Color Factory — Attraction in Houston

I am very disappointed in the experience my family had at the Color Factory today. From the moment we walked in we were treated like we were bothersome. My brother in law was asked to change his shirt because he wasn’t in their family friendly dress code (granted he was in a black shirt with an image of Jason flipping off the viewer). We were taken back a bit because they were selling alcohol in this family friendly place but he was able to turn his shirt inside out and we were ready to move on and get to the fun. Not to mention all the merchandise about self expression and inclusivity. Before we were allowed to go back to the first room we were approached by Steph who asked us if we had a problem. Confused (she was the same one who asked us to change his shirt) we said no and she said that one of her coworkers said one of us said something about it being family friendly and then said Lesbian to lesbian. Stunned I stood there processing and my mom came over and asked what was happening. Steph then repeated herself and asked my mom accusingly if we had said this. My mom informed her of what was said (he had to change his shirt because it’s a family friendly place) and Steph asked for the third time, ‘and that’s it? That’s all that was said?’. Not once did anyone in our family say anything about lesbians, being gay, or LGBTQ. Because this was done before it even began, it was all I could focus on the whole time instead of my sharing this experience my 19 month old son. After we finished, my sister and I asked to speak with Steph before leaving because we still were confused by what happened. I wasn’t looking for anything free or to go through the factory again. I just wanted to be heard and gain clarity. In the process I told her that one of my sisters was explaining what happened to my other sister and said “he was asked to change because it’s a family friendly place even though they sell alcohol”. Steph then said well I’m not trying to point any fingers but the older woman was the one who said that the only thing said was it was a family friendly place. I replied back to her and said yes because this whole thing caught my whole family off guard. She also said that we don’t have to convince her that we are allies. I told her my goal was to be heard and she said that she would let the GUEST know and check with her coworker again. It was then I knew exactly what happened. This isn’t the first time my family has been discriminated against and I know it won’t be the last. I just wasn’t expecting it at the color factory of all places. I am hurt and confused by the whole situation and will not be back nor will I recommend this place to anyone looking for something fun to...

Expensive for what it’s worth. Staffed with some good folks. And some bad. Here’s the part that rubbed me wrong. They need to staff the exhibits that are more confusing with better staff. Like on the You Are Magic exhibit the staff there was just horrible. You are told to face away from the countdown screen so you don’t know when the picture is snapped or when to change poses (it takes 4 photos in a row). The staff didn’t bother telling us. I asked if we could turn around to face the screen so I could watch myself then and they said no. And the staff’s legs were in every shot! I’ve uploaded it for your viewing pleasure. She said looks good. Yeah. Whatever. Again not cheap. So you’d hope for better staff and better attitude. I asked if we could do it again but they said I’d have to go to the back of the line. Grrrr. A tip on the photos - the flash doesn’t mean the photo is done. There’s actually a lag so don’t move after you see the flash. Wait until you see the photo appear on the monitor. Then get ready for the next pose because many of the cameras do multiple shots (like 4) so don’t leave just yet. If you mess up you can do it again because it’s unlimited photos. But you may be told to go to the end of the line. The first entry is a group and staggered. 15 minutes later is the next group. And so on. And after the first station (registration) it’s self paced. Theres no going backwards though. Usually if you let the crowd go onto the next exhibit you can get some good shots where it’s not as crowded before the next group comes (exception would be the last exhibit with the ball pit). And it was kinda crowded on a Saturday in May 2023. All treats are limited (either 1 or 2 pieces). Note you have to buy online so you have to pay the processing fee which is like $7. Grrr. Parking is an issue. If you park at pinstripes be aware that Kirby is a busy street so be careful crossing and use the crosswalk. I also uploaded a video of their gender neutral bathrooms because the staff said it was decked out and special and that I should. Well it’s not...

If you’re into art, and like a place that is interactive, a good choice of places to visit is the Color Factory. It’s cool for kids and adults alike, all of whom will find its different rooms and colorful interactions fun and memorable.

The Color Factory is focused on art and upon entering, you will join with other people first, in an open space, before entering through a door and beginning the immersive experience. You need to purchase your tickets in advance and have everything ready to go when you arrive. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, you will have to pull out your cell phone and make the purchase before you can continue. There is no ticket office to walk up to, for purchasing the old- fashioned way.

Once you’re ready, you will be guided with your group through a series of rooms, each of them colorful and dedicated to art in some sort of fashion. Everyone will have their personal favorites, but there is much to enjoy in each of them. The room that mimics the old lite- bright toys brought back childhood memories for me. The room where you look at the person across from you and draw their image was interesting. Young people often like the confetti room best. And for some, the ball pit at the end is their favorite because they can dive into the pit and have a little fun. They even serve you small treats along the way, all included in the ticket price.

There is no rush as you go from room to room, which is good. You don’t have to stay with the same group of people you started with. The one thing to remember, however, is that once you exit a room, you cannot go back. You need to keep moving forward. So, if there is an installation that clearly resonates with you and really gets your creative juices flowing, be sure to devote a little more time to that room before you exit.

Once you finish going through the rooms, you will exit through the gift shop, a good place to get a souvenir or two, books, etc. It makes for a good day of fun and colors at the Color Factory, a good place for artistic minds, young and old, to experience color in...