Things To Do with Kids Near Houston

1. Houston Museum of Natural Science

See stunning gems and minerals, dinosaur skeletons, a butterfly center, a planetarium, and so much more at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

2. Houston Zoo

Spot the more than 6,000 residents of the Houston Zoo, including giraffes, chimpanzees, penguins, elephants, big cats, and birds, and let little ones play on the playground, pet goats, and ride a carousel in the Children's Zoo section.

3. Kemah Boardwalk

Dine, shop, and ride classic coasters, swings or speedboats at Kemah Boardwalk.

4. Children’s Museum of Houston

The 90,000 square feet of the Children's Museum Houston are jam-packed with interactive fun for kiddos.

5. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Take in the flora and fauna of Houston on 5 miles of trails and from inside the kid-focused Discovery Room before letting the littles burn off extra energy at the Nature Playscape.

6. Attend a pro sports game in Houston

If you're a fan of Houston sports teams, get your kids into the spirit when you attend an Astros (MLB), Rockets (MBA), Texans (NFL), or Dynamo (MLS) game as a family. 

7. San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield

Visit the spot where Texas fought and won its independence and see artifacts and cannon demonstrations for a dose of Lone Star State history at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield near Houston.

8. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Saddle up and ride on over to the world's largest rodeo and embrace this H-town tradition (a 20-day event typically held in March) while enjoying excellent fair foods, a carnival, livestock show, concerts from top artists, and bull riding and other exciting rodeo events.

9. Typhoon Texas Waterparks

Splash and slide into fun at Typhoon Texas Waterpark, which has locations in Katy and Austin.

10. Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Feast your eyes on the nearly 80,000 artworks from around the globe that span nearly 5,000 years of history at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

11. Hermann Park

Ride a train, feed the ducks, pedal a boat, explore an incredible new playspace, and more, all at Houston's 445-acre Hermann Park - a city hub that makes a perfect spot for a picnic after a day spent touring the Museum District.

12. Space Center Houston

Set your sights on space exploration when you take a tram ride through Johnson Space Center and get up-close looks at astronaut suits, moon rocks and other artifacts, simulators, a shuttle replica you can walk through, and the real-life SpaceX Falcon9 booster.

13. The Galleria

Shop until you drop at the largest mall in Texas, The Galleria, with its 400 stores, more than 60 eateries, and one of Houston's best ice skating rinks. 

14. Lone Star Flight Museum

Take flight (literally - for a fee, visitors can book a ride in warbird) at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston's Bay Area, where guests enjoy seeing more than 20 planes, trying their pilot skills in simulators, exploring aviation in the Flight Academy exhibit for kids, and playing in the Toddler Terminal.

15. Bluebonnet Photos

See the state flower lining roadways across the state in the spring and stop for those essential bluebonnet photos.

16. Texas Renaissance Festival 

Step back in time at the Texas Renaissance Festival, a beloved Texas theme park which opens its gates each year on weekends from October through December for Medieval fun, food, shows, rides, and shopping - huzzah!

17. Galveston Island

From Pleasure Pier to the historic downtown Strand District to the Best Beaches in Galveston, Galveston Island is one of the best vacation destinations for kids in the state. 

18. Moody Gardens

Journey through the Rainforest Pyramid filled with free-roaming monkeys and tropical birds, the Aquarium Pyramid with its 1.5 million gallon tank, and the Discovery Pyramid with science-focused exhibits.

19. Rosenberg Railroad Museum

All aboard! Little train lovers will have a blast at this old-timey railroad museum outside Houston. 

20. Museum of East Texas

Learn history, explore art, and maybe even enjoy a workshop or lecture when you visit this inspiring museum in Lufkin, TX.

21. Santa’s Wonderland

Get into the Christmas spirit at Santa's Wonderland in College Station, where more than 4.5 million lights add to the holiday magic as you meet Santa, play in real snow, and take a carriage or hay ride through a light trail.

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in North Texas

22. The Dallas World Aquarium

Trek through a cloud forest and see multiple animal exhibits and the diverse aquarium at this Dallas favorite.

23. Grapevine Historic Main Street

Take a stroll through this walkable historic district full of cute shops, restaurants, general stores, and statues. 

24. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Tour this presidential library and interactive museum in Dallas that explores the different issues during the George W. Bush administration.

25. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Stop to smell the roses (and orchids and tulips and bunches of other flowers) across the manicured grounds and a particularly whimsical children's garden in this 66-acre Dallas arboretum.

26. Dallas Zoo

Visit the 2,000 animals from more than 400 species at the state's largest zoo - one of our favorite Dallas activities for families.

27. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Explore everything from dinosaurs to space travel to biology and more while kids embrace hands-on learning with exciting exhibits at the Perot Museum in Dallas.

28. Dallas Museum of Art

Find inspiration among the 25,000+ works of art at this Dallas museum.

29. Reunion Tower

Rise 470 feet to The Ball of Reunion Tower in Dallas for 360-degree views of the city.

30. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Dine at a themed restaurant for a medieval jousting show and experience in Dallas your children will be talking about for years to come.

31. Professional Sports in Dallas

Cheer on your favorite Dallas teams with the fam at a Cowboys (NFL), Rangers (MLB), or Mavericks (MBA) game.

32. State Fair of Texas

Say hi to Big Tex, the State Fair icon, and take in a can't-miss Texan experience with livestock shows, good eats, and rides each fall in Dallas.

33. Crayola Experience

Embrace your creative side at this colorful theme park in Plano featuring hands-on experiences, character appearances, a playground, and plenty of chances to create amazing art.

34. LEGOLAND Discovery Centers

Build, play, and ride at LEGOLAND for ultimate fun in the Grapevine and San Antonio locations.

35. KidZania Dallas

Let the youngsters take control and have fun playing and learning at KidZania, an interactive cityscape built and run by kids in Frisco.

36. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Watch a cattle drive, catch a live band, find good food, and check out the original walkways and wooden corrals at the Fort Worth Stockyards. 

37. Dinosaur Valley State Park

Roam where the dinosaurs once walked and go on a hunt to find their fossilized footprints in the bed of the Paluxy River in Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose.

38. Fort Worth Zoo 

Take a trip to the Fort Worth Zoo, one of the best in the state, to spot the more than 7,000 native and exotic animals in their lush habitats. 

39. Indoor Water Parks 

Set off for summer fun in any season when you visit one of Texas' many indoor water parks, like Great Wolf Lodge in Grapevine and Clear Lake and Kalahari in Round Rock.

40. Cadillac Ranch

A kitschy roadside attraction turned beloved Texas landmark, Cadillac Ranch is a 1974 art installation that sits along Route 66 near Amarillo and features 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down in a line that visitors are invited to decorate with spray paint.

41. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Explore the second-largest canyon in the country by horse, foot, car, or bike for wow-worthy views of the red rock formations at Palo Duro Canyon State Park in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo.

42. Caprock Canyons State Park

The third-largest state park in Texas, Caprock Canyons is home to buffalo, interesting rock formations, and more, and is great for a family camping trip.

Best Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country

43. Inner Space Caverns

Located near Georgetown, Texas, this cavern space spans over 5 miles underground and offers guided tours. 

44. Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center

This botanical garden was founded by the former First Lady in 1982, and is dedicated to the conservation of plants. It has trails and fun spaces for kids to explore. 

45. Mayborn Museum Complex

Celebrate Central Texas when you delve into its natural science and history at Baylor University's Mayborn Museum in Waco.

46. Waco Mammoth National Monument

Dig into history and see the fossilized remains of a herd of Colombian mammoths from the Ice Age at Waco Mammoth National Monument.

47. Magnolia Market

Visit Magnolia Market in Waco to shop the curated collections, sample tasty bites, and spend time playing games on the lawn at The Silos - keep your eyes peeled in case owners and "Fixer Upper" stars Chip and Joanna Gaines make an appearance!

48. Cameron Park Zoo

Slip right through a river otter exhibit on a clear slide and see how many of the 1,700 animals you can spot at the Cameron Park Zoo, one of the best things to do in Waco with children. 

49. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

Take a gander at the weapons, badges, artifacts, and artworks of the legendary Texas Rangers and tip your hat to the Hall of Famers at this Waco museum.

50. Dr Pepper Museum

See if you can figure out all 23 flavors that make up Dr Pepper at this museum in Waco as you try your hand at making your own soda, learn the science behind the fizzy beverage, and sample sips.

51. Buc-ee's

Fill up at Buc-ee's, the cult-favorite convenience store chain that started as a great place for a clean bathroom and evolved into a Texas road trip tradition with costumed beaver characters, the best snacks, and, well, super clean restrooms (there are 35 throughout the state, but the Luling location is the largest convenience store in the world at 75,000 square feet and is worth a special stop).

52. Thinkery

Play all day at this Austin children's museum that encourages a love of learning through hands-on fun.

53. State Capitol Tour

Tour the Texas Capitol building, one of the can't-miss Austin experiences for kids. 

54. Barton Springs Pool

Take a dip in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre watering hole nestled in Austin's beautiful Zilker Park. 

55. Volente Beach

Have fun in the sun at this Lake Travis beach resort and waterpark near Austin.

56. South Congress Bats

Flock to Austin's South Congress Bridge around sunset between March and September to witness the roughly 1.5 million Mexico free-tailed bats that call the structure home take flight.

57. Austin Aquarium

Meet a lemur, feed a stingray, and even get a princess makeover at the Austin Aquarium.

58. Austin Zoo 

Show some love to each of the 300+ animals at this non-profit rescue zoo in Austin - each creature has its own unique story.

59. Bullock Texas State History Museum

Texas's official state history museum is located near the Capitol building and includes an IMAX theater. 

60. Eat Good Barbecue

Make your barbecue dreams come true when you eat at the storied Franklin Barbecue in Austin, or enjoy finger-licking good meats with less of a line and the cutest venue at The Salt Lick BBQ in nearby Driftwood.

61. Blue Hole Regional Park

Take a dip beneath the cypress trees in clear blue waters of the Blue Hole, a natural swimming area in Wimberley.

62. Hamilton Pool Preserve

Hike and swim at the stunning Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs where a 50-foot waterfall plummets into a box canyon to create the pool beneath - one of the most picturesque swimming holes in Texas.

63. Inks Lake State Park 

Kick back and enjoy life on the water when you visit Inks Lake State Park in Burnet for hiking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more - a perfect summer lake destination!

64. Blue Bell Creamery

Get the scoop on how Blue Bell makes its tasty ice cream and sample some for yourself when you visit Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham.

65. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

Race to the top of the pink granite dome of Enchanted Rock in Fredericksburg and take in those sweeping Hill Country views.

66. Garner State Park 

Float the Frio River and soak in the beautiful natural area of Garner State Park in Concan by day and hit the dance floor with the family on sun-kissed summer evenings.

67. Kid-friendly Wineries 

Sip Texas-grown wines while kiddos play, feed animals, enjoy their own fresh grape juice, or nosh on tasty bites at one of the many Hill Country vineyards and wineries that welcome children.

68. Devil’s Sinkhole State Natural Area

Gaze into the depths of the 350-foot cavern in Rocksprings known as Devil's Sinkhole and watch your kids' faces light up around sunset when the roughly 3 million bats come swirling out of it to hunt for their dinner.

Family Must-Dos in South Texas and the Coastal Bend

69. San Antonio River Walk

Go for a stroll along the River Walk, a San Antonio favorite for families, or hop aboard one of the colorful barges for a ride and enjoy stopping in at some of the best restaurants, shops, and venues in town along the way.

70. The Alamo

Remember the Alamo and make sure your kids do, too, when you stop in for a tour of this historic 1718 Spanish mission in San Antonio and learn the story of Texas independence.

71. The Witte Museum

Stop in at this San Antonio museum to browse the exhibits on art, natural history, and Texas heritage and make sure to visit the outdoor space for the kids to enjoy the treehouse, water area, SkyCycle, and rock wall.

72. The DoSeum

Have some fun at this must-visit interactive San Antonio children's museum that lets your kids get hands-on with learning through play.

73. San Antonio Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in nature at the 38-acre San Antonio Botanical Garden when you explore its various gardens and exhibits geared towards all ages.

74. The Pearl

Explore like a local at San Antonio's historic Pearl District for shows, fun, and great foodie spots like the kid-friendly Wonderslice pizza joint and Lick Honest Ice Creams. 

75. SeaWorld San Antonio

Take on high-flying rollercoasters and kid-friendly rides at SeaWorld before getting up-close looks at dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, and more.

76. Six Flags

Seek out thrills with your big kids with swooping, swirling rollercoasters at Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio or Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, and enjoy kiddie rides and games with your smaller buddies.

77. Morgan’s Wonderland

Welcome good times for everyone in your group at Morgan's Wonderland, a fully-inclusive theme park in San Antonio that touts super-fun rides, playgrounds, and activities that are accessible to people of all abilities. 

78. Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort at New Braunfels

Make waves at the famous Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels, where a massive selection of spring-fed rides, waterslides, play areas, and pools will keep your crew busy all day (or weekend) long.

79. San Antonio Zoo

Encounter wildlife from around the globe, ride a train or carousel, and let your littlest ones play at the Tiny Tots Nature Spot for a great day at the San Antonio Zoo.

80. Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

A drive-thru safari where kids can see giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and more from the comfort of the car. 

81. Tower of the Americas

View San Antonio from the Tower of the Americas observation deck 750-feet in the air and enjoy a meal at its revolving restaurant at the top.

82. Guadalupe River Tubing 

Grab a tube and get ready to float New Braunfels' Guadalupe River, a great river for Texas families - we recommend sticking to the "horseshoe" section for a milder experience with kids.

83. Natural Bridge Caverns

Go spelunking at Natural Bridge Caverns, a destination featuring two natural limestone caves that are open for guided exploration in San Antonio. 

84. Cowboys on Main Show at Western Trail Heritage Park 

Catch cowboys putting on a show featuring chuckwagons and gunfight demonstrations on November Saturdays for a taste of the Old West in Bandera.

85. Gruene

Visit the tiny German town of historic Gruene (pronounced like the color green) for a fun day shopping, dining, and sightseeing; a great place to stop when you're in town to float the Guadalupe or Comal Rivers.

86. USS Lexington

The USS Lexington was a WWII aircraft carrier that now welcomes visitors aboard for ship tours that kids absolutely love - a must-do for families visiting Corpus.

87. Texas State Aquarium

Make your way through the fascinating exhibits at Corpus Christi's Texas State Aquarium and learn about the importance of conservation as you check out all the creatures, like jelly fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and a whole lot more (pack swimsuits for the splash pad!).

88. South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center

Feast your eyes on the blooms and wildlife among the dozen gardens and conservatories, including a butterfly house and reptile room, at the 182-acre botanical gardens in Corpus Christi.

89. Padre Island National Seashore 

Put your toes in the sand along the 70-mile Padre Island National Seashore and enjoy a trip to the beach near Corpus Christi.

90. Ocean Drive

Spend some time on Corpus Christi's Ocean Drive, where you can walk the Seawall, enjoy the beach, take your kiddos to play at Cole Park, and top it all off with a visit to the original Whataburger. 

91. Port Aransas

Plan a vacation to the little town of Port Aransas for the best summer beach bum getaway.

92. Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve and Learning Center

Walk the trails at the 162-acre Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve for an up-close look at the coastal ecosystem and then step into the learning center to discover why it's so important before finishing your educational foray with a stop at the playground.

93. Goliad State Park and Historic Sites

Learn Texas history in Goliad, a town that was deeply influential in the Texas Revolution, when you visit the 1749 Presidio La Bahia Spanish fort and the state park's Mission Espiritu Santu for tours and reenactments.

94. South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center and Alligator Sanctuary

Keep your eyes peeled for birds and other wildlife when you walk the boardwalk, climb a 5-story viewing tower that overlooks Laguna Madre bay, and visit the gator sanctuary.

95. Port Isabel Lighthouse

Make the winding climb up 75 stairs to the top of the Port Isabel Lighthouse for stunning South Padre Island views and see the working lamp (children must be at least 5 to climb).

96. Beaches on South Padre Island

Spend time in the powder-soft sand and blue waves of the family-friendly South Padre Island beaches like Isla Blanca Park, Boca Chica Beach, or one of the public spots you can get to via the 25 access points along Gulf Blvd, or check out one of our other Favorite Things To Do in South Padre.

West Texas Activities for Families

97. Big Bend National Park

Go way out West Texas to explore the 800,000-acre Big Bend National Park, where you can hike the stunning desert landscapes dotted with mountains and canyons, experience dark night skies filled with stars, and canoe the Rio Grande.

98. McDonald Observatory Star Party

Seek out dark skies in Fort Davis where you can attend an evening Star Party at the McDonald Observatory, which is an all-ages event that includes a constellation tour and the chance to peer through telescopes.

99. Prude Ranch

Go country at the Prude Ranch, a working dude ranch in Fort Davis that offers trail rides through the mountains. 

100. Marfa

See if you can spot the mysterious Marfa lights, an unexplained phenomenon where people see glowing orbs in the desert from this tiny West Texas town, and swing by the Prada Marfa art installation for a picture before you go.

All photos are courtesy of Travel Texas, the official Texas tourism website.