Bouncing from Hue to Hue at Houston’s Color Factory
If colors help brighten up your mood like they do for us, Houston has a special place that’ll be perfect for your next adventure!
The Color Factory in Houston isn’t your average art space and museum. Here, you can step into a world where color isn’t just seen, but experienced as a doorway to creativity and fun.
Get ready to dive into a kaleidoscope and embark on an adventure that will paint a smile on your face but also redefine the way you look at art. Let’s unlock everything about the Color Factory and see what this trendy space has to offer.
Background and History
The Color Factory is an interactive art experience made up of 14 unique art installations from different artists.
Each room has its own theme, but all exhibits are centered around celebrating vibrant colors. They’re also meant to encourage the visitors to feel and learn something or at least to get you thinking!
The Color Factory started in 2018 as a pop up that was only meant to last a month. It was a massive hit upon its opening, with visitors from inside and outside Houston joining in on the buzz and hype.
After the month it was intended to run, the owners decided to make it a permanent exhibit by opening its doors at its current location.
With flagship locations in Chicago and New York already in place, the one in Houston was put up without a hitch. All 3 locations feature different exhibits that are inspired by the cities they’re in.
At each location, you’re encouraged to interact with the exhibit and to move around and discover the many elements of each room. The experience here is perfect for kids, families, friends, and everyone in between for a fun day of art appreciation.
Address: 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 347-378-4071
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 9 am to 7 pm
- Friday to Saturday: 9 am to 8 pm
Things to Know Before Visiting Color Factory
Booking a Ticket
You can book your tickets to the Color Factory online or on site, but we suggest booking in advance because tickets usually sell out. When you book online, a QR code will be generated as your ticket which you’ll need to present upon entering, so make sure to bring it with you.
Ticket Pricing:
- Children under 2 years old: Free
- General Admission:
- Regular Days: $36
- Holidays: $39
- Flexible Ticket ( allows you to enter the exhibit any time during operating hours: $54
| Pro Tip: The Color Factory sometimes grants discounts on their websites close to the dates of visits when there are still slots available. Try to book your tickets 2 weeks or a week in advance! |
Planning Your Visit
Parking:
There is public parking available at the garbage right across the Color Factory at the Kirby Collection Building. They don’t validate, so you’ll have to pay the regular fee unless you use their valet service on the first floor.
Although there are also parking spaces available along the streets, cars can be towed at any time.
Arrival:
You have to get to the location on time for your chosen schedule, but after 10 minutes, they won’t let you in but will help you reschedule your visit for another time.
The Experience:
Although there’s no time limit, the entire experience will most likely last from an hour to 2 hours depending on your pace.
For more fun color explorations, they encourage guests to download the Color Map app which you can download after completing your visit. This will guide you through Houston’s other art-centered locations like museums and murals.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Color Factory in Houston is on a weekday morning. During this time, there are usually no lines and no waiting time to enter any of the rooms.
Although open during holidays, ticket prices are $3 to $5 more expensive and you can expect a bigger crowd.
How to Get There
The Color Factory in Upper Kirby is located along the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Kirby Drive. There aren’t any bus stops or light rail stations nearby, so it’s best to get there by car or through a rideshare app!
Things to See and Expect
Dive into the Ball Pit
The Color Factory’s main attraction is a giant ball pit filled with white balls shaped like the moon – a nod to the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing.
Hopping and “swimming” around in the ball pit reminds us of childhood days at play yards where we can spend hours just bouncing around.
Just be careful not to have anything in your pockets when you jump in! Once things fall in, they’re impossible to find!
Explore Science with Giant Balloons
We love this room – it’s decorated with stark black and white lines, with multi-colored balloons of different sizes floating around. Some of the balloons are even as large as an adult!
There’s a bit of learning and science behind the fun too! The room pumps constant low pressure air through columns and vents that make the balls bounce and float. There’s even a plaque that explains how the Bernoulli Principle allows the balloons to stay afloat!
Jump into Confetti Piles
If you’re like us and one of your favorite things during parties is the moment confetti gets blown and floats mid-air, then you’ll enjoy this room.
This room is filled to the brim with confetti of different colors that constantly fall from the ceiling from a vent system. So, the feeling of awe that’s almost always short-lived when you’re completely surrounded by confetti never ends!
The kids will enjoy playing around and throwing up the confetti themselves. It’s just nice to remind them to keep their mouths closed to avoid any accidental munching!
Play with Lights and Sounds
For a truly interactive experience at the Color Factory, try your teamwork at the lights and sounds room. Here, you can work with a friend to trigger the sensors scattered around to turn on different combinations of neon signs and lights.
There are also sensors that power on different sound effects when you move in front of them, so you can create your own visual and auditory experience.
Kids can blow off a lot of steam and energy here just running around trying different combinations of lights and sounds for a fun experience.
Try the Multiplayer Activities
Art is often about connecting to others. The Color Factory takes this seriously by providing ample opportunities for people to do just that.
In one of their rooms, you can sit opposite a partner and engage in conversation or the activities that the room has in place, like playing “pretend”.
Another activity involves listening to questions prompted through headphones and writing your answers on cards before passing them to each other. This area is also a great place for couples to take pictures in!
Things to Remember
- You aren’t allowed to bring food or drinks into the exhibit, but there are free treats that they give out in some of the rooms for an extra burst of energy!
- Don’t forget to claim your giveaways which change regularly! The surprise gifts are souvenirs designed by some of the same artists responsible for the art exhibits.
- Taking photos is encouraged throughout the experience, but any professional photography equipment is not allowed, especially for commercial or reporting purposes unless you get approval from a representative first.
- Make sure you take full advantage of the photo booths they have scattered across the exhibit! They’ll send your photos to you via the email address you register with before going in.
- Dress in muted colors to stand out in your photographs so that you don’t clash with the displays! Make sure you wear comfortable clothes that you feel safe moving around in to maximize your exploration of the spaces there.
- All minors younger than 16 years old need to bring someone 16 years old or older to accompany them.
Where to Eat Nearby
Carrabba’s – The Original
Address: 3115 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-522-3131
Pricing: $$
This is the original location of Carrabba’s, a charming eatery and bar that always presents a warm welcome and a menu featuring classic Italian flavors.
Whether you’re in the mood for their hearty lasagne bolognese or a comforting slice of their margherita pizza, Carrabba’s is a great place for straight-to-the-point Italian food.
They also serve up some salads, soups, and great grilled steaks! But we never leave without getting their tiramisu paired with Caffe Godiva, one of the best mocha drinks we’ve had!
Mia’s Table
Address: 3131 Argonne St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-522-6427
Pricing: $$
Mia’s Table is a cozy counter-serve joint offering a great spread of burgers, barbeque, and country-style sides. Our favorite items to get here are their Chicken Fried Chicken doused in their famous jalapeno cream gravy for that extra kick.
And don’t miss out on their housemade malts and shakes, a sweet treat to complete your colorful day. With a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that’s all about comfort, Mia’s Table is the ideal spot to reflect on the kaleidoscope of colors you’ve encountered.
Ruggles Black
Address: 2245 W Alabama St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 832-582-5690
Pricing: $$
Ruggles Black has a casually chic ambiance that embraces both the bold flavors of Indian cuisine and the sophistication of French-American fare.
Their Paleo Tacos made with snapper or Ahi Tuna are one of our favorite things to get here because of the Indian spices they use! The vegan pizza made with vegan cheese and Impossible meat is another crowd favorite!
And if you’re into Paleo, you’re in luck—there are plenty of choices to explore like their keto wings made with garlic butter and blue cheese sauce.
El Tiempo
Address: 322 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-807-8101
Pricing: $$
El Tiempo is a lively cantina that’s famous for its margaritas and hearty Tex-Mex dishes.
This family-run chain offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can unwind, savoring both the flavors of your meal and the memories you’ve made at the Color Factory.
Dive into their diverse Tex-Mex menu, ranging from sizzling fajitas to mouthwatering enchiladas. You can then raise a toast with their creative cocktails like their Salty Chihuahua made with homeblend tequila, grape juice, and salt!
Nobie’s
Address: 2048 Colquitt St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 346-319-5919
Pricing: $$
Nobie’s is an intimate spot that serves up New American dishes with a side of craft cocktails. Our favorite spot here is a table on the patio while their vinyl soundtrack sets the mood.
Their dishes are rich in flavor and creativity like their Nori Noodle Kaboodle dish made with nori egg noodles, toasted marinated beef, and pickled shiitakes. We also recommend their stuffed quail stuffed with German potato salad served with aioli.
But, Nobie’s is known for their pies so much so that you have to order yours 2 days in advance for a whole pie. Don’t fret – they have slices available which you can enjoy with vanilla whipped cream!
Where to Stay Nearby
Crowne Plaza Houston Medical Center – Galleria
Address: 2712 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-523-8448
Pricing: $$
If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient stay in the area, the Crowne Plaza Houston near the Medical Center is the place to be. Here, you’ll have easy access to The Color Factory along with renowned Galleria shopping districts as well.
If you’re a homebody like us and prefer to stay in after a day out, you can unwind in the spacious rooms or get a tan by the lounge chairs beside their outdoor pool.
Courtyard by Marriott Houston – West University
Address: 2929 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-661-5669
Pricing: $$
Nestled in the Museum District in Houston and very close to the Color Factory, the Courtyard by Marriott Houston near West University offers a cozy retreat.
If you expect no fuss and straight to the point rooms, their guest rooms have comfortable beds and essential amenities. Even their dining options reflect the same simple but high quality characteristic with a bistro-style restaurant and a Starbucks.
For a night cap, you can enjoy drinks from their bar and lounge on the first floor which is open 24/7 for their guests convenience. Try out some of the classic cocktails they have or one of the many draft beers they have on tap.
Residence Inn by Marriott Houston – West University
Address: 2939 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-661-4660
Pricing: $
Residence Inn by Marriott Houston – West University has suites that offer separate living and sleeping areas, fully equipped kitchens, and a very home-y vibe. It’s ideal for people who prefer staying somewhere more relaxed and warm.
They serve up free coffee and tea every morning which you can grab after squeezing in a workout at their fitness center or after some laps in their outdoor pool!
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston – Greenway Plaza
Address: 6 E Greenway Plaza, Houston, TX 77046, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-629-1200
Pricing: $$$
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston is conveniently located near the Greenway Plaza and the Color Factory. If you want to feel like a valued guest, then this is a great choice.
They start off all their guests’ stay with a chocolate chip cookie that’s even served warm! They also have a free shuttle that can get you anywhere within 3 miles of the hotel.
Plus, the 2 on-site restaurants – Sprigs for breakfast and brunch and Rocks for dinner and drinks are great places to eat without having to venture far!
Extended Stay America – Houston – Med. Ctr
Address: 1303 La Concha Ln, Houston, TX 77054, United States
Phone Number: +1 713-790-9753
Pricing: $
This apartment-style accommodation offers spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, making it easy to prepare meals. The laundry facilities they have on-site also ensure you’re well-equipped for an extended visit.
Plus, the rates here are very affordable compared to the other hotels near the area and they’re pet friendly too so you won’t have to worry about leaving your pets alone at home.
