Things to do in The Heights With Kids

1. Play at Donovan Park

Known affectionately as “The Train Park," Donovan Park is one of the most beloved playgrounds in Houston. Nestled on Heights Boulevard, it’s home to large wooden fortresses and trains perfect for imaginative play. The playground is also fully fenced which makes it easier to supervise kids as they explore. 

 
The Houston Toy Museum in The Heights. Photo by Nan Ross for Mommy Poppins

2. Visit the Houston Toy Museum

The Houston Toy Museum, located on historic 19th Street in the Heights, is a two-story 1940s building filled with charm, and literally thousands of toys that range from the 1800s to the modern day. While the exhibits are safely behind glass, they do have an interactive play space just for kids with a ball pit, a train table, oversized building blocks, video games, and tables filled with toys and puzzles.

3. Go wild at Wonderwild

Wonderwild is an indoor playground featuring a giant ropes course, a 3-story playscape, a massive jumping pillow, action-packed pedal cars, and much more. They also have two areas to play depending on age, the Wonderwild side is for kids 6 and under, and the Wonderwild(er) side is for kids 4-11 years old. 

 
The cutest retail store for kids in the Houston Heights. Photo courtesy of the Big Blue Whale Facebook page

4. Stop by Big Blue Whale

Located on 19th Street, Big Blue Whale is an independently-owned toy store with classic, hard-to-find, and handmade toys. It’s cute, quaint, and really fun for kids and adults to shop and play at the store. 

5. Spend a morning at The Houston Farmers Market

The Houston Farmers Market is the City’s oldest and largest farmer’s market and spans over 18 acres. Choose from merchants selling produce, spices, herbs, and more. There are also several restaurants on-site, and on the weekends there is an additional shop local market pop-up plus family-friendly events. 

 
Kids will love the brightly decorated vehicles at the Art Car Museum. Photo courtesy of the Art Car Museum

6. See an Art Car at the Art Car Museum

See iconic Art Cars up close in this small and quirky museum. The Art Car Museum also hosts rotating exhibits of local and national artists. Entry to the Art Car Museum is always free, but you do need to make an appointment prior to your visit.

7. Go to a story time at The Heights Neighborhood Library

The Heights Neighborhood Library is located on Heights Boulevard in a beautiful 1920s building. It’s part of the Houston Public Library system and offers free programming like Kids Crafts and separate storytimes for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. 

 
Go for a short hike at this pocket park. Photo courtesy of the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve

8. Explore The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve

Formerly known as West 11th Street Park, the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve is a ​​beautiful pocket wilderness park just the right size for kids to explore. With over a mile of trails, you can see butterflies, birds, and wildflowers. There is also a self-guided tour available that can be accessed via smartphone. 

9. Ride the Heights Hike and Bike Trail

The Heights Hike and Bike Trail makes for a fun family bike ride. Park at Donovan Park, the trail heading southbound will take you all the way downtown. The trail passes Stude Park and intersects with the ​​White Oak Bayou Trail. There are amazing views of downtown and of the bayou along the route. Check out our Top 10 Stroller Hikes in Houston article for more easy trails around town.

10. Shop and play at M-K-T Heights

This shopping destination has great family-friendly restaurants like Mendocino Farms and Honeychild’s Sweet Cream, and they offer free kids events like M-K-T Trail Mix, a monthly variety show for all ages that features live music, magic, and more. M-K-T is also next door to Lawrence Park, so you can stay and play after shopping and dining.

Best Houston Heights Restaurants for Kids

 
Playground at Preslee's Southern Good Eatery. Photo courtesy of the restaurant's Facebook page

1. Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery

Offering Southern foods and hospitality, Preslee’s has not only a kids' menu but an entire outdoor playground area. A family-friendly favorite in the Heights, you can even bring your furry family member to join you on the patio. 

2. Teotihuacan Mexican Café

Teotihuacan Mexican Cafe on Airline, or Teo as the locals call it, serves some of the best Mexican food in the city. With a kids' menu, laidback atmosphere, and a special where kids eat free on Mondays, it’s always a family favorite. 

3. Sweet Bribery

After strolling 19th Street, the locally owned and operated Sweet Bribery is a favorite stop for both kids and parents alike. They have a wide variety of fun and innovative ice cream flavors and toppings, along with baked goods. And parents can even enjoy adult sips and floats, like champagne with seasonal sorbet.

4. Crisp

Serving Italian food and wood-fired pizza, Crisp is a favorite family eatery. For the parents, they offer over 100 hand-selected fine wines, a full bar and seasonal craft brew, and both indoor and patio seating options. Kids can enjoy the extensive kid’s menu and a play area just for them.  

 
Outdoor dining space at Common Bond. Photo courtesy of Common Bond

5. Common Bond

The Common Bond location in the Heights has an awesome outdoor space, and while they serve a full menu, our family favorites are the delicious pastries and croissants. And coffee for the parents, of course.