25 Fun Things to Do in Houston with Kids (Family Activities!)

By: Author Family Vacayer Staff

Posted on Last updated: July 10, 2022

25 Fun Things to Do in Houston with Kids (Family Activities!)

Houston is a great city for families!

There are plenty of things to do with kids in Houston, Texas.

From museums to zoos to parks, there is something for everyone.

In this blog post, we will discuss 25 fun things to do in Houston with kids.

We hope you and your family enjoy these activities!

#1. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Houston is a great city for families, with plenty of things to do that are both fun and educational. One great option is the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Kids will love exploring the grounds, which feature beautiful gardens, sculptures, and a historic house filled with art and furniture from the late 1800s.

They can also take part in hands-on activities like making crafts, listening to stories, and dressing up in period clothing. Best of all, admission is free for everyone, so it’s a great way to spend a day without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re visiting Houston for the first time or you’re a longtime resident, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a great place to take the kids.

#2. Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou is one of Houston’s most beloved parks, and it’s a great place to take the kids. Here, they can explore nature, play in the water, and run around to their heart’s content. The best part is that all of the activities are completely free.

If your kids are looking for a place to burn off some energy, Buffalo Bayou is the perfect spot. They can run and bike along the trails, try their hand at fishing in one of the many ponds, or even take a kayak out on the bayou itself.

For a more leisurely experience, take a stroll through the butterfly garden or have a picnic lunch in one of the pavilions. No matter what your kids are into, they’re sure to find something fun to do at Buffalo Bayou.

#3. Children’s Museum of Houston

The Children’s Museum of Houston is one of the city’s most beloved attractions, and it’s easy to see why. This hands-on museum is designed specifically for kids, and it offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and programs.

From exploring a replica of a NASA space shuttle to testing their engineering skills in the water lab, kids will never run out of things to do at the Children’s Museum of Houston. And best of all, the museum is located in Houston’s Museum District, so there are plenty of other great museums and attractions nearby.

Whether you’re looking for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway, the Children’s Museum of Houston is sure to please everyone in the family.

#4. Discovery Green Park

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Houston with kids, be sure to add Discovery Green Park to your list. This 12-acre park is located in the heart of downtown Houston and offers a variety of activities for children of all ages.

The park features a playground, a sprayground, a putting green, and a carousel, as well as a lake where you can go fishing or take a boat ride. Discovery Green Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including movie nights, concerts, and festivals.

And best of all, admission to the park is free. So whether you’re looking for a place to take the kids on a hot summer day or you’re looking for something fun to do on a rainy day, Discovery Green Park is sure to please.

#5. Express Children’s Theater and Main Street Theater

Houston is a great place to raise a family. With so much to do, there is something for everyone. If you have young children, you will want to check out Express Children’s Theater and Main Street Theater.

Both of these theaters offer shows specifically for children. Express Children’s Theater offers puppet shows, musical theater, and more. Main Street Theater provides shows for children of all ages, as well as classes and camps.

These two theaters are just a few of the many things Houston has to offer families with young children.

#6. Hermann Park

Houston’s Hermann Park is a favorite spot for families with young children. The park has a wide variety of activities to keep kids entertained, including a carousel, a train, and a playground.

The Houston Zoo is also located in the park, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Hermann Park also has several restaurants and cafes, making it easy to grab a bite to eat. And for those families looking for an educational experience, the Museum of Natural Science is located in the park as well.

With so much to see and do, Hermann Park is the perfect place to spend a day with the kids.

#7. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a great place to take the kids for a day of fun. Situated on 155 acres of land, the nature center features a variety of gardens, trails, and ponds that are perfect for exploring.

The Birds of prey exhibit is always popular with kids, as they can get up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. And be sure to check out the weekly children’s programs, which offer a variety of activities designed to educate and entertain young visitors.

With so much to see and do, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

#8. Houston Area Live Steamers

Houston Area Live Steamers is a great activity for kids who love trains. Visitors can take a ride on a real steam-powered train, learn about how they work, and even help out with the upkeep of the locomotives.

Best of all, Houston Area Live Steamers is located in Hermann Park, one of Houston’s most beloved public parks. In addition to the train rides, there are also hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a lake where you can go fishing.

So whether your kids are interested in trains or just looking for a fun day outdoors, Houston Area Live Steamers is sure to please.

#9. Houston Grand Opera

The Houston Grand Opera is one of the most respected opera companies in the world, and it offers a unique experience for kids. During performances, children can sit in on workshops where they can learn about stagecraft, costuming, and music.

They can also participate in Q&A sessions with the artists, getting an inside look at the creative process. Best of all, the Houston Grand Opera offers free tickets to kids under 18, making it an affordable option for families.

Whether your child is a budding musician or simply loves to be entertained, a visit to the Houston Grand Opera is sure to be a memorable experience.

#10. Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)

Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great place to take kids of all ages. With so many different exhibits, there is something for everyone. For the littlest ones, there is an entire section devoted to dinosaurs.

They can watch a movie about these fascinating creatures and then play in the life-size replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton. There are also interactive exhibits where kids can learn about different cultures from around the world.

Older kids will enjoy the hands-on science experiments and the chance to see real specimens up close. The museum also has an IMAX theater, which is always a hit with kids. Whether you have an hour or a whole day, Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great place to spend time with your family.

#11. Houston Symphony

The Houston Symphony is one of the most popular attractions in the city, and for good reason. The symphony offers a wide variety of concerts and educational programs that are perfect for families with kids.

The Little Hand-holders program is designed for kids ages 3-5 and their caregivers, and it features a sensory-friendly performance of Peter and the Wolf. The Toot Suite program is perfect for kids ages 6-12, and it includes an interactive performance of excerpts from The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and other classic pieces.

And the Family Matinees series offers close-up views of the orchestra in action, giving kids an up-close look at the music-making process. With so many great options available, the Houston Symphony is a must-visit for families with kids.

#12. Houston Urban Air Trampoline Park

Looking for something fun to do in Houston with kids? Look no further than the Houston Urban Air Trampoline Park! Urban Air is the perfect place for kids of all ages to let off some steam and have a blast.

With a variety of trampolines, dodgeball courts, and obstacle courses, there’s something for everyone at Urban Air. And if your kids need a break from all the jumping, they can also enjoy the indoor playground, arcade, or café.

So next time you’re looking for something fun to do in Houston with kids, be sure to check out Urban Air Trampoline Park!

#13. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is a great place to take kids of all ages. There are more than 6,000 animals representing over 800 species, as well as a variety of educational exhibits and hands-on opportunities.

The zoo is divided into different sections, so you can explore according to your interests. For example, the African Forest section is home to gorillas, lions, and zebras, while the Kinder Station offers a petting zoo and rides.

The Elephantopia exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in elephants, and the Reptile House features crocodiles, snakes, and turtles. No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be something for everyone at the Houston Zoo.

#14. Kemah Boardwalk

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids, look no further than Kemah Boardwalk. Located just a short drive from downtown Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is home to a variety of rides, games, and restaurants.

Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, ride the carousel or Ferris wheel, or test their skills on the midway games. There’s also an aquarium and a variety of shops to explore. When you’re ready to take a break, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, including pizza, burgers, and ice cream.

With so much to see and do, Kemah Boardwalk is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.

#15. Miller Outdoor Theater

Miller Outdoor Theater is a great option for family fun in Houston. The theater offers a variety of shows and events throughout the year, ranging from musical performances to children’s theater.

Best of all, most of the events are free, making it a great option for families on a budget. The theater is located in Hermann Park, just a short drive from downtown Houston. Parking is also free, which is another bonus for families.

So if you’re looking for some affordable and kid-friendly entertainment in Houston, be sure to check out Miller Outdoor Theater.

#16. Moody Gardens

Houston may be best known for its sprawling metropolis, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fun to be had for families with young children. One of the top attractions in the city is Moody Gardens, a landscaped park that features a rainforest, an aquarium, and a live penguin exhibit.

Kids can also ride a historic train, visit a butterfly garden, and even play mini-golf. And if that isn’t enough to tire them out, there’s also a water park with slides, pools, and a lazy river.

In other words, there’s something for everyone at Moody Gardens. So whether your kids are animal lovers or thrill-seekers, they’re sure to have a blast.

#17. Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is one of the largest museums in the United States, and it’s a great place to take kids. With over 300,000 square feet of space, the museum has something for everyone.

The permanent collection includes works by Monet, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh, as well as an extensive collection of African art. In addition, the museum offers a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

And if that’s not enough, the museum also has a beautiful sculpture garden and a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.

#18. Old MacDonald’s Farm

Looking for a fun and educational activity for the kids? Look no further than Old MacDonald’s Farm! Located in the heart of Houston, Old MacDonald’s Farm is a working farm that offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages.

Visitors can learn about farm life by touring the animal pens, milking cows, and collecting eggs. The farm also features a playground, picnic area, and petting zoo. With so much to see and do, Old MacDonald’s Farm is the perfect place to spend a day with the family.

#19. Schlitterbahn Water Park

Houston is home to many family-friendly attractions, and one of the most popular is Schlitterbahn Water Park. This massive water park features dozens of slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day.

Kids will love hurtling down the slides, while adults can relax in the lazy river or catch some rays on the beach. There’s also plenty of food and drink available at the park, so you can make a day of it.

Schlitterbahn is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so be sure to add it to your list of things to do in Houston with kids this summer!

#20. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is a must-see for any family visiting Houston. As the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, it offers a unique opportunity to see where America’s astronauts train and work.

The center also houses a variety of interactive exhibits, making it a great place to learn about space exploration. One of the highlights is the “Mission Control Experience,” which allows visitors to sit in on a simulated mission control room.

Other popular attractions include the “Space Shuttle Independence” exhibit, which features a replica of the Space Shuttle orbiter, and the “astronaut training experience,” which gives visitors the chance to try out some of the challenges astronauts face in their training.

With so much to see and do, Space Center Houston is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

#21. SplashTown

Looking for some fun things to do in Houston with kids? Look no further than SplashTown! This water park is a great place to cool off on a hot day, with plenty of slides and pools to keep the whole family entertained.

Plus, there’s no need to worry about packing lunch – there are several restaurants on-site, so you can refuel after a long day in the sun. And if you’re looking for even more fun, SplashTown also offers a range of other activities, from laser tag to mini-golf.

So whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something to enjoy at SplashTown.

#22. The Chocolate Bar

Chocolate lovers rejoice! The Chocolate Bar is a one-stop shop for all your cocoa needs, and it’s a great place to take the kids. In addition to an extensive selection of chocolate bars, they also offer truffles, hot chocolate, and cookies.

The best part? Everything is made from scratch using only the finest ingredients. The Chocolate Bar also has a lively atmosphere, with music and seating for up to 100 people.

Whether you’re looking for a sugar fix or a new place to take the kids, the Chocolate Bar is sure to please.

#23. The Galleria

The Galleria is one of Houston’s most popular shopping destinations, and it’s also a great place to take the kids. There are plenty of things to keep them entertained, from the indoor ice skating rink to the aquarium.

And if they get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Plus, there’s always something going on at the Galleria, from live music to special events.

So whether you’re looking for a place to shop or a place to play, the Galleria is a great option for families with kids.

#24. The Health Museum

Houston is a great city for families, and there are plenty of fun things to do with kids. One of the best places to visit is the Health Museum. Kids will love learning about the human body and how it works. The museum has interactive exhibits on everything from the circulatory system to nutrition.

There are also hands-on activities, like making x-rays and extracting DNA. Best of all, the Health Museum is designed to be fun for kids of all ages. Even adults will enjoy exploring the exhibits and learning about the human body.

So if you’re looking for a fun-filled day out with the kids, be sure to add the Health Museum to your list.

#25. The Mad Potter

The Mad Potter is a Houston institution, and it’s the perfect place to take the kids for a day of fun. First, you can pick out your pottery piece from hundreds of different options. Then, it’s time to get creative with the painting.

The helpful staff will be on hand to offer suggestions and assist with any tricky areas. Once you’re finished, your piece will be glazed and fired in the kiln, and it will be ready to pick up in just a few days.

The Mad Potter is a great option for a rainy day or hot summer day, and it’s sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.

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