Best of 19 Kid-Friendly day trips in Houston
"Explore kid-friendly day trips in Houston and create memorable experiences with your family! From the Houston Zoo to the Children's Museum, there are numerous destinations tailored for young minds. These trips provide educational and recreational activities suitable for all ages. Plan your next Houston adventure with your little ones today!"
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- 1. Children's Museum Houston
- 2. Downtown Aquarium
- 3. Water Wall
- 4. Houston Museum of Natural Science
- 5. Discovery Green
- 6. Market Square Park
- 7. Sam Houston Park
- 8. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- 9. Hermann Park
- 10. Smither Park
- 11. Hermann Park Railroad
- 12. Color Factory Houston
- 13. Eleanor Tinsley Park
- 14. Waugh Drive Bat Colony
- 15. McGovern Centennial Gardens
- 16. Levy Park
- 17. Buffalo Bayou Park
- 18. The Health Museum
- 19. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
1. Children's Museum Houston
Only children's museum in Houston
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Children's Museum Houston is an ideal spot for a day trip with kids. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities were a hit with my children. We spent numerous hours there, exploring and learning. The museum's engaging and educational displays make it a perfect place for kids to expand their knowledge while having fun.
My kids particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities that allowed them to learn through experience. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits that cater to different age groups and interests. At Children's Museum Houston, children can learn about science, nature, and culture in an interactive and enjoyable way. The museum's focus on learning through play helps make learning fun for kids, and they can apply what they learn in a practical context. Overall, it's a great place for kids to expand their knowledge and develop a love for learning.
Children's Museum Houston is an ideal spot for a day trip with kids. The interactive exhibits and hands-on activities were a hit with my children. We spent numerous hours there, exploring and learning. The museum's engaging and educational displays make it a perfect place for kids to expand their knowledge while having fun.
My kids particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities that allowed them to learn through experience. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits that cater to different age groups and interests. At Children's Museum Houston, children can learn about science, nature, and culture in an interactive and enjoyable way. The museum's focus on learning through play helps make learning fun for kids, and they can apply what they learn in a practical context. Overall, it's a great place for kids to expand their knowledge and develop a love for learning.
2. Downtown Aquarium
400,000 gallon aquarium
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A visit to the Downton Aquarium is a perfect outing that offers access to various exhibits, interactive displays, and even rides. The cost of admission depends on age and the type of ticket chosen, with children under two enjoying free entry.
A visit to the Downton Aquarium is a perfect outing that offers access to various exhibits, interactive displays, and even rides. The cost of admission depends on age and the type of ticket chosen, with children under two enjoying free entry.
3. Water Wall
Iconic Houston landmark and popular filming location
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The Water Wall is a wonderful destination for a family outing, particularly for those with children. Its attractive and calming atmosphere, along with the open space, makes it an ideal location for children to run and play freely.
The Water Wall is a great spot for a family day trip, especially for those with kids. The park's open area allows children to run around and play, and they can enjoy the refreshing mist from the waterfall. It is a perfect place for a family picnic, making it an ideal destination for a memorable and fun-filled day.
The Water Wall is a wonderful destination for a family outing, particularly for those with children. Its attractive and calming atmosphere, along with the open space, makes it an ideal location for children to run and play freely.
The Water Wall is a great spot for a family day trip, especially for those with kids. The park's open area allows children to run around and play, and they can enjoy the refreshing mist from the waterfall. It is a perfect place for a family picnic, making it an ideal destination for a memorable and fun-filled day.
4. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Famous Foucault pendulum
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The Houston Museum of Natural Science is an excellent destination for families, particularly those with young children. One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive exhibits, including the dinosaur artifacts and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. The latter is a popular exhibit where children can explore a simulated rainforest environment filled with live butterflies.
In total, the museum boasts 16 permanent exhibits and often features traveling exhibits as well. These exhibits offer visitors plenty of opportunities to learn and explore. The butterfly center is just one of the many educational and engaging exhibits available at the museum, making it a great destination for families looking to combine fun and learning.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is an excellent destination for families, particularly those with young children. One of the highlights of the museum is the interactive exhibits, including the dinosaur artifacts and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. The latter is a popular exhibit where children can explore a simulated rainforest environment filled with live butterflies.
In total, the museum boasts 16 permanent exhibits and often features traveling exhibits as well. These exhibits offer visitors plenty of opportunities to learn and explore. The butterfly center is just one of the many educational and engaging exhibits available at the museum, making it a great destination for families looking to combine fun and learning.
5. Discovery Green
Free admission, family-friendly
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Discovery Green is a 12-acre park with a variety of amenities and features, including a playground, expansive green lawns, a splash pad, and a restaurant. The park offers a wide range of free, family-friendly programming that takes place on a nearly daily basis. One visitor to the park enjoys taking advantage of the story time events, during which their child is fully engaged. Afterward, they typically spend time at the playground and splash pad.
This individual appreciates the opportunity to participate in free events at Discovery Green and enjoys the park's other features, such as the playground and splash pad. The park's programming is both engaging and family-friendly, providing opportunities for children to learn and have fun. The park's amenities, such as the playground and splash pad, offer physical activity and a chance to cool off on hot days. Overall, Discovery Green is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers something for everyone.
Discovery Green is a 12-acre park with a variety of amenities and features, including a playground, expansive green lawns, a splash pad, and a restaurant. The park offers a wide range of free, family-friendly programming that takes place on a nearly daily basis. One visitor to the park enjoys taking advantage of the story time events, during which their child is fully engaged. Afterward, they typically spend time at the playground and splash pad.
This individual appreciates the opportunity to participate in free events at Discovery Green and enjoys the park's other features, such as the playground and splash pad. The park's programming is both engaging and family-friendly, providing opportunities for children to learn and have fun. The park's amenities, such as the playground and splash pad, offer physical activity and a chance to cool off on hot days. Overall, Discovery Green is a vibrant and dynamic destination that offers something for everyone.
6. Market Square Park
Houston's Original Town Center
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Market Square Park, located in downtown Houston, is a popular urban park that offers a variety of amenities for visitors. The park is known for its fountains, gardens, and artwork, as well as a Niko Nikos cafe. The park also features shaded seating, trees for climbing, and expanses of grass for running and playing. There are two fenced dog areas, making it a popular spot for dog owners as well.
The park is situated on the site of the city's original founding and is a hub of activity for picnickers, cyclists, and those seeking a quiet respite in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. Compared to Discovery Green, Market Square Park offers a calmer atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families and those looking to relax. With its combination of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Market Square Park is a must-visit destination in downtown Houston.
Market Square Park, located in downtown Houston, is a popular urban park that offers a variety of amenities for visitors. The park is known for its fountains, gardens, and artwork, as well as a Niko Nikos cafe. The park also features shaded seating, trees for climbing, and expanses of grass for running and playing. There are two fenced dog areas, making it a popular spot for dog owners as well.
The park is situated on the site of the city's original founding and is a hub of activity for picnickers, cyclists, and those seeking a quiet respite in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. Compared to Discovery Green, Market Square Park offers a calmer atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families and those looking to relax. With its combination of history, natural beauty, and modern amenities, Market Square Park is a must-visit destination in downtown Houston.
7. Sam Houston Park
Oldest park in Houston, Texas
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Children can visit the Duncan Store, where they can play with toys from the 19th century, tour the Old Place pioneer cabin from 1823, or see the Baker Family Playhouse, a children's playhouse from the 1890s. The Duncan Store and surrounding attractions provide a great kid-friendly day trip option.
Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston is a historic gem that is perfect for families with children. The park features picnic-ready lawns, ponds, and charming trails for families to explore together. Additionally, children will find the historic buildings within the park fascinating, making it an ideal location for a family outing.
Children can visit the Duncan Store, where they can play with toys from the 19th century, tour the Old Place pioneer cabin from 1823, or see the Baker Family Playhouse, a children's playhouse from the 1890s. The Duncan Store and surrounding attractions provide a great kid-friendly day trip option.
Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston is a historic gem that is perfect for families with children. The park features picnic-ready lawns, ponds, and charming trails for families to explore together. Additionally, children will find the historic buildings within the park fascinating, making it an ideal location for a family outing.
8. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Dedicated to conservation, research, and education
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The nature trails at this location are perfect for a kid-friendly day trip. They are easy to navigate and well-maintained, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the Nature Center offers many interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational for kids. The Discovery Room, in particular, was a big hit with our children.
We had a fantastic day trip with our kids, exploring the beautiful nature trails and taking part in engaging children's programs. These programs were not only enjoyable for our kids, but they were also educational and fostered a love for the natural world. The entire day was a great opportunity for our family to spend time together and learn about the environment. Overall, we highly recommend this location for a kid-friendly day trip.
The nature trails at this location are perfect for a kid-friendly day trip. They are easy to navigate and well-maintained, allowing for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the Nature Center offers many interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational for kids. The Discovery Room, in particular, was a big hit with our children.
We had a fantastic day trip with our kids, exploring the beautiful nature trails and taking part in engaging children's programs. These programs were not only enjoyable for our kids, but they were also educational and fostered a love for the natural world. The entire day was a great opportunity for our family to spend time together and learn about the environment. Overall, we highly recommend this location for a kid-friendly day trip.
9. Hermann Park
Sprawling urban park with gardens, golf, and entertainment
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Hermann Park, spanning 445 acres, is a perfect location for a family day out, especially with kids. The park offers a variety of activities, including a ride on the Hermann Park Railroad, pedal boating on McGovern Lake, and moments of tranquility in the Japanese Garden.
The park also features several educational and interactive exhibitions for children. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Health Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Houston are all in close proximity, making Hermann Park a great destination for a kid-friendly day trip filled with learning and fun.
Hermann Park, spanning 445 acres, is a perfect location for a family day out, especially with kids. The park offers a variety of activities, including a ride on the Hermann Park Railroad, pedal boating on McGovern Lake, and moments of tranquility in the Japanese Garden.
The park also features several educational and interactive exhibitions for children. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Health Museum, and the Children’s Museum of Houston are all in close proximity, making Hermann Park a great destination for a kid-friendly day trip filled with learning and fun.
10. Smither Park
Community art project
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The park in question is a small but worthwhile attraction, offering visitors a chance to see numerous unique mosaic tile works of art. Those interested in checking out the park should plan to spend at least 30-60 minutes there, as there is a good amount of artwork to see. The pictures available online accurately represent some of the items one will encounter at the park. Additionally, it seems that new art is being added to the park on an ongoing basis.
Aside from the artwork, the park is also a picturesque picnic/park location in Houston, with beautiful mosaic artwork throughout. The artwork is so intricate and engaging, one could easily spend hours looking at all the hidden pictures and details. To make the experience even more enjoyable, the park also offers a kiosk with free scavenger hunt papers and pencils for visitors. This is a hidden gem in Houston, and one well worth visiting for anyone in the area.
The park in question is a small but worthwhile attraction, offering visitors a chance to see numerous unique mosaic tile works of art. Those interested in checking out the park should plan to spend at least 30-60 minutes there, as there is a good amount of artwork to see. The pictures available online accurately represent some of the items one will encounter at the park. Additionally, it seems that new art is being added to the park on an ongoing basis.
Aside from the artwork, the park is also a picturesque picnic/park location in Houston, with beautiful mosaic artwork throughout. The artwork is so intricate and engaging, one could easily spend hours looking at all the hidden pictures and details. To make the experience even more enjoyable, the park also offers a kiosk with free scavenger hunt papers and pencils for visitors. This is a hidden gem in Houston, and one well worth visiting for anyone in the area.
11. Hermann Park Railroad
Runs through a picturesque park
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The Hermann Park train offers a scenic 20-minute ride, delighting passengers of all ages. The train's journey takes it around the park, making stops at various stations. Kinder Station is the primary stop for the train, but riders can also board at three other substations.
During the ride, the train makes several stops, including at Rice University, the Natural History Museum, and the Buddy Carruth playground. Whether visitors want to explore the university, learn about natural history, or enjoy the playground, the train provides convenient access to these destinations within Hermann Park.
The Hermann Park train offers a scenic 20-minute ride, delighting passengers of all ages. The train's journey takes it around the park, making stops at various stations. Kinder Station is the primary stop for the train, but riders can also board at three other substations.
During the ride, the train makes several stops, including at Rice University, the Natural History Museum, and the Buddy Carruth playground. Whether visitors want to explore the university, learn about natural history, or enjoy the playground, the train provides convenient access to these destinations within Hermann Park.
12. Color Factory Houston
Instagrammable art exhibits
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Galveston, a popular day trip destination from Houston, offers a variety of activities for all ages. Its close proximity to Houston and familiar atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a quick getaway. For families, Galveston boasts several kid-friendly attractions, such as the beach and Pleasure Pier.
Houston day trips cater to a range of interests, from hiking and water sports to horseback riding and theme parks. Whether you're looking to explore nature, indulge in thrill-seeking adventures, or simply relax and enjoy the outdoors, there's something for everyone to love on this list.
Galveston, a popular day trip destination from Houston, offers a variety of activities for all ages. Its close proximity to Houston and familiar atmosphere make it an ideal spot for a quick getaway. For families, Galveston boasts several kid-friendly attractions, such as the beach and Pleasure Pier.
Houston day trips cater to a range of interests, from hiking and water sports to horseback riding and theme parks. Whether you're looking to explore nature, indulge in thrill-seeking adventures, or simply relax and enjoy the outdoors, there's something for everyone to love on this list.
13. Eleanor Tinsley Park
Scenic views of Houston skyline
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This park is an excellent destination for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors. Children are particularly fond of the expansive space and play areas. The park's picturesque setting, with its gently sloping hills and verdant trees, provides an ideal atmosphere for relaxation.
Picnics are popular at this park, with specially designed tables sunken into the hills for a cozy and unique dining experience. Covered picnic tables are also available, which can be convenient in the event of unexpected rain. Overall, the park's combination of wide-open spaces, beautiful scenery, and thoughtful amenities make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
This park is an excellent destination for families looking to enjoy a day outdoors. Children are particularly fond of the expansive space and play areas. The park's picturesque setting, with its gently sloping hills and verdant trees, provides an ideal atmosphere for relaxation.
Picnics are popular at this park, with specially designed tables sunken into the hills for a cozy and unique dining experience. Covered picnic tables are also available, which can be convenient in the event of unexpected rain. Overall, the park's combination of wide-open spaces, beautiful scenery, and thoughtful amenities make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages.
14. Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Daily emergence of bats
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Buffalo Bayou park is a nearby attraction worth visiting, despite the unpleasant smell, as visitors can observe bats flying around, even close enough to skim over bikes or passersby. This unique experience is particularly enjoyable for families and children. However, the bat-viewing activity is relatively brief, so it's recommended to plan other activities in the area to make the most of the trip.
Volunteers are stationed at the site to point out the bats' location under the bridge and provide information to visitors before the bats emerge. These volunteers can answer questions and enhance the overall educational experience of the bat viewing. Overall, Buffalo Bayou park offers an unusual and exciting attraction that can be paired with other nearby activities for a well-rounded outing.
Buffalo Bayou park is a nearby attraction worth visiting, despite the unpleasant smell, as visitors can observe bats flying around, even close enough to skim over bikes or passersby. This unique experience is particularly enjoyable for families and children. However, the bat-viewing activity is relatively brief, so it's recommended to plan other activities in the area to make the most of the trip.
Volunteers are stationed at the site to point out the bats' location under the bridge and provide information to visitors before the bats emerge. These volunteers can answer questions and enhance the overall educational experience of the bat viewing. Overall, Buffalo Bayou park offers an unusual and exciting attraction that can be paired with other nearby activities for a well-rounded outing.
15. McGovern Centennial Gardens
Includes a celebration garden and a family garden
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Hermann Park in Houston is home to a beautiful garden that features a variety of flowers and cultural elements. Even in early spring, the garden boasts a wide range of blooms. Notable features include blessing monuments from Qianshan City in Japan, as well as Chinese elements such as the Dunmu Pavilion and a statue of Confucius.
For those visiting with children, there is a rock outcropping to the left of the garden's entrance that is perfect for climbing and exploring. This makes for a great photo opportunity before entering the gardens. After burning off some energy, visitors can head back to the pavilion and enter the gardens to take in the beautiful surroundings.
Hermann Park in Houston is home to a beautiful garden that features a variety of flowers and cultural elements. Even in early spring, the garden boasts a wide range of blooms. Notable features include blessing monuments from Qianshan City in Japan, as well as Chinese elements such as the Dunmu Pavilion and a statue of Confucius.
For those visiting with children, there is a rock outcropping to the left of the garden's entrance that is perfect for climbing and exploring. This makes for a great photo opportunity before entering the gardens. After burning off some energy, visitors can head back to the pavilion and enter the gardens to take in the beautiful surroundings.
16. Levy Park
Includes a dog park and community garden
17. Buffalo Bayou Park
Cool downtown Houston oasis
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Buffalo Bayou Park is a bustling hub of activity in Houston, where pedestrians walk along the Kinder Footpaths, children play on colorful drums and logs in the nature play area, and cyclists ride down the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail. The park also features the Johnny Steele Dog Park, where dogs can run and play in the ponds.
Spanning a variety of attractions, Buffalo Bayou Park offers something for everyone. It boasts one of the largest skate parks in the country, as well as meandering trails and family-friendly amenities. The park is a popular destination for a fun-filled day out with kids, providing an exciting and dynamic urban green space in the heart of Houston.
Buffalo Bayou Park is a bustling hub of activity in Houston, where pedestrians walk along the Kinder Footpaths, children play on colorful drums and logs in the nature play area, and cyclists ride down the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail. The park also features the Johnny Steele Dog Park, where dogs can run and play in the ponds.
Spanning a variety of attractions, Buffalo Bayou Park offers something for everyone. It boasts one of the largest skate parks in the country, as well as meandering trails and family-friendly amenities. The park is a popular destination for a fun-filled day out with kids, providing an exciting and dynamic urban green space in the heart of Houston.
18. The Health Museum
John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science
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The Health Museum is a great place for a kid-friendly day trip, offering interactive exhibits that kept my children engaged for hours. This museum is an ideal destination for families seeking a day of fun and learning, with exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Amazing Body Pavilion, where visitors can explore a giant, walk-through brain and learn about the human body in an engaging and interactive way. The museum also features a hands-on exhibit about the cardiovascular system, allowing visitors to measure their heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events for families, including workshops and demonstrations on topics related to health and wellness.
The Health Museum is a great place for a kid-friendly day trip, offering interactive exhibits that kept my children engaged for hours. This museum is an ideal destination for families seeking a day of fun and learning, with exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages.
One of the most popular exhibits is the Amazing Body Pavilion, where visitors can explore a giant, walk-through brain and learn about the human body in an engaging and interactive way. The museum also features a hands-on exhibit about the cardiovascular system, allowing visitors to measure their heart rate and blood pressure. Additionally, the museum offers a variety of educational programs and events for families, including workshops and demonstrations on topics related to health and wellness.
19. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
Unique expression of American folk art
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The Orange Show is an ideal destination for a family outing, offering a unique and memorable experience for both adults and children. The attraction features various quirky art installations that captured the interest and imagination of the visiting kids. Its one-of-a-kind and whimsical displays made for a fun and engaging kid-friendly day trip.
A visit to the Orange Show with children resulted in a day filled with excitement and exploration. The young visitors thoroughly enjoyed the distinctive art installations and had many interesting things to see and do. This attraction is highly recommended for families looking for a unique and entertaining day trip that would appeal to kids.
The Orange Show is an ideal destination for a family outing, offering a unique and memorable experience for both adults and children. The attraction features various quirky art installations that captured the interest and imagination of the visiting kids. Its one-of-a-kind and whimsical displays made for a fun and engaging kid-friendly day trip.
A visit to the Orange Show with children resulted in a day filled with excitement and exploration. The young visitors thoroughly enjoyed the distinctive art installations and had many interesting things to see and do. This attraction is highly recommended for families looking for a unique and entertaining day trip that would appeal to kids.