Things for Kids to Do in Houston

Houston, the largest city in Texas and fourth largest in the nation, was named after General Sam Houston of the Texas army. Houston’s many museums, concert halls and art galleries make it a popular place for visitors. Travelers who come to Houston with children will find plenty of entertainment options in the city that children will enjoy as well.

Watch Live Sports – Basketball, Baseball, Football, Hockey

Regardless of the time of year, there’s a sports event going on in Houston. The Houston Astros play their home games at Minute Maid Park, while the Houston Texans football team plays at Reliant Park, the NFL’s first retractable-roof stadium. Basketball fans can watch the NBA’s Houston Rockets play at the Toyota Center, which is also home to the Houston Aeros, an American Hockey League team. Houston is also home to Major League Soccer team the Houston Dynamos, who play at the University of Houston’s Robertson Stadium.

The Houston Zoo

With more than 300 parks in Houston, families should have no problem finding a strip of greenery to enjoy. Hermann Park is within walking distance of Rice University and within miles of Reliant Park. The well-visited park is home to a Japanese garden, reflecting pool, and the Houston Zoo, as well as many other attractions. The Houston Zoo features a Children’s Zoo, where visitors can interact with animals. Other exhibits include the Reptile House, Kipp Aquarium, and the Asian Elephant Exhibit. The Houston Zoo is also one of the few zoos to have on display a Giant Eland, a rare species of antelope.

Explore Outer Space at the Space Center

Space Center Houston will turn anybody into a kid again. Jump on the moon, drive a lunar rover, and much more at NASA’s official visitor center. Live show presentations, an IMAX theater and behind-the-scenes tours to the Johnson Space Center make this a must on every family’s Houston to-do list. The center has Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules on display. Visitors can try on space helmets and handle moon rocks. There’s also a chance visitors can watch astronauts train for upcoming space shuttle missions.

Just south of Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk overlooks the Galveston Bay. The complex includes restaurants, a hotel and retail stores. The area also includes a small selection of amusement rides including a carousel, Ferris wheel and wooden roller coaster, the Boardwalk Bullet. Individual ride tickets can be purchased, or families can save money by purchasing an all-day pass to the 13 rides.

Houston offers many attractions that kids will love. From walking on the moon at Space Center Houston to getting up close and personal with animals at the Houston Zoo, the entire family will enjoy a trip to Houston. The Texas metropolis also offers family memories at one of the many sporting arenas, as well as the picturesque Kemah Boardwalk just south of downtown Houston.