Things To Do With Kids In Houston
Looking for things to do with kids in Houston? We’ve got both indoor and outdoor activities that we know the whole family will enjoy.
Houston is a great city to visit with kids. There’s plenty to grab your children’ s attention, and lots of ways to make great memories as a family. However, the city is huge, and its attractions are very spread out, so if you want to get the best out of a visit to Houston, it’s worth doing some planning in advance. Here, to help you out and give you some inspiration, are some of the best things to do with kids in Houston:
First, sort your logistics
Before you start building a Houston itinerary, it’s a very good idea to nail down your logistics. As mentioned, Houston is very large and very spread out, so you’re going to be relying on either a car, public transport, or rideshares quite a lot. In general, we recommend looking into Houston car hire if you’re visiting the city with kids. Houston is a driver’s city, and you may struggle to get to all the places you want to see by public transit – particularly as you’re likely to need to change between trains and buses several times in a single journey across the city (not ideal with kids in tow!)
That being said, it is perfectly possible to enjoy Houston without a car – it just takes a bit of extra planning. Familiarize yourself with the bus and METRO networks, and plan your routes in advance. Note that you may have to use rideshares or taxis to link up some areas that public transport doesn’t fully cover – so have a good rideshare or taxi app on your phone.
Bear in mind that, while districts themselves within Houston can be surprisingly walkable, it’s usually a mistake to try to walk between multiple districts in a single day. The distances are a lot further in practice than they look on a map, and Houston can get very hot and sticky in the summer months. While you may be super-fit and capable of walking long hours in the Houston heat and humidity, your kids are likely to start complaining before long. So, if you plan to cover multiple districts in a single day, make sure that you’ve got your transport lined up beforehand.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s get into some of the best things to do with kids in Houston:
Visit Space Center Houston
Space travel is probably what Houston is best known for internationally – and for good reason. It’s been the home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training since 1961, and has had a huge impact on human interstellar history. You and your family can soak in some of this history and learn more about NASA, Houston’s role in space exploration, and space and space travel at the Space Center. Here, you’ll find interactive exhibits alongside displays of real spacecraft, astronaut suits, and more.
Space Center is not in central Houston, so you’re best off planning a whole day out to get there, go round, and get back. Don’t worry – there’s plenty to do here, so you won’t find yourself bored or with too much awkward extra time on your hands. There are also lots of eating options at the Space Center, so no need to worry about going hungry.
Pro tip: To save money on attractions, consider buying a Houston CityPASS® which can save you up to 51% at 5 top attractions.
Explore the Museum District
As the name suggests, the Museum District has a cluster of family-friendly museums set in a beautiful, relaxed, and wonderfully walkable area. You can visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum, both of which have plenty of hands-on, interactive, and child-focused exhibits and activities.
For older and artistically inclined children, there’s also the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, both of which have plenty going on and which welcome children. The HCCC also has regular child-friendly workshops if your kids fancy getting hands-on and learning something new and creative.
If you’re feeling all museumed-out, nearby Hermann Park is great for relaxing, drinking in some lovely scenery, and letting off a bit of steam. There are play areas for kids, and lots of options for relaxing in the sunshine with a snack.
Explore the Houston Zoo
Speaking of Hermann Park, this is where you’ll find the Houston Zoo. Houston Zoo is a great day out for the whole family, with a wide range of animal and educational exhibits suitable for every age group.
It’s relatively easy to pair a trip to the Houston Zoo with museums in the Museum District, but bear in mind that you’ll need several hours to fully appreciate everything the zoo has to offer – so leave yourself plenty of time!
Head Downtown for sports and entertainment
Sports fans among you will find plenty to like Downtown. You can catch a game at Minute Maid Park or the Toyota Center (be sure to book in advance), or just soak in the atmosphere of these big sports venues. It’s also worth noting that both of these venues also host regular concerts and other events, so do check to see what’s going on here during your visit.
Apart from the sports venues, you’ll also find lots of cafes, retail spots, and outdoor spaces for play and relaxation here.
Spend bad-weather days in the Galleria area
If it’s raining, or if your kids are flagging in the Houston heat, head to the Galleria for some indoor, air-conditioned fun. There’s an ice rink here for your kids to enjoy some exercise, as well as plenty of shops, food options, and other indoor activities. It’s easy to spend a few happy hours exploring the Galleria without having to worry about the weather.
Don’t forget! Find great deals on family-friendly hotels on Booking.com
Conclusion
There’s a huge amount to do with kids in Houston – too much to cover in one article! Hopefully, this list has given you some inspiration for how to spend time with kids in Houston, along with some useful practical tips on managing distances, weather, and logistics. Have fun!
