Top Kid-Friendly Things to do in the Houston Heights
As a mom, I understand the importance of having fun activities that children and adults enjoy. Play dates and park hopping are fun, but parents need a little adult interaction to unwind now and then, too! If you’re new to Houston or just need a change in scenery, here’s a list of our family’s favorite kid- and adult-friendly spots in Houston Heights. From exploring beautiful parks to indulging in delicious treats, there's something for everyone in this charming neighborhood.
About The Houston Heights Neighborhood
Houston Heights is a historic neighborhood located just northwest of downtown Houston. It is renowned for its beautiful tree-lined boulevards and charming bungalows, with many homes dating back to the early 20th century.
The Heights is a wonderful place to live, work, and play, with a strong sense of community. This historic neighborhood in the heart of Houston is definitely worth a visit. It is home to boutique shops, local cafes, great parks, and a friendly atmosphere. Its dedication to preserving its unique atmosphere and charm sets Houston Heights apart. With all these amenities, it’s no wonder why so many people have come to cherish this vibrant community.
If you're visiting Houston or looking for a new place to take your kids, these will surely be a hit. With two kids under two, we frequent these spots often! Check them out!
Houston Toy Museum
I love antique shopping but could never imagine it with little ones underfoot. The Houston Toy Museum is the perfect compromise. Tucked between two buildings along The Heights main drag on 19th St., this fascinating museum piques my interest with every visit. The owners are a husband and wife team, and the museum showcases their collection of vintage toys.
Take a walk down memory lane, reminiscing on the old toys on display–it's incredible how much things have changed in such a short time. Of course, it wouldn’t be a toy museum without a play area for littles, which makes it fun for adults and kids! You can go at your own pace, and it is worth a peek!
Houston Heights Ice Cream Shops
With so many families in the neighborhood, The Heights features ice cream shops galore! Here are some of our favorites:
Sweet Bribery - Yummy ice cream for kids and some spiked ice creams for the adults? That’s a win-win in my book!
Cloud 10 Creamery - This delicious and cozy little ice cream shop is nestled within an adorable walkable shopping area with cute shops and restaurants called Heights Mercantile.
Jeni’s Ice Cream - If you haven’t tried Jeni’s, you’re missing out. This national chain is known for their unique flavors and fresh ingredients, and it’s located right in the middle of the main drag on 19th Street.
Menchie’s - This is my own kids’ favorite! Menchi’s offers self-serve frozen yogurt with ALL the fixin’s. You can get a little or go all out! (As a note to fellow parents: our kiddos’ eyes are much bigger than their stomachs at Menchie’s!)
Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s serves delicious tacos that range from simple and classic to crazy and fun (and all are delectable). Don’t forget to ask for the “secret menu” for even more amazing options. My kids discovered their love for tacos here!
Melange Crêperie
Right next to Cloud 10 Creamery, this cute cafe serves a large variety of crepes, from sweet to savory. If you’re into crepes, this place is a must! There’s an option for every palate.
Bike trails
With the recent upgrade of the Heights' bike trails, you can now bike from The Heights to downtown without ever hitting a stop light! Depending on your child's age, you can add a bike trailer, cargo bike, or child bike seat. Once they’re older, they even have tag-along trailer bikes.
Big Blue Whale
This sweet little toy shop has a great assortment of toys and gifts. They will even wrap gifts for you to make it an extra special touch for a birthday or shower gift. Big Blue Whale is a fun stop if you’re looking for something special. The local shop has books and gifts for babies and kids of all ages, from newborns to young adults!
Donovan Park
This fabulous shaded park is sometimes called the “Train Park” because of its amazing wooden train out front that was built as a gift from one of the residents. This park is huge and has a wide variety of things for toddlers and big kids alike. And best of all, Cloud 10 and Crepêrie are located just across the street, so you can enjoy a sweet treat after the park!
Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve (formerly W 11th St. Park)
This spacious park is one of The Heights' hidden gems. It’s unassuming from the outside, but it has a scenic walking trail with markers noting the different types of vegetation growing along it. Be sure to check out the self-guided tour available on your phone. The Nature Preserve offers an educational and interactive walk for mini nature lovers. It’s also a great place for family photos!
“I Love You” Mural
It's impossible to miss this adorable mural displayed along the side parking lot of Harold's Bistro Bar & Market! With the phrase “I love you” scrawled across the wall in many different languages, this is a Kodak moment you can’t miss with your kids!
Preslee’s
Once spring and fall arrive in Texas, you can probably find us relaxing and filling our bellies at Preslee’s! Delicious food and a playground for the kids–not much more needs to be said about this kid-friendly restaurant. Except that it also has comfy hammocks and swinging chairs. Preslee’s is seriously one of the best places to take your kids and enjoy your meal!
Pure Parenting Shop
For those with kids five years old and younger, the Pure Parenting Shop has beautiful clothes and adorable gifts for the littles! If you’re expecting or have a newborn (or need a gift for someone who is), they also have wonderful things for mamas-to-be and those fresh little babies. I often send my newborn photography clients here for clothes and gifts. Pure Parenting Shop also has great sales! Need a car seat? They’ve got those, too, and they’ll even help with safe installation, which can be daunting for first-time parents!
Come and Play!
Houston Heights has something for all ages to enjoy! Quality family time can be hard to come by with our busy lives, so I hope you’ll check out these gems in The Heights. The city is always bustling, but there are plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy this precious time together.
Are you expecting a new addition to your family? No matter if it’s two of you or five, this stage deserves to be documented. Book a newborn session with me at my Houston Heights Studio.
