Things to Do 1–2 Hours from Houston with Kids
5 kid-friendly adventures about 1 to 2 hours from Houston, nearest first.
- Under 1 hour (14)
- 1-2 hours (5)
- 2-3 hours (6)
- 3-4 hours (54)
About these times. Each estimate is a straight-line measurement from downtown Houston, padded by 17% for winding roads and divided by a 55 mph average — so “about 1 to 2 hours” means roughly that, not a routed time. Traffic, where in Houston you start, and the last few miles of park road can all move it by half an hour. Check a map before you load the car.
about 1 hr 30 min drive
Huntsville State Park
Huntsville, TX
CampingPine forest camping with lake paddling and a sandy swim area. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A …
about 1 hr 30 min drive
Big Thicket National Preserve
Kountze, TX
HikingUNESCO Biosphere Reserve with nine converging ecosystems. Free. Best from about age 4. A half-day …
about 1 hr 45 min drive
Village Creek State Park
Lumberton, TX
KayakingTannin-clear creek paddling through Big Thicket sandbars. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. A …
about 1 hr 45 min drive
Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway
Somerville, TX
CampingTwo-unit park connected by 21-mile trail with lake swimming. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A …
about 2 hr drive
Sea Rim State Park
Sabine Pass, TX
KayakingGulf beach meets freshwater marsh with paddling trails and boardwalks. Paid entry. Best from about …