Houston is full of kid-friendly attractions, and new adventures for the entire family can be found within the city limits near comfortable lodging at InTown Suites. Let’s face it, kids will get antsy no matter how much in-room entertainment you bring, so it’s nice to have easy access to things to do to get them outside and having fun. Luckily, our InTown Suites in Houston offer comfortable Premium Suites with all-new in-room kitchens, bedding, and loads of storage, and the metro locations are ideal for exploring the city. Follow along to explore our top 10 favorite things to do in Houston with kids and make your stay a success.
1. Children’s Museum of Houston
Kids of all ages will love playing at the Children’s Museum of Houston, and you’ll appreciate that they’re learning while they have fun. The museum features over 15 exhibits for you and your family to explore, so everyone can find something fun to do. Small children love the Tot*Spot, which offers experiences and active play for the littlest in your bunch. Other exhibits include the Power Science Lab, Newton Know-How, and Matter Factory. The museum includes exhibits to engage and entertain two-year-olds and kids aged eight and up.
Cost
Admission is $17 for each adult or child over the age of one. Head over on Family Night that happens every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to enjoy free admission.
Location and Hours
- 1500 Binz Street, Houston, TX 77004
- The Children’s Museum of Houston is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thursdays, when closing time is 8 p.m.; Sunday hours are from noon to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
2. Houston Zoo
Thanks to more than 6,000 animals to see, no one will be bored visiting the Houston Zoo. There are 14 exhibits within the park to explore, including a petting zoo, bug house, and play area. Stop by the giraffe area at feeding time or catch one of the interactive events on the daily schedule. There are also restaurants on-site so you and your family can enjoy a break, too.
Cost
The Houston Zoo uses Flex Pricing, so ticket prices may vary during certain times and days. General admission starts at $27.20 for adults and $21.70 for children ages 3 to 12. Same-day ticket purchases often cost more, so plan ahead to save on admission. Tickets are sold online only, and will not be available at the gates.
Looking for free things to do in Houston? Houston Zoo offers free admission on Tuesdays, but tickets must be purchased in advance online. There is a limit of 5 admission tickets per order on Tuesdays.
Location and Hours
- 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the last entry into the zoo is at 4 p.m.)
3. Space Center Houston
The Space Center features more than 400 artifacts, exhibits, and family-friendly experiences highlighting America’s space flight program. Take the NASA Tram Tour to see astronaut training facilities, Mission Control, and more. There are space suit collections, replica shuttles, plus films and presentations to interest children and adults. If you’re visiting Houston in December with kids, make plans to see the Houston Space Center’s winter light display. This 90-minute experience harnesses all the latest technology to dazzle visitors with holiday lights that have a space-themed twist.
Cost
General admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children ages 4 to 11, and $27.95 for seniors. Skip the ticket booth and buy tickets in advance online.
Location and Hours
- 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058
- Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays until 6 p.m.
4. Cockrell Butterfly Center
Located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is an entertaining, interactive attraction for your family to visit. Enjoy a magical experience surrounded by hundreds of species of exotic butterflies as you and your children walk through a live butterfly exhibit. Play interactive games and learn about insects and arthropods, too. This tropical area is housed in a three-story glass conservatory with a waterfall and many tropical plants.
Cost
General admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children. If you want to experience the Butterfly Center for free, the museum offers free Thursday viewings of permanent exhibits from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. during non-summer months and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer. Tickets for free Thursdays are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Location and Hours
- 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
- The regular hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays; the last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
- Summer hours (Memorial Day weekend to August 13th) are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Sundays, except Thursdays, when the exhibit remains open until 8 p.m.; the last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
5. Waterwall Park
Besides serving as home to NASA and boasting 145 languages spoken here, another fact about Houston for kids is that it features 366 parks and 200 green spaces to play in, explore, and enjoy. The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park in The Galleria is one place that is truly a sight. Pack a picnic and head over to enjoy a day outside at this landmark. Eleven thousand gallons of water cascade over the monumental fountain each minute, providing visitors a lovely backdrop for photos. This landmark is a popular spot for nature lovers visiting the city because of its 186 live oak trees, sweeping lawn, and lush landscaping, near the heart of downtown Houston.
Cost
There is no cost to visit this park—it is offered free to the public.
Location and Hours
- 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056
- Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Discovery Green
When you’re in Houston during the summer, Discovery Green is the best place to take your kids to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. Discovery Green is a public park with 12 acres of green space filled with art installations, trails, and picnic spots, and it hosts family-friendly events like outdoor movies, concerts, and art in the park for kids. The open spaces are great for running and playing, and the newly renovated playground is a top choice for families. The Gateway Fountain in the park is a must-visit spot for summer, as the 14-foot water jets are a fun way to beat the Texas heat.
Cost
Admission to this park is always offered free to the public. Most of the movie showings, music events, and water features are also free to enjoy.
Location and Hours
- 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
- Open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7. Downtown Aquarium
Journey to the depths of the ocean and see 300 different species of marine life that live at the Downtown Houston Aquarium. This dining and entertainment complex is located on six acres and features a full-service restaurant, amusement rides, and shopping. The aquarium has six exhibits, including a shipwreck where you can see clownfish, grouper, and a giant Pacific octopus, and a Texas Bayou filled with alligators and bullfrogs. Make your child’s day extra special by adding a ticket to the Stingray Reef where they can even feed the stingrays!
Cost
Aquarium admission is $15.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under 42 inches tall. Get an all-day pass, which includes admission to the aquarium, the Stingray Reef exhibit, and all rides for $24.99 ($22.99 for kids), or add rides and experiences as you go.
Location and Hours
- 410 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
- The aquarium is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
8. Old MacDonald’s Farm
The nursery rhyme comes to life at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Humble, Texas. This is a perfect attraction near Houston to bring kids when you’re visiting the area for a summer vacation. Spend time at the petting zoo and duck pond, and take a pony or train ride—all are included in the price of admission. A swimming pool and pumpkin patch are also available seasonally. You may bring your own picnic or enjoy the on-site concessions.
Cost
General admission is $16.80 plus tax for each visitor over the age of 18 months.
Location and Hours
- 3203 Farm to Market 1960 Road East, Humble, TX 77338
- Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9. Rosenberg Railroad Museum
All aboard! Bring the kids to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum to learn all about trains by exploring seven exhibits. Step inside an old cable car, enjoy model railways, and tour the museum to learn about the impact of railroads in the region. Visit on the fourth Sunday in any month to see the local model train club run their replicas on the tracks. The museum also offers extra fun things for kids to do on these days.
Cost
General admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, military, and first responders, and $6 for children ages 2–14.
Location and Hours
- 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg, TX 77471
- Open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
10. Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park
Wind down for the day in a quiet place with your family when you explore the scenic Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park. Discover beautiful Japanese maples, cherry blossoms, and crepe myrtles in the garden as you wander its stone pathways. Listen as the waterfall features pour into the pond, or enjoy a moment of reflection at the teahouse nestled in the garden.
Cost
Visit at no cost—the gardens are free to the public.
Location and Hours
- 6000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
- March 1–October 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- November 1–February 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The vast number of parks and age-appropriate things to do make Houston a perfect place to visit with kids. Parents appreciate the availability of affordable, comfortable extended stay hotels within a short drive from nearly any entertainment option, too. Find the InTown Suites property that best fits your budget and location and book your stay to explore Houston for a week or more!
Houston is full of kid-friendly attractions, and new adventures for the entire family can be found within the city limits near comfortable lodging at InTown Suites. Let's face it, kids will get antsy no matter how much in-room entertainment you bring, so it’s nice to have easy access to things to do to get them outside and having fun. Luckily, our
InTown Suites in Houston offer comfortable
Premium Suites with all-new in-room kitchens, bedding, and loads of storage, and the metro locations are ideal for exploring the city. Follow along to explore our top 10 favorite things to do in Houston with kids and make your stay a success.
1. Children's Museum of Houston
Kids of all ages will love playing at the
Children's Museum of Houston, and you’ll appreciate that they're learning while they have fun. The museum features over 15 exhibits for you and your family to explore, so everyone can find something fun to do. Small children love the Tot*Spot, which offers experiences and active play for the littlest in your bunch. Other exhibits include the Power Science Lab, Newton Know-How, and Matter Factory. The museum includes exhibits to engage and entertain two-year-olds and kids aged eight and up.
Cost
Admission is $17 for each adult or child over the age of one. Head over on Family Night that happens every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to enjoy free admission.
Location and Hours
- 1500 Binz Street, Houston, TX 77004
- The Children’s Museum of Houston is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Thursdays, when closing time is 8 p.m.; Sunday hours are from noon to 6 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays.
2. Houston Zoo
Thanks to more than 6,000 animals to see, no one will be bored visiting the
Houston Zoo. There are 14 exhibits within the park to explore, including a petting zoo, bug house, and play area. Stop by the giraffe area at feeding time or catch one of the interactive events on the daily schedule. There are also restaurants on-site so you and your family can enjoy a break, too.
Cost
The Houston Zoo uses Flex Pricing, so ticket prices may vary during certain times and days. General admission starts at $27.20 for adults and $21.70 for children ages 3 to 12. Same-day ticket purchases often cost more, so plan ahead to save on admission. Tickets are sold online only, and will not be available at the gates.
Looking for free things to do in Houston? Houston Zoo offers free admission on Tuesdays, but tickets must be purchased in advance online. There is a limit of 5 admission tickets per order on Tuesdays.
Location and Hours
- 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the last entry into the zoo is at 4 p.m.)
3. Space Center Houston
The
Space Center features more than 400 artifacts, exhibits, and family-friendly experiences highlighting America’s space flight program. Take the NASA Tram Tour to see astronaut training facilities, Mission Control, and more. There are space suit collections, replica shuttles, plus films and presentations to interest children and adults. If you’re visiting Houston in December with kids, make plans to see the Houston Space Center’s winter light display. This 90-minute experience harnesses all the latest technology to dazzle visitors with holiday lights that have a space-themed twist.
Cost
General admission is $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children ages 4 to 11, and $27.95 for seniors. Skip the ticket booth and buy tickets in advance online.
Location and Hours
- 1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058
- Open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays until 6 p.m.
4. Cockrell Butterfly Center
Located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the
Cockrell Butterfly Center is an entertaining, interactive attraction for your family to visit. Enjoy a magical experience surrounded by hundreds of species of exotic butterflies as you and your children walk through a live butterfly exhibit. Play interactive games and learn about insects and arthropods, too. This tropical area is housed in a three-story glass conservatory with a waterfall and many tropical plants.
Cost
General admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children. If you want to experience the Butterfly Center for free, the museum offers free Thursday viewings of permanent exhibits from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. during non-summer months and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the summer. Tickets for free Thursdays are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Location and Hours
- 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
- The regular hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Mondays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays; the last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
- Summer hours (Memorial Day weekend to August 13th) are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Sundays, except Thursdays, when the exhibit remains open until 8 p.m.; the last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
5. Waterwall Park
Besides serving as home to NASA and boasting 145 languages spoken here, another fact about Houston for kids is that it features 366 parks and 200 green spaces to play in, explore, and enjoy. The Gerald D. Hines
Waterwall Park in The Galleria is one place that is truly a sight. Pack a picnic and head over to enjoy a day outside at this landmark. Eleven thousand gallons of water cascade over the monumental fountain each minute, providing visitors a lovely backdrop for photos. This landmark is a popular spot for nature lovers visiting the city because of its 186 live oak trees, sweeping lawn, and lush landscaping, near the heart of downtown Houston.
Cost
There is no cost to visit this park—it is offered free to the public.
Location and Hours
- 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056
- Open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
6. Discovery Green
When you’re in Houston during the summer,
Discovery Green is the best place to take your kids to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. Discovery Green is a public park with 12 acres of green space filled with art installations, trails, and picnic spots, and it hosts family-friendly events like outdoor movies, concerts, and art in the park for kids. The open spaces are great for running and playing, and the newly renovated playground is a top choice for families. The Gateway Fountain in the park is a must-visit spot for summer, as the 14-foot water jets are a fun way to beat the Texas heat.
Cost
Admission to this park is always offered free to the public. Most of the movie showings, music events, and water features are also free to enjoy.
Location and Hours
- 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX 77010
- Open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
7. Downtown Aquarium
Journey to the depths of the ocean and see 300 different species of marine life that live at the
Downtown Houston Aquarium. This dining and entertainment complex is located on six acres and features a full-service restaurant, amusement rides, and shopping. The aquarium has six exhibits, including a shipwreck where you can see clownfish, grouper, and a giant Pacific octopus, and a Texas Bayou filled with alligators and bullfrogs. Make your child’s day extra special by adding a ticket to the Stingray Reef where they can even feed the stingrays!
Cost
Aquarium admission is $15.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under 42 inches tall. Get an all-day pass, which includes admission to the aquarium, the Stingray Reef exhibit, and all rides for $24.99 ($22.99 for kids), or add rides and experiences as you go.
Location and Hours
- 410 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
- The aquarium is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
8. Old MacDonald's Farm
The nursery rhyme comes to life at
Old MacDonald's Farm in Humble, Texas. This is a perfect attraction near Houston to bring kids when you’re visiting the area for a summer vacation. Spend time at the petting zoo and duck pond, and take a pony or train ride—all are included in the price of admission. A swimming pool and pumpkin patch are also available seasonally. You may bring your own picnic or enjoy the on-site concessions.
Cost
General admission is $16.80 plus tax for each visitor over the age of 18 months.
Location and Hours
- 3203 Farm to Market 1960 Road East, Humble, TX 77338
- Open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9. Rosenberg Railroad Museum
All aboard! Bring the kids to the
Rosenberg Railroad Museum to learn all about trains by exploring seven exhibits. Step inside an old cable car, enjoy model railways, and tour the museum to learn about the impact of railroads in the region. Visit on the fourth Sunday in any month to see the local model train club run their replicas on the tracks. The museum also offers extra fun things for kids to do on these days.
Cost
General admission is $9 for adults, $7 for seniors, military, and first responders, and $6 for children ages 2–14.
Location and Hours
- 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg, TX 77471
- Open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
10. Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park
Wind down for the day in a quiet place with your family when you explore the scenic
Japanese Gardens in Hermann Park. Discover beautiful Japanese maples, cherry blossoms, and crepe myrtles in the garden as you wander its stone pathways. Listen as the waterfall features pour into the pond, or enjoy a moment of reflection at the teahouse nestled in the garden.
Cost
Visit at no cost—the gardens are free to the public.
Location and Hours
- 6000 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030
- March 1–October 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- November 1–February 28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The vast number of parks and age-appropriate things to do make Houston a perfect place to visit with kids. Parents appreciate the availability of affordable, comfortable extended stay hotels within a short drive from nearly any entertainment option, too. Find the
InTown Suites property that best fits your budget and location and book your stay to explore Houston for a week or more!
