It’s officially Fall Break week for several Houston-area school districts, and parents are on the lookout for ways to keep kids busy while school’s out. There are plenty of free and low-cost activities happening across Houston this week.
Houston Public Library Fall Break events
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The Houston Public Library is offering a full lineup of free, family-friendly events this week at locations all across the city. Families can drop in for storytime and songs for little ones, hands-on STEM workshops, or creative activities like Lego Club and craft sessions. The library also hosts English language classes and community programs for adults, making it a great option for all ages. Check the Houston Public Library website for the full schedule and nearby branch listings.
Through the Museums for All program, families receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can enjoy free or reduced admission to several museums around Houston. Participating locations include the Children’s Museum Houston, The Health Museum, Galveston Children’s Museum, and more, making it easy for all families to explore art, science, and hands-on learning experiences.
Fort Bend County Library events
Fort Bend County libraries are offering a variety of free programs this Fall Break week for children, teens, and adults. Families can enjoy board games and jigsaw puzzles, storytimes for infants and preschoolers, and special programs like fire safety visits from Sugar Land firefighters or Wild Bird Adventures with live hawks and owls. Teens can join activities such as anime club, Dungeons and Dragons, and financial literacy workshops. Evening programs include pajama storytimes, creative arts and crafts, and seasonal fun like Scary Stories & S’mores.
Always free museums in Houston
Several Houston museums are always free, making them perfect for Fall Break visits. Families can explore the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, ideal for modern art and photography lovers, or the Menil Collection and nearby Rothko Chapel for a quiet stroll through Menil Park. Other options include the Houston Museum of African American Culture Thursday through Saturday, Lawndale Art Center, Project Row Houses, and the Czech Center Museum Houston.
Free museum days in Houston
Take advantage of Houston’s free museum days this Fall Break, perfect for affordable family fun. On Tuesdays, visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays bring even more free options, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum Houston, The Health Museum, Asia Society Texas, Holocaust Museum Houston, and Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.
Houston pumpkin patches
Autumn is here and Houston’s pumpkin patches are ready for families. Many offer pumpkins, hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin decorating, photo stations, and seasonal treats.
The Children’s Museum Houston is packed with fun activities this Fall Break week. Highlights include Halloween at the BOO!seum with safe trick-or-treating, the Rube Goldberg Ribbon Cutting Ceremony featuring a life-sized invention machine, and BASF Kids’ Labs chemistry workshops. Younger kids can enjoy Mr. Leo’s Puppet Show and the Sensory Friendly Day for children with sensory processing differences.
The Houston Fire Museum is now open, and the Junior Firefighter Station welcomes families Tuesday through Saturday. Kids can meet Ignacio, the life-size Lego firefighter, play a fire drill game, suit up in bunker gear, slide down the fire pole, and learn fire safety from a virtual firefighter. This interactive experience is especially fun for preschool and elementary-aged children.
The Little Gym Thursdays: Balancing Boos
If your kids need to burn off some energy this Fall Break, head to Sugar Land Town Square for Balancing Boos with The Little Gym. This free class combines movement, stretching, and fun seasonal activities to help little ones build strength and coordination. It runs Thursday, October 16, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with free parking available nearby.
Music on the Square: The Slags
Head to Sugar Land Town Square on Friday, October 17, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for a high-energy night of live music featuring The Slags. Sponsored by Houston Methodist Sugar Land, this Houston-based cover band is known for their wide-ranging setlist—mixing classic favorites with today’s hits. The show is free and open to the public