Top 19 Things to do with kids in Houston
"Explore Houston's family-friendly attractions! From visiting the Houston Zoo and Children's Museum to discovering space at the Johnson Space Center, there are numerous 'things to do with kids in Houston.' Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy bike rides in Buffalo Bayou Park or a day at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Create lasting memories with your little ones in H-town!"
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- 1. Downtown Aquarium
- 2. Children's Museum Houston
- 3. Houston Funplex
- 4. Houston Museum of Natural Science
- 5. Color Factory Houston
- 6. Discovery Green
- 7. Wonderwild
- 8. Water Wall
- 9. Houston Zoo
- 10. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- 11. Sky Sports Trampoline Park Houston
- 12. Smither Park
- 13. Wildlife Carousel
- 14. Hermann Park
- 15. Burke Baker Planetarium
- 16. Market Square Park
- 17. Sam Houston Park
- 18. iT’Z Family Food & Fun - Houston
- 19. Hermann Park Railroad
1. Downtown Aquarium
Transformed from an 1800s firehouse and railroad station
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The Downtown Aquarium is an exciting destination for families with children. It offers a variety of entertainment, including amusement rides and midway games that kids will enjoy. A highlight of the aquarium is the White Tigers exhibit, which is a must-see for visitors.
During their visit, kids will have the opportunity to explore the Shark Voyage Train and Stingray Reef. These interactive exhibits allow children to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life. At the Stingray Reef, they can even touch and feed the stingrays, creating a memorable and educational experience.
The Downtown Aquarium is an exciting destination for families with children. It offers a variety of entertainment, including amusement rides and midway games that kids will enjoy. A highlight of the aquarium is the White Tigers exhibit, which is a must-see for visitors.
During their visit, kids will have the opportunity to explore the Shark Voyage Train and Stingray Reef. These interactive exhibits allow children to get up close and personal with a variety of marine life. At the Stingray Reef, they can even touch and feed the stingrays, creating a memorable and educational experience.
2. Children's Museum Houston
Unique exhibits such as a mini city and a hurricane simulator
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The Children's Museum is an ideal place for kids to engage in hands-on learning and play. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits that keep children interested and engaged. One of the most popular areas is Kidtropolis, where children can role-play as adults in a mini city, sampling different careers and learning about responsibility and community.
Aside from Kidtropolis, children can also create their own inventions and artwork at this museum. The museum provides a fun and interactive environment that encourages creativity and innovation. My kids particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities and found the exhibits to be both entertaining and educational. Overall, the Children's Museum is a fantastic place for kids to learn and play, and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for an engaging and interactive experience for their children.
The Children's Museum is an ideal place for kids to engage in hands-on learning and play. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits that keep children interested and engaged. One of the most popular areas is Kidtropolis, where children can role-play as adults in a mini city, sampling different careers and learning about responsibility and community.
Aside from Kidtropolis, children can also create their own inventions and artwork at this museum. The museum provides a fun and interactive environment that encourages creativity and innovation. My kids particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities and found the exhibits to be both entertaining and educational. Overall, the Children's Museum is a fantastic place for kids to learn and play, and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for an engaging and interactive experience for their children.
3. Houston Funplex
All-inclusive entertainment complex for all ages
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PlayPort is a venue designed for children's entertainment, providing a worry-free environment for parents concerned about their kids' safety. However, the location's overall maintenance and cleanliness leave much to be desired.
Despite the fun atmosphere, the building is in disrepair and exhibits signs of neglect. The facility is consistently dirty, with bathrooms housing unwelcome guests like flies. These issues detract from the overall experience of the venue and raise concerns about health and safety standards.
PlayPort is a venue designed for children's entertainment, providing a worry-free environment for parents concerned about their kids' safety. However, the location's overall maintenance and cleanliness leave much to be desired.
Despite the fun atmosphere, the building is in disrepair and exhibits signs of neglect. The facility is consistently dirty, with bathrooms housing unwelcome guests like flies. These issues detract from the overall experience of the venue and raise concerns about health and safety standards.
4. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Home to a massive, 700-specimen fossil collection, including a T. rex and Triceratops skulls.
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The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great destination for families with children. One of the most popular exhibits is the dinosaur skeleton display, which fascinates kids and adults alike. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is another favorite, featuring a wide variety of butterflies in a lush, tropical setting. The IMAX theater is also a highlight, showing educational and entertaining films that provide a unique learning experience.
I have had the pleasure of taking my children to the Houston Museum of Natural Science on multiple occasions. They particularly enjoy the IMAX theater, with the film Deep Sea being a standout. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is another hit, providing a chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. As a parent, I appreciate that these experiences not only provide entertainment, but also educational value for my kids.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great destination for families with children. One of the most popular exhibits is the dinosaur skeleton display, which fascinates kids and adults alike. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is another favorite, featuring a wide variety of butterflies in a lush, tropical setting. The IMAX theater is also a highlight, showing educational and entertaining films that provide a unique learning experience.
I have had the pleasure of taking my children to the Houston Museum of Natural Science on multiple occasions. They particularly enjoy the IMAX theater, with the film Deep Sea being a standout. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is another hit, providing a chance to get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures. As a parent, I appreciate that these experiences not only provide entertainment, but also educational value for my kids.
5. Color Factory Houston
Only museum in Houston dedicated to color
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Houston, Texas, offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions for a fun-filled day with your kids. The city features world-class museums, beautiful parks, and action-packed entertainment centers that cater to all ages.
Among the top places to visit are numerous museums, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children's Museum of Houston. The city also boasts of stunning outdoor spaces, including the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and the Buffalo Bayou Park. Additionally, families can enjoy various entertainment options, such as the Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, and the Katy Mills Mall. With so many incredible attractions, Houston guarantees a memorable summer vacation for you and your loved ones.
Houston, Texas, offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions for a fun-filled day with your kids. The city features world-class museums, beautiful parks, and action-packed entertainment centers that cater to all ages.
Among the top places to visit are numerous museums, such as the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children's Museum of Houston. The city also boasts of stunning outdoor spaces, including the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center and the Buffalo Bayou Park. Additionally, families can enjoy various entertainment options, such as the Houston Zoo, Downtown Aquarium, and the Katy Mills Mall. With so many incredible attractions, Houston guarantees a memorable summer vacation for you and your loved ones.
6. Discovery Green
A 12-acre park located in the heart of downtown Houston
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Discovery Green is a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, offering a range of amenities including a playground, pristine lawns, a splash pad, and a restaurant. The park is known for its free and family-friendly programming, with events scheduled almost every day of the week.
During a visit to the park, children can enjoy the large splash pad and shower ring, providing a perfect way to cool down on a hot afternoon. The playground and pristine green lawns offer additional opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors and spend time together.
Discovery Green is a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, offering a range of amenities including a playground, pristine lawns, a splash pad, and a restaurant. The park is known for its free and family-friendly programming, with events scheduled almost every day of the week.
During a visit to the park, children can enjoy the large splash pad and shower ring, providing a perfect way to cool down on a hot afternoon. The playground and pristine green lawns offer additional opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors and spend time together.
7. Wonderwild
Engages kids through immersive and educational activities
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Wonderwild is a popular destination for families with its open play and dedicated birthday party spaces. During the weekend, it is bustling with children having a great time in the indoor play area, complete with bouncy castles and rope courses. The environment is safe and secure, allowing parents to easily keep an eye on their children.
During a recent rainy week, my kids and I visited Wonderwild and found it to be a great way to spend the day. The facility was clean and well-maintained, and my kids were thrilled to explore all the different play areas. They spent an hour running around and having a blast, never once getting bored. It was a great way to burn off energy and have fun, all while staying dry.
Wonderwild is a popular destination for families with its open play and dedicated birthday party spaces. During the weekend, it is bustling with children having a great time in the indoor play area, complete with bouncy castles and rope courses. The environment is safe and secure, allowing parents to easily keep an eye on their children.
During a recent rainy week, my kids and I visited Wonderwild and found it to be a great way to spend the day. The facility was clean and well-maintained, and my kids were thrilled to explore all the different play areas. They spent an hour running around and having a blast, never once getting bored. It was a great way to burn off energy and have fun, all while staying dry.
8. Water Wall
Includes a modern design and a variety of water features
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Picnics on the lawn are a popular activity for guests, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Children especially enjoy this space, running around and playing games like tag. The lawn provides not only a place for recreation but also a scenic backdrop for photos, making it a perfect spot for capturing memories.
In addition to its function as a picnic area and playground, the lawn provides relief from the hot, humid temperatures in Houston. The mist that emanates from the area adds a refreshing touch, further enhancing its appeal, particularly to children who love to run and play in the mist. All in all, the lawn is a versatile and enjoyable space that offers something for guests of all ages.
Picnics on the lawn are a popular activity for guests, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Children especially enjoy this space, running around and playing games like tag. The lawn provides not only a place for recreation but also a scenic backdrop for photos, making it a perfect spot for capturing memories.
In addition to its function as a picnic area and playground, the lawn provides relief from the hot, humid temperatures in Houston. The mist that emanates from the area adds a refreshing touch, further enhancing its appeal, particularly to children who love to run and play in the mist. All in all, the lawn is a versatile and enjoyable space that offers something for guests of all ages.
9. Houston Zoo
Recreated natural habitats for animals
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The zoo is a wonderful place to observe a variety of animals. Children are prevalent throughout the zoo, but their enthusiasm is infectious and adds to the overall positive atmosphere. The facility is well-maintained, clean, and organized, providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
A wide range of animals can be found at the zoo, making it an ideal outing for families. The zoo's commitment to cleanliness and tidiness ensures that visitors can focus on enjoying the diverse collection of creatures without any distractions. The zoo is a fantastic place to learn about and appreciate the natural world.
The zoo is a wonderful place to observe a variety of animals. Children are prevalent throughout the zoo, but their enthusiasm is infectious and adds to the overall positive atmosphere. The facility is well-maintained, clean, and organized, providing a comfortable and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
A wide range of animals can be found at the zoo, making it an ideal outing for families. The zoo's commitment to cleanliness and tidiness ensures that visitors can focus on enjoying the diverse collection of creatures without any distractions. The zoo is a fantastic place to learn about and appreciate the natural world.
10. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Dedicated to preserving and protecting Houston's native habitats
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The Discovery Room at this location is a great place for families with children. It features interactive exhibits that can entertain kids for hours. This place is perfect for a family outing, offering activities that are both fun and educational for children.
One of the highlights of our visit was the walking trails where kids can explore and connect with nature. They enjoyed spotting turtles and frogs, which made the outing even more enjoyable. Overall, this place offers a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together while learning and having fun.
The Discovery Room at this location is a great place for families with children. It features interactive exhibits that can entertain kids for hours. This place is perfect for a family outing, offering activities that are both fun and educational for children.
One of the highlights of our visit was the walking trails where kids can explore and connect with nature. They enjoyed spotting turtles and frogs, which made the outing even more enjoyable. Overall, this place offers a great opportunity for families to spend quality time together while learning and having fun.
11. Sky Sports Trampoline Park Houston
Foam pit and dodgeball area for added fun
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The toddler section of the facility was a big hit for my 14-month-old. She enjoyed exploring the area, and I even took her to check out the other sections where she got to jump around. The facility is packed with activities for children, including a dedicated area with fantastic play structures. Older children can enjoy playing dodgeball, basketball, and using the foam pit. Additionally, there are batting cages available for use.
My toddler had a great time in the children's area, which featured several engaging play structures. Older children can take part in various activities such as dodgeball, basketball, and using the foam pit. Furthermore, the facility offers batting cages for those interested in practicing their swing. With so much to do, children of all ages are sure to have a blast at this facility.
The toddler section of the facility was a big hit for my 14-month-old. She enjoyed exploring the area, and I even took her to check out the other sections where she got to jump around. The facility is packed with activities for children, including a dedicated area with fantastic play structures. Older children can enjoy playing dodgeball, basketball, and using the foam pit. Additionally, there are batting cages available for use.
My toddler had a great time in the children's area, which featured several engaging play structures. Older children can take part in various activities such as dodgeball, basketball, and using the foam pit. Furthermore, the facility offers batting cages for those interested in practicing their swing. With so much to do, children of all ages are sure to have a blast at this facility.
12. Smither Park
Home to the unique, community-built Orange Show Monument
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This destination is charming from the outside and takes about an hour to explore fully. It features a path where visitors can view various collages of artwork made from unconventional materials such as broken plates, bottles, silverware, hubcaps, and Elvis playing cards. The path offers good photo opportunities and a pavilion adorned with an assortment of found objects.
The park is relatively small but still worth visiting, especially for those in the area. It boasts a collection of unique mosaic tile works of art. Visitors should plan to spend around 30-60 minutes there. The online images accurately represent some of the items that can be found at this location.
This destination is charming from the outside and takes about an hour to explore fully. It features a path where visitors can view various collages of artwork made from unconventional materials such as broken plates, bottles, silverware, hubcaps, and Elvis playing cards. The path offers good photo opportunities and a pavilion adorned with an assortment of found objects.
The park is relatively small but still worth visiting, especially for those in the area. It boasts a collection of unique mosaic tile works of art. Visitors should plan to spend around 30-60 minutes there. The online images accurately represent some of the items that can be found at this location.
13. Wildlife Carousel
14. Hermann Park
Sprawling 445-acre urban park in the heart of Houston
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Hermann Park, located in Houston, Texas, is a vast urban oasis that covers 445 acres and offers a range of attractions for families and children. The park is home to the Houston Zoo, but there's much more to explore. Visitors can take a ride on a train, pedal boat, or play in the fountains, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled family day out.
Adjacent to Hermann Park is the Miller Outdoor Theatre, offering free weekend evening performances that are popular among families. While performances may be limited to weekends, the spacious hill near the theatre is a hit with kids who love to roll down it. This hill adds to the park's appeal, providing yet another activity for families to enjoy during their visit to Hermann Park.
Hermann Park, located in Houston, Texas, is a vast urban oasis that covers 445 acres and offers a range of attractions for families and children. The park is home to the Houston Zoo, but there's much more to explore. Visitors can take a ride on a train, pedal boat, or play in the fountains, making it an ideal destination for a fun-filled family day out.
Adjacent to Hermann Park is the Miller Outdoor Theatre, offering free weekend evening performances that are popular among families. While performances may be limited to weekends, the spacious hill near the theatre is a hit with kids who love to roll down it. This hill adds to the park's appeal, providing yet another activity for families to enjoy during their visit to Hermann Park.
15. Burke Baker Planetarium
Home to one of the largest domed screens in the world
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A 25-minute film about black holes was watched, which, while not highly engaging, provided informative content. The film's outdated graphics and a warm space theater on a hot day were minor drawbacks.
Meanwhile, the experience of watching the Aurora Borealis was nothing short of amazing. The breathtaking natural light display in the sky was a breathtaking sight that filled me with awe and wonder.
A 25-minute film about black holes was watched, which, while not highly engaging, provided informative content. The film's outdated graphics and a warm space theater on a hot day were minor drawbacks.
Meanwhile, the experience of watching the Aurora Borealis was nothing short of amazing. The breathtaking natural light display in the sky was a breathtaking sight that filled me with awe and wonder.
16. Market Square Park
Historic park in the heart of downtown Houston with a variety of activities for all ages.
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Market Square Park is a small urban space packed with a variety of amenities. Visitors can enjoy fountains, gardens, and artwork, or grab a bite to eat at the Niko Nikos cafe. The park also features shaded seating, trees to climb, and expanses of grass for children to run on. For those with furry friends, there are two fenced dog areas.
Despite its small size, measuring only one block by one block, Market Square Park offers plenty to do and see. It provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Discovery Green, making it an ideal spot for families to unwind together. The park's many features, including its dog areas, contribute to its appeal as a family-friendly destination.
Market Square Park is a small urban space packed with a variety of amenities. Visitors can enjoy fountains, gardens, and artwork, or grab a bite to eat at the Niko Nikos cafe. The park also features shaded seating, trees to climb, and expanses of grass for children to run on. For those with furry friends, there are two fenced dog areas.
Despite its small size, measuring only one block by one block, Market Square Park offers plenty to do and see. It provides a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Discovery Green, making it an ideal spot for families to unwind together. The park's many features, including its dog areas, contribute to its appeal as a family-friendly destination.
17. Sam Houston Park
Home to the Annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
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Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston is a lovely spot for a family outing, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about history. The park boasts an impressive collection of historical houses that are sure to capture anyone's interest. In addition to the historic buildings, the park features picnic-ready lawns, ponds, and charming trails, making it a great place to soak up the sunshine.
Kids will particularly enjoy exploring the old houses and learning about the past. The park offers a perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together while discovering Houston's rich history. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a beautiful place to spend the day, Sam Houston Park is definitely worth a visit. With its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, the park is a true gem in the heart of the city.
Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston is a lovely spot for a family outing, offering visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors and learn about history. The park boasts an impressive collection of historical houses that are sure to capture anyone's interest. In addition to the historic buildings, the park features picnic-ready lawns, ponds, and charming trails, making it a great place to soak up the sunshine.
Kids will particularly enjoy exploring the old houses and learning about the past. The park offers a perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together while discovering Houston's rich history. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for a beautiful place to spend the day, Sam Houston Park is definitely worth a visit. With its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, the park is a true gem in the heart of the city.
18. iT’Z Family Food & Fun - Houston
An all-in-one destination for dining and entertainment, providing a fun-filled experience for both kids and adults.
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iRise Trampoline & Fun Park offers an exciting experience for kids, with numerous trampoline courts that allow them to jump and play in a safe environment. The park also features foam pits, providing a soft landing for kids to practice their tricks and stunts. iRise is an excellent venue for birthday parties, where children can have a blast and create unforgettable memories with their friends.
Fun N Play Indoor Playground caters to a younger audience, focusing on toddlers who can enjoy a secure and clean space to explore and play. This playground provides a worry-free environment where parents can relax while their children engage in stimulating activities. With age-appropriate toys and equipment, Fun N Play ensures a pleasant experience for both kids and parents.
iRise Trampoline & Fun Park offers an exciting experience for kids, with numerous trampoline courts that allow them to jump and play in a safe environment. The park also features foam pits, providing a soft landing for kids to practice their tricks and stunts. iRise is an excellent venue for birthday parties, where children can have a blast and create unforgettable memories with their friends.
Fun N Play Indoor Playground caters to a younger audience, focusing on toddlers who can enjoy a secure and clean space to explore and play. This playground provides a worry-free environment where parents can relax while their children engage in stimulating activities. With age-appropriate toys and equipment, Fun N Play ensures a pleasant experience for both kids and parents.
19. Hermann Park Railroad
Located in the heart of Hermann Park, a perfect addition to a day of outdoor activities
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The Hermann Park Railroad, featuring shiny red trains, offers a scenic tour of Hermann Park, providing an effortless way to enjoy the park's various attractions. This leisurely train ride serves as an excellent introduction to the park's many features, offering riders a comfortable vantage point to plan their visit.
For nearly seven decades, the Hermann Park Railroad has been a much-loved attraction, generating approximately $1.2 million in annual revenue. These funds are directly reinvested into the park, ensuring proper maintenance and continuous improvements, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.
The Hermann Park Railroad, featuring shiny red trains, offers a scenic tour of Hermann Park, providing an effortless way to enjoy the park's various attractions. This leisurely train ride serves as an excellent introduction to the park's many features, offering riders a comfortable vantage point to plan their visit.
For nearly seven decades, the Hermann Park Railroad has been a much-loved attraction, generating approximately $1.2 million in annual revenue. These funds are directly reinvested into the park, ensuring proper maintenance and continuous improvements, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.