The city of Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., offers a 10-gallon helping of shopping, dining and entertainment. Bring your walking shoes because there's a 17-block theater district with eight performing arts troupes. You can also explore more than 500 cultural and visual arts attractions that include NASA and the biggest rodeo in the world. The temperature seems always right for walking around Bayou Place downtown or the Houston Zoo.
Bring your ice skates
You may not think of Houston as a winter wonderland but that will change once you skate in the heart of the urban district on the Ice at Discovery Green. You can glide across the ice that uses recycled water from Kinder Lake and is powered by renewable energy. If you're visiting around the holidays you won't want to miss the ice carving event which features ice artists from around world transforming ordinary blocks of ice into works of art. The Ice at Discovery Green is open only during the winter months.
Kayak downtown
Imagine seeing downtown Houston in a kayak. You can paddle the famous waterway called Buffalo Bayou right through the downtown wilderness. Don't worry if you've never kayaked before because you will be provided with easy to use two-seat recreational kayaks, a quick lesson as well as paddling and safety gear on your guided tour. Check the schedule for event dates and reservations are required ahead of time.
Hermann Park
Plan on spending more than one day at Houston's Hermann Park since there's so much to do. Here you will find the zoo, an outdoor theater and a challenging golf course. At Hermann Park you can also enjoy a picnic under the tall pine trees, walk through the Japanese Garden or do some pondering at the reflection pool. Children will also not want to leave Hermann Park once they ride the miniature trains or paddle boats. Bring your sneakers since the park also features a jogging and exercise trail.
Walking Tours
Houston boasts some of the most colorful and diverse sections in all the country.
You can take guided tours of Neartown which hosts the long-running arts and culture celebration known as the Westheimer Street Festival. You can also take guided tours of the historic districts of Montrose which feature renovated mansions and pastel painted bungalows. Here you can learn about the significance of the historic homes' architecture and their original owners, including President Lyndon Johnson when he was a young man.
Houston Heights Fun Run
If you're in Houston in early June you may want to participate in the Houston Heights Annual Fun Run. The quick 5K course traverses the historic and diverse Heights Boulevard beginning and ending at scenic Marmion Park. There is also a 5K Walk and a Kids 1K.
Member Comments