16 Houston Museums for Kids to Explore

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.

Sarah D.:  This little museum is a great spot for kids who love to pretend that they serve and protect! The displays include artifacts from the Honor Guard, artifacts from SWAT, artifacts from Mounted Patrol, including badges, uniforms and other equipment used by law enforcement through generations!

Sarah D.:  Take your aviation enthusiast back in time to an era when air travel was new and exciting! The 1940 Air Terminal Museum brings aviation history to life and gives your little one a front row seat to the air operations at Hobby International Airport. This historic terminal has been preserved and the entire ground floor committed to aviation enthusiasts with exhibits from the 1940 era.

Sarah D.:  Do you have a little firefighter in your home? If so, then the Houston Fire Museum is a can't miss! Check out the 1937 Chevy Pumper as part of their antiques collection, view the real fire fighting gear from the different ages of fighting fires, or spend time in the locker room!

Sarah D.:  Houston's Art Car Museum is a real treasure for automotive enthusiasts of any age!!! Combining a love of cars and a love of art, this museum really stimulates the imagination! With a gallery of eclectic and innovative art designs, and a range of artistic events for all, this is one of the most unique museum experiences a child can enjoy!

Sarah D.:  The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) has a mission to "collect, conserve, explore, interpret, and exhibit the materials and intellectual culture of Africans and African Americans" throughout Houston and the state of Texas. Teach your child about the diverse identity of Houston and Texas! Through an array of dynamic exhibits, children can learn about diverse culture and integral figures in American history.

Sarah D.:  Lawndale is a wonderful place to bring children to learn about art! Whether acquainting a child with interactive urban art or enjoying family day (focused on learning more about the exhibitions through hands-on workshops), there is plenty of art for your little one to experience at the Lawndale Art Center.

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!

This museum offers great family programs that will help get your kids interested in art! Babies and toddlers can create a work of art based on something in the museum, with a visit to see that artwork after their creation is complete. There are also storytime circles, family studio times where you can create works together!

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.

Sarah D.:  The Houston Zoo has it all! This zoo offers incredible exhibits from an aquarium to an impressive collection of primates to a world-class children's zoo. Located among beautiful parkways within the Houston Medical District (and the Hermann Park Conservancy - think miniature locomotive train rides), this zoo offers an amazing family-friendly experience including amazing activities (wildlife carousel, water play area, nature park).

Sarah D.:  The American Cowboy Museum is committed to preserving and interpreting the art, history, and culture of the contributions of African Americans, Hispanic, Native Americans, and Women to the development of the American West culture! Enjoy trail rides, zydecos, or rodeos or take in the Grand Farmer's Market. Take your child to explore engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and public events that represent Texas' rich history!

Sarah D.:  This is the ultimate Texas historic adventure for any child! Take a tour of historic homes, meet and interact with costumed Westerners of a bygone era, participate in hands-on activities, watch a blacksmith work at his craft or some cowboys wrangle cattle, and more! Your little one can watch history come alive!

Sarah D.:  The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a Houston treasure for any train enthusiast! With an array of impressive exhibits, this Museum has something for everyone - whether it's model trains, boarding retired cars, exploring the little red caboose, or learning about railroad history!