Houston Things To Do

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.”

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

Experience NFL football at a Houston Texans game. The team, added in 2002, is relatively new to the league.

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.

The star power of Tony Parker and 7-foot, 6-inch Yao Ming makes basketball a worthy splurge.

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.