Things to Do in Houston With Kids

Embarking on a family adventure in Houston? Buckle up, as the city offers family-friendly attractions that’ll leave your kids buzzing. From wild outdoor fun to brain-busting science, Houston has plenty to keep littl’uns entertained. Let’s dive into fun things to do in Houston with kids.

Outdoor Activities & Parks

1. Houston Zoo

Spend a day meeting the animal residents of Houston Zoo, where your tiny explorers can go on a safari without leaving the city. Lions, tigers, and bears — oh my! It’s no surprise this fun spot tops so many lists of things to do with kids in Houston. Get ready for a day filled with animal antics that’ll have your tiny tots talking for weeks.

As soon as you walk in, you’ll be facing the sea lion habitat, where these blubbery marine mammals lounge on their own private beach. Once you’re ready to move on, be sure to check out the golden-headed lion tamarins. These sweet creatures are endangered in their natural rainforest home, but they're well cared for in Houston.

The giraffe feeding platform is another firm family favorite, where little ones can offer crunchy lettuce to their long-necked friends. 

2. Discovery Green

For outdoor fun that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze, hit up Discovery Green. It’s the city’s green playground, complete with splash pads and events tailored for acrobatic aspirers longing to soar through the air like us. In the state-of-the-art playground, your little ones can climb, swing, and slide to their hearts’ content.

If you can drag them away from monkeying around on the climbing frames, they might enjoy the interactive art installations that are often on show here. As the evening draws on, look out for seasonal events such as outdoor movie nights, which are a great way to bond as a family.

3. Miller Outdoor Theatre

Catch a show under the open sky at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Here, you can experience the magic of live performances, from plays that spark the imagination to concerts that get tiny feet tapping.

The venue hosts a range of free family-friendly shows, including children’s plays and musical performances, creating an enchanting atmosphere for a night of cultural entertainment. 

Shows at Miller Outdoor Theatre go on rain or shine, so be sure to bring the right gear to help you stay warm and dry. If you’re visiting in storm season and would rather not risk a soaking, the city also offers plenty of similar kid-friendly things to do in Houston that take place in indoor venues — including our shows in the purpose-built Toyota Center.

4. Dewberry Farm

Want to give your kids a taste of farm life or take them on an Insta-worthy pumpkin patch adventure? Dewberry Farm is an agricultural wonderland, with corn mazes and rides that’ll have the kids squealing with delight. It’s the perfect activity place to create those cherished family memories, especially if you visit in the fall, when pumpkins are the order of the day.

As the festive season approaches, why not get in the mood with a visit to the Christmas Tree Farm, and explore the many ways to celebrate Christmas in Houston? From tractor rides to corn cannons, Dewberry Farm offers a plethora of activities for all ages, ensuring a day filled with laughter and seasonal festivities.

5. Splashway Waterpark & Campground

Need to cool off from the Texas heat? Splashway Waterpark & Campground is the answer. When you want to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city, Splashway is like a mini-vacation — and it’s designed with the little ones in mind, promising water-filled fun.

The waterpark features thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones for various age groups, for a splish-splashing good time for the entire family. Dippin’ Dots ice cream is on hand to fuel all that running around. As they say at Splashway, it's time to wet your pants!

6. Blessington Farms

Old MacDonald had a farm, but we bet it wasn’t anywhere near as much fun as Blessington. From hayrides to animal encounters, this rural retreat in Houston’s backyard is the perfect place to bring kids who love getting their hands dirty. At Blessington Farms, you and the kids can enjoy berry picking, gemstone mining, and fishing.

Many kids' activities in Houston are seasonal, so be sure to check before you plan your day to avoid disappointment. But you can be sure that whatever time of year it is, you'll have a real hands-on farm experience.

7. Buffalo Bayou

If you need a calmer moment to wind down after so much excitement, Buffalo Bayou is a great place for a leisurely family stroll. Let the kids soak up the tranquil atmosphere and enjoy the outdoors. Worried they might get bored? Don’t fret — there are ducks a-plenty to ensure animal-loving kids have a quacking good time.

The bayou offers walking and biking trails, interactive parks, and even pontoon boat tours, providing a mix of relaxation and exploration for the whole family. This 160-acre green space is a peaceful oasis offering relief to stressed-out Houston residents, with fantastic city skyline views and plenty of space to enjoy a picnic.

8. Kemah Boardwalk

Now you’ve taken a bit of time out, you're likely ready for a day of thrills and spills. Kemah Boardwalk has rides, games, and waterfront dining to keep the whole fam entertained.

Kids are likely to be most excited by the stingray reef, the amusement park rides, or the rainforest exhibit, but the boardwalk is also a great place for adults to enjoy good food and stunning scenery. Soak up the coastal charm, and ramble by the water.

9. Old MacDonald's Farm

E-I-E-I-Oh yeah! Watch your kids light up as they interact with furry friends at Old MacDonald’s Farm. Here, kids can get up close with sheep, goats, and chickens. It’s a great way for them to learn about different species and how to care for them. Meanwhile, you can keep them safe from the sun under the canopy of the big, shady trees.

Sports and Entertainment

10. Houston Astros Baseball

Catching a baseball game is like a rite of passage in Houston, which means now is a great time for your little sports fans to experience the thrill of live sports. Root for the home team, the Houston Astros, at Minute Maid Park.

This venue not only hosts exhilarating baseball games but also offers behind-the-scenes tours so you can experience the dugout and the broadcast booth and feel like part of the action.

11. Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

Yeehaw! Dive into Texan culture at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. It’s a Wild West show Houston style, with rodeo action and cultural exhibits that’ll transport you into a different era. Some of these horses are almost as nimble as our performers on the rotating stage.

Along with the equestrian antics, there’s bull riding, barrel racing, mutton bustin’, and more, creating a lively atmosphere that showcases the best of Texan traditions.

12. Urban Air Trampoline Park

Bouncing off the walls takes on a whole new meaning at Urban Air Trampoline Park. After getting inspired by our reality-bending shows, kiddos can enjoy their own flips and high-flying fun here. There are ninja warrior courses and climbing walls, as well as a huge area of interconnected trampolines.

Let the kids burn off some energy while you enjoy a well-earned rest. Jump on in!

Education & Science

13. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Connect with nature at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, where there's a forest adventure without leaving the city limits. Let your little explorers discover the wonders of the outdoors while learning about local wildlife.

If they’re eagle-eyed, they might spot a Cooper’s hawk, an eastern screech owl, or even a red-headed woodpecker, all of which have been known to nest here. The arboretum has it all — guided nature hikes, wildlife exhibits, and interactive programs, providing a learning experience in a natural setting.

14. Downtown Aquarium

Ever wanted to dine underwater? Well, you can at the Downtown Aquarium. Here, you get dinner and a show with a splash. Let your kids marvel at underwater wonders or take a turn on the thrilling rides.

The aquarium features themed exhibits, including a sunken temple complete with puffer fish and a rainforest where red-bellied piranhas lurk, creating a captivating environment in which any sea-lover might learn a few facts about marine life.

15. Space Center Houston

Houston, we have liftoff! Embark on a outer space odyssey at Space Center Houston. From astronaut encounters to simulated space missions, the Space Center offers an immersive experience that ignites curiosity about the cosmos. Be sure to visit the Starship Gallery, see Independence Plaza, and take in a live show.

Who knows — with the right inspiration, your brave rocketeers might leave their own footprints on the moon one day.

16. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Unearth the mysteries of science at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Take a journey through time, complete with dinosaurs and mummies, and explore the wonders of the natural world, digging through the museum’s extensive showcase of fossils, artifacts, and interactive exhibits. It’s a place filled with all kinds of science and history and facts for trivia galore.

17. Children’s Museum Houston

The Children’s Museum Houston is a playground for young minds, offering interactive exhibits aplenty. One of the best attractions for families, this is a place to unleash creativity and let imaginations run wild. Exhibits include a kid-sized city, an outdoor play area, and interactive science displays, such as Newton Know-How and the EcoStation.

The museum offers 90,000 square feet of action-packed fun, so be sure to give yourselves plenty of time to explore everything there is to see.

18. Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center

Engage curiosity at the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, which makes learning feel like play. From science experiments to art projects, your kids can take on whatever captures their attention. There’s a special exhibit called Tot*Spot for kids up to 35 months to play safely with their peers. Visitors recommend spending at least 3 hours here to soak up everything it has.

19. Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve

Get up close and personal with exotic animals at the Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Preserve. Find touch pools, feeding experiences, and educational presentations, as a way to connect with marine life in a truly hands-on way.

And there’s more — kids who never run out of energy will love the bounce horses, while those who need refueling can get their paws on some tasty grub at the Snack Shack in Lucky’s Hangout.

20. Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids

Science can be fun for the whole family at Little Beakers Science Lab, where baby Einsteins can conduct exciting experiments. It’s their own mini laboratory of wonder, which aims to spark a love for science in the most playful way. Bring them along to a Guided Lab session led by Little Beakers staff, and be amazed how much they learn.

21. Local Library

Who says libraries have to be quiet or boring? Houston libraries are brimming with storytime, reading programs, and educational resources. These treasure troves of knowledge often go unappreciated, but they’re right here in Houston waiting to be discovered. Who knows what your kids will find in the stacks. 

Houston's Kaleidoscope of Family Fun

There you have it, fellow family-focused explorers. Houston’s playground is vast, diverse, and unique — just like your family. From wild adventures at the zoo to exploration of the cosmos at Space Center Houston, this city has it all.

Why not cap off your Houston escapades with a night embracing creativity? Explore some of the best date ideas in Houston, including our shows that are sure to add a sprinkle of stardust to an already fantastic trip.