Houston Attractions

Attractions in Houston, Texas

Battleship Texas State Historic Site - The last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II, Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948.These sites are located within minutes of downtown Houston. Millions of visitors come to this area each year to enjoy the mild coastal climate and cultural and sports activities. Visitors experience history first hand through living history at the San Jacinto Battleground and Battleship Texas.

Burke Baker Planetarium - Located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this Planetarium offers a wealth of knowledge to all ages. There's something mesmerizing about sitting in a darkened planetarium, gazing at the domed ceiling, and watching the spectacle unfold above you. Burke Baker grants just such an experience.

Children's Museum of Houston - The Children's Museum of Houston is the highest-attended youth museum in the country for its size and is dedicated to its mission of transforming communities through innovative, child-centered learning. The Museum offers a multitude of exhibits bursting with action-packed fun that engage kids in the ultimate learning experience.

Downtown Aquarium - Experience the wonder of the underwater world at the Houston Downtown Aquarium as you tour the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit. Discover 400 species of fascinating marine life. Touch and feed the deep-water dwellers at Discovery Reef. Be sure to enjoy a dining adventure at Aquarium Restaurant as well as rides and games galore.

Hermann Park Conservancy - Hermann Park, presented to the City of Houston by George Hermann in 1914, is one of Houston's most popular and historically significant public green spaces. Located in the heart of Houston, the 445-acre park has been an important resource for Houstonians for generations, and is celebrated as a place that has always welcomed diversity and fostered a strong sense of community among its patrons.

Holocaust Museum Houston - Authentic film footage, artifacts, photographs and documents show life in pre-war Europe, the Nazi move toward the “Final Solution” and life after the Holocaust. It also endeavors to remind us that these dangers are still relevant today. The museum promotes understanding, remembrance and education with the goal that both students and the general population stay and become aware of the lesson of these tragic events. This lesson is that humankind must strive to live together in peace and harmony.

Houston Fire Museum - Young and old alike will enjoy the Houston Fire Museum, which traces the history of Houston's local firefighters from the late 19th century to modern day. Exhibits chart firefighting in the city from its earliest days, and vintage equipment ranges from antique helmets to a 1938 REO salvage truck that kids can climb on. Children can also try on kid-sized gear and explore a replica firetruck cab to see what real firefighters experience when they go out on a call.

Houston Zoo - Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 4,500 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have over 1.7 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment.

Catherine Couturier Gallery - An art lovers dream! The John Cleary Gallery showcases the finest in fine art photography,Some one once asked "What is your gallery’s specialty?" the response from Catherine Couturier, the owner of the gallery, "Photography." He said, "Well, I know that. But what is your specialization?" Catherine smiled. "Good photography." That’s all there is to it. Her highest goal will always be to show the best fine art photography, and she does her job!

Kemah Boardwalk - The Fun Never Stops as you ride these waterslides, add some thrill rides, shake visitors, and walk the vintage-style boardwalk. You will love the wooden Bullet Coaster, the carousel, Ferris Wheel, kiddie rides, fried dough, and arcade games. Best part is, the lines move fast so you spend more time in the water then in line! Come, enjoy- the fun never stops here!

National United States Armed Forces Museum - Dedicated to the memory of Texans who served in the armed forces, the Military Museum displays uniforms, weapons, equipment, vehicles and other memorabilia that dates back to World War II. The Military Museum of Texas will provide a comprehensive educational program by providing an exciting collection of Texas military history with dynamic full size, walk-through environmental exhibits as well as static displays.

Miller Outdoor Theatre - Bring your lawn chairs and your cooler, and prepare to have a relaxing good time at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Free fun for everyone! Miller Outdoor Theatre offers the most diverse season of professional entertainment of any Houston performance venue, and it's all FREE! Classical music, jazz, ethnic music and dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, classic films, and much, much more.

Museum of Fine Arts - Travel the world at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, home to centuries-old masterpieces and modern marvels. In addition to the ongoing schedule of touring exhibitions and thematic installations, the museum’s encyclopedic permanent collections of world art fill the galleries with works from every era of history.

The Health Museum - Museum of Health & Medical Science was made to be interactive and cater to children. The Health Museum encourages growing interest and regard for healthier lifestyles, fitness and good physical, mental and spiritual health. Exhibits include a large walk-through view of the human body called the 'Body Pavilion.' Any child would love to experience this Museum.

Space Center Houston - Ever since the Apollo flights, Houston has been the place for space travel. NASA's Johnson Space Center, allows visitors to study and understand the making of space history. Join us for such exciting adventures as Mission Control, Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Rocket Park, Rocket Garden, Blast-off and don't forget to pick up your dehydrated ice cream!

Houston Police Department Museum - Located at the Police Academy on the spacious grounds of George Bush Intercontinental Airport and is a great place to spend an afternoon, especially if you have children. Police uniforms from around the world are on display, along with a somewhat odd collection of various weapons seized from criminals. With the assistance of an officer, you can view the elaborate gun collection and see what riding in a police car is like. The police helicopter is always a big hit with all ages.

Sam Houston Boat Tour - Get ready for an unforgettably spectacular waterborne tour of one of the busiest ports in the world aboard the Port of Houston Authority's free public tour boat! Named for the legendary military commander who led the fight for Texas independence from Mexico and later statehood, the M/V Sam Houston offers free leisurely 90-minute round-trip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel.

Sam Houston Race Park - Sam Houston Race Park hosts ten horse races a day. Sam Houston Race Park is Houston’s premier racing, dining and entertainment destination located 15 minutes from downtown. Enjoy the thrill of live horse racing and exciting simulcasting action from around the world. Experience an array of dining options including our signature carving stations, fresh vegetable dishes, pasta creations and chocolate fountain dessert bar It also has a video theater that features simulcast viewing of other races, boxing matches and sports games.

Scream World - Includes five different attractions: The outdoor Maze of Maniacs, The Haunted Hotel, Edge of Darkness, Movie Monsters, and the new outdoor Tobias Strange Family Cemetery.Screamworld has been selected by America's Best Haunts as one of the best haunted attractions in the United States, and is a must visit for all the screams and terror alike!

Wet 'n' Wild Splash Town - Three stories of interactive fun for the whole family! You will find acres of body slides, tubes, pools, spraying and splashing attractions and kids areas providing hours of fun and relief from the Texas heat. Tree house Island, Guadalupe River Adventure, Crocodile Isle and Leaky pipes.

Houston Museum of Natural Science - The purpose of the Houston Museum of Natural Science has always been to enhance in individuals the knowledge and delight in natural science and related subjects. Come, check out the great exhibits that can be found here such as "The Birth of Christianity: A Jewish Story," "Genghis Khan," "The Nature of Diamonds" and the Terra Cotta Warriors."