23 Great Things To Do in Houston With Kids for 2025

There are so many things to do in Houston with kids. In fact, according to Lawn Love, Houston is among the best cities in the U.S. for a kid-friendly vacation.

Whether you need free things to do in Houston with toddlers or things to do in Houston with teens, this list is packed with fun ideas to keep the whole family entertained. 

So, what are the best things to do in Houston with kids? And, what is there to do in Houston with kids indoors? From Houston art galleries to kid-friendly dinner ideas, we’ve rounded up plenty of options for all ages and occasions, so all you have to do is hop in the car or plane and go. 

Jump to Section

• Unique and Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Houston
• Things To Do in Houston With Teens
• Cheap Things To Do in Houston With Family
• Free Things To Do in Houston With Kids
• Things To Do in Houston With Toddlers
• Things To Do in Houston With Kids FAQs

Unique and Kid-Friendly Things To Do in Houston

1. Dance Classes in Houston

Dance classes in Houston may not come to mind immediately when you think of things to do in Houston with kids but perhaps they should. From barre and pilates classes to expressive dance sessions, top-rated instructors meet you at your level for a fun, family-friendly activity. 

2. Art Classes in Houston

Bring the whole family to art classes in Houston and learn everything from pottery to photography. This is a great idea if you need fun things to do in Houston with kids today because it encourages self-expression and allows them to cultivate new skills that will stay with them for life.

3. Dewberry Farm

With over 40 attractions, including a petting zoo, miniature train and gemstone mining, Dewberry Farm is one of the most kid-friendly things to do in Houston. The farm also has spring, fall and winter festivals with exclusive seasonal activities. 

4. Try a Local Restaurant

Houston is a foodie paradise. From black-owned restaurants in Houston serving up big flavor to longstanding institutions like Ninfa’s on Navigation, having a meal out is one of the best things to do in Houston with kids. 

Whether they stick to the kids’ menu or decide to branch out and try something new, making memories over a delicious meal is an unparalleled family bonding experience.

5. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

If you’re searching for unique things to do in Houston with kids this weekend, look beneath the surface. The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a decommissioned underground reservoir that’s now open to the public for tours. 

You’ll learn all about the history and architecture of this fascinating place as you make your way through hundreds of columns resembling those of a palace. The cistern often has musical performances and art installations to enhance the surreal, otherworldly experience.

Things To Do in Houston With Teens

6. Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is easily one of the best indoor activities in Houston. It has a whopping five floors of permanent exhibits covering everything from prehistoric times to renewable energy, plus an ever-changing rotation of special exhibits.

7. The Galleria

If there’s one thing teens love, it’s shopping. The Houston Galleria is the largest shopping destination in Texas, with over 400 stores (70 of which are locally-owned), more than 60 restaurants and two high-rise hotels. 

Even if you don’t buy anything, simply walking around the mall is an experience in and of itself, which is why it’s one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.

If your visit happens to line up with the holidays, the Galleria has one of the most epic indoor Christmas trees in the country that sits in the middle of the mall’s iconic ice skating rink. 

Enter a winter wonderland as you skate around the trimmed-up tree (don’t worry, the rink is open year-round, so you can take to the ice in any season). 

8. See an Astros Game

Sports games can be a bit too rowdy for the younger crowd, but they’re great things to do in Houston with teens. If you have any Astros fans in the house, catch a game at Daikin Park (formerly Minute Maid Park). 

Even if your trip doesn’t line up with baseball season, stadium tours are offered year-round. Don’t forget to stop by the team store on your way out to pick up some Houston gifts!

9. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is simply a must if you need fun things to do in Houston with kids today. You’ll hear from live astronauts, see a space shuttle replica, enjoy hands-on activities like operating mission control and so much more. 

There’s even a collection of real spacecraft that’s truly jaw-dropping to see up close. This is an iconic experience for all ages (adults, too!) and promises to live on forever in your memories.

10. PanIQ Room Houston

PanIQ room is no ordinary escape room. It’s one of the best indoor kid activities in Houston, TX, boasting immersive décor and unique themes like wizards and a magic time machine. 

Some of the content is a bit mature, and the puzzles are challenging, so this is an activity best suited for older kids. 

Cheap Things To Do in Houston With Family

11. Houston Botanic Garden

Children three and under get free admission to the Houston Botanic Garden. This lush sanctuary features 132 acres of plants from all over the world, with 10 different themed gardens connected by winding nature trails. 

You’ll see everything from wetlands to towering pine trees to a culinary garden with edible plants like herbs and vegetables, making it one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.

12. Wonderwild

If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Houston with family, Wonderwild is an epic indoor playground with slides, climbing structures, jumping pillows and so much more. 

Open play starts at just $12.50 per kid, so it’s a great way to have fun without breaking the bank. There are play areas for all ages, which means toddlers and teens alike will enjoy themselves. 

13. Kemah Boardwalk

Although the rides and games cost money, the Kemah Boardwalk has no entrance fee, so you can take a leisurely stroll by the water for some family bonding time. 

If you do choose to enjoy any of the attractions, stick to just one or two to keep costs low and focus primarily on taking in the scenery.

Free Things To Do in Houston With Kids

14. Miller Outdoor Theatre

From March through October, you can spread out a blanket on Hermann Park’s sprawling grassy landscape and watch free performances. 

The entertainment selection is incredibly diverse, ranging from musical theatre to jazz to multicultural dance. It’s a great activity for kids to become more learned and worldly. 

15. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Located in Houston’s vibrant Uptown district, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is an iconic landmark that attracts visitors from all over the globe. 

Majestic live oaks blanket the landscape with their sturdy trunks and far-reaching branches, and hearing the sound of rushing water from the 64-story fountain is a meditative experience.

16. Hermann Park

Hermann Park is the heartbeat of Houston, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring the 445-acre urban oasis. It connects the Medical Center and the Museum District and boasts a plethora of family-friendly attractions. 

From playgrounds to a wildlife carousel to a four-acre flower garden with a special children’s area full of hands-on activities, Hermann Park is, without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.

17. Discovery Green

Get in some nature time at Discovery Green, one of the best free things to do in Houston with kids. This 12-acre urban park is situated amid a grove of sprawling live oaks and boasts lots of green space, a shimmering lake, a fountain, art installations and more. 

The nonprofit organization that runs the park puts on free musical performances, festivals and other events year-round.

18. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

If you’re looking for free things to do in Houston with toddlers, pencil in a trip to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. 

This 155-acre oasis boasts over five miles of trails, a nature-themed playground and hands-on activities to teach kids about Houston’s native plants and animals.

19. See the Buffalo Bayou Bats

The Waugh Drive Bat Colony, also known as the Buffalo Bayou bats, is a colony of thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats that emerge from beneath the Waugh Drive Bridge at sunset. 

This is one of the best free things to do in Houston with kids because it’s entertaining for all ages. If you are able to spend some money, guided boat tours offer a unique perspective of the nightly spectacle.

Things To Do in Houston With Toddlers

20. Children’s Museum Houston

No list of indoor kid activities in Houston, TX is complete without the Children’s Museum Houston. Spanning 90,000 square feet, this world-renowned museum features all sorts of attractions that stimulate kids’ minds and offer educational fun. 

From science experiments to a miniature city where kids can try out different careers, it’s no wonder that this is one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.

21. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is a no-brainer when it comes to things to do in Houston with kids this weekend. It’s the second-most visited zoo in the country (surpassed only by the San Diego Zoo) and houses over 6,000 animals from 900+ species.

In addition to the sheer number of animals, the zoo also hosts special events and festivals throughout the year that are perfect for families.  

22. Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids

With three locations in the Houston area, Little Beakers Science Lab for Kids lets kids unleash their inner mad scientist with safe, age-appropriate experiments. 

Kids can choose from up to 30 experiments that let them simulate volcanic eruptions, explore what causes tornadoes, test polymers and so much more.

23. Downtown Aquarium

While the Downtown Aquarium isn’t unique to Houston, it still belongs on your list of things to do in Houston with kids. 

The 500,000-gallon aquarium transports you to an undersea oasis with a wide range of exhibits, including a shipwreck, a sunken Mayan temple, a rainforest and more. There’s also a Ferris wheel, an on-site restaurant and even an underwater train that leads through a shark tank. 

Things To Do in Houston With Kids FAQs

Is Houston Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes, Houston is absolutely worth visiting with kids. The city may have one of the nation’s largest business districts, but there are tons of things to do in Houston with kids of all ages. 

Whether you’re looking for nature, kid-friendly restaurants or educational fun, countless unforgettable adventures await. 

Iconic attractions like the Downtown Aquarium, Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are must-adds to your list of things to do in Houston with kids. If you want to spend time outdoors, the city is an urban park oasis. 

Destinations like Hermann Park, Discovery Green and Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park are brimming with excitement and offer plenty of green space to explore. Shop at the Galleria, try out local restaurants or even take a day trip to the Kemah boardwalk. 

What’s more, Houston is a hub for culture and diversity, boasting year-round festivals, performances and other events that help expand kids’ horizons. No matter what things to do in Houston with kids you decide on, you can rest assured you’ll leave with memories to cherish forever. 

Plus, if you need cheap things to do in Houston with family, free attractions abound. Stroll through parks and gardens, gaze in wonder as thousands of bats take to the sky or attend a live outdoor performance. No matter your budget or how much time you have to explore the city, you won’t be disappointed. 

Things to do in Houston with kids range from outdoor adventures to world-class museums to unique attractions that draw visitors from all over the world.

Whether you’re navigating the underground labyrinth of the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern or marveling at all the animals at the Houston Zoo, Houston is an ideal destination for a day trip, a weekend getaway or a full-blown family vacation. 

For even more fun things to do in Houston, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!