Learning about other countries and cultures at The Children's Museum of Houston.

1. The Woodlands Children's Museum

Kids can play dress up, listen to stories, and explore the fun rotating exhibits. This museum is perfectly-sized for preschoolers (it's a fraction of the size of the downtown Children's Museum Houston), making it ideal for keeping track of small ones.

2. Rosenberg Railroad Museum

Feed your little one's love for trains at this small museum. Admission is free for kids ages 2 and under.

Related: Ultimate Indoor Fun Guide for Houston Families

 
Visit the H-E-B Gorilla Forest. Photo courtesy of the Commons at Hermann Park

3. The Commons at Hermann Park

From a space-tastic playscape to a natural water splash area and a tot playground specifically designed for little ones under 5, you'll find something exciting around every corner. While you're there, don't forget to feed the ducks or hop aboard the train for a scenic ride.

4. Kid Friendly Hiking Trails

Hit the trails in Houston's beautiful parks.

5. Restaurants with Playgrounds

Go out to eat at our favorite restaurants with stellar playgrounds - many of which are best enjoyed by younger kids!

6. Splash Pads

Cool off for free during Houston's warmer months at one of these awesome splash pads.

7. Playgrounds for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Play at our favorite playgrounds around Houston perfect for smaller children - with enclosed play areas, age- and height-appropriate attractions, and spots for picnics and snack breaks.

8. Houston Museums

Visit one of the Houston-area's many museums for FREE. Our guide has free admission days and times for the best museums around town, and many are always free for preschool-aged kids.

9. Storytimes

Check out the most unique storytimes around the city held at fun spots like museums, parks, and gardens.

10. Galveston

Head to this beach town where you can visit the sweet children's museum, see some dolphins, or take a relaxing boat ride.

11. Blue Bell Creamery

Taste delicious ice cream and tour the iconic creamery in Brenham, just 45 minutes northwest of Houston.

12. Day Trips

One of the best things about spending time with your preschooler before they start school is that you have the freedom to spend an entire day or afternoon learning and playing together.

13. Pick-Your-Own Farms

Many of these local berry-picking farms are best enjoyed during the week when the crowds are small and you can take your time soaking up the atmosphere.

14. Waterparks

Visit one of the waterparks or amusement parks near Houston, like Splashway, or Yogi Bear Jellystone Park where you can make it a weekend vacation.

 
Preschoolers love the rides and games on Kemah Boardwalk. Photo by Segiy Galyonkin, via Flickr 2.0

15. Kemah Boardwalk

Head south of town to ride some rides and enjoy the breeze in Kemah. 

16. Moody Gardens

See the animals in the Rainforest Pyramid, follow the fish in the Aquarium Pyramid, and burn off extra energy splashing at Palm Beach at Moody Gardens.

17. Trampoline Parks

Jump off some energy at a trampoline park. Kids ages 5 and under are typically cheaper and have dedicate spaces away from the bigger kiddos.

18. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Preschoolers are full of wide-eyed wonder at the rodeo. Plus, the kids' attractions are top-notch, like our favorite, Fun on the Farm, where kids learn about farm life and even get a treat at the end.

19. Sugar Land Space Cowboys

Watch a minor league baseball game at Constellation Field,which has stellar amenities for kids, including an awesome playground, splash pad, and merry-go-round.