Houston, we don’t have a problem because we have just discovered the Top 9 Family Attractions to enjoy in the largest city in Texas!. From the best museums, fun free things to do in Houston, to even tips on transportation and even day trips from this great city, Family Days Out have you covered so you don’t miss out on what to do and where to go!
So before you wonder “what fun daily things to do in Houston” are there, keep reading! Starting off with some fun Houston history…..
Houston - the fourth largest city in the entire USA - was settled all the way back in 1837, and formally annexed in 1846. The city established the first-ever state fair in 1870, and more today finds itself as a travel destination holding its own against the long-popular neighbors of Austin and San Antonio, welcoming over 20 million visitors a year…!
One of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, Houston is great for kids to experience new cultures, especially when you have over 150 amazing museums to visit that reflect this, such as the Houston Museum of African American Culture which not only delves into African American Culture but also local community art, and the Children’s Museum of Houston with various exhibits for all ages including a great area exploring South Korean culture!
There are so many fun things to do in Houston, no matter what you love to do. Whether it’s feeling cultural at the Museum of Fine Arts, going boldly where (many) families have gone before at the Space Center, or stepping back in time at the Houston Museum of Natural Science….there is something for everyone!
There is plenty of public transport available across the city, so getting around is not a problem at all! The METRORail offers access to the heart of the city, including downtown and the museum district. Then, with one-way fares only $1.25, the METRO offers several bus services across most city streets.
Top Tip! Whilst transport is great, and driving is incredibly easy, Houston is spread out so why not take some activities and snacks in your bag for the kids to enjoy in between attractions!?
Source: https://www.houston.org/living-in-houston/transportation
We’ve already mentioned this impressive museum above for good reason - it’s a place where kids imaginations can run wild! Kids can see rockets, learn about space exploration, and even discover what it could take for us to visit Mars! Fancy breakfast with an astronaut? Well, at Space Center Houston, that is very possible!
This 500,000 gallon aquarium offers kids an incredible insight into some of the creatures that call water home. From the Louisiana Bayou exhibit willed with snapping turtles and American alligators, to the Shipwreck exhibit teeming with eels and a giant octopus, to what hides away in the Rainforest, Downtown Aquarium uncovers the treasures of the ocean (and even boasts a Ferris Wheel and carousel!)
Over 6,000 animals are waiting to say hi at this incredibly popular zoo spanning 55 acres. In fact, it’s the second most visited zoo in the entire country! With elephants, primates, and lions making up the 900 species that call Houston Zoo home, kids will be sure to have a WILD time!
Reconnect with nature with over 5 miles of walking trails, complete with discovery loop boardwalk and bison viewing platform! On this nature filled family day out you can also enjoy a kayak tour, pontoon boat cruise, night hikes and EcoPrograms just for kids!
What started out as a small, community museum set up by parents, has grown into one of the most popular things do to with kids in Houston. There is so much hands-on fun, kids will never be bored! From colorful interactive exhibits, to real-world play and plenty of outdoor actives too, the Children’s Museum of Houston let’s kids imaginations take the lead!
An invaluable experience for all who visit, as the HMAAC is dedicated to collecting, conserving, and exhibiting the culture of Africans and African Americans in Houston. Discovery-driven learning awaits visitors of every race and background, and is a great experience for kids on a family day out.
Formerly Wet N Wild Splashtown, this is the largest waterpark in the Houston area complete with whirlpools, HUGE slides and plenty of SPLASH-tastic fun, Splashtown is a great way for kids to escape that Texas heat and enjoy time in the water. There are plenty of rides for the whole family, from the tubes to the lazy river, and plenty of places to grab a snack to recharge!
Hands-on science fun awaits kids of all ages at the Health Museum, filled with interactive exhibits that teach kids all about the human body! The exhibits are constantly changing too, so there is always something fun to go back to!
Want to spend the day walking among dinosaurs, or ancient mummies of Egypt? The Houston Museum of Natural Science has been giving kids a fascinating and fun family day out since 1909, and they also offer brilliant tours to really allow you to immerse yourself in history!
Famous Houstonians
Beyonce Knowles
From Destiny’s Child to one of the greatest living singers of our time, this Houston native has conquered the world
George W Bush
Th 43rd President of the USA is proud to call Texas home. He also served as 46th Governor of Texas.
5 Fun Houston Facts
Here we have some additional fun facts you might not know about Houston.
- Houston’s nickname is Space City!
- You will hear over 145 different languages spoken across the city!
- “Houston” was the first word heard on the moon!
- The city was named after Sam Houston - the first president of the Texas Republic (and former military commander) who led the battle for the states independence from Mexico!
- Houston was the capital of Texas from 1837 to 1839
Top 5 FREE Things to do in Houston
Hermann Park
Located in the heart of Houston, this incredibly popular park spanning 445 acres welcomes around 6 million visitors a year. Founded by real estate investor and industrialist George H Hermann all the way back in 1914 (back then the park was 285 acres), and since then, year on year the park has seen a number of additions which just make your experience even better!
Today, you can explore Japanese Gardens, enjoy time on the pedal boats, take a ride on a super cool train, and even explore your creative side with Art in the Park! Don’t miss the fun playground for kids too - perfect for kids of all abilities!
Contemporary Arts Museum
This free museum is a great way to introduce art to kids. There are plenty of programs and events across the year, including hands-on fun for those creative kids in the family too! There are always changing exhibits, so there is always something fun to go back to. They have events and activities perfect for families, as well as teens, so make sure you check the calendar before you go, so you don’t miss out on anything!
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Found on the edge of Memorial Park in the middle of urban Houston, this 155 acre arboretum & nature center is a beautiful oasis that makes a great (free!) day out. Kids can learn all about the natural environment, with the center playing a vital role in the protection of native plants and animals. There are evening programs to allow kids to experience nature by moonlight, camps, kids programs, hikes, opportunities to learn all about photography and so much more!
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
This amazing museum in Houston is home to nearly 70,000 works of art, dating from ancient times to present day, it really is an invaluable experience for kids to learn all about arts and culture! Kids can see sculptures from Asia, art from the Islamic World, American paintings and sculptures, European art, a rang of photography, film, and even Latin American art - just to name a few! An art-tastic day out for kids in this great Texas city!
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Founded back in 1921, Miller Outdoor Theatre is a great way for families to enjoy some entertainment together out in the fresh air! Concerts, films, screening and cultural performances are held in this amazing outdoor theatre in the heart of Houston’s Museum District within Hermann Park. Relax on that grassy hill with a picnic with the family, on that beautiful balmy evening, and enjoy a free show!
Open year round, this outdoor theatre is there ready and waiting for families to be entertained - What could be better?!
10 Interesting Facts About Houston, Texas
What do you get when you mix Southern charm and iconic seaside slender? You get Galveston Island! A favourite for many Houstonians only 50 miles southeast of the city, filling your day trip with historic architecture, art, sand, and yes - even ghostly folklores!
With 32 miles of sandy beaches, this Gulf Coast barrier island a world away from the hustle and bustle of Houston. Not only are there plenty of opportunities to learn about the rich history in the museums on the island (did you know it was once the second to Ellis Island as being the largest immigration station in the entire USA?), but plenty of shopping in the chic boutiques, and even get out onto the water in a kayak or to enjoy some fishing!
Galveston Island State Park is also an amazing way to spend the day, offering swimming, picnicking, geocaching, hiking, mountain biking and bird watching - just to name a few activities! If you wanted to extend that day trip into an overnight stay, the state park has plenty of cabins and camping opportunities too.
Here’s our top 4 things to visit in Galveston Island:
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Family Days Out latest blogs and activities for kids, there are certainly plenty of great places to visit across the USA, Canada, and Australia.
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