The 20 best things to do with kids in Houston

Houston is a treasure trove of adventures just waiting to be explored, especially for Dads eager to create lasting memories with their kids.

Here are the top 20 things that will keep you and your little ones entertained, engaged, and coming back for more. Get ready, dads—Houston’s family-friendly attractions are ready to turn every day into an unforgettable adventure.

Visit the Houston Zoo

Prepare for a roaring good time at the Houston Zoo, where you and your kids can get up close with over 6,000 animals from every corner of the globe. Start your adventure by feeding towering giraffes and watching them munch leaves right from your hands and then wander through the habitats of elephants, otters, and fierce big cats. Don’t miss the chance to explore the expansive reptile house, where everyone can get a fascinating look at slithering snakes and colorful lizards.

Location: 6200 Hermann Park Dr. Houston

Phone: 713-533-6500

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Get Creative at the Children’s Museum Houston

This dynamic, interactive museum is packed with exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in your kids. From navigating a mini city in Kidtropolis to conducting exciting science experiments in the Power Science Lab, every corner is an opportunity for hands-on fun where the little ones can build, explore, and experiment, turning every visit into a thrilling educational experience that’s as fun for you as it is for them.

Location: 1500 Binz St, Houston

Phone: 713-522-1138

Hours: Friday – Wednesday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Discover the Houston Space Center

Prepare to launch into an out-of-this-world adventure with your kids at the Houston Space Center, the ultimate destination for aspiring astronauts and space enthusiasts. Explore the world of space exploration with hands-on exhibits, full-scale rockets and even the awe-inspiring Saturn V rocket. The kids can touch a real moon rock, try on space suits, and even tour the historic Mission Control, where groundbreaking space missions were directed.

Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston

Phone: 281-244-2100

Hours: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Explore the Downtown Aquarium

Wander through exhibits featuring colorful coral reefs, eerie shipwrecks, and exotic aquatic creatures from around the world. Your kids will be thrilled to come face-to-face with sharks, otters, and even stingrays they can even touch. Don’t miss the excitement of the Shark Voyage train ride, which takes you through a tunnel surrounded by incredible marine life.

Location: 410 Bagby St., Houston

Phone: 713-223-3474

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Catch a Movie at the Show Boat Drive-In Theater

Experience the magic of cinema from the comfort of your car as you watch blockbuster hits under the starlit sky. Pack some blankets, popcorn, and snacks, and settle in for an evening of entertainment that’s sure to delight kids of all ages. With the convenience of your own vehicle, there’s no need to worry about finding seats or keeping little ones quiet—just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. 

Location: 22422 Farm to Market 2920, Hockley

Phone: 281-351-5224

Ignite Curiosity at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Explore exhibits on dinosaurs, gems, butterflies, and more at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Kids can immerse themselves in hands-on activities, interactive displays, and thrilling planetarium shows sure to spark their imagination. With its blend of education and entertainment, the museum offers an enriching experience that will leave the family in awe of the natural world.

Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston

Phone: 713-639-4629

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Explore the Outdoors at Discovery Green

From its expansive lawns and serene lake to its interactive fountain and playground, this 12-acre park is packed with excitement. Managed by the Discovery Green Conservancy, this nonprofit organization teams up with countless partners to host a wide array of events throughout the year, covering everything from arts and music to education, fitness, and family fun. Best of all, most of these events are free for everyone to enjoy.

Location: 1500 McKinney Houston

Phone: 713-400-7336

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Spend the Day at the Kemah Boardwalk

This vibrant waterfront amusement area, located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, offers an array of attractions perfect for families. Rides like the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden roller coaster with hair-raising twists and turns, are sure to thrill the kids. Plus, interactive and whimsical rides, such as the train and the carousel, are ideal for the younger children who aren’t ready to tackle the big rides just yet. Beyond the rides, Kemah Boardwalk features a lively assortment of games, food, and occasional live entertainment, ensuring there’s something for everyone

Location: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah

Phone: 281-535-8100

Hours: Monday – Wednesday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Thursday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Take a Walk Through the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Get ready to connect with nature right in the heart of Houston at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. This 155-acre non-profit sanctuary is dedicated to preserving native plants and wildlife while providing enriching environmental education for visitors of all ages.

Explore, hike, and discover the beauty of the outdoors and be sure to let the kids explore the Nature Playscape.

Location: 4501 Woodway Dr., Houston

Phone: 713-681-8433

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Take a Drive to Galveston Island

Pack a lunch, towels, some sunscreen and spend a day at the beach. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, this island offers a perfect blend of fun and relaxation for all ages. The kids can splash and play in the waves at Stewart Beach, build sandcastles, or hunt for seashells along the shore. Be sure to visit Galveston’s historic Pleasure Pier, with its variety of thrilling rides and carnival games, and Moody Gardens with its stunning aquarium, majestic rainforest pyramid, and educational exhibits. 

Phone: 409-797-5000

Get Artistic at The Mad Potter

With three locations around Houston, The Mad Potter studios offer a unique experience where children can unleash their imaginations and craft their own masterpieces. The kids will delight in choosing from a variety of pottery pieces, from whimsical figurines to practical items like mugs and plates, which they can personalize with a splash of vibrant paints and intricate designs

Location:1963-A W. Gray St. Houston

Phone: 713-807-8900

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Catch an Astros Baseball Game

Share in the joy of America’s favorite pastime as you and the kids bond over hot dogs, peanuts, and the thrill of the game. With family-friendly activities, mascot appearances, and the chance to witness jaw-dropping home runs, an Astros game is more than just a sporting event—it’s a memory-making experience that the kids will cherish for years to come.

Location: 501 Crawford St., Houston

Phone: 713-259-8000

Explore the Houston Museum of Fine Arts

Wander through galleries filled with ancient artifacts, dazzling sculptures, and stunning masterpieces from artists around the globe. Your kids will be captivated by the vibrant colors and stories behind each piece, and they can even unleash their own artistic talents in hands-on workshops and interactive exhibits. Be sure to check out the family-friendly art workshops and explore exhibits with free family days.

Location: 1001 Bissonnet St., Houston

Phone: 713-639-7300

Hours: Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.; Wednesday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Spend the Day Outside at Hermann Park

Pack up for a day of fun and relaxation with the kids at Hermann Park. Start your adventure with a ride on the iconic Hermann Park Railroad, explore the playgrounds and the Japanese Garden. Kids are sure to love paddling out on McGovern Lake, where they might spot ducks and turtles.  

Location: 6001 Fannin St., Houston

Phone: 713-526-2183

Hours: Sunday-Saturday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Step into an Interactive Art Experience at Seismique

This immersive art museum, filled with more than 40 unique and mind-bending exhibits, offers a playground where kids can explore vibrant, otherworldly landscapes and engage with cutting-edge technology. Both kids and adults will love the captivating light displays, digital art installations, and tactile experiences that invite them to touch, play, and discover. From wandering through glowing forests and stepping inside kaleidoscopic rooms to interacting with augmented reality and motion-activated artwork, every corner of Seismique brings fun and creativity.

Location: 2306 Highway 6 SHouston

Phone: 346-202-6006

Hours: Monday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Wednesday – Thursday 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday 12 p.m. – 11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Splash around at Hurricane Harbor SplashTown 

Beat the heat at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, located just outside of Houston. This waterpark is packed with thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, making it the perfect destination for a day of family fun in the sun. 

Location: 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring

Phone: 281-355-3300

Hours: Monday – Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Hike, Bike and Play at Buffalo Bayou Park

Stretching over 160 acres, this park includes trails to hike or bike on; paddle craft and bike rentals; the go-to dog park in the city; public art; a creative nature play area; two visitor centers; and gathering places for visitors to picnic, and more. Kids will enjoy the playgrounds and skate parks while dads will appreciate a place to take them to expend all that extra energy.

Location: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Park and Memorial Dr., Houston, TX

Phone: 713-752-0314

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Experience Live Performances at Miller Outdoor Theater

Nestled in Hermann Park, this iconic venue provides a diverse lineup of family-friendly performances, from plays and lively musicals to dance shows and concerts. Shows go on rain or shine, so be sure to bring the right gear and pack plenty of snacks to enjoy on the lush grass, perfect for picnics.

Location: 6000 Hermann Park Dr. Houston

Phone: 832-487-7123

Hang Out With the Farm Animals at Old MacDonald’s Farm

For the little ones who like to get a little dirty, take a trip to Old MacDonand’s Farm near Humble. The farm includes a petting zoo, train and pony rides, and even a swimming pool! Be sure to check the calendar for seasonal events as well. 

Location:3203 FM 1960 E, Humbe

Phone: 281-446-4001

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 10 .m. – 5 p.m. 

Pack a Picnic at Market Square Park

This downtown park offers a great mixture of urban fun and outdoor adventures for dads, kids and even the dog. The park offers plenty of free events including movies, blanket Bingo, festivals and more. 

Location: 301 Milam St. Houston

Phone: 713-650-3022

Hours: Sunday – Saturday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.