There's no better travel destination for space enthusiasts to visit than Houston, TX. In this trip we'll explore space but land and sea as well.
Houston is a tourist-oriented city, making staying in Houston very budget friendly from accommodations to dining. My dad was stationed in Houston and San Antonio and trust me, you want to schedule your trip in the early spring or fall if you don't want the soles of your shoes to melt on the pavement! Houston during peak tourist season is extremely hot, humid and often, wet. In early spring or fall temperatures are considerably more tolerable and the cost of everything comes down somewhat.
We planned a 10 day trip in September and the weather and temperatures were great. So were the prices by taking advantage of the many discounts and deals Houston had to offer.
We've planned this trip itinerary primarily for families with children, that are on a budget.
Purchase a Houston CityPass. It saved us $120. The current price is $79 if you purchase directly from Houston CityPass.
We purchased ours from Get Your Guide for $72, saving us an additional $14 on our passes.
The CityPass covers your admission to the Houston Space Center, plus you choose an additional 4 attractions you want to see:
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Houston Zoo
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Houston Children's Museum
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Houston Museum of Natural Science
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Kemah Boardwalk
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Museum of Fine Arts
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Downtown Aquarium
If you're going to follow this trip itinerary choose the Houston Zoo, the Children's Museum, the Kemah Boardwalk, and the Museum of Natural Science as your other 4 attractions.
Dining out during a vacation can add up very quickly. However, a number of Houston area restaurants off FREE Kids Eat Free and/or discounted meals for kids. Taking advantage of these discounts can save you a bundle on dining out.
Kids Eat Free Houston: Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | Special Days or Occasions
Kids Eat Free Houston: Galveston | Houston Heights | Katy | Pearland
Houston has over 20 distinct museums, with the majority concentrated within the Museum District. Many of them offer FREE museum days where you pay no admittance fee to tour the museum.
Children's Museum Houston - Museum District
Free admission: Free Family Night is every Thursday from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm.
We recommend you book your tickets in advance (available two days prior), as availability is very limited.
The Health Museum - Museum District
Free admission: Free Family Thursday is every Thursday from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Holocaust Museum Houston - Museum District
Free admission: Thursdays and certain holidays from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm (kids ages 18 and under are always free).
Houston Museum of Natural Science - Museum District
Free admission: Tuesdays from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Houston Zoo - Museum District
Free admission: Free general admission is available all day on the first Tuesday of each month.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston - Museum District
Free admission: All day on Thursdays (ages 12 and under are always free).
Better suited to adults.
Czech Center Museum Houston - Museum District
Free admission: Every Thursday from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm (ages 5 and under are always free).
Galveston Children's Museum - Galveston
Free admission: The second Thursday of each month from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.
Houston is definitely a city where you want to rent a car if you plan on exploring areas outside of downtown, given how big Houston is. You can compare car rental prices here.
As far as public transportation goes, METRO is the most commonly used public transportation. A new RideMETRO Fare Card is replacing the METRO Q® Fare Card, and an updated RideMETRO app is replacing the Q Ticketing app for mobile fare payments.
You can create an account here that will allow you to do everything on your cell phone.
The more often you ride, the more money you save. With their 1-for-10 loyalty program, you earn one free ride after every 10 paid rides when paying with a physical or virtual RideMETRO Fare Card.
Check out their All About Fares page!
Of course, Houston has taxis, Uber and Lyft but these will be your most costly options.
Houston offers a variety of FREE walking tours:
Walking Tour Houston: Join a journey through Houston's past and present, exploring the city's history, architecture, and street art. This tour is tip-based, allowing you to pay what you wish.
GuruWalk: Offers unique free tours in Houston, with guides like John providing deep knowledge and entertaining storytelling.
Houston On Foot: Hosts a free two-hour walking tour detailing the history and architecture of Hermann Park, Museum District and more.
Civitatis: Provides a free walking tour of Houston, exploring the city's origins and evolution among skyscrapers and Art Deco buildings.
Downtown Houston Walking Tours: Covers the Historic District, Main Street, parts of the Skyline District, and the Theater District, with a leisurely stroll of 1.2 miles over two hours.
Houston is divided into neighborhoods. If you're a first time visitor then I recommend you reserve your accommodations in the Downtown District or the Museum District.
Map credit: The Lemming
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Best Location – Marriott Marquis Houston
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Best Luxury – The Post Oak Hotel
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Best for Families – Hotel ZaZa Museum District
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Best for Business – Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Energy Corridor
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Best Budget – Tru by Hilton Downtown Convention Center
Best Downtown Hotels: Marriott Marquis Houston • Tru by Hilton Downtown Convention Center • The Lancaster Hotel • Hilton Americas • Hotel Icon
Best Museum District Hotels: Hotel ZaZa • Hotel Saint Augustine • La Colombe d’Or hotel • The Westin Houston Medical Center – Museum District
Best Galleria Hotels: The Houstonian • The Post Oak Hotel • The Omni • The Westin Oaks Galleria
Best Heights Hotels: Sara’s Inn • Courtyard by Marriott Houston Heights • Holiday Inn Express and Suites North Downtown
Best Clear Lake Hotels: • Hilton NASA Clear Lake • Great Wolf Lodge • Boardwalk Inn • South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center • Courtyard By Marriott NASA Clear Lake
Best Energy Corridor Hotels: Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Energy Corridor • Hilton Garden Inn Energy Corridor • Hyatt Regency Houston West • Staybridge Suites Houston West – Energy Corridor
Best Sugar Land Hotels: Houston Marriott Sugar Land • TownePlace Suites by Marriott Stafford Sugar Land • Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Stafford NW – Sugar Land • Hyatt Place Sugar Land
Best The Woodlands Hotels: Hyatt Centric The Woodlands • The Woodlands Waterway Marriott • The Westin at The Woodlands • Embassy Suites by Hilton The Woodlands • The Woodlands Resort
Best Asiatown Hotels: Champions Club and Hotel • Double Tree by Hilton Westchase • Home2Suites Westchase • Springhill Suites by Marriott Westchase • ACP Hotel Houston Westchase by Sonesta
Money $aving Tip: The Hilton Americas-Houston is offering a 15% discount on attractions and experiences through GetYourGuide. This offer is available for stays booked online through December 31, 2026 and is subject to availability. The discount can be redeemed for a top attraction, event, or excursion of your choice.
For you RV'ers: We found a nice RV park near Houston Space Center - JetStream RV Park.
Jetstream RV Resort at NASA is a luxurious RV park located just south of Houston, Texas, near the NASA
Space Center. It offers 202 full hookup RV sites, along with several upscale amenities across its 23 acres.
The resort is conveniently located 15 minutes from the Space Center, a half-hour from downtown Houston, and less than 40 minutes from Galveston.
It caters to both short-term and long-term guests with daily, weekly, and monthly rates available. The resort features spacious RV sites with full hookups, a resort-style pool, a beer garden, an outdoor cooking area, and a spacious clubhouse with an arcade room, kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Our nightly rate was $65 but we took advantage of a 30% discount on weekly stays for 7 nights or more so our price for 12 nights came to roughly $546.
Morning: Breakfast at the Breakfast Klub. 3711 Travis St, Houston
As you can see in the photo at right, Breakfast Klub is a very popular breakfast joint between locals and tourists alike.
Be prepared to wait in line to get in!
It's worth the wait to get in. The food is phenomenal.
Enjoy breakfast from 7 am until 2pm Mon-Fri.
Wednesday
Spend the rest of your day continuing your tour of the Houston Space Center. The Houston CityPass allows you to enter the Houston Space Center for up to 9 consecutive days from the date of your first use so you don't need to purchase a second admission ticket for Day 2 at the Center.
Although pricey, you do have the option of booking an Astronaut Experience that are available on some Fridays and select Saturdays throughout the month, if you want to make your second visit to the Space Center on one of those days.
Breakfast With An
Astronaut
Saturdays & select Fridays | 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Approx. 1 hour
Adults $99.95
Children (ages 4-11) $79.95
Experience a glimpse into the space program from an astronaut’s perspective while enjoying a delicious breakfast catered by Wolfgang Puck Catering. After the
presentation, join in a Q&A session with the veteran space explorer. Attendees will receive a personalized photograph from our guest astronaut.
The Breakfast with an Astronaut menu includes: fresh fruit, soft scrambled eggs with herbs*, traditional hash brown potatoes with sweet onion and chive butter*, boneless buttermilk fried chicken breast*, waffles*, and pastries*. Beverages include juice, coffee, and water. There are no menu substitutions.
Breakfast with an Astronaut tickets include general admission to Space Center Houston. Discovery Circle members receive additional discounts on tickets.
The other astronaut experience is Astronaut Mission Memories.
Saturdays & Fridays | 11:30 a.m. & 1:20 p.m.
Mission Briefing Center | Approx. 45 minutes
Every Friday and Saturday, a NASA astronaut shares some of their mission memories with guests at Space Center Houston at 11:30 a.m. and 1:20 p.m.
Join us for this 45-minute space exploration journey as an astronaut recounts stories of their time preparing for traveling to and exploring space!
Check this schedule to learn more about the astronauts and when they will be speaking.
Astronaut Mission Memories are included in general admission to Space Center Houston.
Evening: Dinner at Feges BBQ. 8217 Long Point Rd, Houston.
The original Feges BBQ in Spring Branch is a destination for anyone seeking some of the best Texas BBQ and chef-driven comfort food in Houston. With a robust menu, bar options, weekly specials, and a spacious patio, this family-friendly restaurant has become a neighborhood staple and a must-visit stop for barbecue fans from across the state.
Guests can enjoy everything from classic smoked brisket and ribs to inventive sides, seasonal specials, and
a weekly Wednesday perk where kids (12 & under) eat free from 5–8 PM. Each meal comes with a choice of one side dish and a cookie to complete the dining experience.
There's plenty of menu offerings for adults and kids alike.
For adults after dinner: Cap off your evening with a nightcap at Roswell's Saloon. 1417 Westheimer Rd
Houston.
Photo credit: Roswell Saloon
Roswell's Saloon, an out-of-this-world cocktail bar nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Montrose, boasts a two-story, mesmerizing blend of retro vibes and futuristic elements. The space comes alive with an explosion of blacklight neon reminiscent of the mid-2000s laser tag arcades. Prepare to be captivated by the cocktail experience at Roswell's Saloon. Indulge in their creatively crafted libations, served in round glassware adorned with captivating prints of gaseous planets and other delightfully odd shapes. Each drink is a work of art, as the skilled mixologists expertly blend flavors and textures to create a sensory journey that is both visually stunning and taste-bud-tingling. Roswell's Saloon offers more than just drinks; it invites you to embark on a playful adventure through the galaxy of flavors, where every sip is a delightful surprise.
HOURS
7pm-2am 7 days/week
Get settled in your accommodations, then begin to explore downtown Houston.
There are several FREE walking tours listed above you can take advantage of
or you can do what we did and book a 90 minute hop on hop off bus tour.
Money $aving Tip: Get Your Guide promo code discounts.
Monday
Cute space themed Mexican restaurant with really good tacos like the Galaxy Trio below. $19.99
Very expansive menu and you can also preorder online.
HOURS
Monday - Wednesday: 11 am to 9 pm
Thursday: 11 am to 12 am
Friday & Saturday: 11 am to 1 am
Sunday: Closed
Burria is ranked among the top restaurants in Houston for its burria tacos.
Our walk around Houston eventually brought us to Discovery Green park in the middle of Houston.
Discovery Green is an 11.78-acre public urban park in Downtown Houston that's just fantastic and family oriented. It has bumper boats and kayaks in the boat basin, Screen on the Green movies at night on the lawn, a playground for the kids, concerts, 2 dog runs, fitness classes and so much more.
We took a stroll on its solar system walkway, which forms the heart of the park and offers a 360 degree view of Houston's skyline.
Discovery Green solar walkway
The park is powered by 250 solar panels, contributing to its sustainability efforts.
Discovery Green also holds a variety of events. For example, last November astronomers from Houston Astronomical Society gave a 3 hour solar system demonstration with free software you could use. Then, telescopes were made available to help you gaze into the sky.
We noted they also had a roller rink that you could skate after dark until 10 or 11 pm.
Admission was only $14 per person and that price included your skate rental.
Discovery Green roller skating rink
Money $aving Tips for Discovery Green Roller Rink:
Cheap Skate Nights: On select Mondays, skate for just $8 plus tax (includes skate rental).
First 50 Skaters Free: The first 50 skaters in line can skate for free.
Forever Green Members: Members can skate for free from 5–7 p.m.
College Students: College students with valid school ID receive a $2 discount on admission.
First Responders and Military: First responders and military members show a valid ID receive a $2 discount per ticket for up to five people.
Admittance to Discovery Green is FREE. The park is open daily from 6 am until 11 pm.
Evening: For families with kids, eat dinner at BuffBurger. 1014 Wirt Rd #220, Houston.
Purchase any adult meal on Monday or Tuesday and your kid’s meal is FREE. Valid all day and dine-in only.
Great variety of burgers that are ENORMOUS in size. All burgers are hand-crafted smash burgers using the finest, freshest, all-natural ingredients and cooked to order the true Texan way. All of their burgers range in price between $10 and $14 apiece, very reasonable especially given the size of their burgers.
For couple or families with kids 12 or older:
You'll need reservations made in advance for this - Dining in the Dark. 927 Studewood St, Houston.
Ever wondered what it is like to eat in the dark? Dining in the Dark is a gastronomical experience that invites you to explore the full potential of your taste buds in a uniquely entertaining atmosphere. While blindfolded, you’ll enjoy delectable surprise dishes and feast on a curated 3-course meal without using your sight, thereby enhancing your other senses.
You choose from 3 different "secret" menus - Green vegetarian/vegan,
Blue seafood or Red Asian meat & veggies.
All are 3 course meals consisting of a starter, a main course and dessert.
We never laughed so hard...as were of all the diners around us. The food was phenomenal, the waitstaff top notch. And eating blindfolded isn't easy!
Dining in the Dark is held at Mastarantos restaurant. 927 Studewood St #100, Houston. You must have made previous reservations/tickets for Dining in the Dark.
After dinner we returned to Discovery Green to do some roller skating. After sitting for such a long drive to Houston it felt good to exercise our legs.
If you don't have Houston CityPass, you must have your advance admission tickets purchased in advance of arriving in Houston. There's a bit to making your reservations and buying your tickets.
Tuesday
Space Center Houston is really two attractions in one. First, it’s a Smithsonian affiliate museum, which is home to a fantastic array of exhibits about space travel and exploration. This covers the past, present and future of space travel, and there’s a huge amount to see and do here.
Space Center Houston is also the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center. This is a fully operational NASA facility where human spaceflight training and research takes place. It’s also the home of NASA’s Mission Control facility.
As part of the entry ticket to the Space Center, you can take a guided tram tour of the Space Center and some of the key facilities. There are actually 4 different tram tours you can take and different ways to get your boarding passes for them. Read this tram info page for complete information!
The Astronaut Training Facility tram tour, the George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park Tour, and the NASA Campus tram tour is included in your general admission ticket. The Mission Control Tour is a $15 upgrade on your general admission ticket.
These tram tours are an additional cost and must be booked in advance of your visit when you purchase general admission online.
The tram tours are the most popular attraction at the Space Center, so you want to get to the Center by the time it opens and do your tram tour first thing to avoid long lines later on.
Bring a rain poncho along as Houston weather can be unpredictable. You can be wet, hot and humid all at the same time and the trams are open to the weather.
Plan on spending at least a full day at Space Center Houston, there's that much to see and do. I'm scheduling 2 days to see the Space Center so you don't have to rush through seeing everything.
Among the attractions you'll see:
INDEPENDENCE PLAZA
Independence Plaza is the area right outside the main entrance to the Space Center, where you'll see a Boeing 747 with a replica of the space shuttle sitting on top of it.
Begin your journey through the shuttle era by taking the elevator to the top of Independence Plaza to explore the shuttle replica Independence. The first stop is the flight deck, where you will see how the astronauts piloted the orbiter during missions.
One floor down, experience how cramped living conditions were on the mid-deck and walk out into the payload bay to see an actual flown artifact from STS-49, a satellite rescue mission in which three people from the same spacecraft walked in space at the same time.
STARSHIP GALLERY
The Starship Gallery includes the Apollo 17 Command Module, Mercury 9 "Faith 7", Gemini V, Skylab 1-G Trainer, Lunar Samples Vault, Lunar Rover Trainer, a Launch and Entry Suit, Lunar Module LTA-8 and a special Lectern. How many of you are old enough to remember JFK's "Put a man on the moon" speech?
This is the lectern he gave that speech at.
Another attraction that I found interesting was Gene Kranz' Apollo 17 vest.
If you saw the movie Apollo 13, then you already know about the vests Kranz' wife would make him to wear for good luck during each of the space missions. They must've held up their end of the good luck deal as Kranz and his coworkers managed to get the Apollo 13 astronauts home alive.
Also on display is the Apollo 13 Lithium Hydroxide Canister that kept the astronauts alive vs. breathing their own carbon dioxide, that was cobbled together only from what they had aboard their capsule - including one of their socks.
The lunar module was about to run out of carbon dioxide scrubbers when the NASA engineers were presented with this problem and came up with the solution at left.
Yet more exhibits include test ejection seats, the Apollo-Soyuz Docking Module Trainer, Goddard Rocket, and
Explorer 1.
SPACESUIT COLLECTION
Exhibits include Pete Conrad Apollo 12 Suit, Michael Collins Apollo 11 Garment, Wally Schirra Apollo 7 Suit,
John Young STS-1 Suit, Judy Resnik's T-38 Flight Suit, Sally Ride's Shuttle Inflight Overalls, Deke Slayton's ASTP Pressure Suit, Kathryn Sullivan's Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit, Paul Weitz Skylab Cooling Garment, and the MARK III (MK-3) Suit.
Artemis Exhibit
MISSION MARS
Discover what it takes to travel to Mars, what hardware will get us to the fourth planet in our solar system and how humans may live on the red planet in the next few decades in our new interactive exhibit, Mission Mars.
INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION GALLERY
The International Space Station Gallery at Space Center Houston provides a dynamic look inside the space station – from interactive live shows to a Robonaut and even actual flown space station artifacts.
The recently updated exhibit brings state-of-the-art science and technology to Earth in an interactive experience. Explore unique technologies on the ISS to discover how research in low-Earth orbit is changing life on our home planet.
MISSION BRIEFING CENTER
Hear NASA mission updates in our Mission Briefing Center, learn how astronauts live aboard the International Space Station in our Living in Space presentation, relive NASA’s historic journey in Destiny Theater, and watch a space documentary on one of the largest screens in Texas.
Those are just a few of the exhibits you'll see at the Space Center. I almost forgot...you can also touch a moon rock and a meteor from Mars.
Dining at the Space Center
The food court within the Space Center is called the Food Lab.
There are 7 different eateries within the Food Lab.
Skip the line by ordering via your mobile device–they now offer mobile ordering for on-site guests through Eatify. Place and submit payment for your order through Eatify and you’ll receive a text when it’s ready for pickup.
For convenience's sake, we used this option and ate lunch at
Velocity Grill. The food was okay but we found the prices to be high as expected.
You can leave the center for lunch and re-enter it on that same day by showing your admittance ticket if you wish.
Evening: For dinner we'll go where the astronauts hang out - Frenchies. 1041 and Nasa Pkwy, Houston
As you may have gathered from the video, Frenchie's is where the NASA astronauts eat. The walls are chock full of NASA memorabilia including photos of the astronauts, signed by the astronauts themselves.
One of those pieces is a signed moon photo from late Apollo astronaut Alan Bean, who wrote how much he missed Frenchie's food in space.
"Frankie, this was a fun place, but the food wasn't as good as Frenchies," the message from Bean states.
The owner, Francesco Camera, followed his sister from Italy after she married a NASA engineer... and eventually opened Frenchie's near the Space Center, which quickly became a favorite of NASA astronauts.
Frenchie's serves authentic Italian dishes that are homemade, even the pasta. The food is AMAZING!
Rooftop Cinema Club
If you like, after dinner see a flick at the Rooftop Cinema Club in uptown Houston.
1700 Post Oak Blvd, Houston.
Rooftop Cinema Club: Located at BLVD Place, this unique venue offers a cinematic experience with skyline views and wireless headphones for high-quality audio. It features a variety of films, including cult classics and family-friendly options.
Transportation & parking: Free parking is available on the 4th and 5th floors of the Blvd Place parking garage. The best entrance to the parking structure is on the south side of the garage, off Blvd Place Street, next to North Italia restaurant. If you are arriving via rideshare, the drop off point is off Post Oak Blvd by the elevator to the left of the Whole Foods garage entrance.
Getting to the rooftop: The cinema is on the 5th level of the Blvd Place parking garage, just above Whole Foods. From the ground floor, take the elevator to the left of the Whole Foods garage entrance on Post Oak Blvd. Once in the elevator, head to the 5th level, where way-finding signs will guide you to the cinema.
There are 2 different types of seating at this venue: an Adirondack chair for one or a double-width Adirondack loveseat for two.
Tickets range from $11 to $40 depending on seating section, seating type, ticket inclusions and time of day.
Money $aving Tips: Active, retired and family of military, 15% off with voucher code UptownMilitary2026. Must provide proof of military service.
Others: down in the bottom left of your screen you'll see a tab that says Get 10% OFF. Click on that tab to get a popup window that will give you 10% off your tickets.
Thursday
Morning: Have breakfast at Barnaby's. 1701 S Shepherd Dr, Houston. (The River Oaks location)
Barnaby's Cafe is a charming restaurant that offers a variety of services and features to its customers.
Known for its outdoor seating and great coffee, this cafe is popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Customers appreciate the fast service and great dessert options available. The atmosphere at Barnaby's Cafe is described as casual and cozy, making it a comfortable dining spot for families.
BREAKFAST is served Tues - Fri : 7am - 10:30am and
Sat & Sun : 8am - 11am
From Barnaby's take a 25 minute, 9 mile drive to the Port of Houston, 7300 Clinton Drive, Houston, TX.
The Port of Houston offers a FREE leisurely, 90-minute round-trip, educational tour along the Houston Ship Channel on the boat, M/V Sam Houston (above). Aboard you'll learn more about the port and maritime industry.
Embarking from Port Houston’s Sam Houston Landing, visiting sightseers aboard the M/V Sam Houston can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal. The 95-ft. vessel holds up to 100 passengers and features air-conditioned lounge seating, as well as standing room outside on the boat’s deck.
The Sam Houston Boat Tour is open for online reservations, at this time, booking for tour reservations is only available on a weekly basis. Make a reservation here.
Reservations are required to board the Sam Houston Boat Tour. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about a tour date, please contact the Sam Houston team at 713-670-2631.
After your boat ride, take a walk around the land portion of the port. If you get a chance to see a cargo ship being loaded, take a few minutes to watch them load it. It's pretty interesting how they go about it!
Have lunch at Seafarer's Landing Restaurant located inside the Houston International Seafarers Center.
9750 High Level Road, Houston
The Seafarers Landing Restaurant is owned and operated by Executive Chef Ron Collins and his wife, Margaret Lucas.
Hours: 6 AM to 2 PM, Monday – Friday. However, you want to be back to your next destination by 2 pm or thereabouts.
Houston Health Museum
Free Family Thursday is every Thursday from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm. so you'll tour this museum for FREE.
This event is a great opportunity for families to explore interactive science learning and engage with the medical sciences and human body.
Tickets for Free Family Thursday must be reserved online in advance, as the Museum operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The event includes various activities such as the DeBakey Cell Lab and live organ dissection demonstrations. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the Health Museum's official website.
Tickets for Free Family Thursday will be available every Monday at 10:00 am for the current week only. Reservations can only be made for the current week and cannot be made in advance for future dates.
Kids were especially interested in the Amazing Body Gallery - a larger-than-life walking tour through the human body to learn more about how your major organs work in this permanent exhibit. This exhibit includes approximately 30 interactive video and audio kiosks that invite guests to pose interesting questions about human anatomy and health information.
Evening: Have dinner at what I consider to be one of the best restaurants in Houston - Grace's.
3111 Kirby Dr, Houston.
We;re partial to restaurants that make us feel welcome and at home from the minute we walk in the door to the minute we leave. Grace's certainly filled that bill!
The atmosphere was an enticing balance between upscale and casual.
The service was nothing short of outstanding, the waitstaff making sure our every want and need was met the entire time we were there.
The food was delicious! Everything tasted fresh and there was plenty of variety on the menu for us to choose from.
My favorite cake is carrot cake and Grace's was some of the best carrot cake I've ever had.
The Shrimp Stuffed Poblano (right) was nothing to sneeze at either - phenomenal!
Roasted pepper stuffed with shrimp and smoked provolone served with rice and a crawfish cream sauce. $33.59
They even give you complimentary rolled hot towels with a lemon wedge to clean your hands when you're finished eating. How's that for service?
Yes, Grace's is on the pricier side - but not out of line for the quality of the food and service.
We put it on our DON'T MISS list of restaurants for our next trip to Houston.
We highly recommend Grace's.
Sunday
Morning: Start your morning with breakfast at The Sunrise House.
1830 W Alabama St, Houston
Good-sized portions of healthy, excellent food; fast food delivery; adept waitstaff; charming atmosphere; what's not to love?
I ordered the Acai Bowl for $14 and it was delicious. Jay ordered the Frenchie for $18 - French Toast topped with various berries with cream cheese icing. He said his was very good as well.
Plenty of menu options so even the picky eaters should find something that appeals to them.
Monday - Friday:8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday:7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Money $aving Tip: Become a Sunflower by subscribing to their free email and be the first to receive updates on exclusive events, secret menus, special offers/discounts, loyalty rewards & more! We received a 20% discount on our meal.
Houston Children's Museum
1500 Binz Street, Houston
This isn't one of those "Don't touch!" museums. The Houston Children's Museum is a museum where your kids can climb, splash, invent, decode, save the planet, and straight-up blow their own minds (without even realizing they’re learning). At 70 years old we had fun in this museum! (It's one of the choices on Houston CityPass)
This is 90,000 square feet of mind-blowing, bilingual, body-moving, brain-building, full-throttle fun — smack dab in the heart of Houston’s Museum District. And every square inch is engineered to make kids go “wow!” and adults go, “why didn’t they have this when I was little?”
HIGHLIGHTS
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Kidtropolis, USA: A city for kids, run by kids. Apply for jobs, earn a paycheck, elect a mayor, and cash out at the bank... then spend your “playchecks” at the market or on air as a news anchor. It’s economics made electric.
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FlowWorks: Make a splash with hands-on H2WhOahhh! From whirlpools to wave machines, this outdoor exhibit lets future scientists unleash the power of water with geysers, turbines, and good ol' fashioned soaked socks.
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SECRET Spy Game: Your mission, should you choose to accept it: slip through laser mazes, crack encrypted messages, and go undercover in our top-secret, museum-wide spy experience. It’s 007 meets escape room meets kid genius.
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Invention Convention: Build it, break it, test it, tweak it. Budding engineers and tinkering trailblazers design prototypes, push buttons, and bring wild ideas to life in this maker’s paradise. No patents required.
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PowerPlay: Jump, crawl, and climb your way through a larger-than-life obstacle course that proves fitness is fun when it’s part video game and part jungle gym.
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Tot*Spot: Because even the tiniest explorers deserve big-time discovery. Designed for guests 0–35 months, this soft and sensory-rich wonderland is perfect for crawlers, cruisers, and curious cuties.
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EcoStation: Step into our outdoor eco-lab and dig into worms, composting, native plants, and sustainable smarts. See how YOU can help save the planet—one bug at a time.
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How Does It Work?: What’s inside a light switch? How does a toilet flush? Why won’t this thing turn on?! Get hands-on with everyday objects and become a household hero in the ultimate mechanical mystery lab.
I'm not kidding! We got right in there and played with the kids! We especially enjoyed the SECRET Spy Game.
Go ahead, let your kids touch everything. Run wild. Ask questions. Get messy. Whether it’s your first visit or your 45th, there’s always a new way to play.
Afternoon: It takes over 4 hours to tour the Children's Museum so grab a convenient lunch at the museum's Fresh Café. Enjoy a healthy meal with fresh salads, preservative-free sandwich bread and vegetarian options prepared daily—all at low prices.
After lunch get back to the business of exploring the Museum.
Houston Children's Museum
Evening: Dinner at Goose's Acre Irish Bistro & Pub. 21 Waterway Avenue, The Woodlands, TX
Goose's is authentic Irish pub. Even the decor came from Cork, Ireland.
On Sundays, kids 12 & under eat FREE from kids menu with each purchase of an adult entree.
Nice menu offerings including starters, soups, salads, signature burgers, gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, and main entrees.
Happy-Hour All Day Sunday as well! - $6 Mimosas and Bloody Marys - Mimosa Specials all day.
That evening we drove about 10 minutes to take a stroll through nearby Memorial Park and its Japanese garden, just to relax.
Memorial Park Japanese Garden
Friday
Morning: Sleep in and have brunch at Harry's. 318 Tuam St, Houston.
This award-winning restaurant has a great brunch, offering a mix of American classics, Latin and European fare at reasonable prices.
HOURS
Monday to Friday
7 am to 2 pm
Tuesday Closed
Saturday & Sunday
7 am to 3 pm
Today is a day for the kids - both little and big. Take a 10 minute drive to Kemah Boardwalk.
215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX
Kids of all ages love the Boardwalk, it's the perfect family getaway! Watch sailboats while you dine on the decks, ride amusement rides next to the Bay, join festivals in the plaza.
Buy an All Day Ride Pass and experience our rides over and over as many times as you want in a day!
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$23.99 (under 48")
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$29.99 (48" and up)
All Day Ride Pass does not include the Boardwalk Beast, Iron Eagle Zip Line, Stingray Reef, Midway Games or Arcade Games.
Your admittance ticket is one of the selections on Houston CityPass!
Money $aving Tip: Groupon - All-Day Ride Passes at Kemah Boardwalk and eGift Cards to Landry's Restaurants - Up to 19% Off
DINING
There are a number of dining options at Kemah, including The Aquarium Restaurant, Saltgrass Steakhouse, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Landry's Seafood House, The Pizza Oven, Sweet Scoops, Bayside Grille, Starbucks, Chicken Shack, Funnel Cakes & More!, Snack Express, Chick - Fil -A Truck.
Many of the restaurants have waterfront views.
Evening: Have dinner at the Kemah Boardwalk OR you can return to Houston and go to Rio Ranch Restaurant for their Kids Eat Free night. 9999 Westheimer Rd, Houston - about a 45 minute drive from the Kemah Boardwalk.
Kids eat for free at the Rio Ranch every Friday and Saturday night after 4:00 pm! Children aged 12 and under can choose from the kid’s menu. For each adult entree, two kids can enjoy a complimentary meal.
Because I'm a member of Landry's Rewards program and had a discount offer I wanted to use up, we had dinner on the Boardwalk at Landry's Seafood House.
Photo credit: Landry's
Landry's isn't any fine dining establishment nor does it serve that caliber of food...yet I've never had what I'd call a "bad meal" there either.
I ordered the Coconut Shrimp and although it wasn't anything over the top to rave about, it was tasty enough and the portions generous.
We were pretty worn out when we finished at the Boardwalk and returned to the RV so we binge watched some space movies (Apollo13, Contact, The Martian). Take the rest of your evening off and just rest up and relax.
Saturday
Morning: Have breakfast at Houston Breakfast Kitchen.
2616 Blodgett St, Houston.
Brunch is served fresh and delicious, 24 hours a day!
Portions are good sized and our food was cooked to perfection. The Eggs Benedict was amazing.
The menu is good-sized: French Toast, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, eggs, potatoes, chicken & waffles, juices, freshly brewed coffee and more.
The service is terrific, the waitstaff friendly and welcoming.
From breakfast it's off to the nearby Houston Zoo. 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston.
If you have Houston City Pass, the Houston Zoo is one of the choices offered. Otherwise, as the video stated, the Zoo has timed entry and you must purchase your tickets online prior to arriving at the Zoo.
I've seen a lot of zoos during my travels but for a small zoo, the Houston Zoo is very well done. Overall,
3 to 4 hours is a good estimate for a full visit to the zoo.
There's even a carousel for little visitors. The Wildlife Carousel is a unique work of art, hand carved and painted. Many of the carousel animals are found in the Zoo, and you can see the only armadillo known to exist as a carousel figure!
Carousel tickets can be purchased online.
Afternoon: Since the zoo video further up the page was made, there's a new restaurant at the Zoo, Jack's Cafe.
Situated at the front of the Zoo on the site of the old sea lion habitat, Jack’s Cafe is your new go-to for shareable snacks, Southern favorites, sandwiches, and more. There’s also a grab-and-go window for soft-serve, snacks, ICEEs, specialty coffee, and alcoholic beverages.
The Cypress Circle Cafe is still in business and there are 2 other restaurants at the Zoo: Flamingo Terrace, and Twiga Cafe. Choose one of those restaurants to have lunch at.
Evening: Visit Hermann Park. Houston has so many gorgeous parks but Hermann Park is a gem nestled right in the heart of the city. (If you're at the zoo, you're already IN Hermann Park.)
Photo credit: Hermann Park Conservancy
The park spans over 445 acres of lush green spaces, vibrant gardens, and family-friendly attractions.
The park features stunning natural landscapes, which include large oak trees, flower beds bursting with color, and glistening ponds. One of the park’s most recognizable features is the picturesque McGovern Centennial Gardens.
You will find numerous trails winding through the park, offering visitors a chance to walk, jog, or bike while soaking in the scenic views.
The tranquil Japanese Garden is another highlight of Hermann Park, featuring serene ponds, koi fish, and a tea house that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. (My personal favorite part of the park)
Sports enthusiasts can find tennis courts, golf courses, and open fields to enjoy various sporting activities. Families can take advantage of playgrounds and picnic areas, making it the perfect spot for a family outing.
Events such as outdoor movie nights, music festivals, and holiday celebrations bring the community together, making Hermann Park a vibrant and dynamic part of Houston’s cultural landscape.
Accessibility is a key feature of Hermann Park, with convenient parking options and public transportation access. You can easily reach Hermann Park by car, bike, or public transit. If you are driving, the park offers ample parking. However, be sure to check for parking fees in certain areas, as this can vary. If you prefer to take public transportation, there are several bus routes and a light rail station nearby, making it convenient to reach the park without a car.
The park is open year-round and has no entrance fee, making it an attractive option for individuals and families looking for an affordable day out.
One of the favorites of kids in the Commons of Hermann Park? The Space Playground!
Little astronauts-in-training were having so much fun on this playground that we sat and just watched them play for awhile! They were having a ball and from their conversation, their imaginations were working full tilt as far as their "adventures in space" taking place on this playground. I think we had as much fun watching/listening to them as they were having playing!
Photo credit: Hermann Park Conservancy
While you're there, make sure the kids take a spin on the Lott Carousel! Ride on the Lott Family Carousel for just $3 each. Or better yet, take advantage of an all-day pass for as many spins on the carousel as you like for only $6! Tickets can be purchased HERE, on-site via QR code signage, or at the Gift Shop next to Kinder Station in Lake Plaza.
Tour Houston Bayou At Night
Experience Houston’s bayous at night with guided kayak tours, pontoon boat cruises, and historic walking
tours featuring wildlife, city lights, and unique landmarks.
Buffalo Bayou Tours offers a variety of nighttime paddling experiences. Their Full Moon Night Kayak Tour runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., allowing participants to enjoy the bayou under the glow of the full moon
while observing local wildlife and the reflections on the water.
Another popular option is the Sunset Skyline Bat Bridge Kayak Tour, a 3-hour adventure where you can
paddle along Buffalo Bayou and watch the emergence of the Mexican Free-tailed Bat Colony at dusk, a spectacular natural event with over 250,000 bats (Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours). Tours are suitable for all ages, and equipment including kayaks, paddles, and life jackets is provided.
We took a nature-focused 45 minute night pontoon boat cruise of the bayou through Buffalo Bayou called the Twilight Tour.
Children under 4 years of age are not allowed on the boat for safety reasons.
Departure Point
Allen’s Landing: 1019 Commerce Street (at Main Street). Proceed down to the wharf via the cascading stairs (adjacent to Sunset Coffee Building, the 3-story brown brick building). The boat will be docked at the wharf.
The cost of the Buffalo Bayou Twilight boat tour is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12.
Cash only and reservations are not required.
Money $aving Tips:
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Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours: Save up to 70% on kayak tours through Groupon. This offer is not eligible for promo codes and is available through Viator.
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Buffalo Bayou Partnership: Offers a $2 discount for military, youth (ages 9-17, college students, and seniors (65+). Reservations are required for all tours.
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Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours: Offers a 10% discount for members of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
Morning: We're going to venture back to space today but first grab breakfast at Snooze AM Eatery (Montrose). 3217 Montrose Blvd Suite 100, Houston.
Monday
This place has amazing breakfast. This is an eclectic little restaurant that serves traditional breakfast items with creative twists. The staff is friendly and very attentive.
Normally I'm not much of a pancake eater but that morning (probably because I wasn't awake yet) I ordered the Flight of Three pancakes - a pineapple upside
down pancake, the Sunburst pancake, and a blueberry danish pancake.
MELT IN YOUR MOUTH fluffy and scrumptious! My favorite was the sunburst cakes. The homemade lemon glaze paired with the fresh blackberries was to die for.
Jay ordered the Snooze Breakfast Burrito which was equally as good as my pancakes were - Flour tortilla filled with scrambled cage-free eggs, hash browns, black beans, cheddar & Jack cheese, topped with green chile. Served with a side of salsa.
(Big enough to share!)
They also have a wonderful assortment of morning cocktails and brews.
This place gets very busy especially on the weekends so go early, if not expect to have a wait.
Snooze Breakfast Burrito
Houston Museum of Natural Science & Planetarium
Houston Museum of Natural Science is a phenomenal museum for visitors of all ages with special exhibitions, permanent exhibits, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Giant Screen Theater. (This museum is one of the attraction choices on Houston CityPass.)
Admission price includes access to all HMNS Permanent Exhibit Halls except certain Special Exhibitions and the Brown Hall of Entomology. Access to the Brown Hall of Entomology is included with admission to the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
My favorite exhibit was the Farish Hall of wildlife.
From Gulf Coast beaches to Hill Country caves, these dioramas bring the state’s rich wildlife to life: Over 425 specimens, representing around 250 species, illustrate native wildlife before human colonization, with a focus on more than 50 rare, endangered, and extinct species, including those that have recovered from near extinction.
The exhibit’s unique scenes change from dawn to dusk, accompanied by specific lighting and soundscapes, which makes it all the more interesting.
Other exhibits include:
Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall dealing with big game fish
Matter & Motion: Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics
The World Around Us
Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals
Faberge: Eggs and Timeless Treasures
Frensley/Graham Hall of African Wildlife
George W. Strake Hall of Malacology
Hall of Ancient Egypt
Hamman Hall of Texas Coastal Ecology
Herzstein Foucault Pendulum
John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas
Morian Cabinet of Curiosities
Morian Hall of Paleontology
Vintage Texas Wildlife Dioramas
Weiss Energy Center
Afternoon: You can leave the museum grounds for lunch and then return to the museum after lunch.
There are eateries within the museum itself, including a McDonalds in the Grand Entry Hall and the periodic table bistro and Elements Grill elsewhere in the museum. There are also several restaurants within short walking distance of the museum.
Explore the museum, then head for the Burke Baker Planetarium, which is part of the Museum.
Admission to the planetarium is included in your admission to the Museum of Natural Science.
In the planetarium you can watch a variety of space-themed movies every 30 minutes. Fly through the universe, experience the vastness of space, roam planetary surfaces, navigate asteroid fields, and watch the latest fulldome shows.
They also host a variety of astronomy events you can view here.
James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace
After dinner we took a drive to Rice University to see Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.
Located adjacent to the Shepherd School of Music on the Rice University campus is the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.
Built in 2012, the pyramidal structure accommodates 120 people between two levels. Twilight Epiphany is acoustically engineered to host musical performances and to act as a laboratory for Shepherd School of Music students. Constructed of grass, concrete, stone, and composite steel, the structure is equipped with an LED light sequence that projects onto the ceiling and through an aperture in the 72-foot square knife-edge roof during sunrise and at sunset. Turrell's composition of light complements the natural light present at twilight and transforms the Skyspace into a locale for experiencing beauty and reflecting on the surrounding campus and the natural world.
The Twilight Epiphany light sequence can be viewed every day at sunrise and sunset. The sunrise light sequence begins approximately 40 minutes before sunrise; we recommend you arrive an hour before sunrise. The Sunset light sequence begins about 10 minutes before sunset. Each sequence lasts approximately 40 minutes. Sunrise and sunset times can be found here.
Monday
Morning: Have breakfast at First Watch. 557 W Bay Area Blvd, Webster.
First Watch is an award-winning breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, serving a chef-driven menu of elevated classics and seasonal specialties, always made to order using the freshest ingredients.
I could've made a meal just out of the lemon blueberry cornbread alone.
The menu is diverse and seasonal, changing with the seasons.
Open 7 days a week
7 am to 2:30 pm
Lone Star Flight Museum
11551 Aerospace Ave, Houston. This is a rare aviation museum of old warbirds where you can actually fly in one. Their collection of old planes is impressive. They even have one of the rare F4U Corsairs (my fave warbird) and a Russian MIG.
But this museum won't let kids get bored just looking at old planes! There's a flight simulator that kids over the age of 4 can fly for starters.
Ages 4 and under may only copilot and must sit with an adult (age 18+) who pilots. Ages 4 and under may not operate the yoke. Ages 5-11 must sit with an adult (age 18+) to pilot the yoke.
This is because the flight simulator reacts like a real airplane would when flying it so simulators must be operated with slow, smooth, gentle movements.
There's also a Space Gallery.
The newest edition to the many aviation-inspired experiences at the museum! SPACE GALLERY offers a deeper understanding of what it was like for Space Shuttle astronauts to train, live and work in space, the exhibit features the NASA Crew Compartment Trainer-2 (CCT-2) and EVA Airlock System, the Space Shuttle Motion Base Simulator and other artifacts from NASA, including a Rover and Humanoid.
Highlighting this history, the exhibit includes a series of cases and displays with medical kits, shuttle tools, astronaut sleeping bag and other artifacts that detail what life in space is like for an astronaut. Adding a personal aspect to the exhibit are several personal items from retired NASA astronauts, including Mike Forman, mayor of the City of Friendswood and Gene Cernan, the last astronaut to walk on the moon.
A viewing platform will allow visitors to peek inside the middeck of the CCT-2 and the airlock system, and scheduled tours inside the rover will also be offered on a regular basis. Adding an immersive and interactive aspect to the exhibit are three touchscreens that will take visitors through the anatomy of a shuttle, a virtual tour inside the CCT-2 middeck and flight deck and a history of the space shuttle missions.
We had the most fun in their MAX flight. The MaxFlight FS-VC is a fully interactive simulator that can perform 360º motion, and you’re in the pilot seat! This amazing experience offers realistic, virtual adventures including flying warbirds, jets and vintage aircraft, riding in a rollercoaster, taking an underwater adventure and more! Separate ticket in addition to general admission is required to ride.
1 Ride Experience per person – $10.00 2 Ride Experiences per person – $18.00
Members: $1.00 off Members: $1.00 off
There are actually 2 parts to touring the Lone Star museum. Tours of the museum itself are self guided at your own pace. The second part of the tour involves a group of visitors driving their car down to the runway (an operating runway) where yet more planes are on display and one can take a ride in one of the warbirds. However, there's a pretty steep price tag to ride in one of the warbirds:
Pricing below is per person, unless otherwise specified.
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Boeing PT-17 Stearman: 20 min: $350 / 40 min: $500
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Fairchild PT-19 Cornell: 20 min: $350 / 40 min: $500
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Cessna T-41 Mescalero: 20 min: $300 / 40 min. $450 ( 1 to 3 passengers, weight limitations for passengers apply
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North American T-6 Texan: 20 min: $425 / 40 min: $600
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North American B-25 Mitchell: 20 min: $500 (Price per person – up to 5 passengers)
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North American B-25 Mitchell: Full Plane Buyout (5 passengers): 20 min – $2,375 / 40 min – $3,500
Rides last between 20 and 40 minutes depending on the package chosen. Passengers must be at least 18 years of age for flights in the T-6 Texan, PT-17 Stearman or PT-19 Cornell. Passengers who are 12-17 years of age can fly in the B-25 Mitchell or T-41 Mescalero if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Weight restrictions also apply. No exceptions.
What started as a private collection in 1985 eventually led to the acquisition of a hanger in Galveston to house the growing number of aircraft. Soon memorabilia was added and in 1991 an educational program was added. In 1995 the Texas legislature established the Lone Star Flight Museum as the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, honoring Texans achievements in aviation history. An aviation studies and research center was added in 1998 and today the Lone Star Flight Museum is regarded as one of the top flying museums in the United States.
It's definitely worth a visit!
Ticket prices
0 – 4 Free
5 – 11 $12.00
12 – 17 $15.00
18 – 64 $18.00
65+ $15.00
Discounts
Active and retired military members, AAA members, and other discounts
are available.
Money $aving Tip: Free Admission Days: The museum offers free admission every Tuesday through the end of the year.
Afternoon: Have lunch at Maria Rita’s. 8445 Gulf Fwy, Houston. Website
Enjoy Tex-Mex flavors with Kids Eat Free every Monday.
Little Amigos can Choose between CHICKEN NUGGETS and FRENCH FRIES, MAC AND CHEESE, ENCHILADAS, and TACOS! What better way to kick off the week?
Children 12 and under are eligible, 1 kid's meal per adult entree ordered, dine-in only.
Lunch served Monday through Friday, 11 am to 4 pm.
Evening: Have dinner at Downtown Aquarium restaurant. 410 Bagby St, Houston.
You can't beat the ambiance, dining in front of a a floor to ceiling 150,000 gallon aquarium, home to over 100 species of aquatic life from around the globe. The kids will love it! They can also take a trip on the Shark Voyage train ride and enjoy amusement rides and midway games.
Visitors also appreciate the delicious food and diverse menu options, catering to different tastes and preferences.
We both ordered the Mariner's Mixed Grill (Left):
Angus beef sirloin, lobster tail, grilled shrimp, garlic mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables.
It was phenomenal.
The Aquarium has a very diverse menu and a sizeable kids menu.
A good selection of beer, wine and cocktails is also available.
Friendly staff and excellent service.
Many families enjoy the restaurant as it is family-friendly.
ALL DAY Adventure PASS
Save money on your visit by purchasing this pass. Good for one day of unlimited access to the following!
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Aquarium Adventure Exhibit
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Stingray Reef Entrance
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All Amusement Rides
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Shark Voyage Train Ride
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Diving Bell Ferris Wheel
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Aquatic Carousel
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Lighthouse Dive
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Frog Hopper
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Aqua Wheel
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Adults $26.99
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Children (under 42") $25.99
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Children (2 & Under) FREE*
(*with the purchase of an adult pass)
All rides have height requirements and ride rules posted at each entrance. All Day Pass does not include Midway Games or Arcade Games. Single tickets for all rides are available.
Money $aving Tips:
Discounts for Aquarium Restaurant Houston
Houston's Downtown Aquarium offers various promotions and discounts for visitors. Here are some of the current deals available:
Limited-Time Specials Enjoy special appetizer favorites and desserts like fried colossal shrimp,
fried gator, and Tres leches cake. Limited-time offers include island margaritas and specialty drinks.
Groupon Deals: Purchase a Groupon deal to tour theTexas Bayous and enjoy encounters with alligators,
turtles, and more. The deal includes an eGift Card
and voucher for aquarium passes.
Green Vacation Deals: Save 27% on Houston Downtown Aquarium Adventure Exhibit Passes with gift cards for the Aquarium Restaurant. This deal
Tuesday
Morning: Have brunch at Local Table. 2003 W 34th St, Houston
KIDS EAT FREE at all locations every Monday with the purchase of an adult entree.
Brunch for Lunch is available Monday - Friday, 11am-3pm.
Fairy Trail... Friendswood Field Trip
Today we're going to take a field trip to Friendswood, TX and Stevenson Park, about 30 minutes from Houston. Today is for the little ones, preschool and lower elementary aged kids. Although we did see a number of older kids enjoying the Fairy Trail as well! We even had fun on it!
The Friendswood Fairy Trail at Stevenson Park is a whimsical and educational outdoor activity designed for children. It features a beautiful wood-carved entry with a child-sized door, a mobile map for tiny fingers, and fairy and troll houses hidden throughout the park.
Each house represents a different fairy or troll with unique roles in the park, such as recycling, volunteerism, and environmental care. The trail is one mile long, making it perfect for little feet to explore. The trail is a
project of Keep Friendswood Beautiful, a city-affiliated volunteer group and is FREE to the public. It is a great way for children to enjoy the outdoors while learning about conservation and environmental awareness.
When you arrive at Stevenson Park, find the Fairy Door and a map of the Fairy Trail. Then follow the the path and look high and low for fairy houses.
At each house, you can open the door and use the map (or website) to learn about each fairy.
Each of the fairies/trolls are diverse in looks and have jobs in the park such as: recycling, volunteerism, community, healthy eating, waste prevention, native plants and wildlife, litter prevention and care for our environment.
The trail is 1 mile long so perfect for little kids.
After your walk down the trail, stay to play at the playground.
Afternoon: Return to Houston to take the kids to a special lunch at the Hobbit Cafe.
2243 Richmond Ave, Houston
Some of Hobbit Cafe's guests over the years have included Mama Cass (formerly with The Mamas & The Papas), Peter Max, Neil Young, Governor Connally, Jack Nicholson, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Depeche Mode. They've even celebrated a birthday with Woody Harrelson.
The Hobbit Cafe is well known beyond Texas!
The ambiance is a very cute Lord of the Rings.
The Fellowship Platter
I'd have to say their specialty is their burgers - as illustrated by the Balrog Burger at right.
Double-meat patty (1 lb.), double cheese, bacon, avocado, stuffed jalapeño, mushrooms, jalapeño, chipotle mayo.
Hours
Monday - Thursday 11:00 am – 09:00 pm
Friday & Saturday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday 11:00 am – 09:00 pm
Balrog Burger
The Omega Mart Experience | Meow Wolf
For older kids consider visiting Meow Wolf: An immersive multimedia experience with multi-sensory exhibits connected through an interdimensional radio station storyline.
I've never done any kind of drugs...but I imagine the psychedelic Meow Wolf would be what dropping acid was in the 70's. It's a trip - but in every good way possible. Reality unravels across 85+ rooms of mind-bending art and one-of-a-kind experiences. Adults will enjoy it every bit as much as kids do.
You'll enjoy the experience even more if you download the Psychic Sensor app to explore beyond your ordinary sensory limits and unravel more of the mystery…A radio station and its entire crew have disappeared from a small town in Texas. Follow them into a realm between universes, filled with otherworldly sights and sounds, where the crew now broadcasts to a new community, one that extends across dimensions.
You can buy a ticket bundle or purchase tickets for different individual attractions. (We found the Totally Worth It bundle to be most effective for us but there are less expensive options.) General admission is $33 and up for adults and $19 and up for kids. Timed entry.
There is on-site dining at Cowboix Heavvven, an immersive futuristic take on a honky tonk dive-bar left in limbo inside Meow Wolf Houston. Cowboix Hevvven serves up dive-bar food and beverages to guests of Radio Tave with a valid admission ticket.
Hours of operation change by day so it's best to check the website for current hours of operation.
Money $aving Tip: Groupon deal
Cowboix Hevvven / Photo credit: Meow Wolf
Evening: You'll need to make reservations well in advance to have dinner at Nancy's Hustle, a modern bistro on Houston's east side.
2704 Polk St, Houston. Reservations are a must and are released a month in advance.
Nothing at this EaDo restaurant is trying too hard—everything from the date night-ready amber lighting to the straightforward but impressive menu. The menu changes seasonally but be sure to try the fluffy Nancy Cakes. (Below)
These fluffy, round superstars are served with cultured butter and topped with trout roe. The butter melts into the Nancy cakes and the cakes melt in your mouth.
If you can't get reservations, come early to grab a seat at the wooden bar and split some lamb tartare over candlelight and a calico crush cocktail. If you walk in during peak hours, space at Nancy’s Hustle will be pretty limited, so either commit to going for a late-night dinner, or try your luck at the bar or patio when they first open.
Mercury Chamber Orchestra
We capped off our evening with a concert by the Mercury Chamber Orchestra at Wortham's Cullen Theater.
The Wortham’s Cullen Theater has been home to Mercury’s Downtown Series since 2006. Part of Downtown’s Theater District, the two-block Gus S. Wortham Theater Center is one of five performing arts complexes in a 17 block area.
The price of tickets to the Mercury Chamber Orchestra at the Wortham Center in Houston starts at $25, with a special rate of $10 for students.
Wednesday
Morning: Have breakfast at the restaurant of your choice.
Chinatown
Houston boasts the second-largest Indochinese population in the U.S. (after Los Angeles), so it is only fitting to visit Chinatown, which (authentically and deliciously) brings together delights from all over Asia. Head to the thriving district in the southwest for an epicurean adventure. It's about 12 miles from downtown Houston.
Photo credit: Houston First Corp
Savor the rich (and tempting) tastes, sights, and smells of the bustling Hong Kong Food Market. After that, head to Nam Giao, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, for Hue cuisine. Take a peaceful stroll around Jade Buddha Temple's serene lotus ponds, statues and gardens.
Jade Buddah Temple
There are countless really good restaurants in Chinatown. There are hundreds upon hundreds of places serving dishes from a multitude of countries and regions, whether they're Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Japanese or Korean - to name just a few.
We had lunch at East Wall. 9889 Bellaire Blvd Ste C301 Houston.
Nicely decorated, clean little restaurant with superb food. Chinese Hunan fare.
Very extensive menu and good service. Prices were in line with what we expected them to be - affordable even for an upscale restaurant.
Business Hours:
Monday ~ Sunday:
11:00 AM ~ 10:00 PM
Exploring Chinatown, Houston, through an Asian Heritage Tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and vibrant history of the Asian communities that call this neighborhood home.
Guided tours often include knowledgeable guides who share fascinating stories and historical contexts. They provide insights into the daily lives,
struggles, and triumphs of the Asian community in Houston. Guides can point out significant architectural features, tell stories of notable figures, and explain the cultural significance of various sites.
We were interested in a guided tour given by Chinatown locals who knew Chinatown. We found 4 tours offered by Chinatown Legacy Tours. They weren't the tours we expected for the most part but we figured what the heck, give it a go. We took the China Underworld tour, led by a former Chinatown gang member.
This 90-minute experience pulls back the curtain on Chinatown’s hidden history — from secret societies to street gangs and everything in between. You’ll hear firsthand accounts from a former gang member, and walk the very streets where these stories unfolded. Led by local guides, this is a raw, unfiltered telling of a side of Chinatown rarely acknowledged. We had to say we were glad we took it as it was very informative - and it is a side of Chinatown you never hear about. The Mafia has nothing on these Chinatown gangs! Yikes!
Aside from offering delicious foods, Chinatown, Houston, is also a fantastic destination for shoppers seeking unique and affordable items. We love shopping in Chinatown. There are so many great shops...be sure to check out Dunhaung Plaza, H Mart, the small shops scattered throughout Chinatown, and our favorite -
Hong Kong City Mall
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Hong Kong City Mall features the Hong Kong food market along with a unique selection of shopping and dining choices. $$
With a modern atmosphere, convenient location, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants, HK City Mall is the perfect place for locals and tourists alike to shop, dine, and enjoy the best of Hong Kong’s retail scene.
Some areas in Chinatown host night markets, especially during festive seasons. These markets are vibrant and filled with vendors selling street food, handmade crafts, and unique trinkets. The lively atmosphere and variety of stalls make for an exciting shopping experience.
Evening: Dinner at Crawfish & Noodles. 11360 Bellaire Blvd, Houston
Don a bib and comically large pair of plastic gloves, and explore the explosive flavor of every dish at Crawfish & Noodles, a Viet-Cajun institution. Order crawfish boiled with lemongrass and ginger, spice-laden turkey necks, or noodles soaking up fish sauce and chile. Dining here sometimes feels like stumbling into a confused sports bar—the TVs blare Astros games amidst an unconventional mix of decor (Why is there a Darth Vader helmet in the corner?). But as with all Houston institutions, it doesn’t have to totally make sense, the food just has to be really, really good. And it is.
You can also purchase fresh crawfish by the pound.
Spend the day and evening touring Chinatown.
Thursday
Morning: We were in the mood for an upscale breakfast that wasn't the typical Houston breakfast fare so we drove to the Heights to have breakfast at
Le Café Joséphine. 201 E 20th St, Houston.
Le Café Joséphine is the perfect spot for you if you’re looking to have a more sophisticated breakfast.Le café joséphine is a must-visit restaurant in Houston for those who love Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant has carefully curated its menu to offer a myriad of European flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
The menu, carefully crafted by the owners' extensive background in the food industry, offers a range of delicious dishes, including the Neo and Capri baguette sandwiches and Salade Nicoise.
One of their most popular dishes is the Capri baguette sandwich, which features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, garlic butter spread, homemade pesto, glaze balsamic,
and warm crispy baguette. Their merguez baguette is another standout dish that features spicy lamb sausage, sautéed mushrooms, olives, eggplant spread, parmesan cheese, and warm crispy baguette.
Their coffee can only be described as "heavenly". Paired with a chocolate croissant it was perfect.
Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 4 pm.
National Museum of Funeral History
Our curiosity got the better of us on this one so we paid a visit to the National Museum of Funeral History.
415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston.
A virtually unknown museum even for longtime Houstonians, visitors frequently say this museum is not as macabre or depressing as one might anticipate, and that it's unexpectedly interesting, even for children. On average, most commented they spent a couple of hours in the museum. The well-preserved antique hearses are often singled out as particularly memorable.
We found their numerous exhibits really interesting:
The History of Cremation
Thanks For the Memories
Celebrating the Lives & Deaths of the Popes
Day of the Dead
History of Embalming
Fantasy Coffins of Ghana
Japanese Funerals
Jazz Funerals of New Orleans
History of Mourning Photography
19th Century Mourning
Presidential Funerals
Reflections on the Wall
Coffins & Caskets of the Past
Historical Hearses
9-11 Fallen Heroes Tribute
Marsellus Casket Company
The Shroud of Turin
Patent Models
And the coup de grace (as far as Jay was concerned), the discovery the Museum held a charity golf tournament, usually every November. Guess what city we'd be revisiting in November!
Dr. Golf Fanatic aside, the Museum was a fascinating place to visit and we learned about death and funeral practices around the world, which was interesting and well worth the $12 admission fee.
OPENING HOURS
Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm
Sat: 10am - 5pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm
ADMISSIONS
Adults: $15
Seniors (55+) / Veterans: $12
Children (ages 6 to 11): $7
Children (5 and under): Free
SCI Employees: $10 with ID badge or business card
Afternoon: Jamaican lunch buffet at Taste of the Caribbean. 13331 Kuykendahl Road, Houston.
Taste of Caribbean is an inauspicious, no frills little place with a daily all-you-can-eat Caribbean buffet.
Wide assortment of rice, roti, veggies and meats. 11am - 6pm
The buffet was fresh and very delicious. The food was a nice variety to choose from.
$16.99 per person on Monday - Friday
$19.99 per person on Saturday & Sunday.
Try To Escape From The Escape Game
We wanted to do something adventurous and fun so decided to try out the Escape Game Houston.
5015 Westheimer Road Suite A1178, Houston (The Galleria location)
If you are after something challenging, immersive but totally then then the Escape Game may be just what you are looking for. The Escape Game features a variety of different rooms which participants (that’s you and your crew) must try to escape from by working as a team, solving clues and completing puzzles.
One in particular caught out attention - Cosmic Crisis.
THE MISSION
Obliterate a galaxy-eating black hole
You're aboard a spaceship hurtling toward a massive black hole that’s devouring everything in its path. Alarms blare. Warning lights flash. Our galaxy is on the brink of destruction! Your only shot to save the solar system? Transform your spaceship into a bomb. You’ll have to intentionally sabotage your own systems, override every safety protocol, and weaponize the onboard antimatter to blow that black hole to smithereens!
Up to 8 players, 7/10 difficulty rating, 60 minutes duration.
Next-level escape room tech
Cosmic Crisis keeps things cutting edge with theme-park level projection mapping and an in-game AI companion named Hermes!
Photo credit: Escape Game Houston
We had to agree this escape room was one of the more challenging and fun escape rooms we'd ever done.
And we had a great team of 6 others we were paired with that were a joy to work with.
And the great thing is, when you think you've escaped one room, another room opens! If you get stuck, you can get as many hints as you want or need.
There are 2 locations for Escape Game Houston and each features different escape rooms.
There are a total of 8 different escape rooms:
Prison Break Cosmic Crisis Timeliner: Train Through Time
The Depths Playground The Heist
Special Ops: Mysterious Market Gold Rush
Most Challenging Game
Great for First Timers
Games prices are $39.99 per person plus tax.
The games within the Escape Game Houston are designed to be suitable for everybody, from first-time players to experienced escapologists. No matter which one you decide to play, you’re sure to have an absolute blast!
Money $aving Tip: Coupon and Discount Codes
Houston TopGolf
I have to admit TopGolf was a new one on me, although Jay had heard of it but never played it.
How to explain TopGolf? It's somewhat like golf but not at all like traditional golf. It's sport combined with socializing. The Topgolf experience is more than just hitting golf balls at targets. Topgolf offers a full-service experience, with food and drinks, music, and other entertainment options to create a social atmosphere.
Players hit microchipped golf balls at targets on a range, with each target offering different point values based on the level of difficulty. The balls are tracked by sensors in the targets, and players’ scores are updated on a screen in their hitting bay in real-time.
Players can compete against each other or just enjoy hitting balls and practicing their swing. Topgolf also offers a variety of games that can be played with a group, such as TopPressure, TopChip, and TopContender.
TopPressure: In this game, players aim to hit shots into a target with a ball with a constantly decreasing point value. The longer a player takes to hit a shot, the fewer points they will ultimately receive. This game is designed to put pressure on the player to hit their shots quickly and accurately.
TopChip: This game focuses on short-game skills and speed. Players aim to hit chips onto a target area, with different zones earning different point values. The game can be played individually or in teams, and the winner is determined by the highest score at the end of the game.
TopContender: This game is a tournament-style competition where players compete against each other to score the most points in a given amount of time. The player with the highest score at the end of the game is declared the winner. TopContender is a popular game for corporate events and large groups.
Topgolf offers a more casual and social approach to golfing than traditional golf courses. It’s a great option for people who are new to golf or who don’t have the time or resources to commit to a full round of golf at a traditional course.
Topgolf also provides a more flexible experience, as players can come and go as they please and don’t need to reserve a tee time in advance.
The games and challenges also provide a natural opportunity for couples to bond and engage in friendly competition - which is precisely what we spent our late afternoon and evening doing. To Jay's sheer delight.
We met a Houstonian couple we just clicked with and the 4 of us played TopGolf and took a dinner break together at the TopGolf restaurant.
We had an absolute ball that evening. It was one of our most enjoyable evenings in Houston.
If you want to make some new friends and like the social scene, TopGolf is the place to go! Topgolf provides a unique experience that combines golf, food, and drinks, making it an excellent option for a fun and memorable date.
It’s worth mentioning that the pricing for Topgolf can differ depending on the location. Topgolf is available in numerous countries and a variety of locations worldwide.
At Topgolf, you rent a bay rather than paying per person. Each bay can hold up to six players, and the price is per hour, not per individual.
Weekday vs. Weekend Pricing
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Monday – Thursday: Prices are generally lower during these days.
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Friday – Sunday: Expect higher rates, especially in the evening.
Daytime vs. Evening Prices
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Morning (Open – Noon): Cheapest rates, making it the best time for budget-friendly visits.
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Afternoon (Noon – 5 PM): Moderate pricing as traffic increases.
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Evening (5 PM – Close): Peak hours, with the highest rates.
Below is the hourly pricing per bay. Each bay accommodates up to six players, so gather your friends and split the cost for a budget-friendly experience! See general bay rental prices here.
Time to reluctantly leave Houston and head for home - happy to know we'd be returning in November for the charity golf tournament.
We hope you're travel to Houston and have as much fun as we did in Houston!
Friday