As the largest city in Texas, it’s no surprise that Houston is a treasure trove of fun and engaging activities. People of any age will find plenty to enjoy. The city features several fantastic museums, parks, and cultural venues, and a single shortlist can only scratch the surface.
We’ve compiled a list of 10 fantastic family-friendly activities in Houston. You won’t want to miss any of them!
Reach for the Stars at Space Center Houston
As Houston’s official nickname is “Space City,” a visit to Space Center Houston is an easy decision. Space exploration enthusiasts will be over the moon at what you can see and experience there. As if a wide range of interactive exhibits that showcase the history of space travel and the incredible achievements of NASA weren’t enough, you can tour the Johnson Space Center and visit the control room used during the Apollo missions.
You can also get a close-up look at the Space Shuttle Independence—a life-size replica of the only space shuttle that can be mounted onto a Boeing 747. Perhaps most interesting of all for future space explorers, astronauts still train at the center, and visitors can watch them in action. A truly unforgettable experience.
Admire the Animals at the Houston Zoo
Lovers of wildlife will find over 6,000 animals representing over 600 species at the Houston Zoo. Right in the center of town, it is large but neatly organized, with several themed exhibits. There’s the African Forest, the Galápagos Islands exhibit, the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, and several more.
Many of the residents are unfortunately endangered in the wild, and the zoo takes part in several conservation programs. If you’ve ever wanted an in-person encounter with species like the red panda and the clouded leopard, the Houston Zoo is your best bet outside the wilds of Asia.
Inside the zoo grounds, there’s also a play area complete with water features and a splash pad.
Explore the Sciences at the Children’s Museum of Houston
Don’t let the name fool you—the Children’s Museum of Houston is a far more hands-on experience than your typical museum. It focuses on teaching kids the principles of science, technology, engineering, and math—the so-called STEM fields—through a highly interactive approach.
Outside of those subjects, there are installations dedicated to topics like art, culture, and health, and exhibits like the EcoStation, Invention Convention, and Kidtropolis are specifically designed to engage the creative minds of the museum’s pint-size visitors.
Connect to the Past at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is dedicated to showcasing the wonders of the natural world, and it delivers. Geology enthusiasts can gawk at the large collection of fossils, minerals, and gems. If cosmology or biology is more your speed, the facility also features a planetarium and a butterfly center.
Of course, there’s much more than that to enjoy. The museum’s many exhibits include the Morian Hall of Paleontology, the Hall of Ancient Egypt, and the Wiess Energy Hall. It is a truly all-encompassing educational experience for children and adults alike.
Relax for the Day at Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre urban park located in downtown Houston, and it makes an excellent spot to relax without venturing outside the city. Kids can enjoy the park’s playgrounds and interactive water features.
If you come at the right time, you might catch one of the annual events held here. Food options are plentiful, with restaurants, cafés, and food trucks close by.
Stroll the Trails of Buffalo Bayou Park
It might surprise you to learn that central Houston contains a 160-acre park that houses one of the largest urban bat colonies in the country. Its name is Buffalo Bayou Park, and it’s the place to go for anyone who enjoys nature walks, biking, or having a leisurely picnic on the grass.
If you happen not to bring your own boat or bike, both can be rented on-site. And if you’re traveling with a canine friend, the designated dog park is the perfect place to let your pup run off its pent-up energy. The bat colony resides underneath the Waugh Bridge, and if you’re lucky enough to witness the flying critters taking to the skies all at once, you won’t forget it.
Listen to the Houston Symphony
While classical music may not be on the short list of things many of us expect children to enjoy, the Houston Symphony could be just the thing to change that. Music enthusiasts won’t want to miss paying a visit.
The venue hosts family-friendly concerts and activities year-round.
While you’re there, you can introduce your kids to the world of music through hands-on activities like the Instrument Petting Zoo.
Browse the Menil Collection
If we had to describe the perfect place to embroil oneself in the world of art, a collection of almost 19,000 paintings, sculptures, and drawings sounds like the perfect place. The Menil Collection fits the bill.
Its collection is truly global in range, and the pieces on display include both ancient artworks and contemporary creations. Their exhibits include a Surrealist collection, a collection of African art, and many more.
Take a Train Ride in Hermann Park
When it comes to parks in Houston, Hermann Park takes the cake.It’s a big area with lots to do: nature walks, biking, golfing, pedal-boating on the lake, and train rides. If you have small children, they will love that last one.
Perhaps the two most notable installations in Hermann Park are the Japanese Garden and the Miller Outdoor Theatre. The latter often hosts the Houston Shakespeare Festival, and an annual kite festival is held in the park in the spring.
Catch a Special Exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is one of the largest art museums in the country, featuring almost 70,000 pieces. Much like Menil, pieces here run the gamut from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, and there’s a truly epic amount of them.
There are few permanent exhibits, but the total collection is large enough that the museum periodically offers special exhibitions. These tend to run for a few months and have themes like African American artwork, local high school photography, and much more.
This museum is also a great place for audiovisual learners since they also arrange film screenings and lectures.
The 10 Best Family-Friendly Activities in Houston Overview
Houston is a vibrant and culturally diverse city that offers a wealth of fun for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re into space exploration, art history, or connecting with nature, “Space City” has you covered. Our list only scratches the surface of its options, but it’s more than enough for a wonderful family outing. Take the chance to visit Houston—we promise you won’t regret it.
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