35 Fun Things to Do in Houston with Kids (Updated) – 2024
Houston is magnificent and has quite a distinction when it comes to having great tourist spots near, making it one of The Big Star State’s largest urban areas. It draws a significant number of tourists annually due to its proximity to NASA and the fact that it is home to one of the world’s most renowned and loved opera houses.
Downtown Houston successfully blends the old and the contemporary, but NASA’s Space Center Houston offers a “Space 101.”
To make it easier for you and to relax the decision-making process so that you can make the most of Houston with kids,
Here is a list of 35 enjoyable activities for families in Houston.
Best things to do in Houston with children
1. Children’s Museum of Houston
Learning occurs at Children’s Museum Houston – A Playground for your children’s minds! Prepare yourself for an epic adventure treasure hunt that will keep everyone safe and entertained. It’s unique, and people of all ages have a great time here.
Why visit?
On a one-way track, explore the 11 adventure zones, gather the clues, and get your reward. Everyone can afford it thanks to membership prices and free Thursday Family Nights. Tuesday through Sunday hours. Prepare your kids for a fantastic time!
2. Express Children’s Theatre and Main Street Theatre
Express and Main Street Theater are two of Houston’s greatest and most well-known theatres, noted for their entertaining and intriguing performances.
Why visit?
Attend the engaging performances!
Express Theater and Main Street play at several public locations across the city and provide a variety of residencies and workshops for children of all ages.
Many of them are even free.
3. Houston Zoo
Right here in Houston, there is one of Texas’ top zoos. Discover animal habitats, giraffe feedings, and the Naturally Wild Swap Shop (where you may bring in your looted items). It helps the kids in easing their fear and interacting with the wildlife.
Why visit?
Encounter its Keeper talks/encounters/feedings each half hour will get you in the animal mood. Everyone in the family, from the kids to the adults, will have a fantastic time at Water Play Park, Sneak Peek tours, Zoo Crew adventures, and Vet. They also provide fun programs for toddlers.
4. Space Center Houston
One of the most popular tourist sites in the United States is the Space Center Houston, an intricate part of the extensive science education program of Manned Space Flight Education Foundation Inc. The center was founded in 1992 to teach, motivate, and inspire young learners to explore science, technology, architecture, and mathematics enjoyably and engagingly. Around 800000 tourists come here annually.
Why visit?
Space Center Houston, along with the headquarters of NASA Mission Control in alliance with International Space Station Mission Control, and astronaut training, lets the visitors get involved in what goes around at the back and gives access to the realm of space. The center showcases nearly 400 temporary and regular exhibitions, relics and materials from the area, and other varied attractions relating to America’s human spaceflight program to inspire amazement and interest in science and math disciplines.
5. Houston Symphony
The world-renowned Houston Symphony performing in The Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston is nothing but a soothing treat to the ears. Grammy-Award-winning orchestra, the symphony’s seat since 1966, wooing people from all around the world.
Why visit?
The concert is one of the city’s most popular family attractions, featuring a vast catalog of classical music that captivates listeners.
Get dressed up and go to a concert! Let your kids have the night.
6. Houston Grand Opera
The Houston Grand Opera, founded in 1955 by the great Walter Herbert, is one of the country’s most acclaimed opera organizations.
Why visit?
A terrific alternative for activities to do at night in Houston, TX; in addition to the opera, attendees may enjoy pre-performance seminars or conversations with the actors. It’s perfect for when you are visiting Houston with kids. Children of age nine or above are allowed.
7. Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
Houston Museum of Natural Science gives you an extraordinary experience. While visiting HMNS, you aren’t just visiting one location. You will be traveling through exotic jungles and galaxies and witnessing true astonishing beauty. It is an exotic once-in-a-lifetime experience you do not want your kids to miss.
Why visit?
You’re time traveling back to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. You can also time travel ahead in time to the future of renewable energy. This place is the time machine kids dream of. This Houston attraction will transport you outside our walls to experience the wonder and excitement of science, with five levels of permanent halls and a regular rotation of touring special exhibitions.
8. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
At the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, you can discover nature in the heart of Houston! Explore 5 miles of accessible trails, allow your thoughts to wander on the new Nature Playscape, or educate your kids about Houston’s diverse habitats in the Discovery Room.
Why visit?
This non-profit nature sanctuary on 155 acres seeks to maintain native flora and fauna while providing environmental education opportunities for people of all ages. Join today to get first dibs on children’s program registration, savings on programs and events, free parking, and much more! The trails are open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset, and the Nature Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
9. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre is an outdoor musical theatre complex perfect for some filler entertainment with kids. Between March and November, the theatre hosts a variety of free professional amusements and fun events. The performances vary from baroque music and ballet to movie and theatre and are highly fascinating. Before concerts, guests may have a picnic on the open-air hillside or sit in a cozy covered seating area.
Why visit?
The Miller Outdoor Theatre provides a range of daytime children’s programs during the week and on weekends as part of its free annual shows. The Velveteen Rabbit and Arabian Nights, Mesoamerica of Mexico, are some of the kids’ most loved shows. It gives your kids a variety of events to have fun in.
10. Discovery green park
Discovery Green is a dynamic 12-acre park in the center of downtown Houston that offers the public a magnificent outdoor location to relax and participate in a variety of outdoor activities. It was opened in 2008 to the public by the City of Houston in alias with the Discovery Green Conservancy, a non-profit organization. Throughout the year, Discovery Green offers a range of engaging programs, workshops, and events that are free and accessible to the public.
Why visit?
Kinder Lake is located on the north side of the lake and offers kayaking and stand-up paddling classes, remote-controlled watercraft, and ice skating in the winter.
The park also has a massive playground for your kids to have a great time in Houston. They will love the space. You can enjoy live music and events at The Fondren Performance Space. The Anheuser-Busch stage offers various music shows and events for the kids to enjoy.
11. The Chocolate Bar
The Chocolate Bar is near Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and knows how to quench you. Satiate your sweet tooth in this restaurant dedicated entirely to chocolate; there is no way the kids won’t love this.
Why visit?
Enjoy delectable cakes, pastries, pies, ice cream, and the must-try ‘Trompe l’oeil’ pizza, don’t miss the traditional confectionery and swing dance on Thursdays. Toddlers enjoy these as a delicacy, and you won’t regret your time with kids here.
12. The Mad Potter
The Mad Potter is the place to go for all things pottery, i.e., when you want to ignite the creativity in the kids; this exciting studio has many fun kids’ activities that will spoil toddlers for choice!
Why visit?
Select a container, paint it, and bring it home! You get a memoir and souvenir complimentary.
Children tend to have a great time exploring art here.
The pet-friendly studio organizes summer programs and painting festivals for kids and adults.
13. The Health Museum
If your family enjoys science, you’ll appreciate the variety of interactive displays with a blend of fun activities. It’s an ideal place to take your kids to.
Why visit?
Children learn about the human body through actual and practical activities, such as organ dissections, Petri experiments, and much more.
The exhibits are constantly changing, so there is always something fresh to see and experiment with.
Children can also visit the cell lab and try easy, enjoyable projects for an additional charge.
14. The Galleria
The Galleria, Houston’s largest and most popular solution for all the people who enjoy shopping, is a close duplicate of the exquisite Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan! Perfect for some souvenirs.
Why visit?
Check out the 400+ businesses where you get many options to choose from and the comprehensive ice rink—even a great play area for kids.
Do not miss the fantastic restaurants nearby, especially do not miss The Cheesecake Factory and Chilies.
15. Hermann Park
Hermann Park, which spans roughly 450 acres in the middle of the city, is a free community park and is one of America’s finest. Perfect for when in town with kids.
Why visit?
Hermann Park offers various enjoyable activities, including a train journey along the Hermann Park Railroad. Try pedal boats on McGovern Lake. There are several pathways and a magnificent Japanese Garden the kids seem to love.
16. Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston accounts for over 64,000-plus works of art coming from six continents, representing almost 6,000 years of history.
Why visit?
To View the world-known artwork in person, this is the place to visit. Monet’s Water Lilies, Glieze’s La Femme, and Roman sculptures and paintings.
You can opt for the 45-minute tour, which is the best way to see everything. The journey is beautiful and worth your time. A great activity to do when visiting Houston with kids.
17. Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk, where “the fun never ends,” offers family-friendly activities spread over 60 acres of land.
Why visit?
Enjoy classic rides like the Ferris Wheel and Carousel, more daring rides like the Boardwalk Bullet and Tower, and a tropical forest display, and do not miss the stingray reef where you can touch and feed real stingrays.
18. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, located at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH), is well known for the museum’s portfolio of American decorative artistry and craftsmanship. The collection is preserved at Ima hogg’s house. She is the former Houston civic leader and philanthropist. It is spread on 40 acres of finely groomed grounds across the historic River Oaks district.
Why visit?
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens preserves a range of paintings and fine art. Those consist of beautiful silvers and ceramics. The Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor is an Education Center and a retail store where you can purchase souvenirs such as replicas of your favorite paintings, and other kinds of preserved stuff are also available here.
19. Moody Gardens
Moody Garden is an entertainment complex that includes a massive aquarium, a beautiful botanical garden, two cutting-edge theatres, and a multitude of playgrounds and pools; everything kids enjoy in one place.
Why visit?
Visit the 13-story Rainforest Pyramid to learn about Asia and Africa’s flora and wildlife. Take your kids to the Discovery Pyramid with its 40-plus interactive displays. You can also enjoy a private tour on a replica paddlewheel boat aging back to the 1800s.
20. Schlitterbahn Water Park
This is where to take your kids for fun. It is an aquatic dream world spread over 26 acres, just an hour’s drive from Houston. It is ideal for the whole family to have a fantastic time. Don’t forget your camera; this place will make the kids giggle throughout.
Why visit?
Schlitterbahn is one of the top attractions near Galveston; this is a terrific location to treat the whole family. There are over 33 thrilling rides and attractions like multiple high-speed slides, kid’s water playgrounds, lazy rivers, wave pools, water coasters, numerous snack bars, restaurants for you to refuel, and even an adult swim-up bar.
21. Houston area lives steamers
The Houston Area Live Steamers is the organization dedicated to living steam modeling and provides free rides on the steam engine and diesel model trains on a 4,700-foot track. This will be a new and fascinating experience for children.
Why visit?
Take a scenic trip through these rides into the Northwest Harris County park, complete with tiny bridges and windmills, on the Cypress Creek and Southern Railroad track.
You can also organize family picnics at Zube Park.
22. Old MacDonald’s Farm
Old McDonald’s is a children’s activity center with various exciting things, such as mini-train rides, petting zoos, pumpkin patches, swimming pools, and much more.
Why visit?
There are various pet cows, sheep, emus, and llamas, among other animals, for the kids to interact with.
Aside from playgrounds and pony rides, they also have slides for younger children and a volleyball area for teenagers.
23. Houston Urban Air Trampoline Park
Urban Air is one of the city’s top indoor adventure zones, setting the atmosphere for a fun-filled day for the whole family!
Why visit?
There’s something here for everyone, from rope courses, arcades, climbing walls, DropZone, and tumble track, to dodgeball!
There is also a separate section for children under the age of seven which is perfect for toddlers.
24. Buffalo Bayou
Buffalo Bayou Park is an excellent place to get fresh air and exercise with its numerous bicycling and walking routes.
Why visit?
You can enjoy the play area, showcased artwork, and live events on the 124-acre property, as well as the beautiful views of the skyline.
It is pet-friendly and has a great interactive environment for kids here.
25. SplashTown
SplashTown has many water attractions, including gigantic slides, wading pools, and tubes to keep your kids cool on a hot day.
The best aspect is that every other ride or swimming pool is ideal for different age groups, and everybody in your family can have fun on a hot day.
Why visit?
Try The Tornado’s 75-foot plunge into a massive pool of spinning water. Visit the 5-story Texas Freefall for a significant adrenaline boost!
There are also several family rides to choose from, such as a lazy river and many kid-friendly cafés, making it an excellent place for your children to visit.
26. Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park is where the Houston Astros baseball franchise arises from. It is located near Union Station in downtown Houston. Visitors may explore the historic stadium via guided tours, which are available every day.
Why visit?
A historic train travels on railroad tracks outside the famous stadium. Some guided tours go to the historic Union Station. Here, tourists can learn about the history of railways, broadcast booths, and press boxes.
Some excursions include a stop at a luxurious suite that boasts some of the most spectacular views of the house. Visitors can also take a field tour to see dugouts, bullpen, and manual scoreboards.
27. Cockrell Butterfly Center
Cockrell butterfly center is located near The Houston Museum of Natural Science. It is a glass-enclosed butterfly habitat with a model rainforest and varieties of colorful butterflies that will amaze your children beyond imagination while educating them, and it is a beautiful sight.
Apart from butterflies, they have several other insects here, and you’ll be astonished to know what all these little creepy crawly creatures have to teach.
The large dome contains insects and several plants from which you and your teenagers may learn (you might even know how to differentiate poison ivy from a typical vine.)
Why visit?
You begin the trip by sitting down and watching a short, instructive five-minute movie before proceeding to explore on your own.
You may visit the Rainforest Conservatory, a mini-rain forest filled with various flora and a 50-foot waterfall worth photographing. Don’t forget the Brown Hall of Entomology. Many insects and butterflies are kept here. A wealth of information about these insects’ habitats, like what they were like as infants and more, is stored here.
Finally, go to the Pollinator Garden to learn how butterflies and bees engage with flowers.
28. Toyota Center
This modern architecture stadium is a bright, lively, festive venue to cheer on your favorite teams. Here you spend quality time with your family. What youngster wouldn’t be delighted with all the lights, cheering, commotion, and food?
Houston rockets are also preserved here, along with an NBA basketball franchise. If you’re lucky, many celebrities come to watch games between world-famous teams.
They also conduct concerts here so that you could run across your favorite artist or boy band. You won’t have to miss a single event if you check their website for timetables.
Why visit?
Grab your favorite snack and beverage and cheer for your favorite team, the experience of watching it live is definitely unique. You can meet your favorite basketball players post the game.
When it comes to concerts, aim to acquire front-row seats to view your favorite musician or star up close. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos or movies to save your experiences and take back memoirs for your kids.
29. Rodeo Houston
This is a ride and carnival where your family might spend the entire day with excitement from various animals, rides, and rodeos. To put it mildly, it’s both fun and instructive.
Why visit?
Rodeo Houston, on the other hand, is not just any rodeo. It’s also the world’s largest livestock exhibition and the place to look for when you want an extraordinary breed of horses.
Take your kids to the petting zoo, eat something, laugh at the carnival, then watch the rodeo with a pizza box.
30. The Hobby Center
What exactly is it? A non-profit organization that exhibits Houston’s top performing arts scene and some of the most significant touring Broadway successes.
Why visit?
Who can resist a theatrical rendition of Frozen or Wicked? This large facility has two theatres or cinemas, so if your family doesn’t enjoy Anna and Elsa, you will get other options at the exact location (and see different shows). Or how about a middle ground? Mean Girls should suffice.
31. Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is a beautiful six-acre entertainment and eating facility comprised of two restored most prominent downtown Houston buildings. Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. With more than 200 species of aquatic life preserved, it features a 500,000-gallon aquarium which is enormous and feels surreal.
Why visit?
At sight, there is a fine dining restaurant and elegant bar. In the complex, there is also a fully furnished ballroom for special events, several souvenir shops, and a variety of other attractions, in addition to a splendid array of aquatic and ethnic exhibits and displays about the marine environment.
32. Brazos Bookstore
What exactly is it? Near Rice Village, Houston’s best locally owned bookshop features a fantastic children’s section.
Why visit?
Book enthusiasts of all ages should visit Brazos Bookstore, a well-known literary tradition center in Houston. Brazos is well known for its various kids-friendly activities, which are peculiarly designed to give children a lifetime of memories. Apart from the fantastic collection of books, they also have recitals, book signings, and themed terrific parties!
33. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
What exactly is it? This renowned amusement park perched on Galveston’s historic pier is just a short drive from Houston and offers a range of rides and exciting activities.
Why visit?
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, built in the late 1940s, was a popular family holiday resort until Hurricane Carla hit in 1961. Fortunately, the park has been restored, and it is now a big pier with 16 amusement rides, a wealth of exciting games, and live entertainment – all right on the picturesque coastline. A day at Pleasure Pier is perfect for family entertainment.
34. McGovern Centennial Gardens
The McGovern Centennial Gardens, near Hermann Park, is known for its stunning array of groomed gardens and vast lands open to the public. The Hermann Park Conservancy, founded in 1992 to repair and preserve Houston’s gardens, manages the collection, including a superbly kept rose garden, an arid dryland garden, a lush forest garden, and a newly introduced interactive family garden.
Why visit?
The McGovern Centennial Gardens is one of Houston’s finest garden attractions. One of the gardens’ key attractions is stunning 30-foot-high garden mounts with a spiral to its pinnacle and beautiful vistas. The Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion is similarly attractive and offers a relaxing seating area.
35. Caracol
Caracol is a relaxed, friendly restaurant run by brothers Hugo and Ruben Ortega that specializes in authentic, regional, and historic Mexican food. Everything is prepared with the finest ingredients brought from across the world. The restaurant and its food are designed to take you on a gourmet tour along the Mexican coast.
Why visit?
Taste some of the most sumptuous seafood delicacies in the country, such as ‘Tostadas de Pez Vela Ahumado’ (smoked swordfish tostadas) and ‘Langosta Puerto Nuevo’ (fire roasted lobster served with ropa beans).
A full-service bar offers a diverse assortment of creative cocktails, wine flights, cervezas, and tequila. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and supper and provides a range of vegetarian alternatives for those with special dietary needs.
How to spend an ideal day with kids in Houston
Apart from these, there are also some underrated attractions you can go on without much prior planning.
Houston has a number of pet farms you can visit. Show your kids how cattle are raised. Take some extra food with you and feed the horses there.
You can also drive to the outskirts of the city and catch a fantastic stargaze.
There are a number of underground tunnels in Houston which are open to the public. Witness the history with kids while letting them run wild.
Rest at your favorite park and watch the bats flying at dusk while soaking in the sunset.
Take your bike, ride around this town’s scenic beauty, and witness some fantastic roadside attractions and murals.
Conclusion
Houston will never disappoint you in any aspect. A vacation here guarantees laughter, memoirs, experiences, and great memories.
You will enjoy seeing the kids being the absolute charm of god that they are, while you will thoroughly enjoy your time here.
This world is beautiful, but so much more is left to explore. Keep up that spirit and enjoy these fun things to do in Houston with kids.
Try everything from the exquisite food to the thrilling rides. Leave no stone untouched. Take back a part of this beautiful city home with you.
