Houston: Things To Do

Bayou Bend The 1920s mansion of Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg now houses the early American (1620s-1870) decorative arts and painting collection from the Museum of Fine Arts. No admittance for children under 10. River Oaks; 1 Westcott St.; 713-639-7750; www.mfah.org/bayoubend
culture | budget | art

Catch a show Houston ranks second (behind New York) for the number of theater seats in a downtown area and is one of five U.S. cities with permanent professional companies in major performing arts disciplines (opera, ballet, music, and theater). Downtown; Houston Theater District; www.houstontheaterdistrict.org
family | culture | art

Houston Astros Nolan Ryan’s former team still has plenty of intrigue – catch a game with inexpensive outfield seats: $7 for adults and just $1 for kids ages 3 to 14. Downtown; Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St.; 713-259-8000; www.astros.com
family | budget | sports

Houston Dynamo Long known for sports, the town’s newest athletic contender is major league soccer team, Houston Dynamos (the former San Jose Earthquakes relocated to Houston in 2005). See them play at Robertson Stadium. Downtown; Robertson Stadium, Scott & Holman Sts.; 713-276-7500; www.houstondynamo.com
family | culture | new | sports

Houston Rockets The star power of Tony Parker and 7-foot, 6-inch Yao Ming makes basketball a worthy splurge. Downtown; Toyota Center, 1510 Polk St.; 713-627-3825; www.rockets.com
family | smart splurge | sports

Houston Texans Experience NFL football at a Houston Texans game. The team, added in 2002, is relatively new to the league. Downtown; Reliant Stadium, Two Reliant Park; 832-667-2000; www.houstontexans.com
family | smart splurge | sports

Houston Zoo Located in the 500-acre Hermann Park, Houston’s zoo is one of the best. Get close to 4,500 animals, including lions, tigers, and grizzly bears. Also here: the Houston Museum of Natural Science (713-639-4629; www.hmns.org). Downtown; 1513 N. Macgregor Dr.; 713-533-6500; www.houstonzoo.org
family | zoo | park

Menil Collection Houston’s art offerings are world-class and no collection demonstrates that more than this one, with its 15,000 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and rare books. Montrose; 1515 Sul Ross St.; 713-525-9400; www.menil.org
family | culture | art | sculpture

NASA's Johnson Space Center Visiting NASA headquarters is a must. See astronauts in training and on the “NASA Tram Tour.” Little ones love walking on the moon at the “Kids Space Place.” Clear Lake; 1601 NASA Parkway; 281-244-2100; www.spacecenter.org
family | budget | historic

San Jacinto Monument & Battleship Texas Don cowboy hats and pay homage to the brave Texans who fought at the 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto by touring the battleship memorial museum at this historic site. LaPorte; 3523 Battleground Rd.; 281-479-2431; www.tpwd.state.tx.us
family | culture | history