18 Kid-Friendly Things to do in Houston, TX [2023 UPDATED]

As a parent, finding exciting kid-friendly things to do in Houston can initially seem challenging. With its sprawling size and endless entertainment options, Houston may appear overwhelming to navigate with little ones in tow. But after many family visits myself, I’ve discovered Houston has a wealth of unique, interactive attractions and activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. From world-class museums and aquariums to thrilling water parks and creative workshops, Houston offers many family-friendly places to delight and captivate your children’s curiosity and imagination.

As you plan your next Houston trip with the kids, be sure to include some of these can’t-miss kid-friendly things to do in Houston on your itinerary. With hands-on exhibits, outdoor adventures, performing arts, and more, Houston has diverse options to keep kids happily engaged throughout your visit.

See Also: 

• Best Restaurants in Houston
• Things to do for Adults in Houston
• Fun things to do for teens in Houston
• Areas to Avoid in Houston

 

1. Space Center Houston

Every aspiring astronaut will love the Space Center Houston! As the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this educational attraction offers an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. space program.

Kids can tour a historic mission control room, touch an actual moon rock, and even have lunch with an astronaut! The center’s onboarding experience makes you feel like you’re an astronaut in training and allows kids to try space shuttle simulators. One of my kids’ favorite parts was “floating” in a zero-gravity environment – they didn’t want to leave!

With hands-on exhibits and one-of-a-kind artifacts, Space Center Houston brings the magic of space exploration to life. It’s an out-of-this-world experience kids won’t soon forget.

 

2. Children’s Museum of Houston

At the Children’s Museum of Houston, kids are encouraged to learn through hands-on fun. With tons of interactive exhibits and activities, this museum will spark every child’s creativity and curiosity.

My kids could have spent all day in the Innovation Atrium, designing race cars and robots at the engineering design station. We also loved the Flow Works exhibit, where they learned about fluid dynamics by moving balls with water power!

For the littlest explorers, Kidtropolis offers a simulated city where kids can play grownup in a grocery store, hospital, and even a TV studio. With story time sessions and crafts as well, the Children’s Museum keeps kids engaged from the moment they arrive. It’s one of the top things to do in Houston with kids.

 

3. Museum of Natural Science

From towering dinosaurs to sparkling gems, the Houston Museum of Natural Science takes kids on an unforgettable journey through natural history and beyond. A favorite stop was the Morian Hall of Paleontology, where we came face-to-face with massive dinosaur skeletons! The kids were awestruck by the giant T-Rex.

We also explored outer space in the Burke Baker Planetarium and learned about Texas wildlife in the Hall of Texas Wildlife. With an Ancient Egypt exhibit, planetarium shows, and a hands-on chemistry lab, this massive museum could keep kids busy for days. It’s one of the best kid-friendly things to do in Houston to spark a lifelong interest in science.

 

4. Downtown Aquarium

At the Houston Downtown Aquarium, families can discover the wonders of aquatic life in a lively, theme park-style setting. Upon entering, we were surrounded by massive aquatic tanks housing sharks, stingrays, and even a sea lion show! My kids could observe underwater creatures for hours. We also took a fun boat tour to see even more marine life up close.

After covering the educational exhibits, we enjoyed rides like the Ferris Wheel and aquatic-themed carousel. With dining options and an on-site hotel as well, the Downtown Aquarium offers one-stop entertainment for families. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re in Houston.

 

5. Houston Zoo

For close-up encounters with exotic wildlife, Houston Zoo is a must-visit. Spanning 55 acres, this impressive zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 species.

My kids went wild spotting lions, elephants, gorillas, and more in naturalistic habitats. We even got to touch stingrays in the tropical palapa! The Zoo also has tons of interactive exhibits like the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, where kids can explore the elephant barn.

From its tropical birdhouse to the Natural Encounters exhibit with giant otters, Houston Zoo offers many chances for kids to get nose-to-nose with amazing creatures. With dining options and a wildlife carousel on-site, it makes a full day of family fun.

 

6. Houston Arboretum

For a more tranquil outdoor experience, families will love exploring the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Spanning 155 acres, this nature sanctuary has lovely walking trails that wind through forests, meadows, and ponds.

My kids enjoyed spotting turtles, birds, and butterflies along the trails and learning about native Texas plants in the gardens. We also had fun participating in the Arboretum’s nature programs like bird-watching walks.

With its accessible trails and interactive Children’s Garden, the Arboretum makes it easy for kids to engage with the natural world. It’s a peaceful urban oasis that’s perfect for getting some fresh air.

 

7. Toy Museum

At Houston’s Toy Museum, toys aren’t just for looking – they’re for playing! This charming museum invites kids to explore toys through the decades, from vintage classics like Slinkies to modern favorites like Pokémon.

My kids loved seeing toys they recognized from their grandparents’ childhoods. The museum’s hands-on philosophy allows kids to actually play with many exhibits. They spent hours building with Tinker Toys, battling with foam swords, and creating art projects.

With regular kids’ events and workshops, the Toy Museum offers a nostalgic, interactive experience. It’s a delightful place for kids and one of the top kid-friendly things to do in Houston.

 

8. Typhoon Texas

When Houston’s summer heat becomes unbearable, families can cool off with a day of water fun at Typhoon Texas. This massive water park is packed with thrilling slides, rides, and pools for kids of all ages.

A favorite attraction was the Texas-sized wave pool, where we rode huge waves on inner tubes! We also braved heart-pumping slides like the Typhoon Twister. For younger kids, the Lighthouse Lagoon offers mini slides and fountains galore.

With dining options and cabana rentals on-site, Typhoon Texas has everything needed for a full day of aquatic adventures. It’s the perfect place to beat the Houston heat with a major splash.

 

9. Wet & Wild SplashTown

SplashTown Houston delivers thrills for families seeking water park excitement. With multiple pools, slides for all ages, and a lazy river, it’s easy to make a day of aquatic fun.

My younger kids loved tubing down Fort Worth Flume and splashing in the Paradise Island pool. Meanwhile, my older kids took on heart-pumping slides like Brain Drain and Skycoaster. With attractions suitable for toddlers on up, the whole family can enjoy this wet and wild park.

We appreciated the dining options and complimentary life jackets for kids. Located just south of downtown Houston, SplashTown provides easy access to cooling summer fun. It’s one of the top water parks in the area for families.

 

10. Kemah Boardwalk

Located just south of Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is a lively waterfront playground perfect for families. My kids loved riding the Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster overlooking the Houston Ship Channel! With rides, games, and coastal views, this Boardwalk packs in seaside fun.

In between rides, we checked out the stingray touch tank and 30,000-gallon Aquarium at the Boardwalk. The kids also loved playing old-fashioned games like Skee-Ball at the midway arcade. With dining options and seasonal events, it’s easy to make a day trip to Kemah Boardwalk from Houston.

 

11. Moody Gardens

For a family getaway with educational fun, look no further than Moody Gardens in Galveston. At this tropical island resort, kids can explore rainforests, oceans, and even outer space!

At the Aquarium Pyramid, my kids loved walking through glass tunnels surrounded by fish and sharks. We also enjoyed the Penguin Encounter where we could get up close with King and Gentoo penguins. For space lovers, the Discovery Pyramid has an IMAX theater, moon rock, and rides like the Geovator planetarium.

With its beach location and onsite hotels, Moody Gardens makes a perfect family vacation spot near Houston. The kids will be entertained the whole time!

 

12. Schlitterbahn Water Park

Cool off from Houston’s summer swelter at the family-friendly Schlitterbahn water park in Galveston. With over 40 rides and attractions, it’s Texas-sized aquatic fun! My kids screamed their way down epic tube chutes like the Dragon Blaster and loved floating along the endless Torrent River.

For little kids, the Kristal Wash play area has mini slides and fountains galore. With free life jackets, it’s safe for kids of all ages. From uphill water coasters to relaxing cabana rentals, Schlitterbahn has everything for a full day of wet and wild family bonding. We’ll be back next summer for sure!

 

13. The Escape Game

In need of some family bonding? At the Escape Game Houston, you and the kids can team up to “escape” from interactive, movie-inspired rooms by working together to find clues and solve puzzles.

With limited time on the clock, these immersive games get your family’s adrenaline pumping! My kids loved escaping our “space station” scenario by decoding messages and finding hidden keys. Their teamwork skills were put to the test.

Offering beginner rooms for younger kids plus challenging options for teens, the Escape Game builds communication and critical thinking in a thrilling hands-on environment.

 

14. The Health Museum

The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science brings the fascinating world of health and the human body to life for kids through hands-on exhibits and experiences.

My budding med students got to explore a giant model heart, reconstruct a spine in an orthopedics lab, and even use a simulation to perform “surgery.” With dynamic programming like summer anatomy camps, the Health Museum makes learning about health exciting.

It’s a wonderful place for future nurses, doctors, dentists, and scientists to explore their interests hands-on! We learned so much as a family about keeping our bodies healthy.

 

15. Express Children’s Theatre

At Express Children’s Theatre, kids can have the thrilling experience of performing in a full-scale musical production. With age-appropriate shows and roles for all skill levels, this theater troupe gives each child a chance to shine on stage.

Under the guidance of experienced directors, my daughter was empowered to sing, dance, and bring a character to life alongside other talented kids. The theater’s inclusive, positive environment allowed her confidence to bloom on and off stage. Express Children’s Theatre is an amazing place for Houston kids to gain poise and grow their performing arts passion.

 

16. Main Street Theater

Known for its high-quality classes and camp programs, Main Street Theater is a wonderful place for Houston kids to explore the performing arts. From acting and improv to stagecraft classes, they offer unique theater experiences for all ages and abilities.

My son had a blast learning stage combat choreography in their superhero-themed summer camp! With professional teaching artists leading the programs, kids gain skills while building confidence and creativity. Main Street Theater is a gem for young performers.

 

17. The Mad Potter (River Oaks)

The Mad Potter in River Oaks offers a wonderfully messy, creative experience for families. At this lively paint-your-own-pottery studio, kids are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild! My children loved picking their ceramic piece – anything from a piggy bank to a Darth Vader bust – then painting it using chalks, glazes, and textures.

The knowledgeable staff guided them through bringing their creation to life. With paint smocks provided and a fun, lively environment, the Mad Potter is an ideal kid-friendly outing when you want to get those creative juices flowing!

 

18. The Galleria

Houston’s massive Galleria shopping complex offers plenty of family fun between its shops and dining. My kids love the indoor ice rink where we can skate year-round! The Galleria also hosts fantastic holiday experiences like story time with Santa at Christmas.

When we need a shopping break, my kids enjoy playing in the indoor play area and watching the musical water fountain shows. With a mix of high-end and family-friendly shops, mom and dad can find something too. It’s the perfect spot to escape the heat and enjoy a family day out.

 

Conclusion

From interactive museums to wet ‘n’ wild water parks, Houston offers an incredible variety of exciting things for families to experience together. By including kid-friendly attractions like the Children’s Museum, Downtown Aquarium, and the many other places covered here in your Houston itinerary, you’re guaranteed to have a memorable visit filled with hands-on fun and adventure. With so many engaging options across Houston, you’re sure to find activities that appeal to your kids’ unique interests. Just be prepared to be begged for a return trip back to Houston to discover even more of the city’s abundant kid-friendly things to do!