Visit the Houston Zoo, which was rated one of the top 10 zoos in the United States for children by Parents magazine in 2009. The zoo features more than 4,000 different animals and friendly zoologists who love to share information with curious kids. Go early and visit the elephant area first to catch the elephants bathing themselves with their long trunks. (6200 Golf Course Drive; 713-533-6500)
Head to Space Center Houston, a museum that's also a working space center, where real astronauts and astrophysicists work on real rocket ships. Set aside at least two hours to get the full space center experience. (1601 NASA Parkway; 800-844-5253)
Stop by the Children's Museum of Houston to check out all kinds of exhibits, including a real kid-pleaser that teaches children how to identify an animal by its solid waste. (1500 Binz; 713-522-1138)
Don't miss the Houston Museum of Natural History, a must-see with its well-curated collection of dinosaur relics, mummies and a butterfly garden. The museum covers a lot of ground, so plan to spend several hours there. (1 Hermann Circle Drive; 713-639-4629)
Take a ride on the train at Hermann Park, a bright red choo-choo that cheerfully chugs through the pleasant park. Burn off some more energy with a paddleboat ride around McGovern Lake. (6201 Golf Course Drive; 713-524-5876)
Don't miss the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark, an enormous skateboard park in downtown Houston. Even if the kids don't have a board, watching the talented riders strut their stuff. There are no rentals, so you have to bring your own board or skates if you want to join in. (103 Sabine Street; 713-222-5500)
