You might notice a plethora of bumper stickers around Houston, TX, that say: “I may not have been born in Texas, but I got here as fast as I could”. In fact, you might be sporting one on your own vehicle now that you and your family have finally made the move- and you know that statement to be absolutely true. The Bayou City is the fourth largest city in the country, home to NASA and a southern hub of industry. With Galveston Bay just to the south and a thriving downtown, it is a wonderful place for a family to adventure.
So whether you are a new parent looking for ways to entertain the kids or you’re new to the city of Houston, here are some great ideas for things to do with kids in your downtime.
Morning at the Houston Symphony
You want your children to be cultured, but you know they can’t sit through hours at the symphony. Luckily, the Houston Symphony offers 50-minute concerts on select Saturday mornings specifically geared towards engaging the little ones! With themes like “Wild, Wild West” or “Wands and Wizards: Music from Harry Potter & More”, the kids are free to squirm and sing along without aggravating your neighbors. See the current Family Series schedule for details.
Discovery Green
A giant outdoor green space in the middle of downtown, geared towards kids of all ages? Houston is so cool. Discovery Green has been a Houston staple since 2008 and offers the John P. McGovern playground, the Gateway Fountain splash pad and a Mist Tree that provide relief during the hot and humid summers. The park also hosts a variety of free events all year long ranging from fitness classes to “Superhero Saturdays” at the skating rink, where kids can skate with their favorite characters. You’ll never be at a loss for what to do in Houston on the weekend. See the calendar of events. Free.
inSPIRE Rock
The whole family can climb the walls at inSPIRE Rock. If you’re looking for active things to do in Houston that are indoors, look no further. Ages 3 and up can play in the Kidz Cave (with adult supervision for those younger than 14) or sign your dedicated climber up for a program that will teach them the fundamentals of climbing – while you adults get a few routes in for yourselves (or go out to dinner for Texas steak!) Learn more about age-appropriate options and kids climbing hours.
Miller Outdoor Theater
With open grassy space that host kid-friendly performances regularly, this free theater in Hermann Park is a family favorite. There’s no better place to introduce your kids to the ballet or let them wiggle their way through a kids’ play. The good thing about being outside is they can roll around on the grass if they get bored! Tip: most events happen during the summer months. If you are planning to attend a daytime show, plan to get there in advance as space tends to fill quickly! Free.
Central Market Cooking School
Every parent wishes their child could learn to prepare their own snacks, so what better way to get them started than with a cooking class? The Central Market offers a variety of classes geared towards a parent-child duo, and many of the classes are open to kids ages 16 and up. Check the schedule for details.
