Family-friendly places to visit in Houston in 1 day

Houston:

Houston is the most populous city in Texas and a large metropolis extending to Galveston bay. Houston has a lot to offer for all ages and I feel, we need 3 days to cover all the important points to see. We could spend only 1.5 days.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/44534236@N00/4075803243

This is an old pending post. Actually, almost an year old. While work, family and dance school took over my priority, this blog has been quiet for sometime except for book reviews.

There are other travels posts pending to be published like Orlando - Disney and Universal theme parks. Hopefully, I get more time in Summer to publish all of them :-)

Here is the Itinerary:

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BAPS Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir):

BAPS Temple (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir) in Stafford is a spectacle to the eyes with the beautiful architecture. The temple is open all year around for all faiths and the entry is free.

Address:

1150 Brand Lane
Stafford, TX 77477 USA

This temple which is inaugurated in 2004 is constructed with Italian marble and Turkish limestone. It is a peaceful and spiritual place. A canteen and a gift shop are available where you can get Indian snacks, religious books, CDs, postcards etc., 

The front area before the temple is serene with water fountain, whereas the interior is filled with exquisite religious carvings. The architecture follows Shilpa shastra and is due to the effort of many people contributing voluntarily for the construction and carvings.  

NASA (Jhonson Space center):

This visit is like a dream come true for any astronomy and space research lovers. 

Address: 

1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058

Entry is around $30 per adult in 2024. Here you can check latest ticket prices and book online to save. 

Space center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA Jhonson Space center. Visitors can see 400 space crafts, learn about MARS mission and check the moon rocks. The eight story landmark 'Independence Plaza' by Boeing is a replica of shuttle carrying aircraft. 

The most important attraction is the tram tour, through which visitors can learn about human space exploration. Rocket park is amazing as we get to see Saturn V rocket from nearer. We can explore historic Mission control as well from where NASA led Gemini, Apollo missions, including first lunar landing. 

There is a lot of walking, and it takes more than half a day to explore space center. If you want to take breaks in the middle of exploration, there is a cafeteria to refresh and eat. It takes around 3 to 5 hrs to explore the area.

Sri Meenakshi Temple:

Meenakshi temple is located in Pearland in Houston metropolitan area. The presiding deity is Goddess Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Sundareswar(Shiva). 

Address: 17130 McLean road, Pearland, TX

This temple was inaugurated in 1982. It is great spiritual place with positive vibrations. Food is available for purchase in cafeteria. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jfahler/4789385386/

Galveston :

Galveston is an island city on the gulf coast of Texas. It is around 1 hr away from Houston. We drove and spent a few hours around Sunset in the beach.

There is a lot to do in Galveston though. Pleasure pier is popular for amusement rides, and restaurants. Moody Gardens is a great family friendly place with 3 large pyramids featuring aquarium, rain forest exhibits and NASA exhibits. 

Photo by David Olivares: https://www.pexels.com/photo/entrance-to-galveston-island-historic-pleasure-pier-17872831/

Gerald D.Hines Waterfall Park:

We couldn't visit this man-made waterfall due to lack of time. But, the pictures look great when I explored on internet.

This is a multi-story sculptural fountain surrounded by a park. 

Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

This is the most iconic landmark in Houston and the entry is free. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/acordova/14915840286/in/photostream/

So, that's it about a quick 1 day trip to Houston. 

Other Attractions:

Hermann Park, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Bayou bend collection and Gardens, San Jacinto Battleground State Historic site, Cockrell Butterfly center, James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace and Kemah Broadwalk are some of the places I would love to visit someday. 

Until next time,