Money-Saving Tips
For families looking to stretch their vacation budget, Houston offers many money-saving perks.
Best Museums
Home to Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, and 19 world-class museums, Houston’s Museum District is a cultural destination that welcomes millions of visitors every year. From there, drive 27 miles to the southeast to the Space Center Houston, one of the most visited attractions in Houston.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, is Houston’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the…
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the most heavily attended museums in the U.S., features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, co*ckrell Butterfly…
The Health Museum
In the heart of the Houston museum district and a Smithsonian Institution affiliate, The Health Museum fosters wonder and curiosity about health, medical science and the human…
Theaters & Performing Arts
Houston's theaters and performing arts scene pulsates with creativity, featuring a dynamic array of productions that cater to diverse tastes and cultural expressions.
Express Children's Theatre
Express Children’s Theatre, founded in 1991, is Houston’s oldest and largest multicultural performing arts and education organization dedicated to children and families. The…
Main Street Theater
Main Street Theater provides theater experiences for all ages. Founded in 1975, their MainStage produces professional, intimate, literary plays for adults, and the Theater for…
Great Outdoors
In Houston, it's just as easy to spend a morning hiking and canoeing through the city’s lovely green belt as it is to visit an acclaimed science exhibit.
Houston Zoo
Serving as a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Houston, and neighbors with the world renown Texas Medical Center, the Houston Zoo is…
Located on the western edge of Memorial Park (4 miles from Downtown Houston), the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers an…
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is Houston's largest water park with 41 rides, slides and attractions! It has 40 acres and…
Houston Area Live Steamers
The Houston Area Live Steamers is an organization devoted to live steam modeling. On the third Saturday of each month, the group…
Buffalo Bayou
Buffalo Bayou, the 52-mile slow-moving waterway that was the site of Houston's founding in 1836, has become a destination for…
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Miller Outdoor Theatre, founded in 1923, is Houston's premier outdoor theater for the performing arts. Free performances run March…
Discovery Green
Discovery Green, a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston, is designed as an engaging and active place with programming to serve…
Hermann Park
Hermann Park has a bountiful assortment of entertainment: a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a beautiful rose…
Local Favorites
The Mad Potter
Get intouch with your artistic side at this paint-your-own-pottery studio where kids and adults alike can try their hand at becoming the next modern-day Michelangelo.
The Galleria
The Little Galleria Play Area located on the second level of, this 2,000-square-foot play area features mini-versions of Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and Williams Tower. Children are invited to play in the soft-foam area — that includes a grand entrance facade, climbers, slides, tunnels, a play wall, shoe keepers, a changing station, hand sanitizer stations, a stroller area and adult seating.
Day Trips
Check out a full list of family outings outside of Houston, or read on about a few of our favorites.
Kemah Boardwalk
Overlooking Galveston Bay, and just 20 minutes from Downtown Houston, this coastal getaway features themed restaurants, retail shops, and amusem*nts for the whole family. This 35-acre carnival-like atmosphere has a 36-foot carousel, a 65-foot Ferris wheel and rides like the Aviator, the Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower. Kids love the arcade and Midway games.
Moody Gardens
This tropical destination, less than an hour from Houston on Galveston Island, is ideal for families and groups alike. Delve into the ocean's depths at the Aquarium Pyramid, explore the extraordinary world of science at Discovery Museum, experience the action of the IMAX® 3D, 4D and enjoy gulf breezes aboard the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
Schlitterbahn Water Park
Hot or cold, rain or shine, Schlitterbahn – located on Galveston Island - has your family covered with climate-controlled rivers, slides and pools that will put you in a tropical mood! This award-winning park was recently featured on the Travel Channel and also provides free parking, tubes and lifejackets.
