Top Five Romantic Places to Celebrate Love in Houston Texas on Valentines

Yes, we do everything bigger in Texas and Houston is proof. With a little planning you can too when you are making your Valentine's Day plans for you and the special someone. Remember in big cities, big plans can mean big bucks, big crowds and big traffic. With these five ideas you can plan ahead and possibly avoid some of the bigness that is Houston and Valentine's Day. Make it special with these thoughtful, romantic spots.

Herman Park

The Mary Gibbs and Jesse Jones Reflection Pool located in Herman Park is a wonderful place to take a walk in the park holding hands and reflecting on your past, present and future with the one you love. History is celebrated at this park with a statue of Sam Houston and the lovely scenery of trees, park benches to sit and talk on. There are gazebo's and picnic tables, so that you can even pack a picnic lunch or dinner to enjoy. Herman Park is one of the most visited parks in Houston with 445 acres that include the Houston Zoo, Houston Garden Center, and the Museum of Natural Science.

Houston Zoo, ok, zoo? Maybe not you are thinking. But I think the zoo is very romantic and if you have a family and are worried about childcare and costs the zoo can't be beat. You and your spouse can walk through the tree lined walkways, while the whole family enjoys the antics of the wild animals. The giraffe and monkey section are among my favorites as well as the lions and tigers. You will enjoy the center section where you may either purchase your meal or pack a cooler and tuck it into the stroller for the children. The picnic area is clean and the other facilities are well situated. Picnic in the park area with the children and then take them over to the petting zoo and children's play area. Take a ride on the train or carousel and for about $5.00 a person or use your zoo membership you have not only an entertaining day, but you can show the whole family how much you love each other.

Sunset in the park with the Mecom Fountains which are glorious and a walk in the park would not be complete without them. If you time it just right you can view the fountains at sunset and this would be the perfect setting for giving your special someone their Valentine gift. Jewelry anyone?

Starlight Star Bright, first star I see in Houston. Do you want all the romance of a starlit? Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

This is one of the most visited science museums in the country and it offers exhibits on everything from ancient cultures, Native American's, a 70 foot dinosaur and many other natural science wonders. For this date, take time to walk through the beautiful three storey glass enclosure of the Cockrell Butterfly Center where in this interactive exhibit you can observe thousands of live butterflies, tropical plants and flowers. Next visit the Wortham IMAX Theatre or the Burke Baker Planetarium where you can count the stars with your special someone as you experience the beauty of the universe, stars shows and laser lights. Do you want to make the afternoon or evening even more memorable? You can "Name a Star" for your special someone. Cost for this event: $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children for the butterfly exhibit, and $6.00 for adults/$5.00 for children for the Planetarium. Name a Star cost anywhere from $19.95-97.00. Your name a star kit comes with a map and other information about your special star that you can give your special someone. My favorite is "Name a Star" which began in 1978 and is very reasonably priced.

Want to go bigger? Have childcare arranged already? If so, look for the next installment of top places to go in Houston on Valentines Day. For other cost saving date ideas anywhere visit Save Your Money and Your Romance and if looking for a date in New York City try 3 Perfect Dates In New York City .