Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston Area
Winners for 2018
Houston is rich in fun events and exciting places. It was hard for our readers to choose their favorites from the hundreds of choices! The venues listed below are wildly popular with kids and families in the Houston area. But don’t miss out on ALL the other wonderful places as well! Browse through our site and discover lots more to do! Plus:
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Splashway Waterpark
Splashway is far more than your average waterpark - we’re experts in family vacation, fluent in fun, and mega clean freaks! Like you, we believe your family deserves the best and we strive to deliver just that. We have something for every member of your family - from the thrill seekers to the first time swimmers. Our amazing staff, cleanliness, and dedication to our guests’ experience have made us the highest rated waterpark in Texas! So what are you waiting for? Come check us out!
Houston Zoo
One of Texas’ best zoos is right here in Houston. Get your animal groove on exploring animal habitats, giraffe feedings, Naturally Wild Swap Shop (where you can bring in your found treasures), and Meet the Keeper talks/encounters/feedings every half hour. Their Water Play Park, Sneak Peek tours, Zoo Crew experiences, and Vet for a Day programs provide fun for toddlers to teens. Always be on top of what's happening at the Zoo: Click here to sign up for their newsletter.
Children’s Museum of Houston
A Playground for your Mind™! The Children’s Museum of Houston is packed with 14 hands-on exhibits, including the chance for kids to program robots and invent things; anchor the news; run a business; get elected as mayor; explore nanotechnology and climb a three-story tower! Plus, their Thursday Free Family Nights, Family Adventures, and membership rates make it affordable for all.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark - Galveston Island
Since 1979, Schlitterbahn Waterparks has been a leader in family water entertainment. In 2006, the Galveston location opened and immediately became a favorite of Houston families. Schlitterbahn is still the Hottest, Coolest time in Texas!
Houston Astros Baseball
The Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team and play at Minute Maid Park.
Altitude Trampoline Park
Galveston Island Pleasure Pier
Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is one of the few spots in the world that has this many rides over water! You'll be flying over guests on the Pier, soaring over the Gulf of Mexico and anticipating your next ride! 16 rides for all ages.
Downtown Aquarium
That big Ferris wheel enticing you from I-45 and I-10 invites you to experience all the Downtown Aquarium has to offer. Amusement rides and carnival games thrill alongside aquarium adventures and hands-on encounters with stingrays. Sharing much more than an underwater voyage, the Aquarium boasts incredible rare white tigers which you can experience on your own by visiting the Tiger Exhibit or during a Sea Safari Camp, a Wild Dreams Overnight, or an Aquarium Birthday Party.
Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster's is a 56,000 square foot dining and entertainment facility featuring world-class pocket billiards, shuffleboard and the latest video games and interactive simulators.
Moody Gardens
The iconic three pyramids are just the tip of the iceberg at Moody Gardens. The Rainforest Pyramid®, the Aquarium Pyramid®, and the hands-on discovery museum are treasures. Add to that the 3D and 4D Theaters, Colonel Paddlewheel Boat, Palm Beach and the annual Festival of Lights, you’ve got a multi-day destination that kids of all ages will enjoy.
Kemah Boardwalk
The Kemah Boardwalk is open daily providing fun for everyone! Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is home to fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals and seaside shows!
Brazos Bend State Park
5,000-acre gem 40 miles from downtown Houston, offers a variety of activities for every age: biking, fishing, hiking, birding, camping, star-gazing, and opportunities to learn about Texas’ bountiful natural history via free programs and guided hikes.
Crocodile Encounter
Crocodile Encounter is home to the largest group of Nile crocodiles in the country. One of Houston's best kept secrets our interactive nature center brings you up close and personal to some of the most magnificent animals on the planet. A totally different wildlife experience for the whole family!
Dewberry Farm
Fall family entertainment at its very best, just a short country drive from Houston! 30+ attractions. 10 yummy eateries. Acres and acres of fun! And then Christmas trees a little later. We will be starting our Christmas Trail of Lights in December. Also the fall season starts on Saturday, September 29. Click here for directions.
Kid 'n Play Indoor Playground
KID ‘N PLAY Indoor Play Center features an interconnected city model designed to provide a safe, unique and realistic educational environment that allows kids to do what they do best: pretend play! At Kid 'N Play, children use their imagination to become doctors, firefighters, police officers, hairstylists, restaurant owners, teachers, stage performers and more. It also has a two-story play structure with slides, tunnels, obstacles, as well as a climbing tower.
Kid 'N Play is the premier birthday party venue in Pearland
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ promotes agriculture by hosting an annual, family-friendly experience that educates and entertains the public, supports Texas youth, showcases Western heritage and provides year-round educational support within the community.
Main Event
Main Event offers a unique, “EatBowlPlay” experience featuring state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag, thrilling high ropes adventure courses, captivating game rooms featuring the latest video and amusement, stylish billiards, energetic bars and high-quality restaurants.
Urban Air Trampoline Park
7-Acre Wood
Come play in a 7 1/2 acre old-fashioned Family Fun Park! Visit the petting zoo, mini golf course, western play town, new play ground, giant chess and checkers, gigantic sandbox, zip line, horseshoes and much more. Healthy family fun that kids love!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Explore the far reaches of outer space, roam with the dinosaurs, wander through Africa's Serengeti, and marvel at the world's rarest and most beautiful minerals. Discover all this and much more at one of the nation's most heavily attended museums.