Houston is an exciting city on the Texas coast, but it can be very hot in the summer. If you're looking for more moderate temperatures, February might be the best time to visit. Even in February, temperatures are often in the 50s and 60s during the day and remain comfortable even at night. Houston offers a wide range of activities to pursue while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Visit the Health Museum
The John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science, known as The Health Museum, is dedicated to promoting education about the human body, and healthy lifestyles, physically, mentally and spiritually. The museum features a walk-through, hands-on model of the human body. Demonstrations of how body parts and organs function, and how to keep them healthy, are found throughout the museum. You can sit on giant teeth and walk through a human brain or the digestive system. You can also use a hands-on exhibit to change your features and age your appearance by 30 years, and scan your internal organs. As of summer 2010, prices for non-members are $8 for adults and $6 for children and seniors.
Visit Other Museums
The Health Museum isn't the only museum in Houston, and February is a great time to visit. There is also a Children's Museum dedicated to promoting health and wellness of young people. You can buy a "city pass" that covers admission to six museums in Houston. In addition to the Health and Children's museums, other venues where the city pass is good include Space Center Houston; Downtown Aquarium, Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, George Ranch Historical Park and Museum of Fine Arts. Most of these venues are in walking distance of each other, and many also have free family nights. As of summer 2010, it was $39 for adults and $29 for children.
Mardi Gras
New Orleans is the place for Mardi Gras in February, but the people in the Houston area are not to be outdone. The last two weeks of February are filled with parades, parties and great Cajun food. In the suburb town of Kemah, there is a "yachty-gras"--a flotilla of boats that highlights the Mardi Gras Weekend. Yachts are decorated with lights, signs and various Mardi Gras themes. Spectators may gather on the boardwalk to watch the parade of boats go by on the Clear Creek Channel. Mardi Gras celebrations are also held each year at Galveston, which is just a short drive away.
Day trips
Galveston Island is 20 miles south of Houston, and visiting in February lets you miss the crowds. The weather is usually not too cold, and there are miles of beach to explore. There are trails along the beach and inland, as well as bike paths. Galveston Island State Park is a natural oasis from the tourist activities, with beaches, swimming, nature trails, fishing and camping. The park was severely damaged by a hurricane in 2008, but most of it has reopened--though some signs of hurricane damage remain.
Going green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre park of nature in the middle of the city, surrounded by the Brown Convention Center, Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center. The park is free and provides a break from busy activities in the city. There is a small lake, a children's playground, dog runs, public art work, amphitheater and stages for live musical performances. There are also many restaurants in the area. Free Wi-Fi is also available in the park.
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