Downtown Houston

 

Buffalo Bayou

 

Also known as the Allen Parkway Walking Trail, this park is literally a patch of green in the midst of a concrete jungle. Locals and visitors usually go here to unwind and to reboot when the stresses of city life is catching up on them. Here, you can take a walk, bike around, or even Segway through the trail to see the main waterway, Mother Bayou.

 

Downtown Houston Tunnel System

 

Twenty feet below the ground is Downtown Houston’s tunnel system. This stretches 6 miles and is filled with restaurants, boutiques, movie theaters, and many more. The main entrance to the tunnel can be accessed through the Wells Fargo building and the McKinney Garage; however there are many other entrances from street-level stairs and escalators.

 

Minute Maid Park

 

Who doesn’t like baseball? The Minute Maid Park is the home field of the famous Houston Astros. Take a trip to this fairly new and architectural genius to see the retractable roof and the old remnants of the Union Station lobby. Watch a game together with the 40,000+ fans of the Houston Astros to get the Southern feel of baseball.

 

Bayou City Arts Festival

 

This is a twice-a-year affair held first in Memorial Park and second in Downtown Houston. Held here every October, this festival features local arts and crafts exhibited along the business streets of this commercial haven. Expect to find different forms and medium of art such as mixed media, glass art, jewelry making, photography, oil painting, and many more.

 

Mayor’s Official Downtown Houston Holiday Celebration

 

Held every December, this holiday celebration is held at City Hall where the main attraction is the Christmas Tree lighting. Aside from this, guests can also enjoy listening to local bands and see fireworks display. This is an annual event that has been Downtown Houston’s tradition for almost 100 years.

 

The Woodlands

 

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

 

Simply known as the Woodlands Pavilion, this is a grand amphitheater that is used as a concert venue for artists like Lady Gaga or Tony Bennett. This is a perfect place to sit on the grass and just enjoy good music with the company of your family or friends.

 

Woodlands Children’s Museum

 

This is another good destination not to miss, especially when you’re with the kids. This place can be both entertaining and educational for the children and adults because of its interactive and fun exhibits.

 

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

 

Take a breather from the bustling cityscape to have a stroll or bike ride. This nature preserve connects to Spring Creek where several birds such as herons live. Here you can choose to follow the trail or just relax while bird-watching.

 

The Woodlands Marathon

 

This annual event is held every first Saturday of March. Runners from all over the world can come and join the full or half marathon organized by local volunteers.

 

Golf

 

Golf is also a sport that has gained popularity at The Woodlands. It has become host to annual golf events organized by the PGA itself. Overall, The Woodlands has become a place for fun games and sport activities that can be participated by all members of the family.

 

Spring

 

Wet ‘n Wild Splashtown

 

Wet ‘n Wild is a famous water park located in Spring. A lot of families race to this well-known attraction especially during summer time to cool off and relax. This will not be called a Splashtown without its famous water rides such as the Stingray Rider, Thunder Run, Shotgun Falls, and Big Kahuna to name a few.

 

TGR Exotics Wildlife Park

 

Another good family attraction in Spring is the TGR Exotics Wildlife Park. This is not your ordinary zoo because this park showcases over a hundred exotic, distinct wild animals that are not put in small cages. Here, children can interact with some animals and even feed them.  This park has a lot of educational activities that involve both the animals and the visitors that advocate the importance of preserving nature and respecting animals.

 

Topgolf

 

Topgolf is a sports entertainment complex where families and friends can play a friendly golf competition similar to a dart game. In a 240-yard driving range facility, various bull’s-eyes are spread out on the field and these act as the players’ targets. To keep accurate score, Topgolf supplies micro chipped golf balls that can measure distance and precision.  Families and friends are sure to bond while playing a round of golf games.

 

Conroe

 

Candy Cane Park

 

Located along Callahan Avenue, this water park features a lot of giant water slides and activities that will surely excite and cool off children and adults during the peak heat of summer. Aside from the water park, families can have a picnic at the nearby playground area. Other facilities offered at Candy Cane are tennis courts, basketball courts, and a bike/walk trail.

 

Heritage Museum of Montgomery County

 

Learn about the history of Montgomery County by visiting the Heritage Museum. See the multiple exhibits displayed in the three galleries showcasing the history and information on Texas. This place is highly recommended for elementary aged children who are visiting Conroe with their parents. It is conveniently located within the Candy Cane Park so you can visit this museum before you head home.

 

Wedgewood Golf Course

 

Play a round of 18-hole golf game with your friends at this slightly challenging golf course. This course offers a variety of challenging greens and paths that will surely improve the golfer’s techniques and skills.

 

Conroe, Texas Must-Join Events

 

Here in Conroe, there are a couple of fun annual activities that can be participated by families from in and around the area.

 

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

 

Celebrated every fall at the Heritage Place Park, this festival highlights a car show, street performers, local food and beverage concessionaires, kid zone, fireworks, and the much awaited catfish pageant. This year the Catfish Festival will be held on October 9 to 11 at Downtown Conroe, Texas.

 

Conroe Saturday AM Market

 

Open every Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm, this market features local produce, local artisanal products, metal works, and many more. The market is situated at the Jury Park at Downtown Conroe and is open to all visitors who want to try fresh fruits and vegetables, local Conroe cuisine, and drinks.

 

Galveston

 

Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum

 

One of the most sought after places in Galveston is the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig & Museum. It offers educational tours that feature the engineering genius of such a grand machinery.  Take a tour inside a real drilling rig and experience the exciting world of an oil rig.  The museum is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

 

Moody Mansion

 

Take a nostalgic trip inside a historic Victorian mansion constructed in 1895. Owned by William Moody, this mansion was a living proof of the lavish lifestyle of a rich and prominent family of the late 19th century. This 4-storey structure has a museum that showcase the family’s portraits, Victorian inspired furniture, and architecture.

 

Horseback Riding Tours

 

This is one of the best outdoor activities in Galveston aside from enjoying the beach.  Create some awesome memories with your family or loved ones while riding gallant horses by the beach.  Horseback riding is the best way to traverse the shoreline of Galveston. It is even better if you can view the sunset facing the Gulf of Mexico.