Spring Break Roundup

Ready for Spring Break 2023? It’s a great time to enjoy Houston’s beautiful outdoor offerings – plus, it’s rodeo season! There’s something for everyone this week. Read on to see family-friendly activities in Houston this Spring Break.  

RodeoHouston 
Mosey on down to NRG Park to marvel at the most Texan form of entertainment there is. RodeoHouston, which continues through this Sunday, includes classic events like bull riding, barrel racing, and tons more. Looking forward to the adorable Mutton Bustin’? Read our story about some un-baaa-lievably talented cowboys and cowgirls. And when the rodeo draws to a close, you’ve got your choice of entertainment at their live concerts. You can catch Cody Jinks at the Rodeo this Monday, Machine Gun Kelly on Tuesday, Kenny Chesney on Wednesday, Chris Stapleton on Thursday, Cody Johnson on Friday, Brad Paisley on Saturday, and the last performance from Luke Bryan on Sunday. Weekday rodeos start at 6:45 p.m., and weekend rodeos start at 3:45 p.m. Get tickets here. 

Celebrate Pi Day with the 13th Annual Shaving Cream Pi(e)Fight at Children's Museum Houston. (Photo courtesy of Children's Museum Houston)

Destination Celebration: Spring Break at Children’s Museum Houston 
This Spring Break, there’s a new adventure every day for the kiddos at the Children’s Museum with the Destination Celebration Spring Break Bash. Activities will include bungee trampolines and hamster balls all week, plus a special set of interactive shows and hands-on activities each day. Each day features something different, including a “Snow Day,” wild encounters with reptiles, a spider-verse day, Cirque La Vie, and a glow-in-the dark expert hula hooper! Tickets are $15 each for adults and children, and the Museum is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 
Don’t forget to celebrate Pi Day on 3/14 (Tuesday)! If you’re feeling brave, head on down to the Children’s Museum for their annual Pi Day Shaving Cream Pi(e) Fight.

Opening Weekend: Miller Outdoor’s 100th Anniversary Season
Friday, March 17 is opening night for Miller Outdoor Theatre this season – an extra special one, as they are marking their 100th year. On Friday, the Trinity Irish Dance Company performs, starting at 8 p.m. On Saturday, celebrate Miller’s 100th anniversary “Roaring 20s Style” at 6 p.m. Step out in your best 20s attire and mingle with vaudeville performers, photo installations, live mural painting, swing dance lessons and more, followed by a special performance from jazz band The Hot Sardines at 8. All performances at Miller Outdoor are free.

Rainbow on the Rink, a LGBTQ celebration at The Rink at Discovery Green, takes place Fri., Feb. 17, 7-10 p.m. and includes live music, drag performances, and a rollerskating dance party. (Photo: Kristen Gilliam Photography)

The Rink at Discovery Green
Take advantage of your last chance to visit Discovery Green’s outdoor roller rink, which closes on Friday. The rink is open Monday-Friday 5-10 p.m. This week’s theme nights include Time Warp Tuesday and FUNomenal Friday, featuring live  DJs. Tickets are $12 per person plus tax, and include skate rental.

Kids can have an out-of-this-world time at Space Center Houston's Moon 2 Mars Festival this week. (Courtesy of Space Center Houston)

Space Center Houston Moon 2 Mars Festival
The 2023 Moon 2 Mars Festival celebrates NASA’s Artemis program that will land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon. During the festival, which takes place at Space Center Houston March 11-19, guests can enjoy live entertainment, see cutting-edge space technology, meet astronauts, and loads of other fun. Live performances kick off on Thursday, March 16. Alternative rock band Sister Hazel takes the stage on Friday, followed by Rick Springfield on Saturday. Austin-based Selena tribute band, Bidi Bidi Banda caps off the weekend on Sunday. Then, on Monday, Space Center Houston will bring together leaders and experts in the space industry for a day of keynote presentations and expert talks. Tickets for the Moon 2 Mars Festival can be purchased for a specific day/time. General admission starts at $30 for adults and $25 for children.

Colors in Bloom at Color Factory 
Spring has sprung at Color Factory with the Colors in Bloom confetti room. The interactive art museum’s new installation has larger-than-life bluebonnets that pay homage to Texas’ state flower, a new ice cream flavor (Vanilla Rose), and an add-on experience of decorating a planter complete with wildflower seeds to plant. Tickets for Color Factory start at $36.49 for adults and $28 for children ages 3-12.

Some visitors taking a selfie with the elephants at the Houston Zoo. (Courtesy of the Houston Zoo)

Spring Break at the Houston Zoo
From March 11-19, the Zoo is extending its hours, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., with last entry at 5:00 p.m. Guests can meet the Zoo’s new cougar cubs, Shasta VII and Louie, adapt to their new home across from the black bear exhibit, or stop by South America’s Pantanal to say hello to the newest pair of giant river otters, Ken and Merume. Guests can enhance their visit by taking a ride on the Wildlife Carousel or feeding a Masai giraffe a leafy treat. Tickets for non-members start at $23 for adults and $18 for kids.

Spring Break at Levy Park
Levy Park has family friendly activities all day this week! This Monday through Friday, daily events will include: family storytime & crafts at 10 a.m., followed by Houston Museum of Natural Science hands-on activities at 11 a.m. In the afternoon, activities continue with the Houston Grand Opera Storybook Opera at 2 p.m., “Japan Junction” daily origami at 3:30, and children’s bingo at 4:30. 

Memorial Park 
If you haven’t seen the new additions to Memorial Park, both opened this February, this is a great time to check them out. The recently completed Kinder Land Bridge links the north and south sections of the park (previously split by Memorial Drive) and adjoins the new Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie. On Saturday morning, GirlTrek Houston is hosting a nature walk in Memorial Park. GirlTrek is the largest public health movement for Black women and girls in the U.S. The group will meet at Cullen Trails Center at 8:30 a.m. to begin their nature hike & walk on the Cyvia and Melvynn Wolff Prairie, Purple nature trail and Kinder Family Land Bridge in Memorial Park (roughly 3.3 miles). This is a free event, but space is limited. 

Spring Break at Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend has child-friendly activities in the gardens, in the historic house, and at the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor Center. Admission is free for ages 18 and younger, and $10 for adults. Each day will have a special highlight, including: a professional harpist, Houston Zoo’s “Texas Wetlands and Wildlife,” Texas Snakes “Reptile Encounter,” life-size puppet, and a petting zoo. Plus, all week you can make nature rubbings, play historical outdoor games like quoits, graces, jump rope, and shuttlecock, visit the House, visit the Gardens, and take Art Walks.

Spring Break Art-Making at MFAH  
This Spring Break, you can explore the art on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and experiment with new materials, tools, and processes to create your own works of art. Gallery activities, coloring sheets, colored pencils, and knowledgeable educators will help families spark discovery and exploration about art. Drop in between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to participate. Meet in the Arrivals Hall on the lower level of the Kinder Building. This event is included with general admission, which is $19 for adults, free for ages 12 and under, and $12 for ages 13-18.

Reopening of the Cockrell Butterfly Center
See what’s been growing behind the chrysalis at the reopening of the Cockrell Butterfly Center at HMNS! Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

Houston Botanic Garden and Steve Tobin’s Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks  
Steve Tobin’s Intertwined: Exploring Nature’s Networks features 20 monumental sculptures by Steve Tobin, world-renowned for his works in glass, bronze, ceramic, and steel. In Houston, his art will elegantly spiral as much as 30 feet above the natural beauty of the Houston Botanic Garden, the Bayou City’s living museum for plants. The exhibit is included in general admission to the Garden, which ranges from $8-10 for children and $12.50-15 for adults.

Evelyn’s Park
Evelyn’s Park has tons of activities this week. Some of the highlights include: Zumba, Bubbles and Board Games, Art in the Park, and live music on Thursday and Friday. 

The Rockets play home games on Saturday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Ticket prices range but start as low as $16.

University of Houston Cougars Men’s Basketball are playing in the NCAA tournament first round on Thursday, with potential subsequent games in the following days if they win. 

Houston Dynamo plays the Austin FC on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Shell Energy Stadium. Tickets start at $24.

Editor’s note: If you’re up for a day trip, try one of these kid-friendly spots recommended in this month’s Buzz Baby from Annie McQueen. Feeling more of a beach day? Check out this “Galveston Primer” from Andria Frankfort.