Things to Do in Houston With Kids: A Family Guide to Houston

Houston, the biggest city in the Lone Star State, is a vibrant, diverse, and bustling metropolis best known for its significant role in space exploration, impressive skyline, and delicious culinary scene. Houston’s warm and inviting climate allows for year-round family-friendly activities.

However, if you’re looking to dodge the intense summer heat, autumn, and spring are the ideal seasons to explore Houston with kids. From space centers to museums, parks, and zoos, Houston offers a wide array of adventures that can keep the entire family entertained. Here are my top 20 picks for the best things to do in Houston with kids.

Top 20 Things To Do in Houston with Kids

Here is the list of 20 best things to do in Houston with your kids:

 1. Space Center Houston
 2. Houston Museum of Natural Science
 3. Houston Zoo
 4. Children’s Museum of Houston
 5. Discovery Green
 6. Buffalo Bayou Park
 7. The Health Museum
 8. Houston Museum of Fine Arts
 9. Downtown Aquarium
10. Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land
11. The Cockrell Butterfly Center
12. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier
13. The Houston Museum of Printing
14. The Menil Collection
15. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
16. The Houston Police Museum
17. Armand Bayou Nature Center
18. Moody Gardens
19. iFLY Indoor Skydiving
20. Miller Outdoor Theatre

1. Space Center Houston

As the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this is a must-visit for any budding astronaut or space enthusiast in your family. Here, you’ll get to see space artifacts, exhibits on astronaut life and even tour the mission control center.

Address: 1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

2. Houston Museum of Natural Science

This museum is filled with extraordinary exhibits, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to large dinosaur skeletons and a stunning butterfly center.

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

3. Houston Zoo

Over 6,000 animals call this 55-acre park home. From the African Forest to the Kipp Aquarium, there’s an adventure waiting around every corner.

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

4. Children’s Museum of Houston

Dedicated to transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning, this museum is perfect for children of all ages.

Address: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

5. Discovery Green

This vibrant 12-acre park in the heart of downtown Houston hosts various activities year-round including concerts, fitness classes, and movie nights.

Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

6. Buffalo Bayou Park

A beautiful 160-acre green space offering bike trails, boat rentals, and stunning views of the Houston skyline.

Address: 1800-3600 Allen Pkwy/Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019

Hours of Operation: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily

7. The Health Museum

A fun and interactive way for your kids to learn about health and the human body, featuring a 4D theater and real organ displays.

Address: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

8. Houston Museum of Fine Arts

With more than 70,000 works of art, the museum offers a comprehensive view of art history across continents and millennia.

Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005

Hours of Operation: Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Sunday 12:15 PM – 7:00 PM

9. Downtown Aquarium

An underwater adventure featuring over 200 species of aquatic animals, plus thrilling amusement rides and games.

Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

10. Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

A satellite of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this place offers a digital dome theater, a butterfly exhibit, and a dinosaur-themed playground.

Address: 13016 University Blvd, Sugar Land, TX 77479

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

11. The Cockrell Butterfly Center

A stunning three-story glass structure filled with tropical plants and exotic butterflies. It’s a magical experience for both kids and adults.

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

12. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Offering family-oriented attractions, including rides, midway games, a wide selection of food venues, and retail shops.

Address: 2501 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550

Hours of Operation: Check the website for seasonal hours

13. The Houston Museum of Printing

Your kids can learn the history of printing technology, explore vintage printing presses, and even participate in interactive demonstrations.

Address: 1324 W Clay St, Houston, TX 77019

Hours of Operation: Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

14. The Menil Collection

This art museum is home to nearly 17,000 works of art from around the world, from ancient times to the present day.

Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006

Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

15. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

This beautiful estate provides visitors with a unique experience of American decorative arts and paintings.

Address: 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007

Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

16. The Houston Police Museum

A small but fascinating museum where children can learn about the history of law enforcement in Houston.

Address: 1200 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

17. Armand Bayou Nature Center

This nature preserve offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, and canoeing.

Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507

Hours of Operation: Wednesday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

18. Moody Gardens

A tropical paradise featuring an aquarium, rainforest pyramid, theaters, paddlewheel boat, and even a man-made white sand beach.

Address: 1 Hope Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554

Hours of Operation: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily

19. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

For the thrill-seekers in the family, experience the sensation of skydiving in a safe, indoor environment with a vertical wind tunnel.

Address: 9540 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77055

Hours of Operation: Monday – Thursday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

20. Miller Outdoor Theatre

An outdoor theater offering a wide range of professional entertainment, including classical music, jazz, ballet, and more. Best of all, it’s free!

Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Hours of Operation: Check the website for event schedules.

Conclusion

Houston truly is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities, especially when it comes to things to do in Houston with kids. This city offers a perfect blend of educational and fun-filled attractions to keep your little ones engaged and entertained. Remember, the best thing about memories is making them. So why wait? Start planning your Houston family adventure today!