As an expert in the field of museums and cultural attractions, I am often asked about the best places to visit with children. And one location that always comes to mind is Harris County, Texas. This bustling county is home to a variety of museums that are not only educational but also kid-friendly. So if you're planning a trip to this area with your little ones, here are some must-visit museums that will surely make for a fun and enriching experience.
The Children's Museum of Houston
Located in the heart of Houston, The Children's Museum of Houston is a top-rated attraction for families.This museum is dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages. With over 90,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone here. One of the most popular exhibits at this kid-friendly museum is the "Inventors' Workshop" where children can use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build their own inventions. There is also a "Kidtropolis" exhibit where kids can role-play as adults and learn about different careers and responsibilities. The Children's Museum of Houston also offers special events and workshops throughout the year, making it a great place to visit multiple times. And with its affordable admission prices, it's a budget-friendly option for families.
The Space Center Houston
If your child is fascinated by space and science, then the Space Center Houston is a must-visit museum.Located in Clear Lake, this kid-friendly attraction offers a variety of exhibits and activities that will spark their curiosity and imagination. One of the highlights of this museum is the "Starship Gallery" where visitors can see real spacecraft and learn about the history of space exploration. There is also a "Mission Mars" exhibit where kids can experience what it's like to live and work on the red planet. In addition to the exhibits, the Space Center Houston also offers tram tours of NASA's Johnson Space Center, giving visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the facilities where astronauts train for space missions. This museum is a bit pricier than others on this list, but it's definitely worth the experience.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is another kid-friendly attraction that offers a wide range of educational and entertaining exhibits. From dinosaurs to gems and minerals, there is something for every interest here. One of the most popular exhibits at this museum is the "Morian Hall of Paleontology" where visitors can see life-size dinosaur skeletons and learn about their prehistoric world.There is also a butterfly center where kids can walk among hundreds of live butterflies and learn about their life cycle. The Houston Museum of Natural Science also offers special events and programs for children, including summer camps and sleepovers. And with its central location in Hermann Park, it's easy to combine a visit to this museum with other family-friendly activities in the area.
The Lone Star Flight Museum
If your child is interested in aviation, then the Lone Star Flight Museum is a must-visit museum. Located in Galveston, this kid-friendly attraction is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of Texas aviation. Visitors can see a variety of vintage aircraft on display, including World War II planes and modern jets. There is also a flight simulator where kids can experience what it's like to be a pilot.And for an extra fee, visitors can take a ride in one of the museum's historic planes. The Lone Star Flight Museum also offers educational programs and events for children, making it a great place for a field trip or a family outing. And with its location near the beach, you can combine a visit to this museum with a day at the coast.
The Health Museum
The Health Museum in Houston is another kid-friendly attraction that offers a unique learning experience. This museum focuses on health and wellness, and its exhibits are designed to educate children about the human body and how to take care of it. One of the most popular exhibits at this museum is "You: The Exhibit" where visitors can explore the different systems of the body through interactive displays. There is also a "Brain Teasers" exhibit where kids can test their cognitive skills and learn about the brain. In addition to the exhibits, the Health Museum also offers workshops and classes for children, including cooking classes and science experiments.And with its location in Houston's Museum District, you can easily combine a visit to this museum with other cultural attractions in the area.