Family fun in Houston adds up fast—especially when you’re paying per ticket, per ride, per visit. The GetOut Houston Pass is built for families who want to get out of the house more often and say “yes” to spontaneous weekend plans.

Below are five family-friendly attractions included on the GetOut Houston Pass—with practical tips on what to do at each spot and how to plan a smooth outing.

Quick tips to plan an easy family day out

• Check hours before you go. Some attractions have seasonal hours or special event schedules (especially waterfront spots and ride areas).
• Go early on weekends. You’ll beat crowds and parking stress.
• Mix indoor + outdoor. Houston weather changes quickly—pair an indoor stop (museum/LEGO) with an outdoor one (boardwalk/aquarium rides) to keep the day flexible.

1. Downtown Aquarium (Houston)

If you’re trying to please kids of different ages, Downtown Aquarium is a strong “everyone wins” pick: you can do aquatic exhibits and kid-friendly amusement rides in the same visit. It’s an easy option when you want a full outing without driving all over town.

Don’t-miss highlights

• Aquarium exhibits + Stingray Reef (classic family favorite)
• Rides and attractions like the train, carousel, and Ferris wheel-style ride options (great for that “theme park” feeling in a smaller footprint).

Parent tip: Make it a half-day plan—arrive earlier, do exhibits first (when kids are freshest), then finish with rides.

2. Kemah Boardwalk (Kemah)

Want a “vacation vibe” without leaving the Houston area? Kemah Boardwalk delivers: waterfront views, amusement rides, midway energy, and plenty of spots to grab food or take a break.

Why families love it

• It’s walkable, so strollers and “I need a snack break” moments are manageable.
• There’s a mix of thrill rides and gentler rides, making it easier to entertain both little kids and older siblings.

Parent tip: Go closer to opening time for cooler temps and shorter lines; save the most popular rides for early in the day.

3. Houston Museum of Natural Science (Houston)

For an air-conditioned, high-impact family outing, Houston Museum of Natural Science is a go-to. It’s the kind of place where kids can bounce from “giant dinosaurs!” to “sparkly gems!” in minutes—and you can move at your own pace.

Don’t-miss highlights

• Morian Hall of Paleontology (a big “wow” for dinosaur fans)
• Permanent exhibit halls that are ideal for families because you can keep things simple: pick 1–2 sections and leave before anyone melts down.

Parent tip: If you’ve got young kids, plan for a “one-floor visit.” You’ll leave on a high note—and you can always come back another time.

4. Crocodile Encounter (Angleton area)

If your kids are obsessed with reptiles (or just love something different), Crocodile Encounter turns a regular day into a mini-adventure. It’s known for close-up animal viewing and a more “outdoorsy” experience than a typical zoo-style visit.

What to do

• Self-guided tour: great for families who want to linger where kids are most interested (and breeze past what they’re not).
• Keep it educational: turn it into a “spot the differences” game (alligators vs. crocodiles, habitats, sizes, etc.).

Parent tip: Bring water, bug spray, and sun protection. This is an easy “half-day road trip” vibe—especially fun when you want a change of scenery from Houston.

5. Bricks & Minifigs Meyerland (Houston)

Need a rainy-day idea or a calmer stop that still feels exciting for kids? Bricks & Minifigs Meyerland is a LEGO resale shop experience where families can browse sets, minifigures, and bulk bricks—basically a treasure hunt for builders.

Why it’s family-friendly

• It’s interactive in the “kid brain” way—every shelf feels like discovery.
• Great for rewarding good behavior: pick a small item (like a minifig or a small cup of pieces) and let kids build something new at home.

Parent tip: If your kids love LEGO, pair this with the museum for a perfect indoor day.

Easy itinerary ideas (pick your vibe)

Indoor Houston Day (low-stress, weather-proof)

• Houston Museum of Natural Science → Bricks & Minifigs Meyerland

Classic “Big Fun” Day

• Downtown Aquarium (exhibits + rides)

Waterfront Fun Day

• Kemah Boardwalk (rides + food + views)

Mini Road Trip Day

• Crocodile Encounter (animal adventure)

Final thoughts

The best part about planning family outings with the GetOut Houston Pass is variety: you can rotate between animals, rides, museums, and hands-on “kid favorites” without repeating the same weekend every time.

If you want to start strong, pick one “big” outing (Aquarium or Kemah) and one easy indoor outing (HMNS + Bricks & Minifigs)—and you’ve already got two weekends handled.