Navigating the sprawling metropolis of Houston in search of engaging activities for children can feel like a monumental task. But fear not! With a bit of planning and a willingness to embrace the city’s extensive highway system, a treasure trove of entertaining options awaits restless youngsters and their families. Houston, a city renowned for its contributions to space exploration through NASA, its vibrant cultural landscape, and its proximity to the Gulf Coast, offers a diverse range of experiences perfect for creating lasting family memories. This guide unveils 20 of the top things to do with kids in Houston, ensuring a memorable visit.
- Ride a Mini Steam Train at Houston Area Live Steamers:
All aboard for a miniature adventure! The Houston Area Live Steamers, a dedicated club of model train enthusiasts, offers captivating rides on their meticulously crafted locomotives. Nestled within Zube Park in Hockley, a short drive from Houston, lies a 4,700-foot track where these scaled-down steam and diesel trains come to life. Young railfans and adults alike can embark on a delightful 15-minute excursion, chugging through the scenic park. The best part? Rides are free and typically offered on the third Saturday of each month, with additional Sunday runs in the spring and fall. This unique experience is a must for anyone seeking a touch of old-fashioned charm and the thrill of the rails.
- Indulge in Sweetness at The Chocolate Bar:
Step into a world of pure imagination at The Chocolate Bar in Rice Village. This whimsical confectionery emporium is the closest you’ll get to a real-life Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. Purple walls adorned with eccentric décor set the stage for a sensory overload of chocolate delights. From intricately shaped seasonal bonbons to surprisingly realistic chocolate "pizzas," the selection is seemingly endless. Don’t forget the impressive array of ice cream flavors! A special viewing window in the back allows curious kids to observe the confectioners at work, adding a touch of magic to the experience. The Chocolate Bar is a haven for sweet tooths of all ages.
- Experience Thrills and Games on the Kemah Boardwalk:
Venture just 40 minutes southeast of downtown Houston to the Kemah Boardwalk, a vibrant waterfront amusement park on Galveston Bay. The colorful lights and sounds of carnival games and exhilarating rides create an atmosphere of pure fun. Take a spin on the iconic 65-foot Ferris wheel for panoramic views of the bay, then treat yourselves to classic boardwalk fare like funnel cakes and ice cream. Spanning 35 acres, the Kemah Boardwalk boasts a diverse collection of arcade games, themed restaurants, and thrilling rides such as the Aviator, Inverter, and Boardwalk Tower. The Kemah Boardwalk is the perfect destination for a day of family entertainment by the sea.
- Cool Off at Hurricane Harbor SplashTown:
Beat the Texas heat at Hurricane Harbor SplashTown, Six Flags’ sprawling waterpark located in Spring, just north of Houston. This 40-acre aquatic paradise uses over two million gallons of water to power its exhilarating slides and attractions, some reaching heights of 75 feet. Thrill-seekers will love the six-lane Stingray Racer, the alien-themed Vortex, and other adrenaline-pumping rides. For a taste of surfing, try your hand at the FlowRider wave simulator. Hurricane Harbor SplashTown offers a refreshing escape during the hot summer months, typically operating from May or June through September, with occasional holiday programming in December.
- Engage in Playful Learning at the Children’s Museum of Houston:
Ranked among the nation’s top children’s museums, the Children’s Museum of Houston seamlessly blends education with entertainment. In Kidtropolis, toddlers can role-play as city council members, police officers, or chefs, learning about civic responsibility and community. After "earning" their keep, kids can practice budgeting skills using a pretend debit card to purchase groceries. The Building Zone introduces the principles of physics through hands-on activities like hoisting gravel with pulleys. In the Powerplay area, children explore health and fitness through active play, encouraging them to jump, climb, and dance. The Children’s Museum of Houston is a vibrant learning environment where kids can explore, discover, and grow.
- Encounter Wildlife at the Houston Zoo:
Embark on a wild adventure at the Houston Zoo, home to a diverse collection of animals from around the globe. Maximize your visit by attending one of the zoo’s engaging "Meet the Keeper" sessions. These informative talks provide fascinating insights into animal behavior and care, often featuring interactive demonstrations. The daily elephant bath is always a crowd-pleaser, while the bat feedings offer a mesmerizing spectacle. For an exclusive experience, consider a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, children’s zoo, or the commissary, where animal food is prepared. The Houston Zoo offers an enriching and memorable experience for animal lovers of all ages.
- Explore Science and Wonder at the Houston Museum of Natural Science:
Delve into the wonders of the natural world at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. One of the most popular exhibits is the Corpse Flower, a giant bloom that smells like rotting flesh. The museum also houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, where you can learn about space and other astronomy topics. Paleontology lovers will be in awe of the Tyrannosaurus Rex exhibit.
- Journey into Space at Space Center Houston:
Embark on an out-of-this-world adventure at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. At Independence Plaza, step inside the shuttle replica Independence, mounted atop the historic NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. Explore the Astronaut Gallery, where figures in space suits stand encased in glass, creating a futuristic atmosphere. The "Feel of Space" presentation provides a glimpse into the challenges and humorous realities of living and working in space. For an even more immersive experience, take a tour of NASA Johnson Space Center, where you can visit astronaut training facilities and Mission Control. Space Center Houston is a must-see destination for anyone fascinated by space exploration.
- Glide Across the Ice at The Galleria:
Experience a touch of winter magic in the heart of Houston at The Galleria’s iconic ice rink. This long-standing tradition offers a unique opportunity to ice skate amidst the hustle and bustle of a shopping mall. If you’re planning ahead, sign the kids up for skating lessons to develop their skills. And if skating proves not to be their forte, the Galleria offers plenty of toy stores and ice cream shops to provide alternative entertainment. Ice skating at The Galleria is a fun and memorable activity for families.
- Surround Yourself with Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center:
Escape into an indoor rainforest at the Cockrell Butterfly Center, located within the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Witness the breathtaking spectacle of hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering freely within a three-story glass structure. This is an especially perfect activity on a rainy day. Visit the Chrysalis Corner to observe butterflies emerging from their pupae, completing their remarkable transformation. For those with a fascination for insects, the center also displays hissing cockroaches and whip scorpions. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a captivating and educational experience for all ages.
- Discover Aquatic Wonders at the Downtown Aquarium:
Dive into an underwater world at the Downtown Aquarium, an entertainment complex featuring a 500,000-gallon aquarium, a Ferris wheel, carnival games, a restaurant, and even white tigers. The Discovery Rig exhibit allows kids to touch horseshoe crabs and stingrays, providing a hands-on learning experience. Take a ride on the "Electric Eel Train," a battery-powered locomotive that travels through the complex and offers views of the shark exhibit. The Downtown Aquarium offers a diverse range of attractions for a fun-filled day.
- Connect with Nature at Armand Bayou Nature Center:
Escape the urban landscape at Armand Bayou Nature Center, a haven for wildlife and natural beauty. Embark on a "Breakfast on the Bayou" cruise, where you can enjoy pastries while gliding along the bayou in a pontoon boat. The marshy environment supports a diverse array of birds and other wildlife, including deer, owls, armadillos, rabbits, and raccoons. The nature center also features a collection of captive animals, including snakes, spiders, hawks, and bison. Armand Bayou Nature Center offers a tranquil escape into the natural world.
- Explore the Human Body at The Health Museum:
Take an interactive journey inside the human body at The Health Museum, a beloved Houston institution. This museum provides interactive and educational experiences for the whole family. Walk through a giant human body to learn how it works. The Health Museum also houses Houston’s first 4D theater where you can see the 3D film "Planet You."
- Take a Tour of Minute Maid Park:
The home field of the Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park, is an exciting place to visit. See historic Union Station, the broadcasting booth, the press box, and a luxury suite on a tour. See the dugout, bullpen, and manual scoreboard as you walk around the field. Minute Maid Park features a vintage, full-sized locomotive that runs along 800 feet of track on the left-field wall.
- Spot Alligators at Brazos Bend State Park:
Just a short drive from downtown Houston, Brazos Bend State Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. The park is home to the George Observatory, where you can investigate the cosmos through high-powered telescopes. But perhaps the park’s most famous residents are its alligators, with an estimated 250 individuals measuring over six feet in length. Visitors can often spot these impressive reptiles lurking in the water, especially in Elm and 40-Acre Lakes. Brazos Bend State Park provides a unique opportunity to observe wildlife and explore the Texas wilderness.
- Jump into Fun at Urban Air:
Beat the Houston heat at Urban Air, an indoor adventure park where you can jump on trampolines, get competitive on the Warrior Obstacle Course, climb walls, go indoor skydiving, and have fun on the Sky Rider indoor coaster.
- Enjoy a Show at Miller Outdoor Theater:
The Miller Outdoor Theater in Hermann Park provides an eight-month season of free shows and programs. This family-friendly outdoor venue presents classical music, jazz, world music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, and much more.
- Learn Golf at Topgolf:
Kids can always go to Topgolf with an adult, but the Spring Academy is just for kids ages six through 12. The academy provides three days of entertainment and learning all about golf. Kids will learn golf etiquette, chipping, and putting and improve their full swing.
- Visit the Pyramids at Moody Gardens:
Moody Gardens, an amusement complex on Galveston Island, has pyramids—a Rainforest Pyramid, an Aquarium Pyramid, and more. There’s plenty of action at the 3D and 4D theaters and for a laid back change, ride the replica of an 1800s paddlewheel boat.
- See the Fountains Dance at The Woodlands Waterway:
Walk along the Woodlands Waterway in downtown Houston to see a free show at the Pavilion and walk down to the fountains for a colorful, choreographed light and fountain show in the evening.
