Whether you’re planning a vacation, a staycation, or just looking for things to do in Houston, I’ve got tons of fun ideas for your family.
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This post was created in partnership with Nakturnal. All opinions are my own.
Houston is a unique place to visit. It’s technically on the coast of Texas, just a short drive to the beach. It’s also the biggest city in Texas and known for space travel, sports teams, and a host of celebrities.
This post is part of a series on 10 Things to Do in Texas. Read the others:
Arlington | Dallas | Fort Worth | Garland | Houston | Mid-Cities
Things to do in Houston
1. Snapology LEGO camp
Snapology is every LEGO-loving kids’ dream. Kids of all ages can take classes, attend summer camp, or have a birthday party with hands-on LEGO, robotics, and STEM activities. Houston Snapology classes and camps are held at several area locations.
The Pearland Library, Alvin Library, and Helen Hall Library are hosting one-day camps (age 9-12) as part of the Building a Better World Campaign. West Bay Common School Children’s Museum is hosting 4 week-long summer Snapology engineering camps (age 7-9). See the full schedule and register at the Houston Snapology link above.
2. Space Center Houston
Take a tour of the Johnson Space Center and learn about NASA and the history of space flight. Sit inside the cockpit of a shuttle, take a peek at real moon rocks, and participate in hands-on learning activities. The museum is open daily and is appropriate for kids of all ages.
3. Houston Zoo
The 55-acre Houston Zoo is home to over 800 species. That includes familiar animals like elephants, lions, and chimpanzees as well as Komodo dragons, red pandas, and a giant Pacific octopus. The children’s area has a petting zoo, playground, and bat cave.
The zoo also has a summer camp, birthday party packages, and animal encounter opportunities to get up close to animals. The zoo is open 7 days per week. Note that there is no on-site parking, but nearby parking is available for free or a fee.
4. Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston is filled with hands-on learning activities for kids age 0 to 12. It has 14 permanent exhibits that include science, technology, health, history, and culture. Each exhibit encourages kids to get creative, think, and solve problems. Tot Spot is a special learning-through-play area for babies through 36 months.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. General admission includes all exhibits, activities, and films. Admission is free on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m.
5. Kemah Boardwalk
A short drive just outside the city, the Kemah Boardwalk is the perfect place to stroll, shop, and dine. Kids will love the arcade games, carnival rides, carousel, and Ferris wheel. Summer festivities include live music, fireworks shows, and special exhibits.
6. Port Houston Boat Tour
The Port of Houston offers a free 90-minute boat tour. Learn about the history of the Houston Ship Channel and watch the boats pass in and out of the harbor. Tours leave from Sam Houston Landing, Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are required.
7. Smither Park
This relatively small, old park in a Houston neighborhood is literally a hidden gem. In recent years the half-acre park has been handed over to artists who can sign up to contribute to a work of art. Every surface of the park is slowly being covered in mosaic; the rule is to use repurposed materials. Smither Park is free and open from dawn to dusk every day.
8. Houston Grand Opera
While opera might not sound like a kid-friendly activity, the Opera to Go! series includes shortened versions of classical performances and familiar children’s programs.
9. Hermann Park
This park is much larger than Smither Park. Hermann Park covers 445 acres in the middle of Houston. Some of the most interesting areas are the Japanese Gardens, the Reflection Pool, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens. There is also a mini train, paddleboats, and tons of walking trails.
The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., although some areas close at dusk. Admission is free and there is limited free parking.
10. SplashTown
SplashTown is a 40-acre waterpark (owned by Six Flags) with big water slides, a 3-story treehouse with climbing nets and dump buckets, a lazy river for floating, and a wave pool. Many rides have a height requirement, but there are areas appropriate for little kids.
Check the special event calendar for live music performances, movie nights, and discounts. The park is open May through September.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
The space center sounds fun. Would love to visit that.
We love the zoo! and the underground cistern is fun too (but we haven’t taken the kids to that one yet!)
Have been a Houston native for years and am excited to complete this whole list!! (I can’t believe I’ve only done a few of these..)
All of these things sounds so fun! It might be worth the trip from Dallas for me (: I have always enjoyed visiting Houston. Dallas doesn’t yet have a Snapology! I need to come check this one out! Much love
This sounds like so much fun for the kids. I love how they are using Legos in a new way!
Personally, my family loves to visit the zoo! We are going to have to check out some of these other places on your list!
Houston looks very family friendly!
I love all of these suggestions
As a Met Dance subscriber, my girls just love the summer dance options the company offers. I highly recommend!
Cute! Perfect placement at the kids museum.
Aw, the zoo is always a great place to visit!
The space center sounds like a lot of fun! And it would be very informative and cool for the kids!
Museum and zoo both are very good places for children in Houston. Great Article!
Thank you! We love visiting the local zoo wherever we travel.