Best for Kids in Houston

Right off Galveston Bay, 42 acres of fun and entertainment awaits you at the Kemah Boardwalk. This leisure oasis has an amusement park and a wide variety of dining and souvenir shopping options. Thrill-seekers shouldn't miss a ride on the gigantic Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster. Kids are sure to love the carousel and Stingray Reef. For a fantastic view from 65 feet (20 meters) above sea level, the Ferris Wheel is your best bet. The oceanfront restaurants offer an array of choices, including pizza, seafood and steak. Enjoy the daily events like live concerts, shows, festivals and more.

This pleasant lake in East Houston is a citywide favorite for a little dose of the great outdoors. The park has several features, the most obvious of which is Sheldon Lake itself. The lake is open to the public and mostly used for fishing, wildlife spotting and boating, although there are some regulations concerning boat horsepower. Finally, the John Jacob Observation Tower is an 82-foot tall tower providing expansive views of the lake and park for miles and miles in every direction.

Have a yearning for the nautical life? Take a plunge into the deep at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. This aquarium is definitely the place to be for a fun day out. The aquarium features diverse species of aquatic life, with the Shark Voyage being the main attraction. This voyage gives visitors the opportunity to travel via train into an acrylic viewing tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead. Other attractions include the Ferris wheel, the aquatic carousel and some themed educational exhibits. If you've had your fill of the aquatic life and need some grub then take a pick from the restaurant or lounge.

San Jacinto State Historical Park is the battleground where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. After the Alamo, General Santa Anna's large force chased Sam Houston's small army across Texas and was soundly defeated at this site. The centerpiece of the historic site is a majestic limestone and concrete obelisk known as the San Jacinto Monument that rises up to 570 feet (167.64 meters) above the coastal flatlands to pay tribute to the historical event. At the base of the monument you will find the acclaimed Museum of Texas History and the Jesse H. Jones Theater that screens the 35-minute movie named 'Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto' every day. The Battleship Texas is berthed in the ship channel at the edge of the park.