If you are looking for unique and fun experiences, Houston is home to a wealth of activities and interesting sights. The city offers things to do for outdoors enthusiasts, families and lovers of art.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.JOHNSON SPACE CENTRE – SPACE CENTER HOUSTON
The center opened in 1963 as NASA’s human spaceflight hub, it still operates as one of the country’s major space centres. Visitors can explore its space artifacts and interactive exhibits as well as learn about the human spaceflight program. Other attractions include science and space shows, displays of shuttle launches, exhibits of space suites, Mission Control tours and a Starship Gallery full of artifacts.
2.HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
The museum offers a variety of permanent exhibits from fossils in the paleontology hall to sparkling emeralds, rubies and sapphires in the gem vault to interactive exhibits in the chemistry hall.
3.CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
For the little ones up to 35 months the Tot*Spot with its mirrors and a ball and pillow pit is just the place to visit. Invention Convention, a mini engineering workshop, or EcoStation, an indoor/outdoor area where kids can do everything from bug collecting to leaf rubbings is ideal for the older kids. At the FlowWorks the kids can play water games and stand in the middle of an 18 foor Cauldron or visit the Kidtropolis a mini city for kids.
4.HOLOCAUST MUSEUM
The museum displays everything from film footage taken during World War II and inside the concentration camps to a 1942 railcar for transporting victims. The museum also tells of the resistance efforts, and displays a Danish fishing boat that rescued more than 7,000 Danish Jews from their deaths.
5.ART CAR MUSEUM
The museum affectionately known as the “Garage Mahal” is filled with ornately painted and decorated vehicles opened in 1998. Featuring an array of different automobiles ranging from low riders and hippie vans to derby racers and police cruisers. There are bejeweled cars, painted cars and some outfitted with additional intricate art installations. The museum also houses rotating modern art, photography and sculpture exhibits.
6.DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
Sprawling spot for sea life, including touch pools, shark tank & displays of aquatic ecosystems. Home to over 200 species of aquatic life from around the world and 500,000 US gallons of aquariums.
7. THE HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
It is a fun-filled, 19day event that brings the whole city out to celebrate in February or March. There are carnival rides, games, food stands, rodeo events, music events in the evenings and enough entertainment to keep you busy indefinitely. Also see some of the finest farm animals on display at the Livestock Show.
8.TWILIGHT EPIPHANY SKYSCAPE
The Twilight Epiphany Skyscpe was installed at Rice University by the artist James Turrel. There are two free "light shows" a day, but the structure is enchanting between shows, too. Tranquil and meditative, Twilight Epiphany is among the best public art in the city.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- The Menil Collection
- The Galleria
- Rothko Chapel
- Contemporary Arts Museum
- Houston Center of Contemporary Craft
- Lawndale Art Center
- Houston Museum of American Culture
- Rice University Campus and Gallery
- Houston Center of Photography
- Houston Zoo
- Czech Center Museum Houston
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park
- Hermann Park
- Miller Outdoor Theatre
- Japanese Garden
- Pioneer Memorial
- Log House Museum
- Arboretum and Nature Center
- Market Square Park
- Zuma Fun Center
The best way to get around Houston is by metro, taxi and car.
The best time to visit Houston is February through April, and late October & November. The weather is perfect during these months while it's not so pretty in other parts of the country.
