Houston holidays

Houston’s Space Center is the region’s biggest tourist destination, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Museum of Natural Science should be on the agenda for anyone interested in wildlife. It features a planetarium, butterfly centre and cinema, alongside a number of other travelling exhibitions.

If you need to keep your children entertained during your Houston holiday, a trip to Splashway Campground is a safe bet. This waterpark gives you the chance to try your hand at laser tag, kayaking, fishing and mini-golf – which should provide hours of fun. If sports are your passion, why not watch a game at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros baseball team?

Meanwhile, Texas’ biggest shopping centre, The Galleria, provides hours of retail therapy. There are 400 shops and restaurants and, if you need a break, you can take a trip to the nearby Water Wall and cool off under the spray.

Despite its reputation as a bustling metropolis, Houston makes room for a number of peaceful parks. In fact, there are more than 650 green spaces across the city and 52,000 acres of parkland. So you’ll have plenty of opportunity to relax on your Houston holiday.

Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find almost 1,500 acres of open space and, further out, Memorial Park offers you the chance to while away the hours with various sports activities. You can make the most of the golf course, tennis courts and swimming pool. In the Downtown district, Discovery Green Park runs a regular farmers market. There’s even Wi-Fi available in the park, and an ice-rink in the winter months.

Just a 25-minute drive from Houston Airport, you’ll find The Woodlands – a unique spot which is lively and refined, yet also maintains a serene and casual feel. The great outdoors is a big part of life in The Woodlands. Why not get out on the water by kayaking, paddle-boarding or trying water-biking? You’ll also find plenty of open spaces and nature reserves, where you can go hiking or hire bikes. The Woodland Waterway winds through the town centre, linking Town Green Park, Water Square and The Woodlands Mall. And there’s a free water-trolley which makes it easy to get around.

The Woodlands provides a serene and scenic backdrop during the day, but it really comes to life when the sun goes. The nightlife scene offers everything from swanky rooftop bars and wine lounges, to cocktail bars and bustling waterfront bars. One place not to be missed is the Fountains at Waterway Square. You’ll be mesmerised by the choreographed waters, which dance to music every 15 minutes throughout the day – but they’re most spectacular in the evening. 

No matter when you visit Houston, there’ll be plenty to keep you entertained, as the city has an extensive events calendar. It kicks off with the Martin Luther King Jr. Grande Parade on the 20^th January, which attracts more than 300,000 Americans. February’s World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is one of the more intriguing events, involving cooking, dancing and, of course, eating.

For many, a Houston holiday wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the Livestock Show and Rodeo in March, showcasing a tradition dating back to 1932. Later in the month, the Hermann Park Conservancy's Annual Kite Festival provides fun for all the family, as well as food trucks and face painting. Jazz lovers should visit in August for the international festival in the Downtown area.

Before the year is out, take in the beautiful Annual Moody Gardens Festival of Lights in November. You’ll be able to glimpse cheery festive scenes, go ice-skating and even get your picture taken with Santa.

Holidays to Houston come with great weather all year round. In January the temperature can drop to single figures, but the climate otherwise remains mild – ideal for sightseeing and filling up at the city’s thriving food markets. Average temperatures in the high twenties are common during the summer months of June, July and August.

We recommend planning your Houston getaway for spring or autumn. You’ll be able to beat the crowds and traverse the city to your heart’s content, without getting too hot. There’s enough to keep you entertained throughout the year, and the restaurants and theatres are always open. Whenever you choose to go to Houston, you’re likely to catch one of the local events, as there’s usually something in the calendar. From jazz festivals to barbecue contests, this city knows how to entertain its visitors.