Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the Houston Area
Winners for 2020
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! Don't miss our Everything That's Free page! Plus:
If you are not already on our weekly mailing list for our free e-newsletter, please sign up by clicking here. You'll find out everything that is happening for kids and families at these places and a lot more -- way ahead of time!
© 2020, KidsOutAndAbout.com. This information may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of KidsOutAndAbout.com
Splashway Waterpark & Campground
Splashway is your family's new favorite vacation destination! Come for the day and experience the CLEANEST waterpark in Texas or stay a few nights in our gorgeous campgrounds. Our waterpark has something for every member of your family, including high-thrill world class slides, toddler-focused splash pads, and everything in between! Next door, our scenic campgrounds have tons of activities, amenities, and attractions that you can enjoy from the comfort of a cabin, cottage, RV site, or tent! Our amazing staff, cleanliness, and dedication to our guests’ experience have made us the highest rated vacay spot in Texas! So if your family needs a getaway, book your stay today!
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
Discovery happens at Children’s Museum Houston – A Playground for Your Mind™! Get ready for an Epic Adventure scavenger hunt designed to keep minds engaged while keeping everyone safe. Explore 11-Adventure Zones on a one-way trail, collect the clues and claim your prize. Free Thursday Family Nights and membership rates make it affordable for all. Open Wednesday – Sunday.
Houston Astros Baseball
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.
Dewberry Farm
Fall family entertainment at its very best, just a short country drive from Houston! 40+ attractions. 10 yummy eateries. Acres and acres of fun! And then Christmas trees a little later. Starting Cut-Your-Own Christmas trees and Magical Christmas Lights on Friday, November 27, 2020.
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.
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.
My Local Library
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Kidtastic Park
As the premiere indoor birthday party center in Cypress, Kidtastic Park is a safe, clean and fun-filled indoor playground where children can grow, learn and play. We have multiple slides, zip line, a merry go round, sensory play, soft play, and much more! We also offer private play sessions as well as private parties.
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.
Santa's Wonderland
Come and experience the wonder of Christmas! Santa's Wonderland is a Texas Christmas Experience! Gather friends and family and experience and unforgettable evening celebrating the holidays with fun, food and activities!!
Altitude Trampoline Park
A Premier Trampoline Fun Center. Looking for something to do today? Come JUMP with us!!
Crocodile Encounter
Follow the activities of Houston's largest wildlife show and find out what it's really like to live and work with the nations largest group of Nile crocodiles.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the Official Visitors Center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, which is the home of astronaut training and Mission Control.
Urban Air Trampoline Park
We are the ultimate indoor adventure park. People may know us for our trampolines (because they’re awesome), but that’s just the tip of the Urban Air iceberg. Once you get inside, you’ll see what we mean. It takes an adventurous soul to experience all of our attractions in one visit!
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in seven categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Place to Have Fun INSIDE
Urban Air Indoor Trampoline ParkWe are the ultimate indoor adventure park. People may know us for our trampolines (because they’re awesome), but that’s just the tip of the Urban Air iceberg. Once you get inside, you’ll see what we mean. It takes an adventurous soul to experience all of our attractions in one visit.
Favorite Place to have Fun Outdoors
Houston ZooOne 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.
Favorite Amusement Park
Splashway Waterpark & CampgroundSplashway is your family's new favorite vacation destination! Come for the day and experience the CLEANEST waterpark in Texas or stay a few nights in our gorgeous campgrounds. Our waterpark has something for every member of your family, including high-thrill world class slides, toddler-focused splash pads, and everything in between! Next door, our scenic campgrounds have tons of activities, amenities, and attractions that you can enjoy from the comfort of a cabin, cottage, RV site, or tent! Our amazing staff, cleanliness, and dedication to our guests’ experience have made us the highest rated vacay spot in Texas! So if your family needs a getaway, book your stay today!
Favorite Kid-Friendly Performing Arts
Theatre Under The StarsA non-profit based in Houston, Texas, TUTS offers a world-class musical theatre experience that ranges from full-scale Broadway productions to educational initiatives that extend beyond the stage and into the community –– for actors and aficionados of all ages and abilities.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
Children’s Museum of HoustonDiscovery happens at Children’s Museum Houston – A Playground for Your Mind™! Get ready for an Epic Adventure scavenger hunt designed to keep minds engaged while keeping everyone safe. Explore 11-Adventure Zones on a one-way trail, collect the clues and claim your prize. Free Thursday Family Nights and membership rates make it affordable for all. Open Wednesday – Sunday.
Favorite Nature Center
Brazos Bend State Park5,000-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.
Favorite Farm (agri-entertainment)
Dewberry FarmFall 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. Click here for directions.
Favorite Professional Sports Team
Houston AstrosWatching 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.
Favorite Arts Education Center
Splash Kids Art and Paint PartiesSplash Kids art and paint parties lets your child reach their inner artist. An art education program that specializes in kids mobile paint party events and art classes. Every child deserves to reach their greatest creative potential in the community. Let's make a splash with art.
Favorite Sports Education
TopgolfTopgolf is the premier golf entertainment complex where the competition of sport meets your favorite local hangout. You can challenge your friends and family to addictive point-scoring golf games that anyone from the a pro golfer to a 7-year-old kid!
