Newsletter · Monday, October 26, 2026
Welcome to the very first Littles List! Every Monday, we'll send our favorite things to do with babies through elementary schoolers in Spring Branch and Memorial over the next two weeks, so you have time to plan.
It's Halloween week, so costumes are the theme. If you only do one thing, make it CityCentre's free trick-or-treat on Friday evening (bring your own bucket). If a costume meltdown is in your future, our new article on tantrums is for you, and if you're flying or driving for Thanksgiving, we've got you covered too.
A new family-friendly hangout built around a one-acre lawn is coming to 1085 Gessner, with a children's play area in the plans. Michelin-recognized Pizzana is among the restaurants opening there this fall.
Thu, Oct 29 · 5 pm–7 pm · Spring Branch Memorial Library
Preschool, Elementary · Free
A costume-friendly Halloween party at the library for ages 4–8.
Fri, Oct 30 · 5 pm–8 pm · CityCentre
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary · Free
Kids trick-or-treat at CityCentre shops and restaurants marked with balloons. Rain or shine; bring your own bucket.
Sat, Nov 7 · 2 pm–4 pm · Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Babies, Toddlers, Preschool, Elementary · Free
A free family scavenger hunt on the trails about fall leaves, any time between 2 and 4 pm. Turn in your sheet at the Nature Center for a prize.
Mondays, Nov 2–16 · 9:30 am–10:15 am · Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Toddlers, Preschool · $7 per child (members free)
A guided nature walk for ages 18 months to 4 years with a grown-up: bugs, leaves, pond critters and lots of stopping to look.
Mondays · 10:30 am · Spring Branch Memorial Library
Preschool · Free
Stories, songs, rhymes and a themed craft for ages 3–6.
Selected Mondays, September–May · 10:30 am–11:30 am · Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
Preschool · About $10–12 per child
A nature story and craft in the sanctuary's log cabin for ages 3–5 with an adult. Siblings with a supervising adult come free.
Wednesdays · 10:15 am · Spring Branch Memorial Library
Babies, Toddlers · Free
Bouncy songs, rhymes and playtime for crawlers and babies taking their first steps. Two sessions, 10:15 and 11:15.
Wednesdays · 10:30 am–11:30 am · Ring Neighborhood Library
Toddlers · Free
Books, songs and movement for ages 18–36 months with a caregiver.
Thursdays · 10:15 am · Spring Branch Memorial Library
Toddlers · Free
Interactive storytime for new walkers and their grown-ups: stories, songs and finger plays. Two sessions, 10:15 and 11:15. Some weeks it's outside in the Reading Garden.
Spring Branch · $$ · Play area, Patio
Kids eat free on Wednesdays, 5 pm–8 pm. Barbecue with a big patio and a small enclosed play space with a climbing gym tucked beside it. You order at the counter, so no waiting in line with wiggly kids.
Memorial · $$ · Play area, Patio
Free kids' meal on Mondays and Tuesdays. American comfort food with a spacious patio, a play area for kids and live music some nights.
Spring Branch · $$ · Play area, Patio
A shady, laid-back beer garden with a playground, so kids can climb while grown-ups relax.
4-minute article
Almost every toddler melts down, and most tantrums are over in five minutes. What the research says is really going on, and what actually helps (for them and for you).
3-minute article
Car or plane, the holidays bring the busiest travel days of the year. What the numbers say about when to go, and the small things that make the trip easier on everyone.
Nov 23 – Nov 27 · No school
No school all week. Plan library visits and park days early, since popular spots fill up.
