You may be surprised to know that some of your routine places are actually spots where your child can be entertained. We listed a few of the “hidden” free playgrounds in Houston that are great for sunshine or rain.
The Play Area at Willowbrook Mall
Willowbrook Mall has a western play area for children under 42 inches. Kids’ imagination will take them far as they play on horses, climb on hay bales, and more. Parents are required to stay with children at all times. The play area is free and open during the mall’s hours from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM every day.
Enchanted Forest at The Woodlands Mall
The Woodlands Mall has a magical play area. Located near Forever 21, the 2,000-square-foot play area is filled with nature elements including bridges, trees, and tunnels. Parents are required to stay with children at all times. It is free and open during the mall’s hours-10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 12:00PM - 6:00PM on Sunday.
Frolic’s Castle at Memorial City Mall
Photo credit: Courtesy of Memorial City Mall
Frolic’s Castle is the world’s largest indoor soft play area in a shopping center and fully ADA-accessible with a three-level, medieval castle with drawbridge and catapult surrounded by an Enchanted Forest, complete with wizards, knights and fire- breathing dragons. The play area includes interactive sound features and a unique story time area located under an enchanted tree. It is free and open Monday through Sunday from 10am to 9pm and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm.
Gallery Furniture
Located off the North Freeway, Gallery Furniture has an indoor playground and a Texas sized mattress to give kids a chance to have some fun. Visitors young and old can also visit the exotic birds around the store and the Capuchin monkeys hanging about the monkey enclosure. Free snacks, including cookies, ice cream and popcorn, combine with a full service restaurant at the North Freeway store to help visitors keep their energy up as they explore gorgeous showrooms and test out mattresses.
The Little Galleria @ The Houston Galleria
The Little Galleria presented by MD Anderson's Children's Cancer Hospital is a fun, interactive play area for children located on the second floor in the Borders Wing. It is free and open Monday through Sunday from 10am to 9pm and on Sunday from 11am to 7pm.
Playscape at Sugarcreek Baptist Church
Photo credit: Courtesy of Sugarcreek Baptist Church
Designed by Prime Play, an international company, the Playscape meets the highest standard of safety. No-climb heavy duty netting surrounds each of the more than thirty play elements, minimizing the possibility of any falls or injury. From the foam animals for toddlers to climb on, to the Gator Pit, to the two-story slide, there is something for everyone! Adult supervision is required at all times. Play time is reserved for church members only on Saturdays and Sundays, but open to the public the other days of the week.
Maryam's Cafe Play Area
You can go to a restaurant and allow your little ones to be entertained at Maryam’s Café’s indoor playground. They are located in The Heights and open Wednesday and Thursday from 8:00am-7:00om and on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8:00am-9:00pm.
The Indoor Playground at Christ the King Presbyterian Church
Christ the King Presbyterian Church and both an indoor and outdoor playground that are open 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
The Main Street Indoor Park at First Methodist Houston Downtown
Photo credit: Courtesy of First Methodist Houston Downtown
Main Street Indoor Park is an indoor play space that is free & open to the public to enjoy on Tuesdays-Thursdays from 9:00 am until noon. The playscape is open to children ages five and under due to weight restrictions. Adult supervision is required at all times. FREE parking is available at the lot of the southeast corner of Travis and Polk Streets – in the spots marked “Reserved”. Please sign in at our Welcome Desk upon arrival.
Play Land at Houston's First Baptist Church
The Play land is a fun play area in the Fitness & Recreation Center for children ages 2nd-5th grade. It is open to the public during regular facility hours except on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30p.
Smaland @ IKEA
Smaland is a play area where children can feel Swedish forest atmosphere. While they are playing, you can enjoy your shopping experience knowing your children will be safe and cared for. Children must be between 4 and 10 years old and potty trained.
