Travelers near and far flock to the warmer weather of places like Texas throughout the year. Once you’ve settled on Texas for your family’s next adventure, point your compass to Houston. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Houston that will keep you and your loved ones as busy as you like during your stay, whether you spend your time indoors or out. Don’t leave out any family members and ask about our pet-friendly rentals!
Space Center Houston
Look up into the night sky at all the stars. Light from those stars may represent galaxies we can only dream of reaching one day. The center features an array of permanent and rotating exhibits, including interactive exhibits the whole family can enjoy.
Discover and explore more than 400 space artifacts, exhibits, experiences, theaters, and more that depict our country’s journey of exploration to the stars. The center also boasts the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples available for public view, so make sure you see them before you leave.
Burke Baker Planetarium
Located at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the planetarium offers a variety of shows and experiences to enjoy. Experience “Cosmic Collisions,” a look into the power and beauty of celestial forces that continuously shape and reshape our world. Go under the water with “Expedition Reef,” an immersive “oceanic safari” depicting the “rain forests of the sea” and learn about the role of corals, their growth, feeding habits, and more.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Since you’re already there for the planetarium, add in a visit to the museum. There are a variety of temporary and permanent exhibits, so no two trips will likely be the same. Explore exhibits including “Matter & Motion,” the “King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience,” “Sharks! The Meg, The Monsters & The Myths,” “Everyday Faberge” and others.
You can also choose to wander the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology – it’s filled with butterflies and an array of other interesting insects, bizarre bugs, and other species. Round out your visit by catching a show in the Giant Screen Theatre, where you can learn the “Secrets of the Sea,” “Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs,” or “Dinosaur Discoveries,” many presented in 4K digital projection and boasting 3D images that can be as much as eight stories high!
Downtown Aquarium
Get a chance to see animals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish from all over the world. There are a variety of exhibits to explore, including one highlighting the Texas Bayou less than two hours from Houston. Get to know residents of the area’s marshes, bayous, and the Texas Gulf Coast in the exhibit includes alligators, turtles, bullfrogs, and more.
Travel to the rain forests of the world without leaving Houston, or plunge below the water into the shipwreck of a 17th century Spanish galleon for a look at coral reefs, Pacific octopus, moray eels, and other inhabitants. There’s also a discovery zone with multiple interactive displays, a sunken temple, and the Tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple.
Lone Star Flight Museum
While the kids may typically groan at the thought of a museum, they may change their tune when it comes to this one. Come see some of the most unique, as well as historic aircraft to fly the skies! These “birds” didn’t just fly in the U.S., but throughout the world!
Wander through and explore displays of planes like the Beecraft Honey Bee – a high-wing cantilever monoplane made of all-metal. The historic plane never made it to production before the idea was scrapped, and the prototype at the museum is the only one in existence.
Get up close to the Boeing PT-17 Stearman, the primary trainer craft flown by the U.S. and other Allied nations during World War II. There were over 8,000 of the open-cockpit biplanes made throughout its production years of 1934-45. You’ll also learn about the science and history of flight through a variety of hands-on exhibits. If you’re as brave as the pilots who took to the sky when these planes were in service, you can go up in one of the historic Warbirds on your spring escape.
The Escape Game Houston
Escape rooms have become a popular activity for kids of all ages, rain or shine. Bring your family and work together to solve a series of clues and puzzles and break out in 60 minutes to win the game. There are different themed rooms to choose from, with varying degrees of difficulty. Choose the topic or difficulty that’s right for you and your loved ones including Timeliner: Train Through Time, The Heist, Playground, Special Ops: Mysterious Market, and many others. Make sure to book in advance. Book your time and favorite room at one of two Houston-area locations.
Sightseeing Tours
Take the family around to see the sights of Houston, but let someone else do the driving. There are a variety of companies that offer guided tours of some of the city’s best landmarks, parks, stadiums, and attractions.
Choose a tour that includes locations like Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center, Market Square, Buffalo Bayou, and many more. Depending on the tour, you can spend just a couple hours, or even the whole day getting to know the town you’ve decided to call home for a while. Go back to your favorite stops on your own and spend some more time there.
Houston Mural Tour
Roll this into your sightseeing tour. The family will have fun and tour the city without getting bored. The pieces of outdoor art can be found covering the outdoor walls of boutiques, restaurants, in parking lots, on the side of spas or yoga studios – pretty much anywhere! You’ll find works full of bright and fun colors with happy and uplifting messages and pictorials, to monochromatic statement pieces. Make sure to include stops at iconic murals like “Houston is Inspired” at Preston & Travis Streets, or the Houston Graffiti Building at Chartres and Bell Streets. Make sure to snap plenty of pictures of your favorites. The best part: The only cost is the price of gas for your rental vehicle.
Fishing
Fishing is an activity anyone who can hold a rod and reel can do. You could plan a trip to Galveston or other locales along the Gulf of Mexico or cast a line right here in Houston! Lake Houston is a reservoir tucked away in the Texas countryside. There is a variety of fish species in the waters, including catfish, bass, crappie, and many more.
For another tranquil setting for the family, Lake McGovern may have what you’re looking for. Hook bass, bluegill, catfish, and more in the park’s well-stocked fishing ponds and calm atmosphere.
Head to the Pearland area of town, which holds the fishing gem of Tom Bass Park. The park is split into three areas, and each area has its own pond with bank access. Section III boasts a fishing pier as well. Expect to pull in catfish, rainbow trout, and more, depending on where you drop your line.
Shopping
The kids will want some fun souvenirs from all the fun Houston activities, but there are plenty of opportunities for other shopping, too. There are a number of malls, including The Galleria, Memorial City, and Willowbrook Mall. Visit the River Oaks District for upscale shopping at high-end stores.
For a shopping experience like no other, head underground! Kids of all ages will marvel at the Houston tunnel system was originally built in the 1930s as a link between two prominent movie theaters. Today, it’s a seven-mile system spanning 95 city blocks! Rather than the simple shortcut of the days of old, it’s now a popular destination for shopping, dining, activities, and more.
Many of the malls have children’s play areas where the kids can burn off some energy while the adults of the group take a seat to watch the fun while taking a break.
Dining
If you hear your stomach rumble during all your Houston fun, there are plenty of delicious restaurants to choose from. These restaurants serve up Tex-Mex, Mexican, Italian, Asian Fusion, American fare, and more. Enjoy delicious BBQ at Truth BBQ, join The Breakfast Klub for traditional American breakfast fare, or take your taste buds on a trip to Vietnam at Xin Chao. Many restaurants have a delicious kids’ menu full of their favorites!
Children’s Museum Houston
The 90,000 square foot museum is packed with kid-friendly museum fun. Buy tickets online and see the exhibits that will fit your children’s age group. The museum is a great stop for families with children of any age. Children up to age two can enjoy the “Tot*Spot” full of age-appropriate fun. Older children can visit the EcoStation and learn about Texas native plants, solar power, woodlands, and more.
Learn about water, chemistry, physics, and other fascinating topics. Burn off energy in PowerPlay, a fun exhibit that puts your body to the test while exploring the topics of health, nutrition, and exercise. Head to the Maker Annex to make something truly creative or mellow out for a bit in the branch of the Houston Public Library located inside the museum.
Pro Sports
Come in spring or summer and treat the family to a game. Those who follow the sport like a religion will want to take in a game or two at Minute Maid Park while they’re here. Catch Texans football in the fall, or if you’re here in basketball season take in a Rockets game.
Houston Symphony
You may think the kids of the group would turn up their nose, but share the concert schedule with them and they may change their minds. Spend an evening with good music in an upscale atmosphere. Alongside the classics, the symphony hosts shows featuring the music of Disney’s Encanto, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert, Jurassic Park, the music of Star Wars, and more.
Indoor Skydiving
Feel what it’s like to be suspended in the air after jumping from a plane, without jumping out of a plane. Participants wear a flight suit over their regular clothes, as well as a helmet and safety goggles. To prepare, make sure to tie your shoes tight, wear casual and comfortable clothes, and make sure your hair can be put up completely in the helmet. Don’t wear loose clothing or keep any valuables on you during the flight, and make sure to wear regular closed-toe shoes. Participants must be at least three years old. People over 300 pounds or who may be or are pregnant or have other physical limitations are not recommended to fly. Book online prior to arrival.
Houston Zoo
After a visit to the amazing and mysterious species that inhabit the waters, explore those who live on land – or on land and in the water. The zoo plays host to African painted dogs, American alligators, bald eagles, black bear, cougars, Chilean flamingos, monkeys, lions, giraffes, and more. Wander through exhibits like bird habitats, African forest, Galapagos Islands, or take a break and burn off some energy at the Explore the Wild! Nature Play Area.
Trampoline Parks
Bounce around and burn off some energy. The activity is great for kids and adults. There are a number of indoor trampoline parks in the Houston area. Choose your favorite and book time and sign waivers online. Enjoy activities like trampolines, basketball courts, dodge ball, tumbling lanes, “Ninja Warrior” style obstacle courses, and more. Most offer a separate toddler and young child area where young children can play safely away from older children and adults. Select parks offer a small cafe or snack bar, arcade, and more for when you need a break from jumping.
Accommodations the Whole Family Will Love
When you stay in a vacation rental in Houston provided by Renter’s Club with your family during your next trip, you’ll enjoy easy access to the many area attractions, shopping, dining, and more. We offer homes as large as five bedrooms in the Houston area to include the entire family.
Prepare your family’s favorite meals in the fully equipped kitchen and enjoy it in a spacious dining area. Afterward, spread out in an open living space. Enjoy a private balcony or patio or spend some time near the pool.
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