There are a million great things to do in Houston, but which ones are truly fun and worth it to visit with kids? From amazing museums to family-friendly experiences, read on to learn more about our picks for the best attractions in Houston for kids.
And make sure to bookmark our guide to Kid-Friendly Restaurants and the Best Playgrounds in Houston to use while out and exploring the city.
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Best Kid-Friendly Attractions in Houston
NASA is just one of Houston's kid-friendly attractions. Photo courtesy of Space Center Houston
1. Space Center Houston - Clear Lake
Space Center Houston is one of Houston’s top attractions, and the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. Kids love the tram rides and interactive exhibits that provide visitors with a glimpse into the history, present, and future of space exploration. If you’re planning a visit with kids, make sure to read about what you need to know before you go.
2. Children’s Museum Houston - Museum District
The Children’s Museum Houston has been a Houston staple since 1980 and boasts a wide array of activities to foster learning in a fun, innovative way. There are more than 20 different exhibits to visit with lots of things to do inside (and outside) the museum, and there is something for any child from toddlers up to 12-year-olds. Read our CMH tips here.
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science - Museum District
The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is one of the most visited museums in the country, and a fun, educational trip for kids. This world-class museum consists of five floors of permanent halls full of awe-inspiring exhibits and a steady rotation of traveling special exhibits. It's a big place, so read our Best Things To Do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science first.
4. Houston Zoo - Museum District
The Houston Zoo is one of the top attractions in Houston: Home to more than 6,000 animals and 600 species, the 55-acre complex is fun for all ages. If you have kids in tow, read this Houston Zoo guide before you go — it lists all the must-see exhibits, spots for a tasty meal, and insider-tips for visiting the Houston Zoo with kids. If you have time, check out the surrounding Hermann Park and its brand new The Commons area and playground.
5. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - Museum District
Billed as one of the largest museums in the United States, Houston's Museum of Fine Arts houses a veritable treasure trove of art and culture. The Museum's collection boasts nearly 70,000 works of art that span more than 6,000 years of history from around the world. In addition to these permanent works of art, the Museum also sees an ever-changing rotation of exhibits from a variety of artists. And the best part – kids 12 and younger are always
Check out a fleet of airplanes and learn about flight at the Lone Star Flight Museum. Photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum
6. Lone Star Flight Museum - Southeast Houston
Soaring warbirds, thrilling simulator experiences, and soft spots for tots to land have parents jetting to the Lone Star Flight Museum. Located at Ellington Field, the aviation museum boasts exciting exhibits and interactive elements for visitors of all ages. You can read all about what to expect with your visit in our Guide to the Lone Star Flight Museum with kids.
7. Downtown Aquarium - Downtown
The 500,000-gallon Downtown Aquarium complex is part attraction and part restaurant. Home to over 300 species of aquatic life from around the globe, it also features a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage, and a white tiger exhibit. Make sure to check out our tips on visiting the downtown aquarium with kids before you go.
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8. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier - Galveston
The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is iconic for many reasons, including that it is the closest theme park to Houston, with a history that reflects our city's resilience. At Pleasure Pier you can hop on the Texas Star Flyer and get a bird's eye view of the Gulf of Mexico, test your luck at classic carnival games, and enjoy a full day of classic family fun. Make it a day trip, or stay overnight at one of Galveston's Family-Friendly Hotels and check off as many of these Things To Do in Galveston with Kids as you can.
9. Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah and its boardwalk may be just 20 miles from downtown Houston, but it delivers a drastic change of scenery from city life. The Kemah waterfront is packed with kid-friendly attractions that will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Check out our Top Things To Do at the Kemah Boardwalk before you go.
Play with slime at Sloomoo. Photo by Nan Ross
10. Sloomoo Institute of Houston
Have a slime-time adventure in a colorful world full of never-ending, hand-crafted slime, yummy scents, and soothing ASMR delights at Sloomoo of Houston. This is an attraction worth checking out if you have a kid that likes slime! Read our review and see our own photos here.