Downtown Aquarium
Houston's Downtown Aquarium is a great place to spend a day with your family. The aquarium is home to more than 200 species of fish, housed in more than 500,000 gallons of water. You can learn about the Louisiana Swamps and the tropical rainforests all in one venue. Take the train on a shark voyage. Stop for lunch in the aquarium restaurant and wind up your visit with a hands-on encounter with shellfish and shark eggs in the Discovery Rig. The aquarium also has games and fun rides for kids and is great for birthday parties.
Houston's Downtown Aquarium
410 Bagby St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 223-FISH
aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston/flash_content/index.html
Houston Zoological Gardens
What child can resist a zoo? The Houston Zoological Gardens does not disappoint. Located in Hermann Park, the 50-acre zoo is home to more than 700 different animal species. Its features include a live coral exhibit, tropical landscape, reptile and amphibian building, butterfly garden and Wortham World of Primates.
The Fischer Bird Gardens are home to some of the world's most unusual and exoctic birds. Daily activities include talks by zookeepers, feeding the wildlife, safari school and children's zoo mornings during which children can explore the 40 exhibits in the children's zoo and experience hands-on activities in the Discovery Center.
Houston Zoological Gardens
6200 Golf Course Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
(713) 533-6500
houstonzoo.org/
Hiking and Biking Trails in Houston
Despite that Houston is a metropolitan area, there are places on the outskirts where you can enjoy hiking and biking. Bayou Park is on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou. It has biking and hiking trails and places to picnic or play with your dog. Memorial Park is just west of Houston's downtown area and offers more than 1,400 acres of hiking and biking trails. It also has softball and soccer fields, tennis courts and a golf course.
Bayou Park
18-3600 Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77002
buffalobayou.org/
Memorial Park
6501 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
houstontx.gov/abouthouston/exploringmemorial.html
Adventure Bay Water Theme Park
Splash out with all the family at Adventure Bay Water Theme Park. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the park is packed with wild water rides including the Master Blaster, Speed Slides and Lost Falls. If you're looking for something a little less adventurous you and your family can enjoy Paradise Bay, Pirates Cove and Rio Lento.
Adventure Bay Water Theme Park
13602 Beechnut St.
Houston, TX 77083
(281) 498-7946
