Splendid Houston Adventure: 5 Days of Family Fun
Discover family fun in the heart of Houston.
19 July 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
A family-friendly trip to Houston, United States offers a plethora of exciting activities. Start off by exploring the Space Center Houston to learn about space exploration and even catch a glimpse of real spaceships. Next, visit the Houston Zoo, where you can marvel at diverse wildlife and participate in interactive exhibits. Finally, take a relaxing stroll through the stunning Hermann Park, which features beautiful gardens, playgrounds, and a miniature train ride, making it the perfect spot for family bonding.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into Hotel Z, where vibrant colors and funky decor bring cheer to your stay.
- Take a stroll through Discovery Green, a lively urban oasis with whimsical sculptures and splash fountains.
- Dive into the weird and wonderful world of the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where dinosaurs and gems await your curious eyes.
- Indulge in a delicious Tex-Mex feast at El Tiempo Cantina, where the sizzling fajitas will make your taste buds dance to a spicy rhythm.
- End the day with a bang by catching a show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre, where the enchanting open-air setting adds an extra sprinkle of magic.
- Blast off to Space Center Houston and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of NASA's missions.
- Take the tram tour to Johnson Space Center and get a glimpse of the astronauts training for their celestial adventures.
- Embark on a simulated spacewalk at the Astronaut Gallery, proving once and for all that you've got the right stuff.
- Grab a cosmic lunch at Zero-G Diner, where the food defies gravity and the milkshakes are out of this world.
- Unleash your inner astronaut by experiencing the weightlessness of the Moonwalk Bungee Trampoline, a thrilling extraterrestrial adventure.
- Wander through the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and be mesmerized by masterpieces spanning centuries and continents.
- Dive into the quirky world of the Art Car Museum, where flamboyant vehicles transformed into art installations will capture your imagination.
- Have a surreal lunch at Catacomb Coffee, a hidden gem inside an old funeral home, where the ambiance is delightfully quirky.
- Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Buffalo Bayou, taking in the skyline views and spotting playful wildlife.
- Catch a theatrical performance at the Alley Theatre, where talented actors transport you to imaginary realms with their artistry.
- Start the day with a visit to the Houston Zoo, where you can meet an array of exotic and endangered animals.
- Picnic by the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park, a tranquil oasis featuring serene ponds and vibrant foliage.
- Put on your boots and head to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where cowboys dazzle with daring feats and country music fills the air.
- Savor a mouthwatering barbecue dinner at The Pit Room, where smoky flavors and tender meats reign supreme.
- Go stargazing at the George Observatory, located in Brazos Bend State Park, for an otherworldly experience under the night sky.
- Immerse yourself in the charm of historic Galveston Island, just a short drive from Houston.
- Take a leisurely stroll along the historic Strand district, lined with charming Victorian-era buildings housing unique boutiques and souvenir shops.
- Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at Gaido's, a Galveston institution famous for its Gulf Coast fish and shrimp specialties.
- Relax on Galveston's beautiful beach, building sandcastles and soaking up the sun.
- Head back to Houston in the evening and bid a delightful farewell to the city that never fails to surprise and charm its visitors.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Houston by plane is to fly into William P. Hobby Airport or George Bush Intercontinental Airport. There are numerous direct flights from major cities in the United States and international destinations.
Car
Driving is a great option for getting to Houston, especially if you're coming from nearby cities such as Austin, San Antonio or New Orleans. The major highways that connect Houston to other cities include I-10, I-610, and I-45.
Train
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service to Houston. However, Amtrak's Sunset Limited route stops in San Antonio, about four hours away from Houston by car, where you can then take a bus or rent a car to get to Houston.
Boat
Houston has a major port which is frequently used by cruise lines that sail to the Caribbean and Mexico. If you're planning to arrive by boat, you can dock at the Bayport Cruise Terminal or the Port of Galveston, both of which are within easy driving distance of Houston.
Bus
Several bus companies operate frequent trips to Houston from major cities across the United States, including Greyhound and MegaBus. Houston's main bus station is at 2121 Main Street, downtown Houston.