Places to Visit/Things to Do
“Houston, we have a problem.” – Do you remember that line during the true story movie Apollo 13. The astronauts of the real Apollo 13 were talking to Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center. The NASA center was one of the country’s main spaceflight hubs after it was opened in 1963. Today, over 60 years later, it still remains as one of the main space research centers and training facilities in the country. If you would like to learn more about space and the center’s history, head to the Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston sits next to Johnson Space Center. The facility, which spreads out over 250,000 square feet, teaches visitors with interactive exhibits and interesting artifacts from beyond the earth’s atmosphere. They also offer space and other educational shows, tours, and more. The Space Center Houston is open 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and from 9 am to 7 pm, but hours can change depending on the season. Tickets cost $29.95 for adults, $2 dollars cheaper for seniors, and $24.95 for kids aged 4 to 11. Those younger than 4 can enter for free. Parking will cost you about $5.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular attractions within the Texan city. From dinosaur fossils to sparkling precious stones to hands on chemistry exhibits, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has it all. Not only are there permanent exhibits, but the facility also houses the popular Cockrell Butterfly Center. The only downside to the Cockrell Butterfly Center is the extra price to get in, but many visitors say it is so worth it. If your kids are with you, they will find the butterflies interesting. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm, but certain portions operate at their own hours. Tickets for adults cost $25 and $10 dollars less for students and seniors, as well as kids aged 3 to 11. Those younger than 3 enter for free. If you visit on a Thursday, entrance to the facility is free from 3 to 6 pm.
The Houston Zoo sits among the most popular zoos in North America, with about 2 million visitors each year. The zoo houses over 6,000 animals composed of hundreds of different species and kinds. Aside from regular zoo animals, the Houston Zoo also features a rare albino reptile habitat. Something fun to do in the zoo is the interactive and special activities, such as feeding giraffes and other animals, a play water park, and even a 4-D movie screening. The zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. The only day the zoo is closed is on Christmas Day. Adults are charged $18 to get in, and kids aged 2 to 11 are charged $14. Kids 1 or under are free.
If you enjoy watching baseball, you should head to the Minute Maid Park. Minute Maid Park is the home of MLB’s Houston Astros. The ballgames are always impressive, but the park features more than just a game. The park has fireworks nights and other interesting events. There is also a variety of great ballpark food, from classics like hot dogs and nachos to Astros Melts. This is a “double grilled cheese sandwich with SPAM mean and cheese on Texas toast.” Within the roofed park, there are more than 40,000 seats. If you miss out on the opportunity to catch a game, we recommend you still to take a tour of the amazing park. Tour prices depend on age and the type of tour. If you’re thinking of visiting Minute Maid Park, stay updated with their website for show times and ticket prices.
Hermann Park, which covers almost 450-acres, is one of Houston’s larger urban parks. The expansive park features a variety of activities and attractions, such as a Japanese garden, a natural science museum, a golf course, and more. The park is an amazing place to unwind and relax by taking a stroll through the greenspace. It is also one of Houston’s largest urban parks, which means there is usually plenty going on. Time to time, you’ll find festivals and events in the park. Hermann Park doesn’t have a closing time, so you can enjoy as long as weather permits. There is also no fee to enter the park, but vendors and amenities within can cost you a few bucks.
Best Way to Tour Houston, TX
- The best way to tour the city of Houston (as well as many other cities) is by chartered buses and vans. Explore at your own pace within the safety of your private vehicle. Don’t worry about ordering an Uber or Lyft when you have your own exploration vehicle. Through Prompt Charters, you can order the buses you need. Prompt Charters is an amazing, affordable chartered vehicle company that caters to your every need. Whether you need a bus for school trips, marriages, parties, campaigns, or whatever else, Prompt Charters can help you. Prompt Charters offers buses, mini buses, school buses, party buses, and more. Most activities and destinations listed above and below are accessible by chartered buses. Please visit promptcharters.com to book your rental bus today!
Best Places to Eat/Shop
- The Galleria – The Galleria is truly the largest mall in Houston and one of the largest in Texas. It covers about 2.4 million square feet filled up by over 400 stores. At the large mall, you can find more traditional mall stores as well as upscale designer. From GAP to Chanel and Gucci, you can find everything here.
- River Oaks – The River Oaks Shopping Center is another popular mall. It features a grocery store, a theater to watch all your new favorite movies, plenty of dining options, and quite a few stores.
- Rice Village – Rice Village is an outdoor mall that offers a more relaxed vibe. Although it doesn’t have many stores like the other malls, the 35+ stores you’ll find are more than enough for your needs. There is also a variety of dining options.
- Pappas Bros. Steakhouse – Everyone enjoys a fancy meal once in a while. Enjoy yours today at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, one of the most popular restaurants in Houston. It is rated the #fine dining restaurant in Houston by tripadvisor for 2018.
- The Breakfast Klub – The Breakfast Klub is another popular restaurant in Houston. While it isn’t as fancy as Pappas, you will still find the food excellent. The restaurant is rated the #1 local cuisine restaurant in Houston by tripadvisor in 2018.
Hope you have fun in Houston!