Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston Area

What’s on at Miller?  The best music, dance, theatre and more.  And, always free!

Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community and the site of thousands of memorable free performances. 

Miller is unique in the United States, offering an eight month season of professional, artistically-excellent and culturally diverse entertainment completely FREE of charge to the public. This is the largest "always free" program of its kind in the country and it attracts hundreds of thousands each season.  From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, popular concert artists, films and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value.  For more information visit milleroutdoortheatre.com.

My Gym offers fun-filled, exciting physical early learning programs for children ages 7 months through 10 years.  The children gain confidence and self-esteem as they develop physically, cognitively and emotionally in age-appropriate classes.  In addition to our amazing classes, we also offer energy packed birthday parties, camps, and parents night out.  Our promise to love and nuture children through meaningful play.

Of course, the libraries in the Houston area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them #3 in best places to take kids this year!

CYT Houston offers classes for students ages 5-18 throughout the school year. Classes include drama, voice, dance, and behind-the-scenes training in makeup, costumes, tech, and more. Classes are held for two hours once a week and run for nine consecutive weeks in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Class sizes are small and offer supervision both inside and outside the classroom. Each session culminates in a high-energy showcase to demonstrate to family, friends, and fellow students the skills acquired.  Students who are enrolled in classes are eligible to audition for our Broadway-style musical productions. 

Watching an Astros baseball game at Minute Maid Park is the perfect activity that the entire family will enjoy. Grab a hot dog, enjoy the game, and escape the Texas heat at an Astros game in the heart of downtown Houston.

Be sure to check out the Astros Buddies Club, presented by BBVA, the official Kids Club of the Houston Astros and the coolest way to show your Astros Pride in school or on the playground.

The Astros Buddies Club has activations and activities for kids throughout the year. For more information, visit Astros.com/Buddies.

The Crighton Theatre is a truly historic theatre built in 1934, and is the home base for performances offered by Stage-Right Productions, Sounds of Texas Music Series and Christian Youth Theatre. In addition, the theatre is offered for rent for other events. This web site provides information regarding theatre rental, Crighton Theatre Foundation support and coming events. Productions at the Crighton are funded in part by a grant from the City of Conroe.

The Crighton Theatre is located in downtown Conroe Texas at 234 North Main Street.

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!

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.

Cash-only drive-in theater showing double features along with a snack bar & special events.

The Showboat Drive In is located at 22422 FM 2920, Hockley Texas. We are open every Fri, Sat and Sunday. During the summer months we are open every night.

All-you-can eat buffet and family entertainment

Featuring pizza, pasta, soups, salads, homestyle entrees and delicious desserts. Indoor entertainment includes go-karts, laser tag, ice skating, bumper cars, mini golf, mini bowling and more than 100 video and arcarde games! We offer something for everyone.

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.

CYT Houston offers classes for students ages 5-18 throughout the school year. Classes include drama, voice, dance, and behind-the-scenes training in makeup, costumes, tech, and more. Classes are held for two hours once a week and run for nine consecutive weeks in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions. Class sizes are small and offer supervision both inside and outside the classroom. Each session culminates in a high-energy showcase to demonstrate to family, friends, and fellow students the skills acquired.  Students who are enrolled in classes are eligible to audition for our Broadway-style musical productions. 

Little Beakers is a science lab built especially for kids where they can do fun and exciting hands-on experiments with parents or while being guided by our own scientist.