Houston is one of the most exciting cities in Texas and a wonderful place to visit with children. Come see all the sites and enjoy a mix of activities for the kids (like and aquarium), that adults love too (like a nature center) topped off with the unique experience of the space program Houston is known for. This day of family fun will have everyone enjoying the best in the west.

Downtown Aquarium was developed from two Houston landmarks: Fire Station No. 1 and the Central Waterworks Building. With over 200 species of marine life in 500,000 gallons of water as well as a restaurant and a bar; there is plenty to see and do at this aquarium. Tour the marsh and bayous of the Gulf Coast in the Louisiana Swamp exhibit, which features alligators, snapping turtles, crayfish, bullfrogs and more. Explore the sunken hull of a 17th century Spanish galleon in the Shipwreck exhibit, where you will be amazed by moray eels, snapper, grouper and a giant Pacific octopus. The Rainforest exhibit features tropical rainforests of the world and the animal inside their rivers, including red-bellied piranhas, freshwater stingrays and other exotic animals. Young visitors will enjoy interacting with bearded dragons, snakes and other small animals in the Education Room. Visitors can also touch and feed live stingrays at the Stingray Reef. The restaurant is surrounded by a 150,000 gallon aquarium filled with vibrant aquatic life that swim right by your table. Make sure to stop by the Treasure Chest Gift Shop for a large variety of aquatic-themed apparel, toys, home decor and more.

When in Houston Visit Expansive Nature Sanctuary

Escape the busy city and explore the natural world at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. This 155-acre sanctuary protects native plants and animals as well as provides education about the natural environment to visitors of all ages. Explore 5 miles of trails, including forest, pond, wetland and meadow habitats. Children will enjoy a variety of hands-on exhibits, microscopes, touch screens and several interactive activities in the Discovery Room. The Nature Center houses the Nature Shop, which is offers an assortment of educational games and toys, books, and other nature-themed merchandise for the whole family.

Visitors of all ages will have an out-of-this-word experience at the Official Visitor Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Explore space from its dramatic past, through its exciting present and on into its captivating future. This center is one of the only places where you can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock and take behind-the-scenes tours of NASA. There are a number of interactive exhibits suitable for the whole family. The excitement begins before even walking through the door. A full-scale replica of a space shuttle is parked outside the facility. See how astronauts eat, sleep, stay in shape and conduct experiments in the Living in Space module. Take a journey across the solar system at The Next Giant Leap: Beyond Planet Earth exhibit, which features a series of six immersive environments, each containing hands-on activities that offer a glimpse at the next 100 years of space exploration. The Blast Off Theater is where visitors can experience the spectacular sensation of a blast off. This space center is a must-see when visiting Houston.

Interested in booking or planning a vacation to Houston right now? Check out some of the amazing offers currently available for airfare and hotels at Kayak, Orbitz and Priceline. See more lodging options at Hotels.com and Hilton. Get started on your next trip today!