Planning a family trip to Houston? You may know it as the home of NASA, but rockets are only the beginning.

Houston is packed with world-class museums, animal encounters, amusement rides, outdoor spaces, live entertainment and wonderfully unusual attractions. There are also plenty of indoor things to do in Houston with kids, which is particularly useful when the famous Texas heat starts showing off.

I spent a full week exploring Houston with my children, Mia and Caius, and discovered that this enormous city is far more family-friendly than many travellers realise.

We visited museums, watched our first rodeo, touched stingrays, explored NASA, rode roller coasters and stood outside a house covered in beer cans. Because apparently, Houston does not believe in doing anything quietly.

This guide covers the best things to do in Houston with kids, including our personal favourites, suggested ages, approximate visit times, free attractions and practical family travel tips. And forms part of our 2 year North America trip.

Houston With Kids at a Glance

Admission prices, opening hours and individual experiences can change, so always check the official attraction website before visiting.

My Top Five Houston Attractions for Families

Trying to decide what to prioritise? These were my top choices.

1. Space Center Houston – the best overall Houston attraction
2. Children’s Museum Houston – the best choice for younger children
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science – the best hot-day or rainy-day attraction
4. Houston Zoo – the best outdoor family attraction
5. Kemah Boardwalk – the best choice for rides and thrill seekers

With only one day in Houston, I would choose Space Center Houston.

With younger children, I would combine the Children’s Museum with Hermann Park.

With older kids and teenagers, Space Center Houston, Cidercade and Kemah Boardwalk are difficult to beat.

Where to Stay in Houston With Kids

Houston is huge. I cannot emphasise that enough.

Choosing the right neighbourhood can save your family a considerable amount of time in the car, so look at the attractions you most want to visit before booking accommodation.

Museum District

The Museum District is one of the most convenient areas for families visiting Houston for the first time.

You will be close to:

• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Children’s Museum Houston
• Houston Zoo
• Hermann Park
• McGovern Centennial Gardens

This is the best area for families who want several attractions within a relatively compact part of the city.

Downtown Houston

Downtown is a good option for short visits and families wanting access to:

• Discovery Green
• POST Houston
• Downtown Aquarium
• Alley Theatre
• Downtown restaurants and events

Clear Lake

Consider staying around Clear Lake if Space Center Houston and Kemah Boardwalk are your biggest priorities.

This area is farther from the Museum District and Downtown, but it can significantly reduce driving time on your NASA and Kemah days.

Energy Corridor

We stayed at the Red Roof PLUS+ in the Energy Corridor, west of central Houston.

Our room had a kitchenette with a microwave, full-size fridge, hotplate and dishwasher. Having somewhere to store snacks and prepare simple meals made family travel much easier.

The staff were courteous, and we appreciated the complimentary welcome pack containing bottled water, nuts, cookies and popcorn. Overall, I found it to be a good-value, budget-friendly option in an otherwise expensive city.

The location worked for our plans, but families concentrating on the Museum District and Downtown may prefer a more central base.

The 15 Best Things to Do in Houston With Kids

1. Space Center Houston

Address: 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston
Best for: Ages six and over
Allow: Four to six hours
Cost level: $$$
Book ahead: Strongly recommended
Erin’s verdict: The Houston must-do

You cannot write a guide to Houston with kids without putting Space Center Houston near the top.

This is the official visitor centre for NASA Johnson Space Center and one of the most exciting family attractions in Texas.

When we arrived, Mia and Caius were immediately captivated by an interactive science show using balloons, liquid nitrogen and other entertaining experiments. The presentation made science feel fun and accessible, and the children were laughing and learning without even realising it.

From there, we explored historic spacecraft, space equipment, astronaut displays and an enormous collection of exhibits documenting the past, present and future of human space travel.

The NASA tram experience was the highlight for me.

We explored areas of Johnson Space Center, saw historic mission control spaces and stood near the enormous Saturn V rocket. There is something completely surreal about seeing the places and equipment connected to actual space missions.

The children loved the interactive elements, while I was fascinated by the history.

Erin’s Space Center Houston tip

Arrive early and check the day’s tram options as soon as you enter. Tour routes, availability and inclusions can vary, and the most popular experiences may fill quickly.

Wear comfortable shoes because there is plenty of walking, and remember that parts of the tram experience may be outdoors.

Would we return?

Absolutely. This is the attraction I would recommend to almost every family visiting Houston.

2. Children’s Museum Houston

Address: 1500 Binz Street, Houston
Best for: Ages three to twelve
Allow: Three to five hours
Cost level: $$
Best weather: Hot or rainy days
Erin’s verdict: Brilliant for curious children

Children’s Museum Houston is one of those places where children can happily play for hours while quietly learning about science, engineering, money, society and problem-solving.

Caius’ favourite area was Kidtropolis, a miniature city run by children.

It included ATMs, money, cheques, a grocery store, veterinary clinic, diner, ambulance, bank, art academy and city hall. It reminded me of the KidZania attractions we had previously visited in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur.

He loved having his own money and being part of a tiny working city.

Mia could not get enough of Invention Convention, where children could experiment with rockets, robots, racing cars and engineering challenges.

The museum has numerous hands-on galleries, workshops and science experiences, although individual exhibits can close temporarily or change. Check what will be open on the day of your visit.

Erin’s Children’s Museum tip

Allow more time than you think you will need. This is not a museum children will race through in an hour.

Pack a change of clothes if water-play areas are operating, and consider visiting early before the busiest part of the day.

Would we return?

Yes. It was one of the most engaging attractions we visited, particularly for primary-school-aged children.

3. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
Best for: Ages five and over
Allow: Three to four hours
Cost level: $$
Best weather: Any time, particularly hot or wet days
Erin’s verdict: One of Houston’s best family museums

Houston Museum of Natural Science is an easy choice for families interested in dinosaurs, ancient history, wildlife, gems, chemistry or space.

The museum’s permanent exhibition halls cover an enormous range of subjects, including palaeontology, Ancient Egypt, energy, minerals and the natural world.

The dinosaur displays were a clear family favourite. The scale of the skeletons alone makes the museum worth visiting with children.

This is also a useful attraction when Houston’s weather is working against you. The galleries are indoors, there is enough to fill several hours, and you can combine the museum with Hermann Park or the Houston Zoo when the weather is comfortable.

Erin’s museum tip

Arrive close to opening if you prefer a quieter visit. Decide in advance whether you want to add paid experiences such as the planetarium, butterfly centre or giant-screen theatre, as these can require additional time and tickets.

Would we return?

Yes. The variety makes it suitable for children and adults with completely different interests.

4. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Location: NRG Park
Best for: Ages five and over
Allow: At least half a day
Cost level: $$$
Season: Usually held during February and March
Erin’s verdict: The ultimate Texas experience

Going to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo was one of the most memorable experiences of our visit.

This was our first rodeo, and the atmosphere was incredible. There were tens of thousands of spectators, huge screens, music, competitions and enough cowboy hats to make me question every fashion decision I had made that week.

We watched bareback riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, barrel racing and chuck wagon races.

The children’s favourite event was mutton busting, where young competitors hold on to a sheep as it races across the arena. It was chaotic, energetic and very entertaining.

After the rodeo events, we watched a country music concert featuring Florida Georgia Line. Their songs quickly became part of our family road-trip playlist.

The event also supports agricultural, educational and charitable programs, making it much more than a night of entertainment.

Erin’s rodeo tip

Buy tickets early, arrive with plenty of time to explore the wider event and check exactly what your ticket includes.

Cowboy hats and boots are not technically required, but they dramatically improve the experience.

Would we return?

Yes. It was unlike anything else we did in Houston.

5. Houston Zoo

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston
Best for: All ages
Allow: Three to five hours
Cost level: $$
Best weather: Mild days or early summer mornings
Erin’s verdict: A full family day out

Houston Zoo is large, well designed and home to an impressive range of animals.

We saw bears, giraffes, chimpanzees and numerous other species while following shaded paths around the zoo.

I found the layout relatively easy to navigate, which is important when visiting an enormous attraction with children. There were also shaded picnic spaces and play areas that provided welcome breaks from walking.

Our visit fell during Spring Break, so it was busy, but it still felt manageable.

Mia’s favourite part was not one of the rare animals. It was the bongo drums in Forest Village.

She played them with such enthusiasm that I became convinced she must have been a musician in another life.

The play spaces were also extremely popular with children, and the zoo now offers several family-focused areas, including a nature play space and children’s zoo.

Erin’s Houston Zoo tip

Visit early during warmer months, bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

Check whether seasonal water-play areas are operating and pack a change of clothes when appropriate.

Timed online tickets may be required, so do not assume you can simply arrive and purchase admission at the gate.

Would we return?

Yes, especially during cooler weather.

6. Kemah Boardwalk

Address: 215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah
Best for: Ages five and over
Allow: Four to six hours
Cost level: $$$
Best weather: Spring and autumn
Erin’s verdict: Best for rides and high-energy fun

Kemah Boardwalk sits southeast of central Houston and feels like a waterfront amusement park crossed with a restaurant precinct.

There are carnival rides, games, restaurants, fountains, a playground and waterfront views.

Many rides have height restrictions, so check these before purchasing an unlimited ride pass.

The Boardwalk Bullet is the major thrill ride: a fast wooden roller coaster that twists tightly around the boardwalk.

Mia’s favourite was the Drop Zone.

She went on it repeatedly while I stood nearby questioning how we were genetically related.

Our children could easily have spent more than four hours at Kemah Boardwalk without becoming bored.

Erin’s Kemah tip

Check the weather before committing to a full day. Heavy rain, extreme heat or strong winds can affect the experience and ride operations.

Compare individual ride prices with an unlimited ride pass based on your children’s heights and confidence levels.

Would we return?

Yes, particularly with older children who enjoy rides.

7. Downtown Aquarium Houston

Address: 410 Bagby Street, Houston
Best for: Ages three and over
Allow: Two to three hours
Cost level: $$
Best weather: Hot or rainy days
Erin’s verdict: Fun, themed and easy to combine with Downtown

Downtown Aquarium Houston combines aquatic exhibits with restaurants and small amusement rides.

We spent around an hour exploring themed areas designed around environments such as a Louisiana swamp, rainforest, shipwreck and sunken temple.

The lighting, sound and decoration made the exhibits feel immersive, and the children enjoyed spotting different marine species.

One unexpected sight was the white tiger exhibit, which was not something I anticipated finding in an aquarium.

We also visited Stingray Reef, where Mia and Caius could interact with stingrays and sea stars.

But sometimes the free attraction wins.

The splash fountain behind the aquarium kept the children entertained for more than 30 minutes. After paying for a major attraction, they were completely delighted by water shooting out of the ground.

Classic children.

There are also rides, including a carousel and Ferris wheel, which can be purchased separately or included in certain ticket packages.

Erin’s Downtown Aquarium tip

Check what is included before buying your ticket, as aquarium admission, animal encounters and rides may be priced separately.

Bring a towel and change of clothes when the outdoor splash area is operating.

Would we return?

Yes, although I would combine it with another Downtown attraction rather than making it the only activity of the day.

8. Cidercade Houston

Address: 2320 Canal Street, Houston
Best for: Ages six and over
Allow: Two to four hours
Cost level: $
Best weather: Hot or rainy days
Erin’s verdict: Excellent value for game-loving families

Cidercade Houston is a large arcade filled with classic and modern games.

Rather than paying separately for every machine, visitors normally pay one entry fee for unlimited play.

That makes it one of the more affordable indoor things to do in Houston with kids, especially when your children are prone to saying, “Just one more game,” 47 times.

Expect pinball machines, racing games, fighting games, sports games and nostalgic arcade favourites.

Because it is also a cider venue, family admission times or age restrictions can vary later in the day. Check the current family hours before visiting with children.

Erin’s Cidercade tip

Visit earlier in the day for a more family-friendly atmosphere and confirm when children must leave.

Would we return?

Definitely. It is an easy, low-stress option for older children and teenagers.

9. Discovery Green

Address: 1500 McKinney Street, Houston
Best for: All ages
Allow: One to two hours
Cost level: Free
Best weather: Mild mornings and evenings
Erin’s verdict: One of the best free things to do in Houston with kids

Discovery Green is a large public park in the heart of Downtown Houston.

The park includes lawns, public art, children’s play areas, water features, restaurants, event spaces, and a lake. Activities and events change throughout the year, so check the calendar before visiting.

Kids can run around between attractions, and it works well with nearby Downtown destinations.

You could combine Discovery Green with POST Houston, Downtown Aquarium, or an evening performance.

Erin’s Discovery Green tip

Check the event schedule before your visit. Free performances, markets, fitness sessions and seasonal activities can make a simple park stop much more interesting.

Bring a change of clothes if the children’s water areas are operating.

Would we visit?

Yes. It is central, flexible and free, which is a wonderful combination on a family holiday.

10. POST Houston

Address: 401 Franklin Street, Houston
Best for: All ages
Allow: One to two hours
Cost level: Free entry
Best time: Late afternoon or evening
Erin’s verdict: Best for food choices and skyline views

POST Houston is a former postal facility transformed into an enormous mixed-use space with an international food hall, events and a rooftop park.

It is a particularly useful stop for families because everyone can choose something different to eat.

That means no negotiations involving one child wanting pizza, another wanting noodles and a parent who would simply like to consume a meal while it is still warm.

The rooftop space offers views across the city and room to walk around, making POST Houston feel like more than just somewhere to eat.

Erin’s POST Houston tip

Visit around sunset for the best rooftop atmosphere.

Check the event calendar because concerts and special events may affect access, crowds or parking.

Would we return?

Yes. It is an easy addition to a Downtown Houston itinerary.

11. James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace

Address: Rice University, Houston
Best for: Ages six and over
Allow: Around one hour
Cost level: Free
Best time: Sunrise or sunset
Erin’s verdict: Peaceful, unusual and completely different

James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace is one of the most distinctive free attractions in Houston.

The structure uses changing artificial and natural light to alter the way visitors perceive the sky.

The light sequence is designed around sunrise and sunset, turning the ceiling and open sky into a changing display of colour.

This is not a loud or highly interactive children’s attraction. It is calm, slow and reflective.

That makes it better for school-aged children and teenagers who can sit quietly and appreciate the experience.

Seating is limited and available on a first-come basis.

Erin’s Skyspace tip

Check the current light-sequence schedule before visiting and arrive early enough to find a seat.

Explain the experience to children beforehand so they understand that it is intended to be quiet.

Would we return?

Yes, particularly with older children or teenagers.

12. See a Family Show at Alley Theatre

Address: 615 Texas Avenue, Houston
Best for: Depends on the production
Allow: Two to three hours
Cost level: $$–$$$
Best weather: Any time
Erin’s verdict: A surprisingly entertaining family night out

Even when your children do not usually love theatre, the right production can become a trip highlight.

We saw Around the World in 80 Days at Alley Theatre.

Five actors played 42 different roles, making the production quick, clever and constantly entertaining.

There were minimal props and a small musical ensemble creating live sound effects, but the cast transformed the stage through movement, humour and imagination.

My six-year-old laughed out loud several times, which is always the most honest theatre review available.

I also discovered that Houston theatre audiences dress a little more formally than I did.

My travel-friendly outfit was comfortable, but smart casual clothing would have helped me blend in.

Erin’s Alley Theatre tip

Check the recommended age and content for each individual performance before booking.

Allow extra time for Downtown parking and check whether you need cash or can prebook a parking space.

Would we return?

Yes, for another fast-paced family production.

13. Lakewood Church

Address: 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston
Best for: Families interested in contemporary worship
Allow: Around two hours
Cost level: Free
Erin’s verdict: A memorable and very Houston experience

Lakewood Church is one of the best-known megachurches in the United States.

It is housed in the former Compaq Center, giving it the scale and atmosphere of a major entertainment venue.

We visited over Easter weekend, when the service included special performances and additional production elements.

The energy in the enormous room was incredible. Everything felt polished and highly organised while still being welcoming.

Regardless of your personal beliefs, it offers an interesting look at a significant part of Houston’s culture.

However, this will not appeal to every family, and it should be considered an optional experience rather than an essential Houston attraction.

Erin’s Lakewood Church tip

Check service times, parking information and visitor guidance before attending.

Be respectful, as this is an active place of worship rather than a conventional tourist attraction.

Would we return?

For a special service or event, yes.

14. Watch Planes at Galaxy FBO

Address: 2971 Hawthorne Drive, Conroe
Best for: Aviation-loving children
Allow: One to two hours
Cost level: Free to visit; food extra
Distance: Approximately one hour north of central Houston
Erin’s verdict: One of our most unusual Houston-area experiences

We discovered Galaxy FBO while visiting Black Walnut Café for brunch.

The café overlooked the runway, giving Mia and Caius a panoramic view of private aircraft taking off and landing.

The children were captivated.

The small airport serves business travellers, aviation enthusiasts and private charter guests, making it an interesting place to observe a completely different side of travel.

A friendly team member spoke to us about how private aircraft charters work, adding an unexpected educational element to the visit.

I had always assumed private flights were exclusively for celebrities and billionaires. Learning how groups sometimes compare the overall cost and convenience with premium commercial travel was fascinating.

This is not an essential attraction for a first visit to Houston, but it is a fun addition for aviation-loving children or families already travelling north of the city.

Erin’s Galaxy FBO tip

Treat this as a brunch stop rather than a dedicated day trip unless your children are serious aircraft enthusiasts.

Would we return?

Yes, especially with a plane-mad child.

15. Beer Can House

Address: 222 Malone Street, Houston
Best for: All ages
Allow: Thirty to sixty minutes
Cost level: $
Best time: Weekend opening hours
Erin’s verdict: Quick, quirky and unforgettable

The Beer Can House is exactly what it sounds like: a house covered in beer cans.

In 1968, retired upholsterer John Milkovisch began decorating his home with marbles, rocks and pieces of metal. He eventually covered much of the exterior with flattened aluminium beer cans.

The project continued for years, turning an ordinary home into one of Houston’s strangest landmarks.

Today, the house is maintained as a work of folk art.

It is a quick stop rather than a full family attraction, but it is certainly memorable. Children may not appreciate the artistic history, but they will understand the sentence, “This entire house is covered in beer cans.”

A small visitor area or gift shop may be open during official visiting hours, while the exterior can often be viewed from outside.

Erin’s Beer Can House tip

Check opening days before travelling across the city. Even when the interior is closed, you may still be able to view the exterior from the street.

Would we return?

I would happily show it to someone visiting Houston for the first time.

NOW CLOSED – 16. Art Car Museum

Address: 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

2026 Price: Free

Creative art cars and a quick family stop.

If you’re looking for a distinctive attraction for car lovers in Houston, look no further. Colloquially known as the “Garage Mahal”, this museum features creatively decorated and designed art cars created by local, regional, and national artists.

Sadly, this attraction closed in 2024. 

Best Free Things to Do in Houston With Kids

Houston can become expensive once you add attraction tickets, parking and meals. Fortunately, several family experiences are free.

Discovery Green

Let the children run, play and cool off while you enjoy one of Downtown Houston’s most popular public spaces.

POST Houston Rooftop

Entry to POST Houston is free, although you will need to pay for food, parking and ticketed events.

James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany

The sunrise and sunset light experience is a peaceful free activity for older children.

Hermann Park

Walk the paths, enjoy the playgrounds, relax beside the water or combine the park with nearby museums and the zoo.

McGovern Centennial Gardens

These landscaped gardens are a beautiful free stop in the Museum District.

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

The enormous curved fountain makes a dramatic, quick photo stop near The Galleria.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Explore walking trails and look for local wildlife without leaving the city.

Best Indoor Things to Do in Houston With Kids

Houston’s weather can be hot, humid or unexpectedly wet, so it is always useful to have an indoor backup plan.

The best indoor family attractions include:

• Children’s Museum Houston
• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Space Center Houston
• Cidercade Houston
• Downtown Aquarium
• Alley Theatre
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• The Galleria ice rink

Space Center Houston does include outdoor areas and an open-air tram component, so check the forecast before visiting.

Things to Do in Houston With Toddlers

Families with toddlers should prioritise attractions with play spaces, flexible schedules and somewhere to retreat from the heat.

Good options include:

• Children’s Museum Houston
• Houston Zoo
• Discovery Green
• Hermann Park
• Downtown Aquarium
• McGovern Centennial Gardens
• Houston Museum of Natural Science for dinosaur-loving toddlers

Avoid trying to fit too much into one day. Houston’s driving distances and large attractions can quickly overwhelm younger children.

Things to Do in Houston With Teenagers

Houston is also an excellent destination for older children and teenagers.

Consider:

• Space Center Houston
• Cidercade Houston
• Kemah Boardwalk
• James Turrell’s Skyspace
• POST Houston
• The Galleria ice rink
• A Houston Astros, Rockets, Texans or Dynamo game
• Buffalo Bayou Park
• A family-friendly theatre production

How to Plan Houston Attractions by Area

Houston attractions are spread across a huge metropolitan area. Grouping activities by neighbourhood will save time and reduce the amount of your holiday spent staring at traffic.

Museum District and Hermann Park

Combine:

• Children’s Museum Houston
• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Houston Zoo
• Hermann Park
• McGovern Centennial Gardens

Do not attempt all five in one day. Choose one major attraction plus the park or gardens.

Downtown Houston

Combine:

• Discovery Green
• POST Houston
• Downtown Aquarium
• Alley Theatre

Clear Lake and Kemah

Combine:

• Space Center Houston
• Kemah Boardwalk

You can technically visit both in one day, but it will be a long and busy day. Families with younger children may prefer to separate them.

Uptown and The Galleria

Combine:

• The Galleria
• Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

The Heights and Nearby Areas

Combine:

• Beer Can House
• Houston Arboretum
• Buffalo Bayou Park

One Day in Houston With Kids

With only one day, make Space Center Houston your priority.

Morning: Arrive at Space Center Houston when it opens and organise your preferred tram experience.

Lunch: Eat at Space Center Houston or nearby.

Afternoon: Continue exploring NASA.

Evening: Drive to Kemah Boardwalk for dinner and waterfront rides, provided the children still have energy.

For younger children who are not interested in space, choose the Children’s Museum and Hermann Park instead.

Two Days in Houston With Kids

Day One: Museum District

Spend the morning at Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Have lunch near Hermann Park, then choose between Houston Zoo, the gardens or a relaxed afternoon in the park.

Day Two: Space and the Waterfront

Spend most of the day at Space Center Houston.

Continue to Kemah Boardwalk for dinner and a few rides.

Three Days in Houston With Kids

Day One

Houston Museum of Natural Science and Hermann Park.

Day Two

Space Center Houston.

Day Three

Children’s Museum Houston, Discovery Green and POST Houston.

Families with older children could replace the Children’s Museum with Cidercade or Kemah Boardwalk.

One Week Houston Itinerary for Families

Day One: Museum District

Visit Houston Museum of Natural Science and explore Hermann Park.

Day Two: Children’s Museum

Allow most of the day for Children’s Museum Houston. Add McGovern Centennial Gardens if the children still have energy.

Day Three: Space Center Houston

Dedicate a full day to Space Center Houston and its tram experiences.

Day Four: Houston Zoo

Visit the zoo early, then return to your accommodation for a relaxed afternoon.

Day Five: Kemah Boardwalk

Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying the rides and waterfront.

Day Six: Downtown Houston

Visit Downtown Aquarium, Discovery Green and POST Houston.

Day Seven: Something Unusual

Choose between Cidercade, Twilight Epiphany Skyspace, Beer Can House, Alley Theatre or an aviation brunch near Galaxy FBO.

Is Houston CityPASS Worth It for Families?

Houston CityPASS can provide good value for families planning to visit several major paid attractions.

Participating attractions and inclusions can change, so compare the current pass with the exact places your family wants to visit.

Before purchasing, calculate:

• The total price of the pass for your family
• The normal admission price for your chosen attractions
• Whether children receive cheaper individual admission
• Whether parking is included
• How many days you have to use the pass
• Whether reservations are still required

We used CityPASS during our Houston visit and found it useful because several of our priority attractions were included.

However, it is not automatically the cheapest option for every family.

It is most valuable when you plan to visit multiple included attractions. Families concentrating on free parks, Cidercade and only one major museum may save more by purchasing tickets individually.

Travel Tips for Visiting Houston With Kids

Rent a car

A car is the easiest way for most visiting families to explore Houston.

Public transport may work for selected routes, but major attractions are spread across several neighbourhoods.

Group attractions geographically

Do not plan Space Center Houston, the Museum District and the Energy Corridor on the same day unless you enjoy spending family holidays inside a vehicle.

Expect traffic

Allow more time than the map suggests, particularly during weekday peak periods.

Check parking costs

Parking is not always included with admission and can add significantly to the cost of a family day out.

Plan around the heat

During warmer months, schedule outdoor attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Use museums, arcades and indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.

Carry water and sun protection

Bring reusable water bottles, hats and sunscreen for outdoor attractions.

Pack spare clothes

Splash pads and water-play areas have a mysterious ability to find children even when parents insist nobody is getting wet.

Keep towels and a change of clothes in the car.

Check opening hours before leaving

Seasonal attractions, special events and individual exhibits can change without notice.

Avoid overplanning

Many Houston attractions are large enough to occupy half a day or more.

One major attraction plus one smaller stop is often plenty for a family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston With Kids

Is Houston a good city to visit with children?

Yes. Houston has excellent science museums, animal attractions, parks, space experiences, rides and indoor family activities.

Its biggest challenge is distance. Attractions are spread across a large area, so families need to plan each day carefully.

How many days do families need in Houston?

Three days is enough to experience several major attractions.

Five to seven days will allow you to explore the Museum District, Downtown, Space Center Houston and Kemah without rushing.

What is the best attraction in Houston for children?

Space Center Houston is the best overall attraction for most families.

For younger children, Children’s Museum Houston may be the better choice.

What can families do in Houston for free?

Free family attractions include Discovery Green, Hermann Park, POST Houston’s rooftop, McGovern Centennial Gardens, Waterwall Park and James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany.

Do you need a car in Houston?

Most visiting families will find a car useful because the city’s main attractions are spread across a wide area.

What should families do in Houston when it rains?

Good rainy-day attractions include Children’s Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Space Center Houston, Cidercade and Downtown Aquarium.

What is the best time of year to visit Houston with kids?

Spring and autumn generally provide more comfortable conditions for outdoor activities.

Summer can still be enjoyable when you plan museums and indoor attractions during the hottest hours.

Is Houston CityPASS worth buying?

It can be worthwhile when your family plans to visit several participating paid attractions.

Compare the pass price against the current individual ticket prices before purchasing.

What are the best things to do in Houston with teenagers?

Teenagers may enjoy Space Center Houston, Cidercade, Kemah Boardwalk, professional sporting events, POST Houston and The Galleria.

Explore With Erin Wrap Up on Visiting Houston With Kids

We squeezed rockets, rodeos, roller coasters, splash pads, science experiments and a house covered in beer cans into one enormous Houston week.

The city surprised me.

Houston is educational without being boring, unusual without trying too hard and full of attractions capable of entertaining adults and children at the same time.

Space Center Houston was my overall must-do, while Mia and Caius also loved the Children’s Museum, Kemah Boardwalk, the zoo and all the unexpected interactive experiences in between.

Just remember to plan by neighbourhood, leave room for traffic and always carry spare clothes.

And add BBQ.

In Texas, always add BBQ.

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