23 Fun Houston Museums for Kids

Are you looking for the best Houston museums for kids? As a Houston native, I’ve always been proud of the rich history and diverse culture that makes our city so special. The best way to experience that history and culture is by visiting the many museums in Houston, especially those that cater to kids.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, finding activities to do with kids can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Houston is home to several museums that are not only educational but also engaging and fun for kids of all ages.

Keep reading to discover some of the top museums in and around Houston that are perfect for kids. From hands-on exhibits to interactive displays, these museums are sure to provide hours of entertainment and education for the whole family.

So grab your little ones and let’s get started on a journey through the best museums for kids in Houston, TX!

City Pass Museums in Houston

One way to visit the some of the best museums in Houston is to get a City Pass. The CityPASS provides admission to several of Houston’s top attractions at a discounted price. It includes tickets to five popular Houston attractions, and it can be purchased online or at any of the included attractions. 

The Houston CityPASS is designed to help visitors save money and time while exploring the city’s most popular destinations.

Keep reading to discover the Houston museums for kids that are included in the City Pass.

Children’s Museum Houston

The Children’s museum of Houston is one of the most popular and well-known destinations for kids in Houston, TX. This award-winning museum features a wide range of interactive exhibitions designed to engage and entertain children while also teaching them about science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM).

Some of the most popular exhibits include the Kidtropolis, which is a miniature city where kids can learn about different professions, Invention Convention, and the PowerPlay exhibit, where kids can explore the science behind energy and motion. 

The Houston Children’s Museum has something for children of all ages and is constantly hosting special events such as free family nights every Thursday evening and themed weeks like secret agents and superheroes. There’s no wonder why it’s a great Houston museum for kids.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

This museum has a wide variety of exhibits that cover everything from space and dinosaurs to energy and ecology. It boasts an extensive collection of fossils, minerals, and artifacts from around the world, as well as interactive exhibits on topics ranging from astronomy to the human body. 

The Houston Museum of Natural Science also features a planetarium and an IMAX theater, which Is always a hit with kids. One of the most popular exhibits is the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which features tropical rainforests filled with hundreds of live butterflies.

Space Center Houston

This museum is a must-visit for any kid who loves space and science. It’s the official visitor center for NASA Johnson Space Center and offers a wide range of exhibits and interactive experiences related to space exploration, including a full-scale replica of the space shuttle and a hands-on simulation of what it’s like to work at the International Space Station. 

Visitors can also see real artifacts from NASA’s space missions, including a moon rock brought back by the Apollo 17 mission which is really neat. If your child dreams of one day becoming an astronaut, Space Center Houston is the museum for them.

The Museum of Fine Arts

While it may not seem like an obvious choice for kids, this art museum offers a wide range of family-friendly guided tours and exhibits designed specifically for children.

From hands-on art-making workshops to interactive galleries that allow kids to explore art in a fun and engaging way, the Museum of Fine Arts is a great destination for kids who love art.

The Best Houston Museums for Kids

The Woodlands Children’s Museum

The Woodlands Children’s Museum is a fantastic addition to our list of museums for kids in the Houston area. The museum features a variety of exhibits and activities designed for children ages seven and under. 

Kids can explore the interactive exhibits and learn about different cultures, art, science, and technology. They can also participate in hands-on workshops and programs that encourage creativity and learning. The museum is a great destination for families with young children who want to have fun while learning and exploring the world around them.

Play Street Museum

Play Street Museum is a children’s museum that offers a variety of imaginative play areas for kids. Kids can explore different themed exhibits, such as a grocery store, a fire station, and a construction site, and role-play in a safe and interactive environment. 

The museum also offers various events, classes, and camps that encourage creativity and learning. Play Street Museum is a great destination for families with young children who want to engage in imaginative play and learn new things while having fun.

The Houston Fire Museum

The Houston Fire Museum is a unique museum that explores the history of firefighting and the evolution of firefighting technology. 

Kids can learn about the history of the Houston Fire Department, as well as the dangers and challenges that firefighters face on a daily basis. The museum features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that allow kids to experience what it’s like to be a firefighter. 

The Houston Fire Museum is a fantastic place to go on a field trip during fire safety month or to take a curious toddler who dreams of becoming a fireman.

Houston Police Department Museum

The Houston Police Department Museum is a great destination for families with kids who are interested in law enforcement and the history of policing. The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the evolution of the Houston Police Department, as well as the science and technology behind police work. Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of vintage police vehicles, weapons, and uniforms, as well as learn about the history of policing in Houston. 

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as police officer talks, fingerprinting demonstrations, and tours of the police station. The Houston Police Department Museum is a unique and educational destination that provides kids with a glimpse into the world of law enforcement and the important role that police officers play in our communities.

Contemporary Art Museum of Houston

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a free museum that features a rotating series of contemporary art exhibits from local, national, and international artists. Kids can explore a variety of thought-provoking and innovative art installations, sculptures, and paintings. 

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops designed to engage visitors of all ages with contemporary art and culture. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a great destination for families with kids who are interested in art and creativity.

The Health Museum

This museum is focused on health and wellness and features exhibits that teach kids about the human body, nutrition, disease prevention, and exercise. It has a hands-on lab where kids can conduct experiments and learn about different aspects of health and medicine.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Amazing Body Pavilion, where visitors can walk through a giant model of the human body and learn about how different organs and systems work together to keep us healthy. This is a great museum to visit on your next day trip around the greater Houston area.

Battleship Texas

The Battleship Texas is a retired US Navy battleship that served in both World War I and World War II. The battleship is now a museum and is located in La Porte, just outside of downtown Houston. 

It’s currently undergoing extensive repairs and renovations but should open to the public next summer. When it’s open to the public, visitors can tour the ship and learn about its history and the life of sailors on board. The Battleship Texas is a unique destination that provides kids with a hands-on learning experience and a glimpse into the life of sailors in the early 20th century. 

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

This museum is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers, a group of African American soldiers who served in the United States Army after the Civil War. The museum offers exhibits and educational programming designed to teach kids about the role of the Buffalo Soldiers in American history, tell about the challenges they faced, and showcase the soldiers’ contributions to American history.

The Lone Star Flight Museum

The Lone Star Flight Museum is a great destination for families with kids who are interested in aviation and history. The museum features a variety of vintage aircraft from different eras, such as World War II and the Cold War. 

Visitors can explore the museum’s collection of planes, including bombers, fighters, and transport aircraft, and learn about the science and technology behind aviation. Kids can climb into the cockpit of many of the planes on display and even take a ride in a World War II-era aircraft.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, such as flight simulators, summer camps, and aviation-themed classes. The Lone Star Flight Museum is a unique and exciting destination that provides kids with a hands-on learning experience and a glimpse into the world of aviation.

Art Car Museum

The Art Car Museum is a museum that features a collection of unique and creative cars that have been transformed into works of art.

Kids will love seeing the different designs and styles of the cars, and they can even participate in the museum’s art car workshops.

The National Museum of Funeral History

While it may sound morbid, this museum offers an interesting look at the history and culture of funerals and funeral practices. The museum has a wide range of exhibits, including a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s casket and a collection of historic hearses.

Kids can learn about different funeral traditions from around the world, as well as the science and technology behind funeral practices. The National Museum of Funeral History is a one-of-a-kind destination that provides kids with a unique perspective on history and culture, while also fostering an understanding and appreciation of life and death.

Galveston Railroad Museum

The Galveston Railroad Museum is a great addition to our list of museums for kids in the Houston area. The museum is housed in the historic 1932 Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Galveston and features a variety of railroad-related exhibits and artifacts. 

Visitors can explore a variety of train cars, including vintage passenger cars, cabooses, and a locomotive. Kids can also learn about the history of railroads in Texas and the United States, as well as the science and technology behind locomotives and rail travel.

In addition to the exhibits, the Galveston Railroad Museum also offers a variety of train rides and events throughout the year. Visitors can take a ride on a vintage train through the museum’s train yard, or participate in one of the many special events and festivals that the museum hosts, such as the annual Day Out with Thomas event. 

The Galveston Railroad Museum is a unique and educational destination for families with kids who are interested in trains, history, and technology.

The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is a museum that features art from around the world, including ancient and modern works. The museum is a great destination for kids who are interested in art history, as well as those who want to explore different cultures and styles of art.

Holocaust Museum Houston

The Holocaust Museum Houston is a museum that is dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust and promoting human rights.

The museum features exhibits that showcase the experiences of Holocaust survivors, as well as interactive displays that teach kids about the dangers of prejudice and hate.

The Printing Museum

The Printing Museum is a museum that explores the history of printing and graphic arts. Kids can learn about the evolution of printing technology, as well as the art of bookmaking and graphic design. 

The Printing Museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops that allow visitors to create their own printed materials using vintage printing presses and equipment. The Printing Museum is a great place to visit for families with kids who are interested in hands-on learning and exploring the history and technology of printing.

The Bryan Museum

The Bryan Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the American West. Kids can learn about the lives of cowboys and pioneers, as well as the history of Texas and the Gulf Coast. The museum also features exhibits that showcase Native American art and artifacts.

More Fun Destinations for Kids in Houston

There are many family-friendly places to visit in Houston over a long weekend. Here are a few more City Pass destinations for kids to go on your next day off.

Houston Zoo

While not technically a museum, the Houston Zoo is a great destination for kids who love animals. The zoo offers a variety of fun and exciting activities that allow visitors to learn about and interact with animals from around the world. 

One of the main attractions at the zoo is the aquarium, which features a variety of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. Visitors can also explore the zoo’s many animal exhibits, which showcase animals from all over the world, such as gorillas, elephants, and lions. For a more immersive experience, visitors can also participate in the zoo’s many interactive programs and events, such as animal encounters and feeding experiences.

In addition to the animal exhibits and interactive programs, the Houston Zoo also offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual snacks to full-service restaurants. Kids can also enjoy the zoo’s many play areas, including a playground, a splash pad, and a carousel. 

Get the most out of the experience by heading to the Houston Zoo the first Tuesday of every month for free admission. Whether visitors are interested in learning about animals, enjoying outdoor activities, or just relaxing with family and friends, the Houston Zoo has something for everyone.

Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Houston Aquarium is a popular destination for families with kids, offering a variety of fun and exciting activities for visitors of all ages. 

One of the main attractions at the aquarium is the Shark Voyage, a train ride that takes visitors through a tunnel surrounded by a 200,000-gallon shark tank. As the train passes through the tunnel, visitors can get a close-up view of a variety of shark species, as well as other marine animals, such as stingrays and sea turtles. 

For a more immersive experience, visitors can also take part in the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit, which allows them to touch and interact with a variety of marine animals, including stingrays, starfish, and crabs.

In addition to the Shark Voyage and Aquarium Adventure Exhibit, the Downtown Houston Aquarium also features a mini amusement park with a ferris wheel, carousel, and a variety of interactive activities and displays. 

Kids can also enjoy the aquarium’s delicious restaurants and snack bar. With marine life, amusement park rides, and delicious food, the Downtown Houston Aquarium has something for everyone.

Kemah Boardwalk

The Kemah Boardwalk is the perfect place for families and tourists alike, offering a variety of fun and exciting activities that are sure to please visitors of all ages. 

One of the main attractions at the boardwalk is the amusement park, which features a variety of thrilling rides and attractions, including roller coasters, a ferris wheel, and a wooden boardwalk bullet. Kids can also enjoy the boardwalk’s many arcade games, bumper cars, and a rock wall climb. 

For those who prefer more leisurely activities, the boardwalk also offers scenic boat rides, a waterfront restaurant, and a variety of shops and boutiques.

The Kemah Boardwalk also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances, holiday celebrations, and more. Whether visitors are interested in amusement park rides or live entertainment, the Kemah Boardwalk is a great destination for families and anyone looking for a fun day out on the water.

Summing Up the Best Houston Museums for Kids

In conclusion, Houston is home to a wide range of museums that offer educational and engaging experiences for kids and families. Whether you are interested in science, history, art, or technology, there is a museum in Houston that caters to your interests. 

From the Space Center Houston to the Children’s Museum of Houston, each museum provides a unique and exciting opportunity to explore the world around us and learn something new. By exploring these museums, kids can develop a love of learning, foster their creativity, and gain a deeper understanding of the world we live in. 

So next time you are looking for a fun and educational activity for the whole family, consider visiting one of Houston’s many museums for kids!