Welcome to Spring Break, when you have absolutely got to find something for your kids to do so they don’t destroy your house and eat all your snack cakes. Luckily, there’s a lot going on this year.
10. St. Patrick’s Day at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck
2425 Norfolk
Wait, take your kids to the BAR? I’m dead serious. The Mucky Duck’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are an absolute blast, and extremely family-friendly. Starting at 11 a.m. the party takes on a festival atmosphere with traditional Irish music and dance on two stages, plus food like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips. And yes, you can drink if you like. I recommend families show up as early as possible so you can get your fill before things get rowdier in the evening.
9. Art Classes at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
5601 Main
The MFAH is running a series of classes aimed at teaching kids different media forms all throughout Spring Break, everything from watercolor to fiber arts. Having dropped in on some of their kid classes before, I highly recommend them. The staff is always lovely and attentive, and kids will have a chance to create in the ultimate artistic atmosphere. Plus, they’re free with general admission to the museum; kids 12 and under are always admitted free anyway, so it’s one of the more affordable options.
8. Xtreme Spring Break Houston at the Children’s Museum
1500 Binz
The Children’s Museum is going all out for Spring Break this year: Ninja warrior courses, human hamster balls, a chance to fly drones, and an after-hours dance party are just the tip of the iceberg. On Pi Day (March 14) there will be shaving cream pie fights, and on March 11 a liquid nitrogen science demonstration. Every day brings a new lineup of jugglers, break dances, jump-rope artists, and more. I guarantee you’ll definitely fins something to do there.
7. Feed the Horses at the Mounted Patrol Barn
5005 Little York
The zoo tends to get crazy-crowded over Spring Break, but that doesn’t mean you can’t see some animals. Visitors are allowed to feed and interact with the horses of the Houston Mounted Police. There’s no charge, and you can bring apples, carrots or peppermint candy to give the our equine friends. Unscheduled visits run only from noon-2 p.m., so call for an appointment if attending outside that window.
6. Visit Surfside Beach
It’s a bit more of a drive than Galveston, but if your kids are begging for the beach, Surfside is way nicer and usually less crowded. Beach rentals are very affordable, though if your kids get twitchy without a wi-fi connection you may find Internet hard to come by. Check out Surfside Jetty Shack for lunch!
5. Feed Alligators In Beaumont
21159 FM 365
Another great destination within easy driving distance is Gator Country out in Beaumont. The park contains the largest captured nuisance alligator on record, Big Tex, who is nearly 14 feet long, as well as numerous other reptiles for families to marvel at. Plus, you can actually feed the gators for just $2.50 a bag. The park also offers boat tours of Taylor Bayou, but those can get pretty pricey.
4. Science and Dancing at Discovery Green
1500 McKinney
Girlstart will host science workshops every day during Spring Break at Discovery Green. Kids will get a chance to build balloon boats, gliders, fake snow, and musical instruments. DJs Frenchi and Mohawk Steve will also be spinning. For an extra fun time, book a room at the new Marriot Marquis Houston nearby and experience their Texas-shaped lazy river.
3. Circus Performance at Memorial City Mall
303 Memorial City Way
The new Square venue at Memorial City Mall is hosting free events during Spring Break, but the one you want to attend is Cirque La Vie’s exhibition 7 p.m. tonight (Monday). The rest of the week offers screenings of children’s movies like Moana, with free popcorn. There will also be a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, if you prefer the mall to the Mucky Duck.
2. Nature Classes at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center
20634 Kenswick
It’s a drive out to Humble, but the Spring Breakout program at Jesse H. Jones is a fantastic program that teaches kids all sorts of interesting nature facts. There are fishing classes, beginner canoe training, and you get to build a bird feeder. The classes are free, but advance reservations are required as space is limited.
1. Plays at Main Street Theater
3400 Main
Main Street Theater is showing children’s matinees of two shows over Spring Break. March 13 and 14 offer How I Became a Pirate, while the rest of the week will be Ramona Quimby. MST’s children’s productions are always top-notch, and a wonderful way to introduce kids to live theater at very affordable prices. Recommended for kindergarten-aged children and up.
This article appears in Mar 9-15, 2017.
