We Went On An Adventure to Find the Best 9 Things To With Toddlers In Houston
- Play in Levy Park
- Join the Preschool Programs at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Splash Around Splashway Waterpark & Campground
- Enjoy Some Indoor Play at Bounce N Play
- Visit the Children’s Museum Houston
- Pet Goats or Feed Giraffes at Houston Zoo
- Meet More Animal Friends at Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve
- Make a Mess at Nature Discovery Center
- Have a First Art Museum Visit at Color Factory
One of the greatest joys of being a parent is seeing the happiness in your toddler’s face during everyday adventures!
I still remember taking my little one to the park for the first time. As soon as we arrived, they ran straight for the swings, giggling as they soared through the air. It felt like we were at a magical place, even though it was just a local park!
If you’re looking for fun things to do with toddlers in Houston, you’re in luck. There are so many great spots for toddlers to laugh, learn, and play. Let’s explore some of the best places where your little explorer can enjoy their day!
Play in Levy Park
Media Credit: levyparkhouston
Website: https://levyparkhouston.org/
Address: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 522-7275
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours
Admission Costs: Free
One of the best things about toddlers is their ability to find joy in the simplest things! A trip to the park feels as magical as a visit to Disneyland for them. When it comes to playgrounds, Levy Park stands out as one of the best in the city.
With splash pads, a mini rock climbing wall, slides, tunnels, bridges, hills, and plenty of arts and crafts activities, Levy Park’s play area has something for every young toddler. The play area is shaded, and the rubberized ground minimizes the risk of injury.
For those bringing little ones, don’t forget to pack an extra pair of clothes, a swimsuit, and a pair of swim shoes, just in case they decide to alternate between the playground and the splash pad.
The park has two well-kept family restrooms right by the splash pad area for easy changes, so there’s no need to worry about where to change. For snacks and refreshments, there are beverage vending machines and food or ice cream trucks.
| Pro Tip: Levy Park hosts a lot of kid-friendly events so check the park schedule regularly to stay updated! |
Join the Preschool Programs at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Media Credit: houstonarboretum
Website: https://houstonarboretum.org/
Address: 4501 Woodway Drive Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 681-8433
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 8 PM
Admission Costs: Park entrance is free and program fees vary
If you’re looking for a fun way to spark your child’s curiosity about nature, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is the perfect place to visit! This beautiful spot offers exciting preschool programs that let little ones explore the outdoors in a hands-on way.
For those with babies up to 24 months, the Hatchlings program allows little ones to enjoy outdoor play, develop motor skills and explore their surroundings in a safe, messy environment. Each class costs $15.
For those with toddlers aged 18 months to 4 years, Tyke Hikes is an exciting way to experience the outdoors! Each themed session includes stroller-friendly hike, story readings, and fun nature crafts. Each class costs $7.
Animal Tales is a storytime program for kids aged 18 months to 3 years, perfect for fostering a love of reading. After enjoying a nature-themed book and observing animals, little ones and caregivers can go on a self-guided hike together. Each class costs $7.
And for even more exploration, Tiny Trekkers is a hands-on program that invites little explorers to discover the natural world through interactive activities like Dirt Detectives and Stinky Skunks. Each class costs $12.
| Pro Tip: Always remember to wear closed-toe shoes when visiting the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for all outdoor activities! |
Splash Around Splashway Waterpark & Campground
Media Credit: splashway
Website: https://www.splashway.com/
Address: 5211 Main St, Sheridan, TX
Contact Details: (979) 234-7718
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – Closed
- Saturday to Sunday – 11AM to 6PM
Admission Costs: Waterpark passes start at $39.99
When people hear “waterpark” they immediately think of big slides for big kids and grown ups, but that’s not the case with Splashway! They have special attractions for babies and toddlers too.
There are three attractions designed for kids below 36 inches in height: Toddler Bay, the Ray, and Minnow Pond.
Toddler Bay and Minnow Pond feature small water slides and fountains for hours of fun. It’s perfect for babies and small toddlers because of the shallow water in the pool, which means they can explore safely without older kids rushing around.
The final attraction isn’t a pool, but a mascot! Ray is Splashway’s friendly mascot who loves to dance and take selfies with guests. Make sure to take a selfie with Ray when in Splashway for a fun souvenir!
| Pro Tip: Splashway also has camping grounds that can be rented for a fee. Got an RV? Bring it over for your toddler’s first camping experience! |
Enjoy Some Indoor Play at Bounce N Play
Media Credit: bouncenplay_willowbrook
Website: https://www.bouncenplaytx.com/
Address: 7075 Cypress Creek Pkwy Suite 3, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (346) 902-2271
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $14
Indoor playgrounds are great when it’s too hot outside to go to the park. Bounce N Play is one of the newest indoor playgrounds in Houston, offering a cool, safe, and fun environment for kids to explore and play.
What we like about this indoor playground is that it has a dedicated baby area for kids under 2 years old. This area has a ball pit, foam building blogs, and special wall panels that engage babies’ sensory needs.
There’s a bigger play area with a bigger ball pit, bigger slides, and climbing ramps for bigger toddlers.
All play areas are equipped with soft foam mats to ensure a safe environment and minimize the risk of injury.
| Pro Tip: Caregivers and little ones must always wear socks when visiting this indoor playground! |
Visit the Children’s Museum Houston
Media Credit: childrensmuseumhouston
Website: https://www.cmhouston.org/
Address: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 522-1138
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday – 9 AM to 5 PM
- Thursday – 9 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission Costs: Prices start at $19.95
The Children’s Museum Houston isn’t just for big kids–it has special areas dedicated for toddlers too!
The Tot*Spot is a space in the museum that offers a safe, stimulating environment where young explorers can learn, play, and discover. Infants and toddlers aged 0-2 will find plenty of interactive activities for their developmental needs.
Tot*Spot offers sensory-rich activities like the Scarf Blower, which engages toddlers’ visual and tactile senses, as well as their motor skills. The Family Theater encourages imaginative play, allowing children to role-play creatively with a forest as backdrop.
For adventurous little ones, the Adventure Climber provides a safe space for exploration and gross motor development. And don’t worry moms and dads–Tot*Spot’s soft, padded flooring ensures a safe environment where little ones can move freely.
For toddlers aged 2-3, they can go on the Toddler Trail! Caregivers can follow a downloadable guide that gives tips on how to make the museum’s galleries and exhibits more developmentally-appropriate and engaging for the little ones.
| Pro Tip: For nursing moms, nursing stations are available in the area. |
Pet Goats or Feed Giraffes at Houston Zoo
Media Credit: houstonzoo
Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 533-6500
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Admission Costs: Start at $23.95
Living in the city, it’s rare to encounter animals that aren’t canine or feline. For those who want to introduce different types of animals to their toddlers, the Houston Zoo has plenty to offer.
At the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo in the Houston Zoo, kids can watch North American river otters swim, explore a fun bat cave, and see banded mongooses! But the best part is the opportunity to meet some goats at the Goat Yard.
Littles can get up close and personal, as well as touch and pet the goats in the zoo. There’s also the opportunity to feed Zamir the zebu and meet Fiesta and Yzma the llamas up close.
For a larger than life encounter, head on over to the Giraffe Feeding Platform! Visitors can interact with a Masai giraffe family–these charming giraffes love meeting guests! Head up the ramp to the shaded area to see them and feed them crunchy lettuce leaves.
| Pro Tip: For the Giraffe Feeding experience, tickets can only be bought in the kiosk inside the zoo using a credit card, so plan ahead accordingly! |
Meet More Animal Friends at Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve
Media Credit: houstoninteractiveaquarium
Website: https://www.houstonaquariumtx.com/
Address: 5440 N Sam Houston Pkwy E, Humble, TX
Contact Details: (832) 243-1357
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Admission Costs: Single-day admission starts at $24.95
We’re lucky to live in a city where children can develop a love for animals at a very young age, thanks to our local zoos!
Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve is another animal haven where toddlers can meet animals up close and personal. Toddlers can interact with a variety of fascinating creatures, including a capybara, sloth, anteater, and porcupine!
But that’s not all! Kids can also feed and pet a variety of sea life, like stingrays and turtles. There’s also an aviary where toddlers can take photos with different types of birds.
What we love about this place is most of the animals are free to touch. For those who want to feed the animals, an additional fee will be charged, but it’s so worth it!
| Pro Tip: For those who want to interact with the animals, the best time to visit is in the morning when the animals are more engaged. |
Make a Mess at Nature Discovery Center
Media Credit: naturediscoverycenter
Website: https://naturediscoverycenter.org/
Address: 7112 Newcastle St, Bellaire, TX (in Russ Pitman Park)
Contact Details: (713) 667-6550
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – Closed
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Admission Costs: Kids programs start at $27 per session
Instill a love for nature in your littles ones by bringing them to Nature Discovery Center!
They have programs for kids to encourage creativity and curiosity. Messy sensory play is important for child development and the center’s Messy Makers program for kids aged 3-7 allows young ones to explore and have fun with all sorts of messy materials!
There are also Play Days in the Park, a once-every-quarter event where they host a free outdoor play day that promises to be especially fun (and a little messy). It’s a great way for kids of all ages to come together and meet and play with new friends.
Another thing that makes Discovery Nature Center special? Every Fall they have a Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival where you’ll find hundreds of pumpkins! It’s another great way to introduce nature (and Halloween) to small kids.
| Pro Tip: Have your kids wear clothes you won’t mind getting stained on during their messy play at Nature Discovery Center. |
Have a First Art Museum Visit at Color Factory
Media Credit: colorfactoryco
Website: https://www.colorfactory.co/locations/houston
Address: 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – Closed
- Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $29
It’s no secret that Houston is an artistic city that’s home to a number of art museums, but for a first art museum visit with a toddler, bring them over to Color Factory. Toddlers love color and in this immersive art experience, colors are used in a very fun way!
Toddlers will definitely enjoy the Confetti Room, where they can play with piles of confetti and make an absolute mess! (And don’t toddlers love that?)
There’s also a space-inspired giant ball pit that toddlers and adults will enjoy! The white balls contrasting against the dark walls really give the feeling of being in outer space. (Fun fact: this room was designed in collaboration with NASA!)
Each ticket purchase comes with snacks that little ones will surely enjoy and digital photos from the photo booths per exhibit. This is to minimize the use of phones and allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
| Pro Tip: All ages are welcome in the Color Factory, but strollers are not permitted inside the exhibits, so plan ahead if you’re bringing your little ones! |
