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Are you planning a quick visit to Houston, Texas? If you don’t have a lot of time but still want to experience some of the great attractions Houston has to offer, check out this quick trip guide. Spend 48 hours in this Texas city and enjoy some sites that will make your quick trip unforgettable.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science and Cockrell Butterfly Center
One definite stop that you will need to take time for during your 48 hours in Houston is at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. You can see mineral specimens, a model of a space station, an actual dinosaur skeleton and much more. Realistically, you need to plan to spend three hours or more at the museum so you can take in the planetarium and the IMAX theater as well as other exhibits and displays. Don’t miss the butterfly center that spans six stories and gives you the chance to hang out with these winged beauties.
There are so many exhibits to choose from that you will want to check out the website and pick out the ones you want to see before you get there. The museum is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day, so you will have to squeeze in your visit before 5. There is a McDonald’s on site if you get hungry which makes it easier to grab a quick bite and not waste time going elsewhere.
Speaking of butterflies, once you leave the museum, take an extra hour or so to check out The Cockrell Butterfly Center that is next door. The Butterfly Center is located right next to the Museum of Natural Science. It features a butterfly habitat that is enclosed by glass and is designed to simulate a tropical rainforest housing thousands of butterflies in every color. You will enjoy the 50-foot waterfall and the assorted plants that make you feel like you are really in a rainforest.
Water Wall
It won’t take much time out of your 48-hour visit, but be sure to check out the Water Wall near the Galleria in Houston. This is a great stop if the weather is hot and perfect for a photo opportunity while you’re in Houston.
The Galleria
If you’re interested in doing some shopping, be sure to check out the Galleria — the largest shopping center in Texas. You are sure to find whatever you are looking for here.
Space Center Houston
No visit to Houston would be complete without a stop at The Space Center. Whether you’re a space enthusiast or just interested in the history and science behind the U.S. space program you can spend a few hours learning and enjoying the exhibits.
While these sites aren’t everything that Houston has to offer, they will give you a good taste of the city if you only have a short time to stay.
Have you visited Houston? What are your favorite family attractions in the area?
I have never been to Houston but would certainly like to go see the Natural History Museum if I ever get there. I would be there for longer then 48 hours of that I can assure you.
I would so love to visit Houston some day. It would be so much fun as a family to visit the Space Center which I have always wanted to do and so has my sons. Thanks so much for sharing.
I have been to Houston once and it was on our way to the port of Galveston. I would love to see the Space Center one of these days.
I’ll have to remember the Butterfly exhibit too. You will have to let me know if you ever make your way to Dallas-Fort Worth area.
I have yet to visit Texas, but always think about doing so one day; this is an awesome travel guide!
I love Texas and even more shopping. Have been to the Galleria many years ago I wish I can come back soon so much fun!
We’re headed to Denton this July, but I have a cousin near Houston so we just may make it out that way
We have friends there and I’d love to visit one day
Perfect post! I plan on visiting my friend in Houston soon! This will come in so handy! Thanks!
I’ve flown through Houston and have visited Dallas and Austin. I would love to make a trip back to Houston and actually do some site seeing. Sounds like a good city to visit.