The 2 Best Family Activities in Houston

Welcome to Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest in Texas. Houston is a city that is filled with energy and diversity, offering a unique blend of international culture, Southern charm, and big-city entertainment. There are a wide range of attractions and activities to enjoy in Houston, from world-class museums to family-friendly parks, delicious dining experiences, and lively entertainment venues. Join us as we explore the best attractions and things to do in Houston, where you are guaranteed to have a great time.

The 2 Best Family Activities in Houston

  1. The Houston City Sightseeing Tour
  2. Houston Citypassr

The 2 Best Family Activities in Houston

1. The Houston City Sightseeing Tour

If you’re planning a visit to Houston and want to get a comprehensive introduction to the city, consider taking the Houston City Sightseeing Tour. This private tour is operated with just your party and includes hotel pickup. You’ll ride in a climate-controlled vehicle and enjoy light refreshments as you explore Houston’s most important landmarks, including Minute Maid Park, Market Square, Midtown City Hall, the George Bush Monument, Toyota Center, and the Texas Medical Center. Throughout the tour, your driver-guide will provide informative commentary on the city’s sights. For your safety, safety seats are required by law and can be ordered from the tour company for $20. Make sure to provide your full address when booking, as pickup and drop off is outside central Houston. Gratuities are recommended as customary in the USA.

2. Houston Citypassr

Make the most of your trip to Houston and explore the best attractions the city has to offer with the Houston CityPASS®. With just one ticket, you can visit five major Houston attractions at a significant savings. You’ll get instant delivery of mobile tickets, allowing you to skip the lines and get right to the fun.

Your Houston CityPASS® gives you admission to Space Center Houston including Independence Plaza and the NASA tram tour, plus four more attractions of your choice. You can opt to visit the Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Science or the Houston Zoo. You can also enjoy other attractions like the Kemah Boardwalk, Children’s Museum of Houston or Museum of Fine Arts.

CityPASS® tickets are valid for 9 consecutive days, giving you ample time to experience each attraction at your own pace. This is a great way to save money while visiting Houston’s top attractions and enjoying a variety of exciting experiences. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see some of the best that Houston has to offer!

The Most Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists about Houston

If you’re planning to visit Houston, you might have a lot of questions in your mind about what to do, where to go, and how to get around. Houston is a diverse and dynamic city full of attractions, activities, and events. In this blog post, we’ll try to answer some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Houston.

1. What is Houston famous for?

Houston is famous for many things, including:

  • The Space Center Houston
  • The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
  • The Museum of Fine Arts
  • The Houston Zoo
  • The Houston Rockets and Astros sports teams
  • The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
  • The Buffalo Bayou Park

2. When is the best time to visit Houston?

The best time to visit Houston is from November to April when the weather is mild and comfortable. During this time, you can enjoy outdoor activities and events without the intense heat and humidity of the summer months.

3. What are the best things to do in Houston?

Some of the best things to do in Houston include:

3.1. Visit the Space Center Houston

The Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It’s a world-famous attraction that showcases the history of space exploration and the achievements of the American space program.

3.2. See a Game at Minute Maid Park or the Toyota Center

Houston is home to two major sports teams: the Houston Astros (baseball) and the Houston Rockets (basketball). Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center are both popular venues for live games and events.

3.3. Explore the Houston Museum District

The Houston Museum District is a collection of 19 museums and cultural centers located in the heart of Houston. It’s a great place to learn about art, science, history, and culture.

3.4. Indulge in Tex-Mex Cuisine

Houston is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, a fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors. Try the fajitas, queso dip, and margaritas at local restaurants like Ninfa’s on Navigation and El Tiempo Cantina.

4. Where should I stay in Houston?

There are many great neighborhoods to stay in Houston, depending on your preferences and budget. Some popular options include:

4.1. Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is a bustling area full of restaurants, bars, and attractions. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action.

4.2. The Heights

The Heights is a trendy and historic neighborhood with beautiful homes, shops, and restaurants. It’s a great place to stay if you want a quieter, more residential vibe.

4.3. The Galleria

The Galleria is a shopping and entertainment district with many hotels and restaurants. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to shopping and dining options.

5. How do I get around Houston?

Houston is a sprawling city with many different neighborhoods and attractions, so you’ll need a car or other transportation to get around. Some options include:

5.1. Car rental

Car rental is a convenient option if you want to explore the city on your own. There are many car rental companies located at Houston’s airports and in the downtown area.

5.2. Public transportation

Houston has a public transportation system called METRO that includes buses and trains. It’s an affordable and convenient option for getting around, especially if you’re staying in or near downtown Houston.

5.3. Taxis and ride-sharing services

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in Houston, and they’re a convenient option for getting around if you don’t want to drive.

6. Is Houston a safe city?

Houston is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep yourself and your belongings safe. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep your valuables secure at all times.

7. What is the weather like in Houston?

Houston has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The summer months (June to September) are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the high 90s or even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The winter months (December to February) are mild and comfortable, with temperatures typically ranging from the 50s to the 70s.

8. What is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo?

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is an annual event that takes place in Houston in March. It’s a multi-week celebration of all things Texan, featuring rodeo competitions, live music performances, carnival games, and more. It’s one of the largest rodeo events in the world and a must-see for visitors to Houston.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Houston

Houston is a sprawling metropolis with a diverse range of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy. From world-class museums to delicious food, there’s something for everyone in this bustling city. If you’re planning a trip to Houston and want to make the most of your time, follow this guide for an unforgettable experience.

1. Visit the Houston Space Center

The Houston Space Center is a must-visit attraction for anyone with an interest in space exploration. The center has a range of exhibits, including the actual Apollo 17 command module and a Saturn V rocket, the largest rocket ever flown. Visitors can take a tour of the working space center and learn about the history of space travel. You can also take part in interactive exhibits and ride simulators for an even more immersive experience.

2. Explore the Museum District

The Houston Museum District boasts 19 museums, galleries and cultural centers, many of which offer free admission. Some of the most popular museums include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Museum of Houston. There’s something for everyone in this vibrant district, whether you’re interested in art, history, or science.

3. Eat Some Delicious Tex-Mex

Tex-Mex cuisine is a staple of Houston’s culinary scene, with countless restaurants serving up delicious tacos, enchiladas, and queso dip. Some of the most popular Tex-Mex restaurants include El Tiempo Cantina, Ninfa’s on Navigation, and Hugo’s. Don’t forget to try some of the local beers and margaritas to wash it all down.

4. Visit the Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is a must-visit museum for art lovers, with a stunning collection of more than 17,000 works ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art installations. The museum’s buildings, designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Fitzgerald, are works of art in themselves and offer a calming oasis in the midst of the busy city.

5. Stroll Through the Buffalo Bayou Park

The Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of the city, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The park offers stunning views of Houston’s skyline and plenty of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Don’t miss the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, where you can see thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats take to the air at sunset.

6. Catch a Game at Minute Maid Park

Houston is a sports-crazy city, and there’s no better place to catch a game than Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros baseball team. The park offers stunning views of the downtown skyline and a range of food and drink options, including local craft beers and classic ballgame snacks like hot dogs and peanuts.

7. Visit the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with over 6,000 animals across more than 900 species. Highlights include the African Forest exhibit, featuring gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates, and the Kipp Aquarium, with over 2,000 aquatic animals. The zoo is also actively involved in conservation efforts and offers educational programs for visitors of all ages.

8. Shop at The Galleria

The Galleria is Houston’s premier shopping destination, with over 400 stores and restaurants including high-end luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. The mall also has an ice-skating rink, a children’s play area, and a range of dining options from fast food to fine dining.

9. Enjoy the Nightlife in Midtown

Midtown is one of Houston’s hottest nightlife districts, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some of the most popular spots include Axelrad Beer Garden, Mongoose vs. Cobra, and Barbarella Houston. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening with a coffee or a night out on the town, Midtown has something for everyone.

10. Take a Day Trip to Galveston Island

If you’re looking to escape the city for a day, head to Galveston Island, just an hour’s drive from Houston. The island boasts beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and a range of attractions including the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier and the Seawolf Park and USS Cavalla Museum.

Conclusion

Houston is a vibrant city with a range of activities and attractions for tourists to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in space travel, art, food, or nightlife, Houston has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip and make the most of your time in this bustling metropolis.

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The 2 Best Family Activities in Houston