The Top 4 Days Out in Houston

Looking for that something special to do when you take a trip to Houston – well here we are going to preview four of the top rated attractions for a family day out which will help you plan your trip and show you what is on offer.

Houston Space Center

The Houston Space Center is repeatedly ranked as the top tourist and visitor attraction in Houston.  The Center allows visitors to get to grips with what it is really like to become an astronaut and where else are you likely to get firsthand knowledge and advice from a real live astronaut?

The exhibits are usually interactive and hands-on and will appeal to all ages but children in particular are going to be engaged all day in what is a very interesting and highly educational learning experience.  You can learn about the very early origins of rocket development, the NASA Space Program which first put men into space and then on the Moon and is now a key component of the International Space Station.  You can also see what tomorrow has in store with the preparations and training for manned missions to Mars.

The Battle of San Jacinto Battleground and Museum

Texas was not always a part of the United States, it actually belonged to Mexico who sought to reassert their rights against settlers in what had become known as the Runaway Scrape territory in what is now modern Texas.  Santa Anna invaded the territory and sought to remove settlers and impose Mexican direct rule on the territory but a revolutionary army of Texans was formed under General Sam Houston who eventually defeated the Mexican army decisively at the Battle of San Jacinto resulting in the capture of Santa Anna and the annexation of Texas by the United States and paving the way for westward expansion of the US to the Pacific shores.

The battlefield site also includes the Battleship Texas floating museum which is formed by the last of the dreadnoughts, The Texas and is also the very first floating museum made from a decommissioned US military warship.

The Houston Museum District

Houston is a vibrant and very fast growing metropolis and has been since it was first formed as a planned city in 1837.  With the abundant wealth that has been produced and the multi-cultural population that has been attracted to this great city has come a huge interest in the arts, history and appreciation of culture generally with the patrons to support the activities.  Houston is one of the world’s global cities precisely because of its standing in cultural terms and has an international reputation for art and natural sciences and not just oil and cowboys.

There are 18 museums comprising the district and more than 11 are completely free the entire year.

American Cowboy Museum

The American Cowboy Museum is based on a ranch at Alameda on the outskirts of Houston and here you can spend a day or longer learning the ropes as a cowboy.  There are plenty of activities to get involved with and all of the family can enjoy a thoroughly enjoyable (and tiring) day out in the open countryside exploring the rich heritage and traditions of Texan cowboys.

The Best Museums in Houston

Houston is one of the largest metropolis’ in the United States and has a long cultural history given its huge wealth and multicultural diversity.  Many people fail to understand just what a culturally diverse city Houston truly is until they discover the reality for themselves and here we are going to take a look at some of the best museums in Houston providing one of the very best and interesting days out for you and your family when you come to visit.

Houston Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is a playground for the mind with the young and young at heart firmly set as its focus.  The Children’s Museum provides a very wide range of interactive exhibits for children to actually touch and play with as they go through one of the most interesting and educational experiences Houston has to offer.

The itinerary changes as the museum adapts its exhibits to the changing seasons and you should always check well in advance of your trip for events that are being held as they tend to be sold out and latecomers sorely disappointed.

Museum of Fine Art

The Museum of Fine Art also is home to the Glassell School of Art and is home to one of the largest fine art collections in the world.  There is a varied program of events and educational activities held throughout the year and you should consult with the museum well in advance of your visit to avoid missing out on their high in demand events.  The museum plays host to tremendously important collections of early Native American art as well as housing one of the most important collections of European art outside Europe or within the United States.

The garden also provides a focus for visitors and there are numerous evening and social events planned around the museum calendar.

The Health Museum

Houston is one of the world’s leading centers for medical research and the Health Museum forms part of the world renowned Texas Medical Center.  Here you can explore the medical advances which have taken place allowing us to live longer and healthier lives than ever before while looking at the research that is being carried out to find cures for illnesses that still plague mankind.

Children and families can enjoy what is a thoroughly interesting day out which includes many interactive exhibits as well as organized play sessions for younger visitors.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is home to one of the greatest collections of exhibits featuring the natural world, archaeology and continuing research in the world.  Currently the world famous Bodyworks exhibition is being featured and a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a real family treat with a day of enjoying fascinating exhibitions from around the world rounded off with an evening at the IMAX theater which has a busy schedule of films for all the family.

Again you are advised to make sure you check with the museum regarding the special events that are planned throughout the year and which are frequently fully booked; do not be disappointed by arriving in Houston only to find you cannot get a ticket to an event – the museum is extremely popular both with visitors and residents alike and has a very heavy school visitor program.