Things for Toddlers to Do in Houston
As a parent or caregiver, you want to ensure your little ones are engaged, safe, and happy while exploring the city. Thankfully, Houston has plenty of great options for toddlers, from playgrounds and museums to nature parks and indoor play areas. In this post, we will explore some of Houston’s best toddler activities. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these fun-filled ideas will help you entertain your toddler and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Indoor Activities for Toddlers in Houston
Houston is known for its extreme weather conditions, and it can be challenging to find activities for toddlers during the hot summers or rainy days. Luckily, Houston offers several indoor activities that are perfect for toddlers!
- One of Houston’s best indoor activities for toddlers is the Children’s Museum of Houston. The museum features a variety of hands-on exhibits that are perfect for toddlers to explore and learn. From a toddler-friendly play kitchen to a kid-sized grocery store, the Children’s Museum of Houston is a fun and educational experience for toddlers.
- Another great indoor activity for toddlers in Houston is the Houston Zoo. The zoo has an indoor play area called the Kipp Aquarium, where toddlers can explore and learn about marine life. The aquarium features interactive exhibits, a touch tank, and a toddler-sized submarine!
- Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park is another great option for toddlers who love to jump and play. Sky Zone has a special toddler time where the little ones can jump and play on the trampolines without worrying about bigger kids getting in the way.
- Finally, if your toddler loves to climb and explore, the We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is the perfect indoor activity. This gym is designed specifically for children with special needs, but all toddlers are welcome to attend and enjoy the sensory equipment, climbing structures, and other play equipment.
Outdoor Activities for Toddlers in Houston
Houston is a great city to live in with kids, with many outdoor activities to enjoy with your toddler. From exploring the parks to visiting the zoo, there are plenty of ways to keep your little one entertained and active.
Visiting the Houston Zoo is one of Houston’s most popular outdoor activities for toddlers. This zoo is home to over 6,000 animals and has a great children’s section called the Kipp Aquarium, where kids can enjoy an interactive aquarium experience. Another great option is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a 155-acre nature reserve that provides a wonderful opportunity for toddlers to explore and learn about nature. The Arboretum also offers a variety of educational programs and events for young children.
If you’re looking for a place to let your toddler run and play, consider visiting one of Houston’s many parks. Hermann Park is a great choice, with its playgrounds, picnic areas, and paddle boats for rent on the lake. Discovery Green is another popular destination, with its splash pad, playground, and various events and activities for families throughout the year.
For a unique outdoor experience, consider visiting the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Your toddler will love walking through the butterfly habitat and seeing these beautiful creatures up close. The Houston Museum of Natural Science also has a great outdoor exhibit called the Dinosaur Exhibit, where kids can explore and learn about these prehistoric creatures.
Best parks for toddlers in Houston
Houston is a fantastic place for families with toddlers, with many parks to explore and enjoy. Here are some of the best parks for toddlers in Houston:
- Hermann Park: This 445-acre park in the heart of Houston offers plenty of space for toddlers to run around and play. The park also features a playground, a splash pad, pedal boats, and a train ride.
- Discovery Green: This 12-acre park in downtown Houston is popular for families with toddlers. The park features a playground, a splash pad, and plenty of open space for toddlers to explore.
- Memorial Park: This 1,500-acre park in the heart of Houston offers plenty of space for toddlers to run and play. The park also features a playground, a swimming pool, and hiking and biking trails.
- Levy Park: This 5-acre park in the Upper Kirby area of Houston is a great spot for families with toddlers. The park features a playground, a splash pad, and plenty of open space for toddlers to run and play.
- Evelyn’s Park: This 5-acre park in the Bellaire area of Houston is a great spot for families with toddlers. The park features a playground, a splash pad, and plenty of open space for toddlers to explore.
Museums and Zoos for Toddlers in Houston
Houston offers some great museums and zoos that are perfect for toddlers. The Houston Zoo is one of the best places to take your little ones. The zoo features over 6,000 animals and 900 species, including elephants, giraffes, and even a petting zoo. The zoo also has stroller rentals, a nursing area, and plenty of restrooms throughout the park, making it very convenient for parents with young kids.
Another great option is The Children’s Museum of Houston. This museum is designed specifically for children and offers a range of fun and educational exhibits. Toddlers will love the TotSpot exhibit, designed for children ages 35 months and under. This exhibit features a soft play area, sensory walls, and a water table, allowing your little ones to have fun while learning at the same time.
If your toddler enjoys marine life, then the Downtown Aquarium is a must-visit. The aquarium features over 200 species of marine life, including stingrays, sharks, and even white tigers. Toddlers will love the touch tanks and interactive exhibits where they can feed and touch the animals.
Houston Zoo
Who doesn’t love zoos? Admire the exotic animals, enjoy tasty treats, and participate in the zoo’s animal-themed, fun events. This amazing zoo houses over 6,000 animals from 900 species, so you will surely find everyone’s favorite animal. It’s fun for the whole family.
Schlitterbahn Waterpark
Next, we have Schlitterbahn Waterpark. This waterpark takes thrills to new heights. Enjoy the tallest, most thrilling water rides, or just spend the day relaxing in the lazy river; this park is fantastic for a Summertime adventure!
Altitude Trampoline Park
Then there is the Altitude Trampoline Park. This place is super fun for both kids and adults alike! You can jump around in an excellent trampoline park, play arcade games, enjoy yummy food and drinks, and even cash in tickets for neat prizes!
Houston’s Downtown Aquarium
Spend the whole day at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium! Probably one of the coolest aquariums around, you can admire in awe at all of the beautiful sea life. You can even interact with certain sea creatures, and they also host some fun Summer events for children.
Moody Gardens
Living in Houston means you have to visit Moody Gardens! This place is a wonderland of make-believe! During the winter, they have an ice slide, a 3D and 4D theater, a fantastic light show, and a circus theater, and you can even enjoy smores or a warm mug of hot chocolate. It’s best to check their calendar for seasonal events so you never miss out on the fun. It is nothing short of magic at Moody Gardens.
Brazos Bend State Park
For the more adventurous kids, you’ve got Brazos Bend State Park! Fishing activities, boating, bird watching, camping, and horseback riding are just some of the activities you will find here. This place is a real outdoor adventure for the whole family.
Kid N Play Indoor Play Center
Then there is the Kid N’ Play Indoor Playground! This place is one of the coolest play structures, with slides, tunnels, and obstacle courses! They also have some yummy foods, awesome games, and fun for the younger kids!
7- Acre Wood
You’ve also got to check out the 7-Acre Wood! They have a fantastic petting zoo, sandboxes, zip lining, horseshoes, and so much more! 7-Acre wood is fun for the whole family!
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Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston offers spectacular fun for the whole family! It’s not only super fun, but it’s educational too! They have several hands-on exhibits that let your child invent things, build robots, anchor the news and climb a three-story tower! It’s also super affordable too, for families on a budget!
Dave and Busters
Lastly, there is Dave and Busters! This is another place packed full of fun for the entire family! You’ll find arcade games, interactive simulators, cool videos, games, prizes, delicious food, and lots of fun! It’s an excellent place to have a birthday party too!
Toddler-friendly events in Houston
Houston has plenty of toddler-friendly events perfect for parents looking for fun activities to do with their little ones. There are a variety of options available, ranging from outdoor activities to indoor play areas and more.
One great option is the Children’s Museum of Houston, specifically designed for children and has plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for toddlers to enjoy. The Houston Zoo is also a great option, with a variety of animals to see and even a petting zoo area where kids can interact with some furry friends.
For outdoor activities, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds around the city, including Discovery Green which offers plenty of green space and activities for kids. There are also a variety of splash pads and water parks around Houston that are perfect for toddlers on hot summer days.
In addition to these options, plenty of toddler-friendly events take place throughout the year, such as the Houston Children’s Festival and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s “Kids Country” area.
Best places to eat with toddlers in Houston
Houston is a great city to enjoy with your toddlers; grabbing a bite to eat is no exception! Here are some of Houston’s best places to eat with your little ones.
- Tiny Boxwoods – This charming café has a beautiful garden and a play area for kids. The menu is simple yet delicious and includes options for kids and adults.
- Barnaby’s Café – With several locations around the city, Barnaby’s is a popular spot for families. The menu has various options, including vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, and the staff always accommodates families with little ones.
- La Mexicana – This family-owned restaurant has been a Houston staple for years. The menu is authentic Mexican street food and is affordable for families. There is plenty of seating both inside and outside, and the atmosphere is welcoming to families with children.
- Local Foods – This restaurant is known for its healthy and fresh options. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, soups, and plenty of kid options. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly.
- The Breakfast Klub – This Houston institution serves up some of the best breakfast food in the city. The menu includes classics like pancakes, waffles, and eggs and plenty of kid options. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming to families.
Eating out with toddlers can be stressful, but these restaurants make it easy and enjoyable for parents and little ones. Make sure to check them out on your next visit to Houston!
Conclusion and final thoughts
In conclusion, there are plenty of fun activities for toddlers to enjoy in Houston, and we hope this list has given you some great ideas for your next family day out. From visiting the Houston Zoo to exploring the Houston Children’s Museum, there are plenty of opportunities for your little ones to play, learn and have fun.
Consider your child’s interests, energy levels, and age when choosing the activities. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead, check opening times, and book tickets in advance, especially during peak times.
We hope you enjoyed our guide to fun activities for toddlers in Houston. Finding activities to keep your little ones entertained can be challenging, but we hope our list has given you some ideas for your next adventure. Houston is a vibrant city with so much to offer, and we are confident that you and your toddlers will have a blast exploring it. Let us know which activity you and your little one enjoyed the most in the comments below!
