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 20 places in Houston to find good, wholesome family fun this fall.
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. 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.
3. Visit ‘The World’s First Indoor Slide Park’ in Katy
Slick City Action Park is one of those unmissable things to do with kids in Houston. The exciting new park in Katy features an adrenaline-rushing mix of colorful slides – ranging from winding luges to a Tony Hawk-worthy halfpipe (sans skateboard) – as well as a mini go-kart track, inflated dodgeball courts and indoor basketball court, a playpen for the younger kiddos, and a restaurant.
4. Go Wild at the 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 is also home to the new Galapagos Island exhibit, with Humboldt penguin residents. Plus, from now until September 1, the zoo is hosting Jurassic Giants – a larger-than-life adventure featuring 60 new dinosaurs, dig sites, and more!
5. Go for a Stroll through Houston Gardens
While the city is more reminiscent of an urban jungle, there does lay lush pockets of flora manifested in parks, trails, and gardens. Go for a walk, have a picnic, or otherwise just enjoy the oxygen-rich air available at these stunning green spaces in Houston. This April, bring the kiddos to Hermann Park’s new rocket/zoo/water-themed playzones at The Commons.
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. Hit the Batting Cages at Taroko Sports
Newly opened in Katy, Taroko Sports is a cutting-edge new entertainment center that features state-of-the-art softball and baseball batting cages. The venue also features an arcade, restaurant, and bar for the adults!
9. Attend a captivating Candlelight concert
Not only are they a great way to introduce your kids to timeless composers and artists that have redefined the musical landscape, but also your children can rediscover some of their favorite modern-day hits in the classical form. From tributes to Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Vivaldi and Queen, they cover a wide range of genres that suit any music taste. If your kids are 8 years old or older, make sure to book an evening of live music at one of Houston’s most fascinating venues, such as the Lone Star Flight Museum and Resurrection MCC.
10. 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.
11. Go (Simulated) Racing at Velocity
Newly opened in Sawyer Yards, Velocity Sim Racing Lounge offers a world-class simulation racing experience with its 16 top-tier racing simulators equipped with state-of-the-art displays and six-degrees-of-freedom-platform mechanics. Simulators here offer racers the chance to take their dreams cars on the most iconic tracks worldwide.
12-13. Splash into the City’s Best Water Parks
Cool down at Houston’s hottest water parks. Whether you’re looking to catch a wave, plunge down a towering slide, or just enjoy some good family fun, you’ll find it at one or more of these wonderful waterparks in Houston.
- Sun’s not shining? No sweat. Spend the day inside the Great Wolf Lodge in Webster filled with water slides, land adventures, and water kept at 84 degrees year round!
14. Experience CAMP
Venture through “The Store with the Magic Door”! Now open in Galleria Houston, CAMP is an experiential new venue that blends immersive theatrics, with retail and kid-focused craft activities. This spring, CAMP is hosting a special Bluey experience where the kiddos can meet and greet with the iconic animated character.
15. 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!
16. Get your Game On at Tex Fun & Social
Tex Fun & Social is a 100,000-square-foot entertainment center that features everything from go-karts to pickleball. Here, families can enjoy a massive arcade, one-acre trampoline park, 8-lane bowling alley, axe-throwing, a full restaurant, and more! Tex Fun & Social is located at 10000 Emmett F Lowry Expressway in Texas City.
17. Play Mini Golf
Partake in one of the simple joys and most beloved American past-times that is mini-golf. Throughout the city, there are a number of exciting mini-golf courses to work on your short game.
From Tiger Woods’ Popstroke in Katy, to the Western-themed holes at US Golf & Games, find the fairways that work for you!
18. Visit Houston’s Best Playgrounds
You can’t go wrong with a playground. From space-themed adventures, to wooden ships, rolling hills, and splash pads: Houston has it all. Find the playground nearest or dearest to you at our roundup of the best playgrounds in Houston!
19. Get hands on at The Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve
The Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve is hands-on hidden gem in Humble. Here, visitors can get up close and personal with all corners of the animal kingdom.
Among its many attractions, ranging from a lovebird aviary to a big snake enclosure, the venue’s Majestic Underwater World attraction allows visitors the chance to dive with sharks, tropical fish, and stingrays.
The venue also features a bounce house, arcade, Mermaids and Friends area, and more on the grounds.
20. Visit the Library
While Houston is home to a number of fabulous libraries, the kids will probably get a bigger kick at the new Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library in Westbury. Now open, the new library features a recording studio, cafe, as well as a kids’ play area for arts, crafts, and other interactive activities.
21. Take a Train through Hermann Park
The Dr. Jack Express Train is an 18-minute train ride in Hermann park that whisks passengers around the park. Departing every 20-25 minutes, passengers can cruise through the park on a pleasant ride passing the likes of the Japanese Garden, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Jones Reflection Pond, and more. Day passes are available from $6/$7 depending on off-peak/peak hours.
22. Do Dinner at these Kids-Eat-Free Houston Restaurants
Don’t have it in you to cook up another big family dinner? Don’t sweat it. Check out our list of 10 Houston restaurants that offer kids-eat-free deals throughout the week!