The Museum District is the Best Destination in Houston for Families: Yes, I'm Biased & Yes, I'm Right :)

Houston is a huge city and it's true that there is a lot to enjoy all over town. However, it is a HUGE city. You can easily spend all of your time zig zagging across it, stuck in traffic with an overtired and screaming kid in the backseat. I always feel a bit sad when I hear that people came to Houston and just sort of wandered around in traffic the entire time. In the Museum District, you will find many beloved Houston attractions within walking distance or an easy drive or Metro ride away.

By all means, if you will be visiting for a long time, venture out (and check out some of our family favs here). But, if you are planning a trip to Houston for only a few days, the Museum District is where it's at. Below are a few itinerary ideas for a quick trip.

The Houston Classics

• Hermann Park Train & Peddle Boats

• Houston Zoo

• The Japanese Garden

• The Museum of Fine Arts Houston

• The Houston Museum of Natural Science

• The Children's Museum of Houston

• McGovern Centennial Gardens

The Playful Family

• The Children's Museum of Houston

• Hermann Park Train & Peddle Boats

• Rolling Down the Hill & Picnic at The Miller Outdoor Theater

• Our Awesome Redesigned Commons at Hermann Park Playground (Coming Late This Spring)

• Houston Zoo

• Venture Downtown (just a few minutes away) to Discovery Green for the splash pad, playgrounds, and ice skating/roller skating/kayaking (seasonal and weather-permitting)

The Artsy Family

• The Museum of Fine Arts Houston

• Houston Museum of Contemporary Craft

• Contemporary Art Museum Houston

• The Miller Outdoor Theater

• Lawndale Art Center

• The Menil (A few minutes away but a nearby Houston treasure)

The STEM Family

• The Health Museum

• The Museum of Natural Science--Especially the Wiess Energy Hall

• The Children's Museum of Houston--Especially the Basement Level & the Outdoor Areas

The High-Drama Family

• Wortham Giant Screen at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

• PNC Rooftop Garden at the Glassell School of Art

• The "Waterfall Hill" at McGovern Centennial Gardens

• Miller Outdoor Theater

• The Reflection Pool

• Venture Downtown (just a few minutes away) to the Post HTX food hall and amazing rooftop view on the Skylawn

The Nature-Loving Family

• McGovern Centennial Gardens

• Houston Museum of Natural Science--Especially the Cockrell Butterfly Center

• The Japanese Garden

• Hermann Park (as much of it as possible to walk the trails and see the many ducks, turtles, blue jays, cardinals, cranes, butterflies, and even an eagle from time to time)

• The Houston Zoo
  

The Shopping Family

Okay, you got me! Admittedly, we do not have much shopping in the Museum District. If you are huge shoppers, definitely take a day to go out to the Galleria. The two major outlet mall outside of the city are also worth a trip for bargain-hunters (especially during January and February after the holidays). Otherwise, we do have a few nearby places to check out in the Museum District. Most of them are gift shops, but, don't laugh because they are actually pretty neat!

• The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a really big gift shop with huge amethysts near the front that make a cute selfie spot. You do NOT need to pay for admission to the museum if you are just visiting the gift shop. There are toys, books, games, and quirky items to be found here, and I often buy birthday presents here.

• The Museum of Fine Arts Houston has a large gift shop in the Beck building and a smaller gift area in the Kinder building near the back entrance of Cafe Leonelli. Again, you do NOT need to pay for admission to the museum if you are just visiting the gift shop. This shop has lots of books (for kids and adults), jewelry, scarves, and random things.

• The Fiddle Sticks gift shop is located in the Children's Museum of Houston. It has lots of toys, games, puzzles, and even things like ponchos if you get caught in the rain. (I have had to buy them at the last-minute here.) This is another place I often visit for birthday party gifts. It's small but has a nice selection. You can visit the shop without paying for admission to the museum, but you will need to check in with the information desk.

• The Houston Museum of African American Culture has lots of locally-made items to offer and often hosts special markets with vendors throughout the museum. This museum if free or donation based, so you can visit to check out the current exhibitions (ranging from African-American contemporary issues, history, and art) as well as shop.

• Houston Museum of Contemporary Craft also offers many locally-made items, often including jewelry.

• Nearby Rice Village: While not technically in the Museum District, it is an easy drive. We have even walked it before, but I don't recommend that due to the narrow sidewalks and Houston heat. There are plenty of cute little shops here, and there is a farmer's market on some Sunday afternoons. This is also a great place to grab lunch or dinner because there are lots of kid-friendly options including Black Walnut Cafe, Hungry's, Torchy's Tacos (just a little spicy for some really little ones), Sweet Paris, Medicino Farm's, Hop Doddy, and the list really goes on and on.

Those are just a few ideas, but find more on this site and mix and match for a custom plan for your own family. I'm your neighborhood mom friend, here to help!