Houston Area Activities for Children of All Ages
Below you will find wonderful destinations, locations and highlights of what you will find at each one. All that will be left is to decide where to go first!
Children’s Museum of Houston
($5 fee regularly except on Family Night (Thursdays) 5 – 8 = FREE)
1500 Binz
713-522-1138
www.cmhouston.org
Who doesn’t love the Children’s Museum of Houston? Here you can always find something unusual, entertaining, and you can guarantee the kids will get involved. This children’s museum has been rated in the top 2 in the country. They have 660,000 visitors annually and are “the highest-attended youth museum in the country for its size”. You’ll find exhibits on everything from science to history, cultural to the arts, and health and human science as well. There are plenty of hands-on elements to keep your children not only interested, but also actually involved in the learning experience. Check out their website for direction, current exhibits, hours of operation and more.
Houston Zoo
(Prices all under $8.50, Family Pass available; some holidays FREE)
1513 N. MacGregor (in Hermann Park)
713-533-6500
http://www.houstonzoo.org
For animal lovers you may want to spend a day exploring the Houston Zoo. There are more than 3,100 animals and plenty of fun, educational exhibits and shows as well. Take the kids for a ride on the Wildlife Carousel and don’t forget to visit the special Children’s Zoo, featuring six different habitats as well as a petting zoo. Be sure to call or check the website for a schedule of their daily events.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
(Prices vary based on exhibits and attractions being visited – call for more information)
One Hermann Circle Drive (in Hermann Park)
713-639-4629
http://www.hmns.org
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a full day of fun all on its own. This one is sure to please children and adults alike. There are multiple permanent and special exhibits and other attractions as well. You will find the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center & Live Insect Zoo. Also found on premises is the Wortham IMAX Theater. With this much to see and do you may have to plan for more than one visit! Check the website for a list of exhibits, hours of operation and lots of other information.
Houston Gulf Coast Railroad Museum
(all admissions $4 or under – open weekends only; seasonal)
7390 Mesa Rd.
713-631-6612
http://www.kingswayrc.com/gcst
If you have a fan of locomotives, model trains, or anything train related, this is a definite stop for you. You can find a collection of railroad locomotives and cars. You’ll find a model railroad as well as many railroad related artifacts to enjoy. Drop by their website for directions, hours and months of operation or additional information.
Space Center Houston / NASA / Johnson Space Center
(Admission varies by age – All are $18.95 or lower, $5 parking fee not included)
1601 NASA Road. 1 (located appx. 25 mi. south of downtown)
281-244-2100
www.spacecenter.org
Space Center Houston is well worth the short drive out of Houston. There is so much to see and learn here. Have you ever wanted to see astronauts training or touch a real moon rock? Here is your chance! There are hands-on activities, as well as a variety of entertaining and educational exhibits. The Northrop Grumman Theater has a 5-story tall screen where you can view a very interesting look into both the history and future of space travel. Whatever exhibit happens to be the highlighted event will definitely be a unique and enjoyable experience. Check their website for the most current events, as they do change fairly frequently. You’ll also find valuable coupons available through the Space Center Houston website.
