3 Days In Houston With Kids

So you’re planning a trip to Houston soon!?! Should you travel to Houston with kids? Absolutely!

Houston is the fourth largest city  in the United States and it’s easy to see why visitors and transplants alike continue to adorn the city with it’s diverse culture.

As a first time visitor to Houston, see for yourself why the city is steadily growing and thriving year after year!

Getting Around the City

In order to make the most of your time in Houston, I recommend getting a rental car unless you drove into the city. You can pick up your rental at the airport that you flew into once you arrive in Houston. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes — this is a must whenever you travel!

Where To Stay

I recommend staying in the Houston Galleria area because of it’s central location.

My top 3 family friendly area hotel’s based on real reviews and important family friendly necessities:

Embassy Suites Houston-Near The Galleria

• Breakfast included
• Free WiFi
• Pets allowed
• Restaurant
• Indoor pool
• Free shopping center shuttle
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Separate living room
• Complimentary manager’s reception

The Westin Galleria Houston

• Connected to the Galleria Mall
• Free self parking
• Free WiFi
• Restaurant
• Outdoor pool
• 24-hour business center
• Refrigerator

Sonesta ES Suites Houston Galleria

Sightseeing & Attractions

Before arriving, I recommend buying the Houston CityPASS which saves you 48% off admission to the top 5 attractions in the city.

The Houston CityPASS is a booklet of tickets which grants you free entry to the following top 5 city attractions:

• Space Center Houston
• Downtown Aquatium
• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Houston Zoo OR Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• Kemah Boardwalk OR Children’s Museum of Houston

You can skip ticket lines with the CityPASS, which saves you money and gives you more time to enjoy the attractions instead of waiting in long lines. This is especially helpful during the busy season. To purchase the Houston CityPASS, click here to go to the official website.

Being that I live in Houston I can attest to the CityPASS being well worth the buy. The CityPASS is such a valuable tool to help save money and time when visiting Houston. The itinerary below includes all the attractions in the CityPASS booklet.

DAY ONE

Morning

Arrive at Houston’s Water Wall at the top of the morning to grab your first set of photo’s to document your travels. The Water Wall is Houston’s most photographed site. It’s a beautiful 64-foot U-shaped fountain that has water rushing down its inside and outside walls.

Plan to spend at least one hour at the Water Wall (depending on how busy it is and how many photos you wish to take).

From here take a short walk or drive over to the Galleria Mall. (The walk takes about 10-15 minutes). Plan to spend at least two hours browsing through this massive, fine shopping destination that is one of Houston’s most popular tourist attractions. Records show that more than 30 million visitors each year seek the dynamic & fine shopping environment uniquely offered by The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center and fourth largest domain nationally.

If you’d prefer to take advantage of the space, I recommend visiting Distroller World, a unique experience for kids, cooling off at the ice skating rink, partaking in the LEGO Store Experience or become entertained at the Rainforest Cafe. 

Afternoon

Grab lunch at the Downtown Aquarium. It is usually quite crowded during the day. You have your choice of valeting ($10) or self-parking ($8, cash only).

Once you have finished your meal, start your Aquarium Adventure Exhibit tour. This is included in your CityPASS!

Once your tour is complete just steps away is a patio of fun! Grab your tickets for games and rides because you can’t leave without riding the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel that offers the best views of Downtown Houston. Get your camera ready!

I recommend checking their calendar as they offer great events all through the year. Good luck trying to keep your children from getting wet in their cool splash pad! Also, don’t leave without snapping a picture in front of the water fountain out front to document your visit!

Next, take the short drive over to the Discovery Green, a beautiful park in the heart of Downtown Houston. Don’t forget your child’s swimwear because they have one dynamic splash pad that you won’t be able to say no to! Get ready to chase your children on the plush greenery, take a walk around the grounds and grab some trendy photos in front of some of the cool back drops or sit and relax while the kids experience the nice play area.

They are quite busy no matter the time of day so be prepared for the crowd and don’t forget your comfortable walking shoes!

Things you may find depending on the season: Festivals, Outdoor Ice Skating, Fitness Classes, Outdoor Movie Screenings, Horse and Carriage rides, Ice Cream Trucks, Food Trucks, Kayak Rides on Kinder Lake and countless picnics.

Evening

After you have napped and cleaned up a bit, I recommend heading to the City Centre for dinner at one of Houston’s popular down-to-earth eating establishments Bella Green (so healthy and delicious). The patio seating is right beside the green space which boast the opportunity for you to eat and keep a really close eye on the kids as they run about. City Centre is Houston’s premier destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and events so it’s a must see!

After dinner, take a nice walk around to burn off some calories and then circle back for frozen yogurt at Red Mango or cupcakes and macaroons at SWEET. If you’re lucky you may be able to catch one of their awesome events or if you’re feeling up to it, play a round of bowling at Bowl & Barrel or catch a movie at Studio Movie Grille.

Recommended Houston Accessories Depending On The Season:

DAY TWO

Morning

Begin your morning at the Houston Space Center. This is included in your CityPASS! Plan to get here when it opens so that you can make the most of your day.

Have fun exploring America’s exciting space program!

Afternoon

After the Space Center, take the short drive over to the Kemah Boardwalk,  which is included in your CityPASS! This is one of my favorite fun spots to visit with my family. Kemah Boardwalk is known for being home to fabulous waterfront restaurants, amusements, charming retail stores, festivals and seaside shows every day.

Here you can grab lunch at a restaurant of your choosing. I recommend eating at Landry’s Seafood House.

Evening

Houston is beautiful at night so head to Memorial City Mall to inhale some night time air at The Lawn. The Lawn at Memorial City is a 7,000-square-foot green space that boast entertainment for the entire family!

Things you may find depending on your visit: Outdoor Movie Night Series, Giant Game Night, Live Music, and Big Screen Show casings.

If you’re feeling low key grab a bite to eat from the many food court options but if you’re feeling fancy, enjoy a delicious dinner at Perry’s Steakhouse. Perry’s is known for offering the most unique private dining experience for your most personal moments.

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DAY THREE

Morning

Start your morning by visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which is included in your CityPASS! I suggest getting there when they first open so that you can take advantage of other memorable moments. Plan to spend two to three hours exploring.

Afternoon

After exploring Houston Museum of Natural Science, head over to the Houston Zoo which is included in your CityPASS, to spend the rest of your afternoon. The Houston Zoo offers so many fun elements that your family is sure to love! Don’t forget to take the train ride around Hermann Park and most importantly don’t forget your comfortable shoes!

Evening

With this being your last evening in Houston, here are some great options to help you end your visit with a bang!

For street art lovers, go hunting for some of the cities coolest murals to grab some last minute memories with.

For those who love to shop, head to Houston Premium Outlets for some upscale shopping at a great price!

For the golf lovers, go take some swings at Top Golf.

For the trampoline lovers, go jump your heart out at UrbanAir Trampoline Park.

For those who like tons of entertainment under one roof, a ton of fun is waiting for you at Main Event.

How do you plan to spend your time here in Houston? Ask me anything you like.

What are you waiting for!?! GO OWN YOUR FANCY!!!

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