically for spring breakers. Enjoy indoor attractions such as Torrent River, Faust and Furious, Boogie Bahn, and Wave Lagoon. And mamas, there is a heated pool with a swim-up refreshment bar. Sounds like a win-win.
CREATE & EDUCATE
Asia Society
Journey through Japan
March 11 – 15
12 – 3 pm
asiasociety.org
Celebrate the spring season with come-and-go children’s activities at Asia Society. Learn about Japanese cherry blossoms, create origami, watch anime movies, and view the New Cartographies exhibition. Admission is free! Film screenings begin at 2 pm daily.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
March 11 – 15
11 am – 2 pm
mfah.org
Explore your inner artist at The Museum of Fine Arts Houston {MFAH}. Littles will be able to create their own treasure hunts as they explore the masterpieces on display and view the newest exhibit, Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art, which opens the day before. Then, stop by the studio for an art-making experiment inspired by the exhibition. Try a new material, tool, or technique every day! Activity is free with general admission. Ages 12 and under receive free general admission.
Lone Star Flight Museum
Spring Break Horizon
March 8 – 17
9 am – 5 pm
lonestarflight.org
This is one packed flight plan. Kick things off at the Pink Paper Airplane Challenge and help set a Guinness World Record! In addition to the museum’s standard exhibits and aircraft collections, pilots-in-training will learn the nuts and bolts of plane maintenance, meet the people behind the choppers, experience a drone ride along, and even file a real flight plan and soar from Galveston to Ellington Airport. All activities and workshops are free with general admission.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
March 9 – 17
9 am – 5 pm
hmns.org
Snakes, spiders, and sharks, oh my! Yes, it’s true. Death by Natural Causes has been extended by popular demand and now you too can be introduced to the dangers that lurk within animals, vegetables, and minerals. {Shudder.} Or, surround yourself {quite literally} with Tales of a Time Traveler or Passport to the Universe in the Planetarium. I, for one, never miss the chance to stroll through the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Keep your eye out for interactive games and quizzes!
Rienzi
March 11 – 15
10 am – 5 pm
mfah.org/visit/Rienzi
An affiliate of MFAH, Rienzi houses European decorative art and is situated on four acres of wooded gardens in historic River Oaks. The traditionally docent tour-only venue will be open to budding artists during the break hosting Sketching in the Galleries {10 am – 12 pm} in the ballroom inspired by art and architecture. Materials will be provided. Storytime Tours {10 – 11 am} are aimed at introducing children to the magic of art and literature. Activities are free with admission; children 12 and under are free.
Rosenberg Railroad Museum
March 11 – 17
10 am – 5 pm
rosenbergrrmuseum.org
Every Thomas the Train fan’s dream. Modeled after the original Union Depot, the museum is filled with artifacts and photographs which will transport you in time. Look through buttons, badges, lamps, brochures, and timetables then head over to Education Station for more interactive play. Children can climb on “Wawa’s Train” and watch the engines roll by. But be prepared, those horns pack a mighty blow!
Space Center Houston
March 9 – 17
9 am – 6 pm
spacecenter.org
Up for an out-of-this-world experience? Get an up-close look at incredible artifacts in the Starship Gallery, hold an actual moon rock, browse Astronaut Gallery, and even go inside shuttle replicas at Independence Plaza {all included with general admission}. And while you’re there, enjoy the limited-time Wild Weather and A New Moon Rises exhibits! Although they do offer extended hours during spring break to accommodate the influx of space travelers, the “early bird” philosophy is a good one to adopt at this stop.
CAMP CAPERS
Alley Theatre
March 11 – 15
9 am -3 pm
alleytheatre.org
Alley Play Makers is designed for dramatists grades kinder through 8th. Actors will learn the basics of theatre skills as well as spatial awareness, creative movement, and the art of storytelling. The week-long session will end with an Open Workshop, giving students the opportunity to showcase their newfound confidence and skills. Cost is $315 with extended care packages available.
Artmix Studio
March 11 – 15 & 18 – 22
Hours Vary
artmix.studio
Nurture their inner Picasso at Artmix Studio. Students will utilize multiple mediums such as drawing, painting, and sculpting when constructing their masterpieces—inspired by some of the world’s premier vacation destinations. Camp options include early drop-off, morning camp, creative combo, lunch workshop, afternoon camp, or full day. Costs vary accordingly.
Drama Kids International
March 11 – 15
Hours Vary
dramakids.com
Are you raising quite the character these days? Embrace it at Drama Kids’ spring break camp! Favorite storybook characters will take on a life of their own through singing, dancing, improv, costume design, props, and most importantly—creativity! Full day campers will present “Party Crashers” at the end of the week for family and friends. Choose from half day {9 am – 12 pm} or full day {9 am – 4 pm} options. Campers ages 5 to 15 are welcome.
Cypress Trails
March 9 – April 5
8 am – 5 pm
cypresstrailsranch.com
Spend a week on the ranch caring for, riding, and loving horses at Cypress Trails! Equine enthusiasts are guaranteed at least two hours of riding time, along with other horse-related activities, and will be able to bond with their animal since they have an assigned horse partner for the duration of the camp. Limited to ages 8 and up, you can attend a 1-, 5- or 10-day camp. Costs vary by camp selection.
Funtastik Labs
STEAM Camps
March 11 – 15
Hours vary
funtastiklabs.com
Is there anything cuter than littles dressed up in lab coats and goggles performing science experiments? {Relishing in my inner nerdom.} Beakers, microscopes, test tubes, flasks—this is the real deal! And the fun doesn’t stop there. Funtastik Lab’s art studio throws tradition out the window and embraces messy creativity with balloon canvas art, ceramic painting, and spin wheel art. Oh, wait! There’s also tablets, LEGO robotics, and structural engineering. Budding engineers ages 5 to 10 can sign up for morning camp {8:30 am – 12 pm} or afternoon camp {12:30 – 4 pm}. You can also sign up for both sessions and attend all day. Cost dependent on selection.
The Health Museum
Discovery Camps
March 11 – 15
9 am – 3 pm
thehealthmuseum.org
Mini doctors {ages 5-7} can bring their favorite stuffed animal to the clinic where they will perform tests and learn about what happens at a doctor’s office. Is your tween at the stage where all things gross are fascinating? They’ll love Grossology! Who knew that the record for projectile vomit is 27 feet? {A mother at 3 am with a sick toddler, we knew.} Geared toward kiddos ages 8-10, they will explore all things icky. Put that Fortnite fascination to use at Video Game Design camp {ages 11-13}. Campers will learn the basics of coding and create their own game that can be played at family game night! Prices vary by camp. Before and after camp care are available for an additional fee.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Sensing Nature
March 11 – 15
Hours vary
houstonarboretum.org
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center welcomes explorers ages 4 to 12; however, classes are divided by age group. Relying on their senses to explore the natural world, campers will discover which animals taste through their feet, have natural radar, can locate prey by sensing heat, or have eyes that contain 30,000 lenses. Half day and full day options are available. Cost dependent on selection and membership.
Ice at the Galleria
March 11 – 15
Hours vary
iceatthegalleria.com
Few things are as cool as this camp; it is on ice after all! Besides on-ice skating lessons, campers will also participate in scavenger hunts, karaoke, arts & crafts, games, and dancing. Chillsworth the Penguin will also make a few celebrity appearances. Full day {8:30 am – 5:30 pm} and half day {8:30 am – 12:30 pm or 1:15 pm – 5:30 pm} options are available. You can choose to purchase an entire week of fun or just a couple of days. Full day campers will enjoy a hot lunch from Chili’s. Cost varies by selection.
K2 Academy
March 11 – 15 & 18
Hours vary
k2academy.com
Tumble into K2 Academy for a kinetic camp experience. Days will be filled with gym time, board games, arts & crafts, outside play, music, and more. With access to 10,000 square feet of gym space and 7,000 square feet of playground, there’s definitely room to challenge their imagination. Campers can opt for a full day {9 am – 4 pm} or extended care {6:30 am – 6:30 pm}. Sign up for one day of camp or come all week! Cost dependent on the amount of sign-up days.
Texas Rock Gym
March 11 – 15
9 am – 5 pm
texasrockgym.com
Scale to new heights at Texas Rock Gym! Spring camp includes games, crafts, movies, and of course, open climbing time. All equipment {and safety lessons} are provided. Cost is $350 for the full week. Early drop-off and late pick-up options are available for additional fees.
Woodlands International Fencing Club
March 11 – 15
10 am – 3 pm
woodlandsfencingclub.com
En garde! Prepare to train with world-class coaches! WIFC welcomes competitive, youth, beginners, and musketeers to join in the skilled and challenging sport of fencing. Cost for non-members is $300 plus a $50 registration fee.
PARKS & REC
Altitude Trampoline Park – Katy
March 9 – 17
Hours vary
altitudekaty.com
Kiddos bouncing off the walls? Take them to Altitude where there are wall-to-wall trampolines engineered for maximum energy depletion. But this is no ordinary bounce-a-thon. Engage in a game of dodgeball, shoot some hoops, battle it out on the beams, balance on the trapeze, climb the rockwall, or immerse yourself in a VR experience. Check out Friday Night Friendzy from 7-10 pm or Katy Nights on Saturday from 8-11 pm. Pizza, prizes, games, and a DJ—all for $17!
Buffalo Bayou
March 9 – 17
buffalobayou.org
An outdoor adventure in the heart of the city, Buffalo Bayou offers a range of recreational pursuits for all nature devotees. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle down the bayou, glide down the 30-foot slide, and enjoy downtown views while you picnic, play Frisbee, or fly a kite. You can even climb aboard the Spirit of the Bayou pontoon boat for a bat tour, history tour, or private charter. Bring Fido along and engage of a game of fetch at Johnny Steele {off-leash} Dog Park. Don’t miss their special tours on March 13 {10 am – 12 pm} of the famous Buffalo Bayou Cistern for kiddos over age 4.
Discovery Green
FUNomenal Spring Break
March 11 – 15
9:30 am – 4 pm
discoverygreen.com
Feed your minds and bodies at Discovery Green over the break. From the daily Mad Science Show {11 am – 12 pm}, yoga, and hands-on STEM activities sponsored by girlstart, there’s plenty to do. And the best part? It’s free! Every week of brain-filled activity needs some downtime, so make sure you check out the foam parties happening throughout the day on Friday {10 am – 4 pm}.
Glowzone
March 11 – 15
4 pm – 9 pm
kt.glowzone.us
This place launches fun into another orbit. Bumper cars that spin out, a skyscraper ropes course complete with a swaying bridge, 28-foot climbing walls, mini golf, a ninja course, lazer maze, bazooka ball {which combines paint-less paintballs and laser tag}, and an arcade. All of this is done in the glowing ambiance of neon lights. {Tubular.} Buy unlimited access to attractions for $30 or add a $10 arcade credit for $5 more. There are specials nearly every day of the week including BOGO Tuesdays.
{And just so you know, there’s a special Adult Night event March 22; for when you need a back-to-school date night.}
Levy Park
March 11 – 15
10 am
levyparkhouston.org
The fun starts at 10 am and lasts all day! Choose from an action-packed line-up:: story time, children’s bingo, piano play, and Connect 4 tournaments {my personal claim to fame}. Mamas you won’t be left out! Each day closes with a different fitness activity from barre to Zumba. Plus, the Houston Museum of Natural Science makes daily appearances examining dinos, bugs, and even oceans. Not to mention the park has a drool-worthy play area.
Midtown Park
March 9 – 17
8 am – 10 pm
midtownhouston.com
Most known for encouraging hands-on exploration, Midtown Park offers everything from art walls to water playscapes. Their unique playground features a climbing sphere, sound tubes, misters, swings, and interactive pipe sections. Splash around in the water feature while attempting to catch intermittent bursts of water. There are also social game areas {bocce or washers}, gardens, a pavilion, and an off-leash dog park.
What fun actives do you have planned for spring break? Tell us about them!
Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them. And if you know of any other Spring Break Camps around town, include them in the comments to keep the list going as well!
