15 Things to Do in Houston with Kids (Plus, Insider Tips!)

Big-hearted and full of surprises, Houston is the kind of city that makes families feel right at home, whether you’re chasing dinosaurs through museums, watching bats soar over bayous, or grabbing tacos before a splash pad adventure. It’s a place where every neighborhood holds a new discovery and where local warmth meets big-city energy.

What makes Houston especially great for traveling with kids?

Variety. One day you’re building robots at a science museum;, the next, you’re riding pedal boats in a sun-dappled park or gawking at real-life space gear.

In this guide, you’ll find the best kid-approved experiences Houston has to offer, plus helpful tips and nearby stays to keep your family’s getaway smooth, exciting, and just the right amount of laid-back.

🛎️ Start Your Family Adventure with Sonesta Hotels

Educational Adventures for Curious Kids

Houston knows that learning doesn’t have to be confined to the classroom. Across the city, world-class institutions turn science, history, and innovation into hands-on fun for children of all ages.

1. Children’s Museum Houston

This dynamic, award-winning museum is a kid-powered wonderland built for ages 0–12. Little ones can navigate Kidtropolis, a pint-sized city where they can role-play as bankers, shopkeepers, or EMTs.

Bigger kids will love the Challenge Course, Invention Convention, and science experiments. For toddlers, Tot*Spot offers a safe space to climb, explore, and discover.

Insider Tips:

• Free Family Night runs every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m a great way to explore on a budget without compromising the fun.
• Bring a change of clothes for water play areas like FlowWorks.
• Sonesta offers a range of family-friendly stays just minutes from the museum.

Map It: Children’s Museum Houston

2. Houston Museum of Natural Science

With dinosaurs, giant gems, mummies, and butterflies, this museum has it all.

The Morian Hall of Paleontology dazzles with full-size skeletons, while the Cockrell Butterfly Center invites families into a lush habitat teeming with fluttering wings. With a planetarium and IMAX theater on-site, it’s a full-day experience.

Insider Tips:

• Arrive after 6 p.m. on Tuesdays for free access to permanent exhibits.
• The Butterfly Center is less crowded around midday and perfect for photos.
• Several Sonesta hotels are within easy reach, keeping the visit low-stress even on busier travel days.

Map It: Houston Museum of Natural Science

3. Space Center Houston

As the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this is where kids can dream big and reach for the stars.

Stand beneath a real Saturn V rocket, climb inside a shuttle replica, and learn how astronauts live and work in space. The center’s interactive exhibits and tram tours make science feel thrillingly close.

Insider Tips:

• Save a few dollars by booking tickets online in advance.
• The tram tours fill up quickly, so arrive early to snag your preferred time.
• Find Sonesta properties with quick access to the center.

Map It: Space Center Houston

A Mercury capsule on display at Space Center Houston—fueling curiosity and sparking big dreams in young explorers.

4. The Health Museum

This interactive science museum brings the human body to life. From giant models of organs to hands-on labs where kids can peek inside a cell or build a virus, every exhibit is designed to spark curiosity about how our bodies work. It’s an ideal stop for ages 5 and up.

Insider Tips:

• Visit on Thursdays between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for free general admission.
• If you’re visiting with a group of four or more, check their site for bundle discounts.

Map It: The Health Museum

Outdoor Fun for Active Families

Houston’s parks and outdoor spaces offer plenty of room to roam, play, and explore, no elaborate planning required.

Whether it’s a shaded picnic, a paddle around the lake, or spotting animals at the zoo, families can enjoy an active time together without leaving the city behind.

1. Houston Zoo

Home to over 6,000 animals, this beloved zoo is a must-visit for families with young kids.

Exhibits span continents, from African elephants and sea lions to sloths and tropical birds. Children can get up close with giraffe feedings or cool off at the water play park on warmer days.

Insider Tips:

Admission is free for kids under two.

• Arrive early to beat the heat and catch the animals at their most active.
• Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks to make the most of your visit.
• You’ll find a range of Sonesta accommodations near the zoo.

Map It: Houston Zoo

A cheetah lounges in the sun at the Houston Zoo, where over 6,000 animals give families a front-row seat to wildlife from around the world.

2. Hermann Park

Nestled next to the Museum District, Hermann Park offers plenty of low-key fun for all ages.

Ride the miniature train, rent a pedal boat on McGovern Lake, or enjoy a picnic under the trees. The Japanese Garden offers a peaceful spot for parents while kids roam nearby paths.

Insider Tips:

• The park itself is free to enter, and train rides and boat rentals are affordable.
• Mornings and weekdays tend to be quieter, especially for stroller-friendly walks or shaded playtime.

Map It: Hermann Park

3. Discovery Green

In the heart of downtown, this lively urban park is packed with family appeal. Think splash pads, colorful playgrounds, art installations, and open lawns perfect for picnics or games.

Seasonal programming includes outdoor movies, yoga, and hands-on kids’ activities.

Insider Tips:

• Many events and programs are free. Check the online calendar before your visit.
• It’s a great option for spontaneous plans or a low-effort break between downtown attractions.

Map It: Discovery Green

Colorful lotus installations float in the pond at Discovery Green, one of downtown Houston’s most vibrant parks for family play, art, and free seasonal events.

4. Buffalo Bayou Park

This 160-acre greenbelt blends nature and skyline views with trails, public art, and outdoor adventure. Older kids and teens can rent kayaks or bikes, while families enjoy sunset walks and skyline selfies.

The bat colony under the Waugh Drive Bridge is a quirky crowd-pleaser at dusk.

Insider Tips:

• Kayak rentals are available, but the bat viewing is completely free and best at sunset from spring through early fall.
• Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails.

Map It: Buffalo Bayou Park

Thrills, Rides & Waterfront Fun

Not every adventure in Houston needs a map or museum guide; some come with a splash zone or a roller coaster view.

For families craving fast-paced fun and hands-on excitement, these attractions deliver high energy and big grins, no matter your age.

1. Downtown Aquarium

Part aquarium, part amusement park, this downtown staple brings marine life and family fun together under one roof.

Inside, kids can get eye-level with sharks, stingrays, and a rare white tiger. Outside, they’ll find carnival-style rides, a Ferris wheel, and a train that passes through a glass tunnel surrounded by fish.

Insider Tips:

• Booking tickets online can help save time, especially on weekends.
• Combo passes offer the best value if you’re planning to enjoy both the exhibits and rides.
• Several Sonesta hotels sit within quick reach of the Aquarium.

Map It: Downtown Aquarium

Sharks glide through the underwater tunnel at Downtown Aquarium Houston—an immersive experience that thrills kids and gives families a close-up look at marine life in motion.

2. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Take flight at iFLY’s vertical wind tunnel, designed for thrill-seekers ages 3 and up.

Under instructor guidance, the whole family can experience the sensation of true freefall, complete with helmets and gear for all sizes.

Insider Tips:

• Book session bundles or family packages in advance for the best rates.
• Weekday slots often have shorter wait times, ideal for families balancing multiple activities.

Map It: iFLY Houston

3. Kemah Boardwalk

Located just southeast of Houston on the waterfront, Kemah Boardwalk is a favorite day trip for families with older kids. Think arcade games, midway-style rides, and a looping roller coaster with views of Galveston Bay.

Restaurants line the boardwalk, so it’s easy to make a full day of it.

Insider Tips:

• Unlimited-ride wristbands are worth the cost if you plan to stay more than a few hours.
• Arrive early to skip the longer afternoon lines and find easier parking.

Map It: Kemah Boardwalk

Where to Eat with Kids in Houston

Between morning museum visits and evening park adventures, grabbing a good meal together can help reset the day. Houston delivers, from Italian plates to Tex-Mex, with relaxed spots that welcome kids without compromising flavor.

Houston’s dining scene balances variety and ease, with everything from comfort food to casual Italian, giving families solid options no matter where the day takes them.

1. Hobbit Cafe

This cozy, themed spot in the Upper Kirby area is known for burgers, sandwiches, and smoothies served in a woodsy, shaded patio setting.

The playful decor adds just enough novelty to keep younger diners curious without distracting them from the meal.

Map It: Hobbit Cafe

2. Pappasito’s Cantina

Bold, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex dishes come with quick service and a kids’ menu that includes all the essentials.

You’ll find several locations across Houston, with one conveniently placed near the Galleria.

Map It: Pappasito’s Cantina

3. Buffalo Grille

A casual breakfast-to-dinner favorite with locations in West University and Memorial, it keeps things simple with pancakes, eggs, burgers, and grilled cheese.

Highchairs and coloring sheets make it easy for families to settle in.

Map It: West University Location, Memorial Location

4. Candelari’s

A relaxed, family-friendly Italian spot in the Rice Military area, known for pizza, pasta, and hearty comfort food. The menu covers classics like spaghetti with meatballs and chicken alfredo alongside wood-fired pizzas with crisp, chewy crusts.

Tables are spaced for easy seating with kids, and the vibe stays casual even on busy evenings.

Map It: Candelari’s

5. Dining at Sonesta Hotels

Sonesta hotels in Houston cover the full spectrum of travel needs, from on-site restaurants serving elevated fare to all-suite properties designed for cooking in and stretching your travel budget.

Many locations include complimentary breakfast with hot items, fruit, and cereal, all ideal for fueling up before a busy day.

Suites with fully equipped kitchens offer flexibility for families who prefer to prep meals or accommodate dietary needs, while grab-and-go options and lobby coffee service make quick snacks.

Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Family Trip

Even the best itineraries benefit from a little breathing room, especially when traveling with kids.

These small, thoughtful adjustments can help you navigate Houston with less friction and more flexibility, no matter what the day brings.

• Plan one major activity per day. It keeps the pace manageable and gives everyone time to recharge.
• Buy tickets in advance. Online booking helps avoid long lines and last-minute disappointments.
• Pack the essentials. Sunscreen, snacks, and refillable water bottles go a long way on outdoor days.
• Bring a stroller or carrier. Especially useful for toddlers in parks, museums, or during longer walks.
• Use Metro or rideshares. Public transit can be more efficient than hunting for parking downtown.
• Check for deals. Many attractions offer family discounts or free admission on select days.

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Sonesta Stays in Houston

Whether you’re planning museum days, park adventures, or space-themed outings, Sonesta hotels across Houston give families space to unwind and recharge—without sacrificing convenience or comfort.

From full kitchens and outdoor pools to complimentary breakfast and laundry access, Sonesta stays offer the everyday extras that make family travel easier. Plus, with the Sonesta Travel Pass, guests can earn points toward free nights and enjoy perks that stretch every stay a little further.