Location: Houston
Top Things to do in Houston
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The 10 Best Things to do Good for Kids in Houston, Texas (TX)
Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theater companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Center Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center.
Restaurants in Houston
1. Smither Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By OhioLinda
We were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the quality of the work and imagination of the artists at this park. Especially since all or most of the items used are found items and the artists are volunteers. There is parking on the street, a couple of picnic tables and a shelter along with the decorated walls. We spent about an hour here and enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend this unusual place.
2. Lone Star Flight Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 89 reviews
Housed in a large aircraft hangar, this world-class aviation museum features restored aircraft and historic photographs.
Reviewed By Chrisinkingwood2 - Houston, United States
We took advantage of the Smithsonial Free Museum Day tickets where you can get free admission for 2 to many museums around the country. I took my 14 year old grandson, I figured he might have an interest and wanted him to know that air battles just don't happen in all those video games he plays! We got there about 10:30 and stayed for 3 hours. The displays are fantastic, so many old planes and jets restored as they were when they were brand new. The panels with photographs and stories were very interesting and they also have several interactive displays that kids can do to learn about the effects of wind and the physics of flight while having fun. At one point we watched them wheel out the big bomber and it took off with guests who had purchased tickets for a flight around the Ellington Field area. My grandson got to try flying in the flight simulators which was really fun, sadly he found out it isn't as easy as a video game and crash landed!
3. The Houston Museum of Natural Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,002 reviews
This outstanding science museum has a spectacular collection of mineral specimens, a dinosaur skeleton, space-station models, a planetarium, IMAX theater and a six-story butterfly center in which these beautiful creatures land delicately on outstretched arms.
Reviewed By Agarrino
Another mandatory visit while in Houston, is the Natural History Museum. You will need a complete day (or even more) to really check everything on display, since there are 4 floors full of interesting items: Full body dinosaurs skeletons, phosils of all sort, trilobites, scientist working in labs opened to visitors, an impressive collection of cristal minerals and jewels, sculptures and a great collection of ancient Egypt items, including three real mummys. Also great the butterfly interior garden.
4. The Galleria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,187 reviews
More than 26 million visitors each year seek the dynamic & fine shopping environment uniquely offered by The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center and fourth largest domain nationally. International guests and Houstonians blend seamlessly in the center while on shopping excursions or entertaining guests at one of the signature eateries. Spanning 2.4 million square feet of space, housing 400 fine stores and restaurants, two high-rise hotels, and three office towers, The Galleria is Houston’s most popular retail and tourist destination, meeting every style and taste.
Reviewed By 160harveyh
This is the epicenter of shopping, walking and people watching in Houston. From great shopping, high end art galleries to ice skating, the Galleria is a great place to see and visit. Due to its popularity, the parking lots fill up quickly, especially in the holiday season. Get there as early as you can and preferably right before it opens to get a good parking spot. The Metro bus# 82 goes east and west by the Galleria and connects to many other bus lines around Houston. This is a must see and visit place in Houston and I highly recommend it,
5. Sam Houston Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Park containing seven historic homes, an oasis of antiquity in the heart of the bustling modern city.
Reviewed By AdriZaAst - Milan, Italy
It's really staggering to see the difference between the original houses of Houston and the new gigantic skyscrapers. This park does a good job of presenting some of the original housing through the years.
6. Houston Museum District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 698 reviews
Reviewed By ViewChaser - Houston, United States
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Natural Science are very close to one another. The Children's Museum, Holocaust Museum and Medical Museum are also located nearby so everything is quite convenient without traveling from one side of the city to the next.
7. Minute Maid Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,164 reviews
Reviewed By 249SusanB249
Minute Maid Park is not only home to our champion Astros , it is also home to thousands of Houstonians and guests who love this super clean, upbeat beautiful ballpark which features occasional fireworks and a fantastic train that blows its whistle and chugs across the far side of the ballpark every time a member of the Astros makes a home run. Completed in 2000, Minute Maid Park is in an extremely handsome structure with a retractable roof that is opened or closed depending on the weather conditions. You can be sure there will be no cancelled ball games because of weather. In busy downtown Houston, police officers direct traffic to minimize congestion around the park, but allow sufficient time to drive your car through crowded streets, park, and walk several blocks before you find your seat and, if you're an American, place your hand over your heart just in time for the National Anthem. Whether you're an American or a most welcome International guest, there just couldn't be any better place to watch a ball game and all the sideline entertainments than Minute Maid Park.
8. Houston Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,164 reviews
The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 6000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests.
Reviewed By oxfordcg - Houston, United States
Whenever I visit the Zoo, of which I am proud to say I am a member, it feels as if I am visiting several countries in one day. The variety of well-cared for animals is outstanding. I particularly love how the animals interact with us. During the season of Christmas lights, we visit the animals and then as it darkens and we return for the Christmas lights, it is great to picture where the animals are sleeping and resting.
9. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
A 155-acre nature sanctuary 4 miles west of downtown. Five miles of walking trails through forest, meadow, and pond habitats offer opportunities to see frogs, turtles, and other wildlife. The Nature Center houses a Nature Shop, restrooms, and Discovery Room which includes aquariums, microscopes, and interactive exhibits like the 15 ft. model "Learning Tree". Grounds: Open Daily 7 am to dusk; Building: Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm, except major holidays. Discovery Room: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission free; donations appreciated.
Reviewed By pglejm - Santa Cruz, United States
What a find very close to a very busy vibrant city that is sure to offer you a stressful experience. Parking is cheap...$1.35 per hour. If you’re a member of the Arboretum, parking is free but know your code. Building and rehab efforts are still taking place. Some walking amongst the various paths will give you a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.
10. Children's Museum of Houston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,627 reviews
Hands-on interactive exhibits in the areas of science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, and the arts.
Reviewed By newbietraveler
This is a world class kids museum with something for every age between 1-100. We spent the entire day there and could have easily spent another full day. If you are a local, a membership is a must. My only complaint is that there needs to be more museum employee supervision to help those kids who don't understand the instructions for some activities or to keep in check those kids who outright just don't follow the rules. Some areas of the museum are just pure chaos when the museum is busy.
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