Pack a cooler, load up the minivan, and bring the kiddos out to these amazing Houston establishments. From numerous museums, to gorgeous parks, and action-packed entertainment centers, here are the top 10 places in Houston to find good, wholesome family fun.
1. Children’s Museum
Discover world-class exhibitions, creativity labs, and exciting games at the Children’s Museum in Houston. Here, kids can expand their minds through a variety of imaginative interactive experiences – be learning stations, workshops or even obstacle courses. Plus, activities are designated based on children’s ages, making it easier to decide what to do first.
2. Dino’s Alive
Go back millions of years to a land ruled by giants! This immersive experience in Houston brings you face-to-face with the fearsome and spectacular dinosaurs that dominated the animal world for 140 million years.
From the turkey-sized Velociraptors to the mighty T-rex, interact with life-sized, moving animatronics of a large variety of species, and see these magnificent creatures in their natural Jurassic habitat. Step into another world and learn something new in an experience that’s fun for the whole family!
3. Space Center Houston
On 20 July 1969, Apollo 11’s lunar module lands on the moon. It may be the most important day in the history of space exploration. After more than a decade of struggle in the space race, NASA lands a huge win for America, but also for mankind.
Now visitors can pay homage to the astronauts and dreamers who made it all possible, with a visit to the Houston Space Center. See crafts that have been into orbit, get up close to space suits, and find out more about the future of space travel.
4. Houston Zoo
Recently named one of the best zoos in the country – in terms of conservation, animal welfare, and education – the Houston Zoo is a nationally-recognized institution that houses over 6,000 animals. The second-most-visited zoo in the country announced the opening of its grand new Galapagos Island exhibit, and debut of its new resident Humboldt penguins, this April.
5. Discovery Green Skating Rink
Discovery Green in Downtown, Houston has announced the return of their outdoor rink this season. From now until March 17, the organization is hosting public skates in Downtown Houston with tickets now on sale! The rink will be hosting daily skates with a different theme for every night of the week, including Cheap Skate Nights, Time Warp Tuesdays, Clutch City Wednesdays, FUNomenal Fridays.
6. Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium in Houston is full of wondrous interactive exhibits, rides, and attractions. It teems with life all of all kinds. Fish, flora, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. However you choose to spend an afternoon, evening, or night at the aquarium, you’re sure to enjoy yourself; whether you decide to dine with the fishes, take a spin on the aquatic carousel, or acquaint yourself with the many other resident mammalia.
7. Houston Toy Museum
Whoever said that toys are just for kids? Enjoy all the feelings of nostalgia and bewonderment – and probably a healthy dose of envy – as you reconnect with the toys that made your childhood what it was at the new Houston Toy Museum now open in The Heights.
8. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Explore one of the most attended museums in the country at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Visit North America’s largest dinosaur hall, see the beauty of the Lester and Sue Smith Gem Vault and step back in time at the Hall of Ancient Egypt.
The museum is regularly voted one of the top attractions in Houston and this is your chance to find out why. The purchase of a Permanent Exhibit Hall Ticket at the Houston Museum of Natural Science will give you access to the permanent exhibits only and excludes special exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology.
9. Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is a Houston landmark and cherished institution. Since its inception, the theatre has staged countless concerts, performances, and artistic events for audiences young and old. Beginning this March, the theatre is celebrating its centennial with its biggest and most experiential performances yet. Be sure to stay apprised for details about its upcoming program.
10. Winfield’s Chocolate Bar
You don’t need a golden ticket to get into this whimsical chocolate factory. With two locations, one in River Oaks the other in Rice Village, Winfield’s Chocolate Bar is stock-full of dazzling confectionaries that put your kids’ Halloween haul to shame. Here, kids and adults alike can indulge in chocolates, ice creams, cookies, brownies, and more!