Houston, Texas - a City of Museums

Houston, Texas, could be named the "City of Museums." If you are planning a trip to Houston, prepare to be educated! From fine art galleries to children's museums, Houston has it all!

For science buffs, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-see destination. Home to both a museum and a planetarium, there is plenty to see and do at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Children will revel in the butterfly center, a six-story structure full of free flying butterflies. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the site of one of the colorful insects landing on your outstretched hand. The museum also has models of the space station, an IMAX theater, and a dinosaur exhibit!

Boldly go where no man has gone before at the Space Center in Houston. The Space Center is the most popular destination in the city, and is the country's official NASA visitor's center. Here your family can explore interactive displays that give you a taste of what life is like for an astronaut. Learn what it feels like to walk without gravity, and enjoy a simulated moon landing mission. A highlight of a trip to the Space Center is a tour of the NASA control center. Plan an entire day to explore this amazing attraction.

The Museum of Fine Arts was the first municipal art museum in the state. It houses a collection of Impressionist era art, as well as art from the Baroque and Renaissance time frames. The museum also has an outdoor sculpture garden as well.

The National Museum of Funeral History is a bit morbid, nonetheless fun. Here you can explore a recreated casket factory from the early 20^th century, learn now embalming works, and learn the history behind America's funeral traditions. There is no other museum in the country quite like this one!

For a more lighthearted experience, head to the Children's Museum of Houston. This museum is home to fourteen galleries full of colorful exhibits. The action never stops at the Children's Museum. Kids explore their world through hands-on exhibits designed to stimulate their minds and imaginations. With characters from popular PBS television shows, this museum takes education and makes it fun for all ages!

Another museum you must take the kids to is the Health Museum. Designed with kids in mind, the Health Museum in Houston is a member of the Texas Medical Center, so you can be certain the health information provided is up-to-date. The Amazing Body Pavilion shows children how their bodies work, building appreciation for the amazing design of the human body. With a walk through brain and other giant organs, children get a hands-on educational experience that is fun as well!

A sobering, yet important, museum that you should take your family to is the Holocaust Museum Houston. This museum is dedicated to the memory of the Jews who were slaughtered during World War II. While not appropriate for young children, those who are old enough to understand the significance of the experiences of those in concentration camps during World War II should visit this somber museum. The museum recently acquired and restored a rail care that was used in 1942 to transport Jews to their deaths.

Those with service men or women in their family will want to visit the Houston Military Museum. The museum houses an extensive collection of military aircraft and land vehicles. These are used in displays and dioramas depicting the heroism of those in the armed forces.

Does your little guy want to grow up to be a fireman? Then consider visiting the Houston Fire Museum. Here your family can explore antique fire equipment and learn more about the life of a firefighter. The museum is housed in an old firehouse to add to the authenticity of the experience. Houston also has a Police Museum.

Swim with the sharks at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. Eight themed exhibits allow you to explore the undersea life from around the world. You can even get up close and personal with majestic white tigers. The Discovery Rig allows adventurers of all ages to touch the water creatures, and watch sharks hatch in the shark nursery!

With all of these amazing museums to visit, chances are you will want to plan more than just a week for your Houston, Texas vacation. And if the indoors get old, there is plenty to do outdoors as well. Exploring Houston is a way to incorporate education into your vacation, without sacrificing fun and adventure!