Fun Family Activities In and Around Houston

Believe it or not, Houston, TX is a very well-kept secret on a number of levels. It's actually the 4th-largest city in the country. It's also home to the second-largest number of Fortune 500 countries after New York. Moreover, it's also known as the "Energy Capital of the World" because of the large number of energy companies located there.

Aside from the corporate and business aspects, Houston also has a lot to offer from a cultural standpoint. There are always lots of events and activities going on that are fun for the entire family. Thus, while Houston may not be the first place that spring to mind when you think "family vacation," there is quite a lot to see and do from that perspective.

(Photo of Houston Galleria, 7th-largest shopping mall in the U.S. Source: Wikipedia.org; Original uploader: Postoak at en.wikipedia)

Located in Houston's Museum District, the Houston Children's Museum has the distinction of being the #1 Children's Musem in the country. It's 14 galleries are specifically designedto engage young minds (old ones, too!), and are packed with fun and engaging activities. You can find more at Houston Children's Museum.

Zoos are always fun, and the Houston Zoo is no exception. With 1.6 million visitors annually, it is the 7th-most visited zoo in the nation.

I terms of family fun, it's hard to top the Houston Children's Festival. Not only is this annual celebration the #1 Children's Festival in the country, but it is also rated by Frommers Travel Guide as "One of the World's 300 Unmissable Events!" You can find out more about at Houston Children's Festival.

Located just 20 miles from Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is fun for the whole family. There are amusement park rides (roller coaster, ferris wheel, etc.), midway games, restaurants, shopping, boat excursions and more. Various boardwalk entertainers will enthrall you with their antics, whether it's juggling, fire-dancing or more. And don't forget the Kemah Aquarium, where you can feed and pet stingrays at Stingray Reef, as well as walk through the rainforest exhibit. Find out more at Kemah Boardwalk.

NASA's Space Center is Houston's #1 attraction. There are literally out-of-this world exhibits, as well as great activities for adults and kids. Find out more at Space Center Houston.

This giant waterpark located on Galveston Island (about 45 miles south of Houston) is open year-round. Attractions include high-speed slides, tube chutes and children's play areas. It has an enclosed indoor area in which - from October to April - the water and air remain heated to at least 80 degrees. With numerous heated attractions, the indoor area has been rated the #1 Indoor Waterpark in the World by Amusement Today. More information is avalable at Schlitterbahn Galveston.

(Photo source: Schlitterbahn.com.)