What to Expect at The Houston Maritime Center & Museum

We recently had the opportunity to explore the Houston Maritime Center & Museum (check out our video here) and were genuinely impressed by how thoughtfully it’s designed with families in mind. It’s a compact, well-organized space where you can easily spend about an hour, making it a perfect outing for younger kids or part of a larger day of exploring the city.

Presenting history, arts, culture, and sciences through a maritime lens, the museum takes visitors on a voyage through the nautical world with extensive exhibits, intricate ship models, and fascinating historical artifacts. Interactive elements throughout the space bring these stories to life, with a special focus on Houston and Texas’s impact on maritime trade and exploration.

Younger visitors will especially enjoy the interactive play area, where hands-on activities introduce basic maritime concepts in a fun and age-appropriate way. There’s also a small theater that plays short films on topics like the Texas Navy, Texas maritime history, and global seafaring, giving families a chance to relax while learning more. Kids can also take part in a scavenger hunt during their visit—once completed, they get to choose a prize from the treasure box, which is always a hit.

It’s an ideal destination for curious kids and families looking to explore the stories behind the ships, ports, and waterways that shape our world.

The museum also hosts family-friendly events year-round, including the upcoming “Boo on the Bayou” Family Day on October 26, which blends Halloween fun with maritime education—complete with nautical costume contests, hands-on activities, and boat tours.

Photo by the author

Know Before You Go to The Houston Maritime Center & Museum

Location:
• 2940 Riverby Road, Houston, TX 77020

Hours:
• Wednesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm

Admission:
• Adults: $15
• Seniors, Veterans, and Students (ages 12–22): $10
• Kids (ages 5–11): $8
• Children under 5, active duty military, and seafarers: Free

Website:
• houstonmaritime.org

Parking Tips:
• Free gravel lot accessible from Kermac Blvd
• Free street parking along Riverby Road
• Paid parking garage nearby