Bellaire is located just minutes from Houston’s downtown, straddling the loop in the southwest part of town, and it makes for a fun day trip or quick visit for a meal or recreation. The compact city is a mere 3.5 square miles, but its small footprint packs in a lot of family-friendly activities and events.
From playgrounds and pools to indoor activities and kid-friendly restaurants, read on for some of the best things to do with kids in Bellaire.
If you’d like to explore options for more local adventures, check out our 100 Things To Do With Houston Kids Before They Grow Up post and the Visitors Guide.
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Top Attractions in Bellaire for Families
Evelyn's Park has a popular sprayground area. Photo courtesy of Evelyn's Park Conservancy
Evelyn’s Park
Evelyn’s Park is one of our favorite parks in the Houston area, and for good reason. The children’s area encourages imaginative play amid integrated climbing, sand, and water play areas. There are walking trails, wildflower meadows, green space, and art that includes an oversized bronze sculpture of Alice in Wonderland. The park offers free programming like Art in the Park and Bubbles and Board Games for kids, and you can even grab a coffee or lunch at the neighborhood eatery Betsy’s at Evelyn Park
Nature Discovery Center
Nature Discovery Center is an amazing and free place to visit in Bellaire. Russ Pitman Park surrounds the center and has short trails through pocket prairies, woodlands, and ponds that are just the right length for younger kids. There is a nature playscape as well to enjoy, and outdoor critter classrooms house rabbits, tortoises, and possums. Indoors, discovery rooms are home to more live animals and themed displays with skins, skeletons, and more that are all touchable and accessible to kids.
Palace Social
Palace Social is a family fun spot with a bowling alley, arcade, virtual reality rides, and multi-sport simulator bays. You can even grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant, which features all-American fare–and has a kid's menu!
Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center
The Bellaire Town Square Family Aquatic Center provides plenty of fun for the whole family, with a 14-foot dive well, lap lanes, a splash pad, and a waterslide. Daily admission passes are available to both residents and non-residents.
We Rock the Spectrum – Bellaire
We Rock the Spectrum is an indoor play gym committed to a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration, and safe sensory experiences for all kids. It’s a really fun place to play for younger kids. The open playtime gives visitors full use of the gym with all equipment, as well as access to the arts and crafts section. We Rock the Spectrum also offers birthday parties and classes.
Loftin Park Bellaire Town Square
This shaded playground has a separate play area for smaller kids that includes swings, spring riders, and a stationary train. It also features a larger playground with unique play structures like climbing ropes, balance boards, and spinning hoops. There are also picnic tables and BBQ pits.
Best Restaurants for Kids in Bellaire
Dandelion Cafe has an indoor paper garden. Photo courtesy of the restaurant
Dandelion Cafe
Locally owned and operated, Dandelion Cafe offers fresh and local food and breakfast served all day, including high-end coffee. It also sells family packs so that customers can bundle and enjoy a fresh meal for the whole family.
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Lankfords
While the original location opened downtown in the 1930s, the new Lankford’s in Bellaire still offers the same authentic burger. There is a kids menu, patio seating, and a small play area, making this a great place for families to dine.
Crumbl - Bellaire
Crumbl Cookies has large, delicious, and crumbly cookies available for takeout. The menu rotates weekly, with six gourmet flavors to experience. Kids (and parents!) love trying out all the flavors, making this a favorite dessert spot.