Houston, Texas, is a blessed city in many ways. There are many wonderful places to visit and enjoy throughout the area. Below is a list of some of our favorite museums and places to acquire a good dose of Houston culture.

TO THE MOON AND BEYOND 

SPACE CENTER HOUSTON

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, NASA’s center of operations for human spaceflight. This is where visitors can learn about space exploration and see exhibits related to NASA’s space programs. Some things you can see and do at Space Center Houston include touring the Johnson Space Center, from seeing astronaut training facilities to Mission Control. Visitors can also enter a full-size replica of the Space Shuttle Independence, experience simulated zero gravity in the Gravity Chair, and visit Rocket Park to see real rockets designed for actual space missions like the famous Saturn V. Space Center Houston also offers educational programs for students of all ages, as well as special events and exhibits throughout the year. For more information on tickets, parking, special exhibits, etc., check out their website at: www.spacecenter.org. Before you launch to Space Center Houston, don’t forget to download the app at: www.spacecenter.org/app. 

LIONS AND TIGERS AND BEARS, OH MY! 

THE HOUSTON ZOO 

The Houston Zoo is one of Houston’s most popular attractions and is home to over 6,000 animals representing more than 900 species. The zoo is located in Hermann Park and spans over 55 acres. It features a variety of state-of-the-art exhibits, including the African Forest, the South America Jungle, and the McGovern Children’s Zoo. The Houston Zoo also has several educational programs and special events throughout the year and is a popular destination for families, school groups, and tourists. We contacted our Houston City Beat Facebook Group community to ask for their recommendations for a successful zoo trip. This is what they told us… 

The address for the Houston Zoo is 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030, and you can find them on the internet at www.houstonzoo.org.

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE 

HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE 

Capture the experience of a whole new world within the Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS). You will be amazed at the variety of exhibits on subjects such as astronomy, space science, Native American culture, paleontology, energy, chemistry, and more. The museum has several permanent exhibits, including the Burke Baker Planetarium, the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. In addition to these interactive exhibits, the museum hosts several special events and educational programs throughout the year. If you’re in the Houston area and are interested in natural science, the HMNS is definitely worth a visit. Find information on the Houston Museum of Natural Science at www.hmns.org. 

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK 

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK 

Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre public park in the heart of Houston. It is located along Buffalo Bayou, a slow-moving river that runs through the city. The park features beautiful hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and various other amenities with great views of the sparkling Houston skyline. It is also home to several public art works, including sculptures and murals. Buffalo Bayou Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals, and it is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Find Buffalo Bayou Park information at www.buffalobayou.org. 

A PARK OF ATTRACTIONS 

HERMANN PARK 

Hermann Park is a large public park named after George Hermann, a famous Houston entrepreneur who donated the land to the city in 1914. The park is home to many attractions, including the Houston Zoo, the Hermann Park Golf Course, the Hermann Park Conservancy, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Hermann Park Railroad. It is also home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Japanese Garden, and the Hermann Park Centennial Gardens. The park is a popular destination for locals and tourists, and hosts several events throughout the year. Find all the information you need about Hermann Park at: https://www.hermannpark.org. 

THE MENIL COLLECTION 

THE MENIL MUSEUM 

If you are seeking a museum with unique collections ranging from ancient Greece to modern art, the Menil Museum is the place for you. Founded in the 1980s by philanthropists Dominique and John de Menil, the Menil Collection includes works from various time periods and cultures, including ancient Greek and Roman, Byzantine, Medieval, and modern art. Some of the notable artists represented in the collection include Marcel Duchamp, Max Ernst, Rene Magritte, Yves Klein, and Jasper Johns. The museum is known for its focus on Surrealist and modern art, as well as its commitment to displaying works from diverse cultural backgrounds. In addition to its permanent collection, the Menil Collection also hosts rotational exhibitions of work by notable contemporary artists. Find the Menil Collection at https://www.menil.org. 

THE DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM 

THE HOUSTON AQUARIUM 

Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is an immersive public attraction and dining experience. It is home to a variety of marine animals, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles, as well as a variety of other animals such as white tigers, reptiles, and birds. The aquarium features interactive exhibits and educational programs, as well as a restaurant and gift shop. It is a popular tourist attraction in Houston and a great place for families and people of all ages to learn about and experience marine life. Find The Downtown Aquarium at www.aquariumrestaurants.com. 

THE HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER 

THE HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER 

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a non-profit urban sanctuary that provides education and research opportunities for the public. Located in Memorial Park, the arboretum covers 155 acres of indigenous Texas prairie, forest, wetland habitats, and is home to over 200 species of native plants and animals. The arboretum features over five miles of walking trails, a children’s discovery center, and a variety of educational programs and events for all ages. It is a great place to learn about and appreciate the natural world and is a popular destination for nature lovers in the Houston area. Find them at www.houstonarboretum.org. 

A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR KIDS 

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF HOUSTON 

This specially designed museum is a wonderful place for children to learn and have fun all at the same time! The Children’s Museum of Houston is a place made for kids to explore a world where curiosity knows no bounds. This educational and recreational facility provides children with numerous interactive activities, hands-on exhibits, and programs that cover everything from science, technology, engineering, math, culture, and the arts. The museum is designed to be a fun and engaging place for children to learn, explore, and discover new things. Some popular exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Houston include the Energy Hall, the Kidtropolis exhibit, and the Imagine It! Exhibit. Find them at www.cmhouston.org.