10 Hot Spots for Tots in Houston

houstonmap_attractions-final Whether you are taking a vacation or if you live in the Houston area, there are several places to go to keep your kids entertained. Many of the attractions also give opportunities for kids to learn new things.

1. Discovery Green

Discovery Green, open since 2008, is a 12-acre park located in downtown Houston. The fountain is an interactive place for the kids to play on hot summer days. Free events throughout the year and nearby restaurants make it a one-stop location for a day of entertainment. When the kids are tired of running through the water, they can climb around on the playgrounds located within the grounds of Discovery Green. During the winter, a giant ice-rink is formed for outdoor skating for all ages.

2. The Children’s Museum of Houston

Founded in 1980, the Children’s Museum of Houston has the motto “A Playground for your Mind,” and it certainly lives up to that reputation. Throughout the year it hosts workshops for young children in the areas of literacy, science, math, health, engineering, civic engagement, culture and social studies. If you’re on a budget, Thursdays are considered family free nights from 5 to 8 p.m. The museum’s 14 galleries make the small admission fee well worth it.

3. The Orange Show

The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art holds hands-on workshops for adults and kids alike. Annually it hosts the Art Car Parade and Festival, which showcases more than 250 vehicles from all over North America. The Orange Show is also home of the Beer Can House, a monument to recycling.

4. Houston Arboretum

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is the perfect place for nature lovers of all ages. Not only are there walking trails throughout this 155-acre sanctuary, but also events such as “Tadpole Troopers” and “Tyke Hikes” that are geared toward the interests of the youngest members of your family.

5. The Houston Zoo

A zoo is always an entertaining place to take the kids for a day. They get to see their favorite animals while learning a little something new about each one. The Houston Zoo is more than just typical zoo, however. There are animals that create paintings. Your child can pick one of 10 species to create a masterpiece. The zoo is also a great place to have a birthday party for your child.

6. The Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a butterfly center and a planetarium along with extraordinary exhibits from all over the world. After viewing the permanent collection, the young ones might want to watch an educational 3D movie on the giant screen. If a day at the museum is not enough, consider a group overnight adventure.

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7. Wonderwild

An indoor adventure center, Wonderwild is the perfect place to visit on a rainy day. There are open play times as well as the opportunities to hold themed parties for your little princess or superhero who is eight years old or younger. For your older kids, you can head to Wonderwilder.

8. Downtown Aquarium

500,000 gallons of water fill this underwater menagerie. You and your kids can visit the rainforest, swampland, the Gulf of Mexico, a shipwreck and more at the Downtown Aquarium. The whole family can watch as sea turtles, fish, sharks and more glide through the water, living out their lives. Get a taste of the carnival with the games and rides available at the aquarium.

9. Ice at the Galleria

Ice skating is an American pastime that families have enjoyed for ages. Ice at the Galleria is open to skaters from beginners to experts year round. If your children – or you! – are a bit shaky on the ice, that is not a problem because classes are offered to learning to skate. What makes this a truly unique skating rink is that it is located in the atrium of the Houston Galleria Mall.

10. Planet WOW

Planet WOW in Houston is the perfect place for your little ball of sunshine to burn off some energy. The 10,000 square-foot facility houses inflatables from giant slides to giant basketball hoops. The kiddies can run around in their stocking feet and bounce from one inflatable to the next. When they are done jumping around, they can play one of the many arcade games available at the facility. You and your kids can enjoy open play time or come together to book an afternoon of fun for friends and schoolmates.

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