Top Underrated Houston Museums to Visit with Kids
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There is no lack of museums and cultural organizations in Texas’ biggest city. Occasionally, all the locations we have to visit can get frustrating, let alone the crowds and size of the museums themselves! Listed below are the top underrated Houston museums that really hit the mark.
Houston Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd.
Houston, TX 77007
713.861.5526
The Art Car Museum is a private institution dedicated to contemporary art. It is an exhibition forum for local, national and international artists with an emphasis on art cars, other fine arts, and artists that are rarely if ever, acknowledged by other cultural institutions. The museum’s goal is to encourage the public’s awareness of the cultural, political, economic and personal dimensions of art. – artcarmuseum.com
Health Museum
1515 Hermann Dr.
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 521-1515
In the heart of Houston, The Health Museum inspires passion and curiosity in health, the medical sciences and the human body. With over 2.5 million visitors, we are the most interactive and popular science learning center of its kind and a favorite among Houstonians. In addition to our permanent exhibits, the Amazing Body Gallery and the world-class DeBakey Cell Lab, other attractions include the McGovern Theater, the Sue Trammell Whitfield Gallery for traveling exhibitions, and four Learning Centers for classes, camps, and activities. The museum offers affordable membership rates for individuals and families. Visitors enjoy shopping for unique gifts at the museum’s Amazing Body Store. – thehealthmuseum.org
Houston Fire Museum
3219 Milam St.
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-2526
The Houston Fire Museum is housed in Historic Fire Station No. 7, the first fire station built after the Houston Fire Department became a fully paid department in 1895. The Romanesque building, designed by architect Olle J. Lorehn, opened in 1899 and remained an active fire station until its replacement was built in 1969. “Old 7’s,” as it is fondly called, is the oldest firehouse in Houston still standing. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The Houston Fire Museum has partnered with REPRACTICE architecture and Tellepsen Builders to preserve the historic integrity of the building. Enhanced exhibits and fire and life safety programs are also being developed. – houstonfiremuseum.org
Houston Police Museum
1200 Travis,
Houston, TX 77002
(832) 394-2359
The Houston Police Department museum is located in the lobby of HPD headquarters at 1200 Travis, and features unique displays and a memorial wall honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by those officers that gave their lives in the line of duty. Included among the displays are artifacts from the Honor Guard, SWAT, Mounted Patrol, badges, uniforms and other equipment utilized over the years. – houstontx.gov
1940 Air Terminal Museum
8325 Travelair Street
Houston, Texas 77061
(713) 454-1940
The Mission of the 1940 Air Terminal Museum is to demonstrate the impact of aviation on Houston’s history and economic development through the prism of architectural beauty. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is housed in the historic art deco terminal building that once served the City of Houston as the Houston Municipal Airport. The building is now a protected landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Between Hobby Airport’s airline traffic, business aviation and frequent fixed-wing and rotary wing general aviation traffic, a visit to the museum will provide each guest with a front row view of the active runways! – 1940airterminal.org
