23 Things To Do in Houston With Kids

christadiserio:  Experience the ultimate kind of family fun at the Kemah Boardwalk! Adults and kids of all ages will enjoy the amusement rides, selection of waterfront dining, shopping, and games. Kids of all ages will have the option to hop on several different rides, like a Ferris wheel, carousel, replica of a famous train, space adventure and so much more. Trust me, the thrill of the rides plus a family lunch or dinner at one of the onsite restaurants will be just the kind of fun the kids have in mind!

Cost: All day ride passes ranging from $18.99-24.99. More info here.

Sarah D.:  There’s something for everyone at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Rivers connect for a mile of fun through three distinct park sections at Schlitterbahn Galveston. The waterpark is a thrill seekers paradise with high thrill speed slides. Each section has raft rides, pools and water coasters with great picnic pavilions and pint sized water playgrounds for kids of all ages.

christadiserio:  Have your kids every wondered what exactly astronauts do and what space is all about? A visit to the Houston Space Center is something that the whole family will find fascinating. You'll get to learn about the history of space exploration and experience the life of astronauts in space through the Kids Space Place. Kids will also enjoy the Blast Off Theater, where you'll hear live mission updates from the International Space Station. There are limitless fun activities for kids. For a VIP experience, kids 14+ should consider the Level Nine Tour.

Cost: $29.95 (adults) & $24.95 (ages 4-11)

christadiserio:  Take your family on a safari-like adventure on the 80-acre Bayou Wildlife Zoo. It's something unlike anything your kids have experienced before. They'll get up close with animals that come from 19 different countries, such as camels, lemurs, deer, rhinos and more. A petting zoo is also available, where you can purchase a bucket of food to feed the animals if you choose. Three-minute pony rides are also available for kids less than 90lbs. This will be a day they won't forget!

Cost: $20 (adults) & $10 (ages 2-11)

christadiserio:  If you've noticed the Ferris wheel from I-45 and I-10, that's right on the Downtown Aquarium property and it's calling your family's name. This aquarium calls itself a "500,000-gallon wonderland," and in my opinion, that's exactly what it is. It houses more than 300 species of aquatic life from around the world, such as white tigers, gators, eels and more. The Downtown Aquarium also has a full-service restaurant, so you'll have somewhere to eat with the family if you're hungry. Oh, and don't forget to visit the Ferris Wheel.

christadiserio:  Build your family's love for music by attending a performance at the Houston Symphony. Rest assured, this is not your average adult symphony performance. The Houston Symphony puts on performances that will appeal to kids and move them with the music. Performance examples geared toward families include Peter and the Wolf, Hocus Pocus Pops, Home Alone, Once Upon a Time and others your kids will be thrilled to attend.

Cost: tickets starting at $25/person

christadiserio:  If your family is full of basketball fanatics, then a Houston Rockets basketball game is the perfect family outing. Dress your kids in their Rockets jerseys if they have them and make your way on over to the Toyota Center for a game. At the arena, you can order dinner and sit back & relax to enjoy watching your favorite players, like Carmelo Anthony, ball it up on the court. The whole family will love the energy and may or may not have a voice the next day after cheering so loudly!

Cost: Tickets starting at $11/person

Donovan Park is the result of extensive community efforts to transform a formerly underused park. Today, it is a place that sparks young imaginations, encourages social interaction among cultures, and serves as an inspiration to future generations.

christadiserio:  Expose your kids to Houston's wonderful performing art scene at the Main Street Theater. This theater has performances that specifically cater to a younger audience. Upcoming play lineup examples include Curious George, Mr. Popper's Penguins and Charlie Brown. Each production is quality material and will not disappoint your family. Children must be 3 and over to attend performances.

Cost: $16-24 per ticket

Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre green space just west of downtown Houston. It has beautiful gardens and native landscaping, as well as hiking and biking trails, a nature play area, and a dog park. There's also public art, and delightful places to picnic, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.

Sarah D.:  The Children's Museum of Houston is the ultimate museum experience for any child. Whether you little one wants to learn about our environment, develop an invention, disappear into the world of dragons and fairies or simply learn how things work, this museum has it all.

christadiserio:  Let your kids explore the human body in the unique, interactive and fun setting at the Health Museum. Kids can actually walk through the human body in this museum and learn how all of our body's major organs play a role in keeping us alive and healthy. They'll get to experience a 12-foot beating heart, a 10-foot-tall walk through-brain, cellular biology and even a skeleton riding a bicycle. If your kids are at all into biology, science and anatomy, then this museum must be moved to the top of your list to visit!

Sarah D.:  Hermann Park is an amazing place to spend the day with family! The park is home to an array of activities that make this destination a must-see for any family hoping to spend time in Houston. Whether your child enjoys locomotive train rides, peddle boats, garden-scapes or time at the zoo (adjacent to Hermann Park), this lovely spot set in Houston's scenic and historic medical district will be a perfect place to check out.

christadiserio:  What's better than a free children's performance at the Miller Outdoor Theater on a beautiful day? Nothing! This theater offers various children's performances that the whole family will love. A few notable examples of shows include Cinderella in Spain, Story Telling Through Dance, Pinocchio, and others that won't disappoint. View the schedule here. You are welcome to bring lawn chairs and concessions are available.

Cost: Free

Sarah D.:  Whether you want to time travel, explore space or understand wildlife, there is something for every child at the Houston Museum of Natural Science! Blast into space on family space day, visit the stars in the planetarium, be in nature at the Butterfly Center, or explore extraordinary permanent exhibits like Ancient Hall of Egypt or the world of paleontology.