Where to Stay in Houston with Family? In this post, I will help you to find the best areas and neighborhoods to stay in Houston with kids and best family-friendly hotels in Houston for all budgets and preferences.
Houston is a city located in the southeastern part of the state of Texas, United States. It is situated near the Gulf of Mexico and is the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the United States by population.
Houston is a great destination for a family vacation. The city offers a wide range of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and age groups.
If your family has an interest in space exploration and science, the Space Center Houston is a must-visit. It offers interactive exhibits, educational displays, and the chance to see real space artifacts, including the historic Apollo mission control room.
Houston has several museums that are family-friendly and educational. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Children’s Museum of Houston, and the Museum of Fine Arts are just a few options that offer engaging experiences for kids and adults alike.
The city has numerous parks where families can enjoy outdoor activities like picnicking, hiking, and biking. Hermann Park is a particularly family-friendly destination with its gardens, pedal boats, and the Houston Zoo.
Houston has several cultural districts that offer a mix of art, music, and entertainment. The Museum District, for example, is home to many of the city’s museums and galleries.
The Downtown Aquarium and nearby amusement parks like Kemah Boardwalk can provide enjoyable experiences for families with younger children.
Houston generally offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets, which can be beneficial for families looking for affordable places to stay.
Where to Stay in Houston with Family?
The best areas to stay in Houston with family are Downtown, Museum District, Galleria/ Uptown, Energy Corridor, and NASA Johnson Space Center. Each of the areas has its own unique offerings.
When choosing a place to stay with your family, consider factors such as the size of the accommodation, proximity to the attractions you want to visit, available amenities (such as swimming pools and free breakfast), and your budget.
Reading reviews from other family travelers can also provide insights into the suitability of a particular hotel or neighborhood for families.
Overview of the best neighborhoods to stay in Houston for family
Here is an overview of recommended areas in Houston for family with kids:
| Downtown Houston | Is the best area if your family wants to be in the heart of the city and have easy access to major attractions, theaters, sports arenas, and a variety of dining options. You’ll find attractions like Discovery Green park, the Houston Aquarium, and Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros baseball team). |
| Museum District | is great for families interested in cultural and educational experiences. You’ll be close to several museums and attractions, including the Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston Zoo, and Hermann Park, offering a lovely space for outdoor activities. |
| Galleria – Uptown | is known for its upscale shopping and dining, but it also offers a range of family-friendly hotels. The Galleria area provides convenient access to attractions like the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park. |
| Energy Corridor | Is a good fit for families interested in staying in a quieter and more suburban area. It’s a business district with some residential areas, and it offers a calmer environment compared to downtown. This could be a good option if you have activities planned in the western part of the city. |
| NASA Johnson Space Center | is a fantastic base for families who are space enthusiasts. You’ll be close to the space center itself and can enjoy educational and interactive exhibits related to space exploration. |
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Houston with family:
5 Best areas to Stay in Houston with Family are:
1. Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston is a convenient area to stay in with kids, as it offers a mix of attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.
Downtown is the city’s central hub, offering easy access to many of the city’s top attractions. Families can enjoy visiting places like the Houston Aquarium, Discovery Green Park, the Museum District, and Minute Maid Park, all within a relatively short distance.
Downtown Houston is relatively pedestrian-friendly, making it convenient for families to explore on foot. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within walking distance of each other, reducing the need for extensive driving
The city’s METRORail system runs through downtown, providing an easy way to access other parts of the city without having to drive. This can be especially convenient for families who want to avoid navigating traffic.
Downtown Houston boasts a variety of cultural and entertainment venues, including theaters, music halls, and art galleries. This means there’s always something to do, whether it’s catching a live performance or exploring local art.
Downtown Houston offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels that cater to families with amenities such as larger rooms, suites, and family-friendly services.
Best places to stay in Downtown Houston with family:
Luxury ($$$): JW Marriott Houston Downtown, 5-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Houston for families with children of all ages, centrally located in the heart of Houston. Easy access to the Downtown Aquarium and Discovery Green Park. It offers a free shuttle service, which is a bonus for families traveling without a car.
Luxury ($$$): C. Baldwin, Curio Collection by Hilton, 5-star family-friendly hotel, located in downtown Houston, near major attractions and connected to Houston’s underground tunnel system. It features complimentary shuttle service within the downtown area.
Mid-range ($$): The Lancaster Hotel, great 4-star kid-friendly hotel, featuring family rooms. Children aged 18 years and above are considered adults at this hotel. Located in the lively Theatre District of Houston, it offers a complimentary buffet breakfast and an on-site restaurant.
Budget ($): Holiday Inn Houston Downtown, 3-star hotel, one of the best places to stay in Downtown Houston with kids on a budget. Its location offers easy access to many restaurants and shops. Additionally there is free Shuttle service, which is a great deal for those with no car.
BEST HOTELS IN DOWNTOWN2. Museum District and Medical Center
The Museum District in Houston is one of the best areas to stay in, especially for families with kids. The Museum District is a vibrant and cultural neighborhood located just south of downtown Houston.
It is bordered by US Highway 59 to the north, Hermann Park to the south, Main Street to the west, and Almeda Road to the east. The district is known for its concentration of museums, parks, and family-friendly attractions that make it an appealing destination for families.
The district houses several world-class museums, including the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum of Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, and Health Museum. These institutions offer interactive and educational exhibits that can engage kids and adults alike.
Adjacent to the Museum District, Hermann Park is a large urban park with walking paths, a lake, pedal boats, and picnic areas. It’s also home to the Houston Zoo, another popular family attraction.
The Museum District is pedestrian-friendly, which makes it easy to explore with kids. You can stroll between museums, parks, and various attractions without having to rely heavily on transportation.
The area offers a range of dining options, catering to different tastes and preferences, which is especially convenient for families with picky eaters.
You can find a cluster of great hotels in the Medical Center, which is south of Hermann Park. Some hotels offer free shuttle services to explore its surroundings which is great for families without a car.
Staying in the Museum District provides a unique cultural experience for both kids and adults. The district often hosts events, festivals, and cultural activities that can enhance the overall family vacation.
Best places to stay in Houston’s Museum District with kids:
Mid-range ($$): Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District, 4-star children-friendly hotel, featuring family rooms, an outdoor pool, terrace, air-conditioned rooms, free shuttle service, as well as free use of bicycles and car hire. Easy distance from Houston Museum of Natural Sciences and Hermann Park/Rice U Station.
Mid-range ($$): InterContinental Houston Medical Center, 4-star hotel that has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a terrace and restaurant, as well as a 24-hour front desk. Close to Rice Stadium, Houston Zoo and Rice University.
Mid-range ($$): The Westin Houston Medical Center Museum District, 4-star family-friendly hotel, offering free bikes, a shared lounge and evening entertainment. Short distance from kid-friendly attractions such as Houston Zoo, Hermann Park, and Brays Bayou Park.
Budget ($): Home2 Suites by Hilton Houston, 3-star accommodation, located within a short Uber ride from family-friendly Houston Zoo and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
BEST HOTELS IN MUSEUM DISTRICT3. Galleria – Uptown
Uptown Houston, also known as the Galleria area, is often considered one of the more upscale and desirable areas to stay in Houston. It’s known for its shopping centers, dining options, and proximity to various attractions.
Uptown Houston is located in the western part of the city of Houston, approximately 6 to 8 miles west of downtown Houston. It is centered around the intersection of Westheimer Road and Post Oak Boulevard.
Uptown Houston is home to The Galleria, one of the largest shopping malls in the United States, featuring numerous high-end stores and a wide range of restaurants, and entertainment options. This can be a significant draw for families looking for shopping and entertainment.
Families can enjoy shopping for various goods, dining at diverse restaurants, and even exploring the indoor ice skating rink.
Uptown is relatively central in Houston, making it convenient for visiting various attractions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, and the Museum District.
Uptown Houston is generally considered a safer and more affluent area compared to some other parts of the city, which can be reassuring for families.
Staying in Uptown can be expensive. Accommodation, dining, and shopping can have higher price points compared to other parts of the city.
Best places to stay in Houston in Galleria for family with children:
Mid-range ($$): The Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria, great 4-star kid-friendly hotel, attached to the Galleria Mall, offering an outdoor rooftop pool and on-site restaurants. Its location offers easy access to hundreds of shops and restaurants.
Budget ($): Courtyard by Marriott Houston Galleria, 3-star modern hotel, great base for families in Houston, located across from the renowned Galleria shopping center, featuring an indoor swimming pool and a hot tub. Easy access to the Museum District, George R. Brown Convention Center and NRG Stadium
Luxury ($$$): The Post Oak Hotel, 5-star family-friendly accommodation, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. It is within a short drive by car from the Galleria, Water Wall, and Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
BEST HOTELS IN GALLERIA/ UPTOWN4. Energy Corridor
The Energy Corridor is a desirable area for families to live due to its suburban feel, access to parks, and family-friendly amenities. The Energy Corridor is generally considered safe, which is an important consideration for families.
The district is located in the western part of Houston, primarily along Interstate 10, also known as the Katy Freeway. The corridor stretches roughly from Kirkwood Road to the east and Barker Cypress Road to the west, with Memorial Drive to the north and Buffalo Bayou to the south.
This area is characterized by its proximity to many energy-related companies and is often referred to as the “Energy Corridor” due to the concentration of energy industry offices and facilities in the region.
The area offers proximity to parks and recreational areas like Terry Hershey Park, which provides opportunities for outdoor activities and family outings.
Many hotels and accommodations in the area are designed to cater to business travelers, but they often offer family-friendly amenities as well, such as swimming pools and spacious rooms.
Best places to stay in Houston in Energy Corridor with family:
Mid-range ($$): Best Western Premier Energy Corridor, 4-star hotel that has family rooms, a spa center and fitness center, located in Katy, 36 km from Houston. It features an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and free private parking.
Mid-range ($$): Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston-Energy Corridor, 4-star family-friendly all-suite hotel, short ride from Interstate 10 and companies including Shell. It has a 24-hour business center and laundry facilities.
Budget ($): Fairfield Inn & Suites Houston Memorial City Area, great 3-star hotel, featuring an outdoor swimming pool, good breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, and a terrace in Houston. Located 10 km from CityCentre Plaza.
BEST HOTELS IN ENERGY CORRIDOR5. NASA Johnson Space Center area
The NASA Johnson Space Center area is a great place to stay in Houston for a family holiday, especially if you have an interest in space exploration and science. It’s a great opportunity to learn about space exploration, the history of NASA, and current space missions.
The Space Center itself offers a range of educational and entertaining activities for visitors of all ages. You can take guided tours, see real spacecraft and exhibits, and even meet astronauts.
The Space Center is situated southeast of downtown Houston, near the Clear Lake area. It’s easily accessible by car and is a prominent landmark in the region.
The surrounding area offers various hotels, restaurants, and attractions, making it a convenient location for visitors who want to explore both the Space Center and the broader Houston area.
The Space Center offers various interactive exhibits and attractions that are engaging for both children and adults. There are often special events and programs tailored for families.
While the Space Center is the main attraction in the area, it’s not far from other Houston attractions. Depending on your interests, you might explore places like the Kemah Boardwalk, the Museum District, or the Houston Zoo.
The Space Center is a bit of a drive from downtown Houston. If you’re looking to experience the city’s urban atmosphere, you might find staying closer to downtown more convenient.
Best places to stay in NASA Johnson Space Center area with kids:
Mid-range ($$): Courtyard by Marriott Houston NASA Clear Lake, 3-star hotel, great place to stay in Houston near NASA for families with children of all ages. Children aged 14 years and above are considered adults at the hotel.
Mid-range ($$): Sonesta ES Suites Houston – NASA Clear Lake, 3-star kid-friendly hotel located near the Kemah Boardwalk and just blocks from NASA. It has an outdoor pool with a hot tub, a gym and an outdoor grill.
Mid-range ($$): SpringHill Suites Houston NASA/Webster, 3-star family-friendly hotel, located a short distance from Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Armand Bayou Nature Center as well as shops and games of Kemah Boardwalk.
Budget ($): Holiday Inn Express Houston Space Center-Clear Lake, 2-star hotel, located off I-45, 15-minute drive of the NASA Space Center. It provides a daily breakfast buffet, free Wi-Fi and a spacious outdoor pool. You can enjoy fishing and boating at Clear Lake nearby.
BEST HOTELS IN NASA JOHNSON SPACE CENTERSee more:
- Where to Stay in Houston, Texas First Time
- Where to stay in Houston without a car
- 28 Best things to do in Houston, Texas
Summary – Where to Stay in Houston with kids?
In conclusion, Downtown, Museum District, Galleria/ Uptown, Energy Corridor, and NASA Johnson Space Center are some of the best places to stay in Houston for families with kids. They offer plenty of family-friendly accommodations and attractions for all ages.
Downtown is the best area to stay in Houston with kids, especially for those visiting the city for the first time and without a car. Downtown Houston has the widest range of family-friendly hotels and easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and shops.