Deep in the heart of Texas sits Houston, one of the most diverse cities in the United States. The next time you are planning a family vacation, consider this iconic metropolis.
Houston offers a unique blend of athletics, entertainment, cuisine, and outdoor activity. In short, there are so many fun things for visitors of all ages to do. Here is a list of the top attractions to visit while in Houston, Texas.
1. Space Center Houston
Since the establishment of the Lyndon Johnson Space Center in 1961, Houston has been the home of human space flight operations for NASA. The world-famous center—featuring astronaut training facilities, spacecraft development labs, and the iconic Mission Control Center—helped earn Houston the nickname “Space City.”
The Johnson Space Center is typically closed to the public, so to cater to fans of space exploration, NASA opened an incredible visitor center called Space Center Houston in 1992. Space Center Houston features impressive replicas, interactive exhibits, and a gallery featuring retired equipment and spacecraft, including the Apollo 17 Command Module, a Lunar Rover Trainer, and Launch and Entry Astronaut Suits.
Space Center Houston also provides visitors with the extremely rare opportunity to take a NASA tram tour that goes on-site at the Johnson Space Center. You will have the option to choose between a tour of the Historic Mission Control, the Astronaut Training Facility, and the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park.
Make sure to stop by this once-in-a-lifetime destination during your trip to Houston, Texas.
2. Minute Maid Park
There’s arguably nothing more American than baseball! While in Houston, do as the Texans do and catch a Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Park.
The Houston Astros, originally called the Houston Colt .45s, joined Major League Baseball in 1962. The Astros quickly became an integral part of Houston’s heritage. The team holds two World Series titles from 2017 and 2022.
On April 7, 2000, the brand new Astros ballpark opened, boasting a 242-foot-high retractable roof. This unique feature of Minute Maid Park is utilized to protect fans from the Houston heat, but don’t forget to wear your sunscreen just in case it’s an open-air game.
Aside from the incredible ball playing, Minute Maid Park is the perfect spot to enjoy some delicious Houston cuisine. Grab yourself a plate of Tex-Mex—a delicious combination of Texas and Mexican food—and a beer. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.
3. Houston Museum District
Hoping to learn more about Texas during your Houston getaway? Head to the Houston Museum District. This area, located near Rice University and the Texas Medical Center, includes 19 premier galleries and museums.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One of the nineteen world-class museums located in the district is the Museum of Natural Science. This natural history museum features a wide range of permanent and temporary exhibits, a butterfly center, a planetarium, and a holotheater.
The Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston houses more than 70,000 works of art from all over the globe. This massive collection of art pieces and art installations feature both ancient and contemporary pieces from Europe, Latin America, the USA, and more.
Children’s Museum Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston is an interactive educational space designed with kids in mind! As children explore the 90,000-square-foot space, they’ll have the chance to learn through hands-on play. Popular spots include the Power Science Lab, Maker Annex, and Kidtropolis.
The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection museum houses the private collection of John and Dominique de Menil and both classic and contemporary art pieces. Alongside the main museum building, you’ll find the Menil Drawing Institute and three expansive courtyards.
4. Hermann Park
Located near the Museum District, Hermann Park is a massive, popular outdoor space for locals and tourists alike. First established in 1914, the green space spans about 445 acres and offers attractions suited for visitors of all ages.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo opened its doors in September 1922. Over the past hundred years, the 55-acre park has grown to house over 6,000 animals. Thanks to its impressive facilities and animals from all over the world, The Houston Zoo is the second most visited zoo in the USA.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is an amphitheater that rests on 7.5 acres. The impressive facility seats up to 6,225 guests. Here, you can catch a variety of performing arts showcases ranging from touring theatrical productions to mainstream concert performances.
Hermann Park Golf Course
The Hermann Park Golf Course is open to players seven days a week. Golf fanatics will be enthused to find a challenging, though picturesque, 18-hole golf course. Along with the course, you will find a driving range, practice greens, and places to grab a bite to eat.
5. The Galleria
The Galleria is a massive shopping center located on Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas. Consisting of over 2.5 million square feet of retail space and containing close to 400 stores, The Galleria holds the title as the biggest mall in Texas and one of the largest in all of America.
Hungry after all that shopping? Inside The Galleria, you’ll find more than 60 dining options. Whether you are in the mood for something fancy and upscale or just some casual fast food, The Galleria has it all.
Other attractions at The Galleria include an air-conditioned play area designed specifically for children, plus an ice rink. The ice rink has been part of The Galleria since its grand opening in 1970 and is available to the general public year-round.
Unlike other ice rinks in the area, this location is unique: It is indoors. Positioned beneath a glass atrium, the rink provides families with an exciting, scenic environment to skate together. Not too confident in your skating abilities? Sign up for skating or hockey lessons.
When the sun goes down, head to the rooftop lounge at The Westin Galleria to engage in some Houston nightlife. Take in beautiful views of the city while dancing to music and sipping on some delicious cocktails.
6. Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre dog-friendly park in downtown Houston that provides visitors with a wide variety of opportunities to engage in physical activity.
Though Discovery Green is surrounded by skyscrapers and urban architecture, the park itself features capacious gardens and open green space for pups to play, as well as a one-acre lake for kayaking and paddle boating.
If you’re looking for a safe spot to let your children release some energy, take them to the John P. McGovern Playground. Nestled in the northwestern corner of Discovery Green, this state-of-the-art play area gives kids the space to run and play.
There are two restaurants located on the property, The Grove and Lake House. A variety of food trucks also frequent the park. Nothing catching your eye? No problem! Hang out at the picnic tables and enjoy snacks from home.
Discovery Green also features a gorgeous outdoor concert venue. The multi-purpose stage features high-tech lighting and audio, as well as projection capabilities. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch some live music at the amphitheater or a screening of an outdoor movie.
During the wintertime, the park’s lake is transformed into a skating rink run on renewable energy and constructed using recycled materials. When springtime arrives, the space is transformed into a roller skating rink. No matter what time of year you are visiting Houston, there is sure to be a fun activity for the whole family to do together.
Popular Houston Resorts
What if we told you that was just the tip of the iceberg? How about a concert at the Toyota Center, a day of fun at the Kemah Boardwalk, or a leisurely stroll down the Heights? Sounds to us like you’re going to need to make it a day trip.
The next step is to find a place for you and your family or friends to relax. It is important when to find a spot that provides both comfort and excitement.
To help make things simple, here is a list of popular resorts located in the Houston area.
- Marriott Marquis Houston
- Omni Houston Hotel Galleria
- The Woodlands Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton
- The Westin at The Woodlands
- Hotel ZaZa Museum District
- Hyatt Centric The Woodlands
- Four Seasons Hotel Houston
- Hyatt Regency Conroe
- JW Marriott Houston by the Galleria
- The Laura Hotel, Houston Downtown, Autograph Collection
- Hotel Indigo Spring, Woodlands Area
- Hotel Lucine
- Hilton Americas-Houston
Want to visit more than one? Keep your vacation stress-free and budget-friendly by using ResortPass to book Day Passes at any of the above-mentioned hotels. Instead of paying for a full night’s stay, make it a day trip from San Antonio and enjoy the luxurious resort amenities and facilities.
All that’s left to do now is pack. We hope you have a fabulous time vacationing in Houston. Don’t forget your camera. This is a trip you are going to want to remember forever!
