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15 Pretty Cool Things To Do in Houston With Kids

Are you looking for enjoyable activities for children and toddlers in Houston? There are many wonderful sights, festivals, and family-friendly activities in a metropolis the size of Houston. In fact, it regularly ranks as one of the family-friendliest cities in the entire country. Yet, with so many family-friendly activities available in Houston, how can you tell which ones are actually worth your time and money?

You might think that Houston is boring if you don’t know about these pretty cool things to do in Houston with your kids. Whether you’re looking for toddler-friendly activities or with children, we’ve got what you need.  We have created a list of the best activities you can do with your family and we can guarantee that it will be engaging and fun to do as well. Of course, we know that there are some activities that you might have done on this list as parents but hopefully, there’ll be a few surprises on this list that will give you something novel and interesting to do with your children. 

1. Get a collection of Insta-worthy photos on a mural tour

Get some Instagram-worthy photos while exploring Houston’s vibrant side. Pose in front of the colourful street art that dominates the heart of the city, including hidden paintings that not even the majority of residents are aware of. Get individualized attention and suggestions from your street-smart guide on this private tour while travelling a lot of distance in an open-sided electric cart.

2. Visit a Children’s Museum Houston

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

New displays fascinate kids as time goes on, and you discover more about this 90,000-square-foot museum. Families start out in the Tot Spot, a space with toys and materials to spark the inventiveness of toddlers.

As children get older, take them to Kidtropolis where they can act like cooks, and veterinarians, go to the bank, or go shopping. School-aged children are regularly astounded by the science-filled How Does It Work area and everyone enjoys getting soaked outside at FlowWorks. Special events abound on the calendar as well. 

3. Visit the Discovery Green

Downtown Houston’s Discovery Green, which has been open since 2008, is a lovely urban green area. This area is home to the Gateway Fountain splash pad, the John P. McGovern playground, and a Mist Tree, all of which have kept many families cool on hot Houston days.

Several free, special activities are offered, including fitness classes and Toddler Tuesdays with story times and special character appearances. In the past, the family has enjoyed foam parties, indie rock concerts, and meet and greets with Elsa and Anna. You might catch something spectacular whenever you drop by, regardless of the time.

4. Visit the 1940 Air Terminal Museum

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The first Houston airport’s art-deco arrival terminal acts as the home of the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. This museum is a city gem hidden just next to the operational Hobby Airport. While you browse through items from many present airlines, such as PAN AM and Trans Texas Airlines, you may observe planes arriving and departing.

This spectacular building has seen the likes of Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis, James Dean, Bob Hope, and Elizabeth Taylor during its prime. The 1928 Carter Airmail Hangar is another choice besides the main museum. Only a short stroll away from the main museum is where the trip really shines! There are several aircraft in this hangar, including a St. Louis and a Hawker Business Jet.

5. Get to play at the Donovan Park

Almost 56,405 acres of parks are located in Houston, according to Visit Houston. Many of them are next to fantastic splash pads or are conveniently located near other Houston attractions.

The Heights’ Donovan Park, a park made of wood, is one that stands out. It stands out from most of the other playgrounds in the neighbourhood because of its wooden constructions, and it features a variety of play places for children, including the well-known wooden train. While touring one of the city’s trendiest areas, it makes for the ideal playtime pit stop.

6. Swim at Houston’s largest water park

While you’re in Houston, you’ll probably have sweat on your body. Wet ‘N’ Wild Splashtown, Houston’s largest water park, is included on our list for this reason. The park has been open for more than 30 years and has 42 slides and attractions on its 80-acre campus in Spring.

The park had a multi-million dollar makeover in 2015 to create a family-friendly environment. They added the family raft thrill ride Big Kahuna as well as a surfing feature to the Wet ‘N’ Wild Jr. area, which serves guests under 50 inches tall. Every age group and level of swimmer will find something here. Also, it’s a great way to avoid the notorious Texan heat.

7. Go for a stroll at the Hermann Park 

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Hermann Park is relatively close to both the zoo and Miller Outdoor Theater, making it simple to include it in any excursion in the Museum District, but it is also worthwhile to see on its own.

Take a trip on the park train to start your visit, then have a picnic in the Japanese Gardens and let the little ones go at Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children. It’s a nice place to meet friends for a walk along the trails if you have kids who can use a stroller. Rent pedal boats and explore McGovern Lake if your children are older.

8. Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s staff is not only very knowledgeable and friendly toward children, but it also has world-class exhibitions. The Morian Hall of Paleontology is impressive enough to impress any child who loves dinosaurs with its 60 major skeleton mounts.

Don’t forget to visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center though. While there are many permanent exhibitions to select from, seeing the mummies at the Hall of Ancient Egypt is a must-do for any trip. Additionally, HMNS excels in bringing in travelling exhibits, which have included everything from the Magna Carta and Bulgari jewels to Samurai secrets.

9. Go to the Houston Zoo

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It is simple to understand why the Houston Zoo is a favorite with 6,000 permanent animal displays and more than 55 acres. The African Forest gorillas and chimpanzees should be visited, as well as seeing the elephants bathe. Don’t forget to schedule time for a ride on the carousel or a visit to feed the giraffes.

The Houston Zoo offers a sizable Children’s Zoo area with a playground and a popular petting zoo for young children. Many indoor, air-conditioned “cool zones” are incorporated into their design to help you avoid being overheated and to account for the Houston heat.

10. Get to see kid-friendly performances at the park

A variety of cultural events, including plays, live music, movies, and classical ballets, are presented on this free outdoor stage in the heart of Hermann Park. It’s a favourite among families to take the kids to see a show there. Choose a location on the grass, and let the children run around if they get bored.

For your child’s first live performance, this makes it a very popular location to visit. A lot of the children’s programming occurs during the summer, so be sure to check the calendar for activities and seasonal programs.

11. Visit the shopping centre

Although Houston is home to many fantastic malls, including the Galleria, Memorial City Mall remains a top choice. This location, which advertises itself as being “Much More Than A Mall,” truly lives up to its tagline.

Simply have a peek at the family-friendly events listed on the calendar! Kids can be rewarded with open play in Frolic’s Castle, a lap around the ice rink, a spin on the carousel, or a trip on the mall train when you need to shop Texas-style.

12. Have fun with a scavenger hunt at the Rosenberg Railroad Museum 

Just down the road in Rosenberg, there is a hub for multiple operating rail lines as well as the museum of every train-obsessed child’s fantasies. A scavenger hunt that encourages kids to learn about the history of railroads is located inside the museum, which is built to imitate the original train station.

Once you’ve completed the quest and received a small reward, a guide will show you the other sights, such as Tower 17, the Mopac Caboose from 1972, where you can see how conductors lived, and the 1979 Quebec Sleeping Car (to see what luxury train travel looked like). Do not pass up the chance to ride in WaWa’s enormous wooden train or the railroad-themed play area.

13. Visit the Space Center

Do you know any space nerds who dream about taking off into the stars or seeing a planet up close? If so, the Space Center should be at the top of your list of family-friendly activities in Houston! One of the best family attractions in Houston, Space Center Houston is all about teaching young people about jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math in engaging ways that they generally wouldn’t encounter on a daily basis.

14. Get to  the fun and unique Downtown Aquarium

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The entertaining and unique Downtown Aquarium is located smack in the middle of Houston’s downtown. The aquarium is unquestionably among the best family activities in Houston because it has a huge diversity of marine life. You’ll be fascinated and inspired as you stroll through the vibrant displays of the aquarium’s underwater wonders and faithfully replicated fish habitats. Children will enjoy riding the train to see the huge shark population at the aquarium and petting the stingrays.

Take the kids outside to ride the Ferris wheel and merry-go-round once you’ve seen everything the aquarium has to offer in terms of aquatic life. There is even a seafood restaurant with full service in the aquarium.

15. Get to see cars at the art car museum 

The Art Car Museum is located on the outer edge of the Montrose district and is easily recognizable by its exterior, which has silver spikes and resembles a spaceship. A few wildly decorated cars with catchy names like Swamp Mutha and Batwing are a staple of the changing displays at the privately owned modern art museum. The building, which opened in February 1998, is commonly referred to as the “Garage Mahal.”

What we like about these activities is the fact that they are mostly affordable and fun to do as well. Please let us know if there are some activities on this list that you have tried and let us know what you liked about it. 

You can also read 25 best things to do in Houston