You are here: Home / Archives for Vacation

Kid-Friendly Attractions in Houston

November 28, 2014 by

Houston is home to a wide variety of museums that appeal to people of all ages, but two in particular stand out to children. One of these museums will have your little ones looking back into the past, while the second provides a glimpse far into the future.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most widely visited natural history museums in the country. It offers a wide variety of traditional attractions as well as an innovative approach to teaching the sciences to kids. Travel back in time through the Hall of Ancient Egypt, then venture even farther in the Morian Hall of Paleontology. Your family will learn how energy is made and used in the Wiess Energy Hall, and they'll enjoy stargazing at a recreated authentic night sky in the Burke Baker Planetarium. Kids love learning here, but you'll be surprised at how much adults enjoy it, too!

The Children's Museum of Houston
The Children's Museum of Houston is synonymous with fun, and this highly interactive learning center will make your kids excited about learning. Watch them engage in an ecological study inside the EcoStation. In the Cyberchase exhibit, kids will enter into an interactive world where math is not just learned, but experienced. This colorful center also provides countless programs and fun classes, so make sure to check the calendar for upcoming events.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Plan a Visit to These Must-See Parks Near Houston, Texas

October 2, 2014 by

There's more to Houston that just bright lights and a little Western flair. In fact, you'll find that many of Houston's attractions lie just outside the city. Case in point: These two must-visit parks near Houston. One park lies on the river, while the other is known for its vast biological diversity. Either way, both make for a memorable getaway.

Big Thicket National Preserve
Big Thicket National Preserve is located about two hours outside of Houston. Here, you can find species from very different habitats living among each other in a relatively small area. Take a hike on a variety of different trails, ranging from a brisk boardwalk stroll to an extreme 15 mile trek. The preserve is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as approximately 185 migratory bird species make Big Thicket their home between March and early May. Canoeing and kayaking enthusiasts travel to Big Thicket year-round to cruise the Neches River and Village Creek.

Stephen F. Austin State Park
You'll find Stephen F. Austin State Park just 30 minutes from the outskirts of Houston, so it makes a quick day trip for anyone looking to get outdoors. This scenic retreat offers traditional camping activities such as hiking and fishing, as well as the more modern geocaching. If you'd like to keep it simple, go fishing for catfish along the Brazos River. There are wide variety of campsites to accommodate your camping needs, whether they be a place to hook up your RV, a cabin for shelter, or just a little spot to put your tent.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Explore the Country’s Most Visited National Parks

April 11, 2014 by

Looking for adventure? Challenges, education, and exploration await at our country's 401 national parks— 84 million acres' worth in every single state across the U.S.! Here are the country's three most-visited National Park Service sites and reasons why you should visit:

1) Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 9,354,695 visitors in 2013
Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee border, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers 800 spectacular miles of trails over 521,490 acres. In addition to hiking, visitors can camp, picnic, bicycle, explore historical sites, or fish the park's 700 miles of streams. (See a full list of to-dos here.) Watch your step: A trip to this national park might put you within range of a black bear, elk, or white-tailed deer.

2) Blue Ridge Parkway: 12,877,368 visitors in 2013
Awe-inspiring mountain passes are the hallmark of the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic 469-mile drive that connects Virginia's Shenandoah National Park with North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A good old-fashioned road trip along the Parkway promises pit stops way better than your standard fuel-up: Expect scenic overlooks, hiking trails that lead to secluded waterfalls, and plenty of native flora and fauna. Check out suggested itineraries here.

3) Golden Gate National Recreation Area: 14,289,121 visitors in 2013
America's most visited national park site, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area comprises 24 attractions in and around San Francisco, California. These include Alcatraz, the Muir Woods redwoods forest, and of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Read more about the Golden Gate National Recreation Area here.

Ten Most Visited Parks [National Parks Conservation Association]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Trip Idea: Phoenix, Arizona

October 11, 2013 by

One of the country's fastest growing cities, Phoenix features warm-weather year round along with a huge variety of things to see and do. Majestically situated in the desert with a breathtaking mountain backdrop, it's won over more than a few visitors over the years. If you're planning a visit, here are some things worth making time to see:

Camelback Mountain
If you're a fan of the great outdoors, make sure you take a trip to Camelback Mountain. This is a great spot for hiking and getting some exercise. See beautiful views while enjoying a wonderful outdoor adventure. The hike may not be easy, but it's definitely rewarding! Visit the website for more information. 

Phoenix Art Museum
See well curated collections of wonderful exhibits during your trip. More than 17,000 works of American, Asian, European, Latin American, Western American, modern and contemporary art, and fashion design are on display at the museum. Independent films and lecture series are also regularly held at the museum. Check out the website for hours and details. 

Tacos Atoyac
No trip to Phoenix would be complete without trying some delicious Mexican food. And one of the city's most popular spots among diners-in-the-know is Tacos Atoyac. This place offers street-food-style tacos filled with al pastor, fish, carne asada, and chorizo. It's affordable, too, so you can feel good trying them all!

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

Trip Idea: Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

August 22, 2013 by

Yellowstone National Park is a great spot to bring the whole family. Where else can you see bison, elk, wolves, and even bears in the wild? Just remember not to get too close! To get the most out of your trip make sure you check out these great attractions. 

Yellowstone National Park Tours
The best way to get acquainted with the area is to take a guided tour. Learn all about the landscape, wildlife, and the geothermal activity. In the summer months tours are by bus and in the winter months you have the option of snowmobiles or snow coaches. Private tours are available for larger groups.

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
See breathtaking views at the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. From the canyon you can view two astounding waterfalls, the Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The 20 mile long canyon is the perfect spot to take panoramic pictures. 

Old Faithful Geyser
Prepare yourself for one of the most famous geysers in the world. It doesn't take long to see the water erupt from the ground. About every 90 minutes the geysers erupts shooting water over 100 feet into the area. It is truly a site to see.

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , ,

Pin It on Pinterest