Make the Most out of Houston Inner-Loop with the Kids
You could spend a few days in each part of this city and never run out of things to do, see, or eat. Houston really is that big, y'all. Here's part two of our Houston series, featuring some of our favorite inner-loop spots!
What We Pack
You know the drill! Check out my travel necessities here. Everything from organization items, car or plane activities for the kids, etc… all in this curated list.
Activities
🦒 Houston Zoo — Be sure to pack the sunscreen and tennis shoes, momma… you're going to need it. This place is massive — 55 acres housing over 6,000 animals from more than 900 species, so you really do need comfortable shoes to make it through the whole thing. The giraffes, elephants, and bald eagles tend to be visitor favorites, and our girls especially loved the elephant feeding experience. Pro tip: since ticket pricing fluctuates based on demand, it's worth checking online before you go, and if you visit Houston often, a membership might actually save you money in the long run. TheBetterVacation.com + 2
🐠 Downtown Aquarium — If you love animals like we do, then you'll love the Downtown Aquarium. There's animals to see, interactive experiences to have, and even outdoor carnival-style activities like rides and games, so it really does double as a little theme park in the middle of the city. Is it a bit of a money grab? Yes, the add-ons can add up fast. But is it worth taking the kids at least once for the underwater tunnels, tiger exhibit, and overall vibe? Also yes.
🔬 Science Museum — A great rainy day or scorching summer day option (hello, Houston heat) with hands-on exhibits that keep kids engaged for hours without you having to entertain them yourself. Always a win in my book.
🌀 Meow Wolf — My kids LOVED this place. You can get lost for hours… literally. This isn't your typical museum — it's a wildly immersive, surreal art experience with secret passageways, interactive rooms, and details around every corner. Even as the adult, I found myself just as fascinated as the girls. Give yourselves plenty of time here because you will lose track of it.
🏛️ Houston Museum of Natural Science — This is great to do with the kids, or if you're like me… solo! The permanent exhibits are great to revisit every few years, and there are rotating exhibits that come through on occasion, which keeps things fresh even if you've been before. My favorites here: the Egyptian exhibit, the Pompeii temporary exhibit, and Death by Natural Causes (so much fun, despite the name). If you're a museum person, plan for a few hours here — there's genuinely a lot to take in. Pro-tip: sign up for their newsletters on their site for updates and info on activities and exhibits.
🎮 Immersive Gamebox — I booked this one because my girls and I are obsessed with "The Floor is Lava," and lo and behold, they had that exact game! Funny enough, that ended up being our least favorite of the bunch — but this place was still a blast. So many games to choose from with different difficulty levels, player counts, and even trailers so you can find your family's perfect fit. Our favorite was the escape room — such a unique, interactive experience that made you feel like you were really in it.
Eats
There's absolutely no shortage of good places to eat in Houston… of every cuisine type you can imagine. But here are a few that my kids and I love (family-friendly, not white linen)
Downtown Aquarium Restaurant — A bit pricier, but the views while dining are so cool and calming, especially watching the fish tanks while you eat.
Pappadeaux's and Pappasito's — Often found near each other and always a winner for us.
El Tiempo (IYKYK)
Mai's Restaurant — Vietnamese, and so good.
Cleburne Cafeteria is an experience. Note: Cleburne is an inner-loop staple, Piccadilly-style spot with tons of options. Just be careful letting your kid go through the line alone — because whatever you ask for on your tray, you pay for. I learned this the hard way. 😅
One I've been dying to try next: Buttermilk Baby — burgers, fried chicken, biscuits, and soft serve ice cream. Sounds like a dream.
Other ideas worth a quick Google search: ramen noodle bars, cat cafes — Houston really does have it all.
I'll be doing several more Houston blogs with even more activities, must-do's, and must-eats with the kids. Follow me on Pinterest to see them drop live!
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