1. Radio ONE Houston’s Happy House 2025

• On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Radio ONE Houston hosts “Halloween Happy House” — a free, safe trick-or-treat party for little ones. 

• Admission is free for that event (but note: general admission to the museum may apply outside special events). 

• Great for: Families with young children, looking for a contained indoor space with Halloween fun.

2. Discovery Green — Scream on the Green

• This is an annual outdoor Halloween celebration featuring a costume contest, games, music, and a movie screening at dusk. 

• It’s free admission.

• Date: For 2025 it’s listed as Saturday, October 25. 

• Great for: A fun evening outing, combining costumes + outdoor cinema + family atmosphere downtown.

3. Kemah Boardwalk — Boo on the Boardwalk

• A weekend-long Halloween event (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in October) with crafts, trick-or-treating, costume contests, live performances. 

• Described as free family events. 

• Note: Some activities (rides, food) might cost, so “free” covers access/trick-or-treating + entertainment.

• Great for: Families willing to make a short drive to the coast, mixing boardwalk amusement + Halloween fun.

4. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center — ArBOOretum

• The Arboretum’s fall event includes live animals, pumpkin decorating, and a trick-or-treat nature trail for kids of all ages. 

• This is a free event (or at least included in free access) and is very family-oriented. 

• Suggested date: Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Check the park’s website for confirmation.) 

• Great for: Younger children, nature lovers, costumes + outdoor fun in a safe, walkable setting.

5. Houston Kids Out & About Fall Festival (Community Event)

• This community-festival style event includes hayrides, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, trunk or treating, and is free for families/community members. Kids Out and About Houston+1

• Exact date/time/location may vary; check local listings from Kids Out & About.

• Great for: A full afternoon of fall/Halloween activities, good for a mix of ages and lots of variety.

6. Hocus Pocus Pops at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Friday, ~Oct 24, 2025. Free plaza activities, trick-or-treat, costumes.

7. Zoo Boo at Houston Zoo

• This event runs daily through Oct. 31 with extended hours on select nights. 

• Admission starts at around $26.95 (for non-members) and there’s a “Fall Fun Pass” at ~$34.90 that includes unlimited carousel rides. 

• Why it’s good for families: It has plenty of Halloween atmosphere (pumpkins, decorations, costumes allowed), but remains at a level appropriate for kids—not just scary thrills.

8. Pumpkins After Dark at Big Rivers Water Park

• This immersive Halloween-themed event features over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, spooky installations, roaming performers, and fall treats. 

• Location: 23101 Texas 242, New Caney, TX.

• Why it stands out: It’s an event built for spectacle and family photo-ops—less of the haunted house fright, more of the festive seasonal fun that appeals to all ages.

9. Día de los Muertos Family Movie Night at Trebly Park

• Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 6–9 pm. 

• Movie: Free screening of Coco. 

• Location: 1515 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77002. 

• Why it’s good: Free, family-friendly holiday movie tie-in (Day of the Dead/Halloween crossover), ideal for all ages.

10. Dewberry Farm (Brookshire)

Located about 45 minutes west of central Houston on I-10, Dewberry Farm offers a large fall experience including a “Texas-sized pumpkin patch”. They feature over 40 rides and attractions, and an 8-acre corn maze.

Good for families who want more than just a patch — there are rides, animals, food, and full-day fun.

Tip: Check hours and ticket pricing in advance, as admission covers many activities.