Still being relatively new to Houston, 3 years, and with two small children, you can't go wrong taking them to the Herman Park area. The zoo and the Children's Museum are great although the museum can get pretty crowded. The Aquarium is downtown and is a private venture similar to the Downtown Aquarium in Dallas, so it can be a little pricey. It is easy to find though. As you enter downtown on 45 just look for the ferris wheel. Here is their link: Houston Aquarium Kemah, which is about an hour south of Houston is another good place to take the kids with food, drinks, the beach, rides, etc.... Here is their link: Kemah Boardwalk Aquarium The Rice Village area is great for places to eat and drink, but not as kid friendly as what I mentioned above.