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| Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (photographer: Jack Opatrany) |
When we first visited Texas in June 2005 our only agenda was to spend 5 days house hunting. We intended to move over the summer school break so that our children would have an easy transition into a new school. We landed in G Bush pretty late at night, and because of the heightened excitement, I barely noticed anything on that first drive north to Magnolia, except the smack of humidity we received upon exiting the airport. I didn't notice the city. I never saw Houston. I was too excited at the idea that we would be embarking on the greatest adventure of our lives --
Moving 1650 miles away from everything we knew, to begin a new life in Texas!
The following few days were a blur of house hunting. Our Realtor, Phyllis, patiently marched us through 35 houses that were pre-selected by me, We made an offer on one, and by day 4 we were in contract, so when we headed back to the airport for our trip home to New Jersey, we were of a very different frame of mind then when we arrived.
I was now able to look, and also to see the landscape and the scenery around me. It was then that I realized the enormity of the adventure before us. We would be moving here. A place we've never been, and this, "Houston" would be our new, closest city. A new place to explore and learn. Every single place here is a new place to us! The potential for Adventure was huge!
Moving 1650 miles away from everything we knew, to begin a new life in Texas!
The following few days were a blur of house hunting. Our Realtor, Phyllis, patiently marched us through 35 houses that were pre-selected by me, We made an offer on one, and by day 4 we were in contract, so when we headed back to the airport for our trip home to New Jersey, we were of a very different frame of mind then when we arrived.
I was now able to look, and also to see the landscape and the scenery around me. It was then that I realized the enormity of the adventure before us. We would be moving here. A place we've never been, and this, "Houston" would be our new, closest city. A new place to explore and learn. Every single place here is a new place to us! The potential for Adventure was huge!
Finding ways to be intrigued with the world, with purpose and intention, is great way to stay young, and, a lifestyle choice of my mothers. Living Life with Purpose!
I read once that as a person gets older they may not laugh as much. Why? Because they aren't surprised by a certain joke, or idea. They've heard that already. its not new, surprising, or exciting anymore. Life becomes boring. Its important to continue to be youthful by stimulating your inner child. Be an explorer! An adventurer! Play! Have fun! Be child-like.
I believe this philosophy is what keeps my mother so active in her senior years. She's traveling all over the world with her friends, and enjoying retired life. She stimulates her mind with new and exciting adventures, and stays healthy by being active.
So, with my mothers upcoming visit in mind, these suggestions were given from my neighbors in the Magnolia Texas area, for fun things to do in Houston's Museum District, during my mothers visit.
I believe this philosophy is what keeps my mother so active in her senior years. She's traveling all over the world with her friends, and enjoying retired life. She stimulates her mind with new and exciting adventures, and stays healthy by being active.
So, with my mothers upcoming visit in mind, these suggestions were given from my neighbors in the Magnolia Texas area, for fun things to do in Houston's Museum District, during my mothers visit.
The list of suggested attractions doesn't even come close to being everything there is to do in Houston. Of course, I am not qualified to even try to be a Houston tour guide, so as in previous posts this writer simply suggests you consider these ideas as a starting point for your own adventure. Like me, do your research to make your plan. Use the links provided to explore your options, then set out to embrace your life by intentionally choosing to be an adventurer, not a spectator.
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| Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau (photographer: Julie Soefer) |
Downtown Houston-The Museum District
Houston tourism links
official page for the city of Houston
Museum District FREE Admission Dates
Houston City Pass
Find Parking
Museum District FREE Admission Dates
Houston City Pass
Find Parking
The Museum District
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| HMNS Cockrell Butterfly Center Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau |
5555 Hermann Park Dr.
Houston,Texas 77030
Adults $20.00
Children & Seniors $15.00
Thursdays Free from 2 to 5
Permanent exhibits include The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology, which includes a 3 story glass-enclosed rain forest complete with a 50 foot waterfall, The Burke Baker Planetarium, named one of the 6 best planetariums in the US, and a highly recommended
Permanent exhibits include The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology, which includes a 3 story glass-enclosed rain forest complete with a 50 foot waterfall, The Burke Baker Planetarium, named one of the 6 best planetariums in the US, and a highly recommended
Egypt exhibit- The Hall of Ancient Egypt.
The Hall of Ancient Egypt, opened in May of 2013, is a 10,000 square foot exhibit hall that has a"permanently changing" display of exhibit items shared with several other museums. This means that you can go more than once and see different things. Also, per their website, the exhibit is set up in a way that the visitor experiences different glimpses of daily life both in ancient, and modern times.
The Hall of Ancient Egypt is a permanent exhibit and entry is included with general admission, but the Butterfly Center and Planetarium require addition ticket purchase.
In 2009, we attended the visiting, Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit. It was incredible!
The Hall of Ancient Egypt is a permanent exhibit and entry is included with general admission, but the Butterfly Center and Planetarium require addition ticket purchase.
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| My girls, HMNS Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit |
In 2009, we attended the visiting, Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit. It was incredible!
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| Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau |
Houston, Texas 77005
713.639.7300
Adults $15
Seniors $10
Children $7.50
Thursdays FREE courtesy of Shell.
300,000 square feet of exhibit space, The MFAH art collections and exhibitions are presented primarily in the Museum’s two main gallery buildings: the Audrey Jones Beck Building and the Caroline Wiess Law Building. Connected by the underground Wilson Tunnel.
Cullen Sculpture Garden
Montrose Boulevard at Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77006
Opened in April of 1986, the sculpture gardens are 2 city blocks containing 25 original sculptures, and are adjacent to the main gallery buildings.
The Children's Museum of Houston
Adults and Children $10
Seniors $9
1500 Binz
Houston, Texas
713-522-1138
Child-centered, hands-on learning.
Link and info provided for those with small children to enjoy.
Holocaust Museum Houston
located 3 blocks East, and 2 blocks North of the Fine Arts Museum.
5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004
Dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust
"Education is unique in its ability to transform ignorance into respect for those who are different…"
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.
General Admission $12
Seniors and active-duty Military $8
Students free with Student ID
This Museum is not recommended for children under 10.
Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
Tel 713 284 8250
FREE ADMISSION - ALWAYS
Tue 10AM - 7PM
Wed 10AM - 7PM
Thu 10AM – 9PM
Fri 10AM – 7PM
Sat 10AM – 6PM
Sun 12PM – 6PM
Closed Monday
Houston Museum of African American Culture
4807 Caroline Street
Houston, Texas
713-526-1015
Adults: $5
Children (12 and under): $3
Seniors (60 and older): $3
"HMAAC seeks to invite and engage visitors of every race and background, and to inspire children of all ages through discovery-driven learning"
Asia Society-Texas
1370 Southmore Blvd.
Houston, TX 77004
713.496.9901
11 am to 6 pm daily
Sat & Sun 10 am to 6 pm daily
Closed Mondays
Admission is Free for the Museum
Sarofim Gallery $5 for non-members
"Enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach."
The Health Museum
1515 HERMANN DRIVE
HOUSTON, TX 77004
(713) 521-1515
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays September - May
Adults $9
Children and Seniors $7
Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd.
11am-6pm, Wednesday-Sunday
Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
713-861-5526
Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 6pm
The Beer Can House
222 Malone Street
between Memorial Drive and Washington Avenue
Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 only
$5 per person
Over 50,000 cans adorn this monument to recycling!
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
155 acre nature sanctuary
Located in Memorial Park
4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
Hiking Trails
Bayou Bend
6003 Memorial Drive at Westcott Street
Houston, Texas 77007
This is the Museum of Fine Arts collection of American display art, containing furnishings and household goods in the home of former Houston Civic Leader, Ima Hogg. (yes, that IS a name, don't laugh, Texans do NOT think its funny) The home is nestled within a 14 acre park-like setting containing styled gardens that are quite beautiful.
Mercer Arboretum
Mercer Arboretum Facebook Page
22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
300 acres of native & cultivated plants along with butterflies, birds & special seasonal events.
Open Daily 8 am to 5 pm
Admission is FREE
Our intention for Museum day is to visit on Thursday, when most of the museums have FREE admission. We hope to visit the aquarium for lunch, to split up the day. Mercer Arboretum and Bayou Bend are included on this page because they are nearby,, but will be a separate trips for us, on different days.
I hope you enjoyed my invitation to explore Houston's Museums, and that you will visit me again, for More Day Trips by Jersey Girl. Also,find me on Facebook A Jersey Girl in Texas and follow me on Twitter@AJerseyGirlinTX
Adults $15
Seniors $10
Children $7.50
Thursdays FREE courtesy of Shell.
300,000 square feet of exhibit space, The MFAH art collections and exhibitions are presented primarily in the Museum’s two main gallery buildings: the Audrey Jones Beck Building and the Caroline Wiess Law Building. Connected by the underground Wilson Tunnel.
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| Cullen Sculpture Garden Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau |
Cullen Sculpture Garden
Montrose Boulevard at Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77006
Opened in April of 1986, the sculpture gardens are 2 city blocks containing 25 original sculptures, and are adjacent to the main gallery buildings.
.jpg) |
| The Children's Museum of Houston Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau |
The Children's Museum of Houston
Adults and Children $10
Seniors $9
1500 Binz
Houston, Texas
713-522-1138
Child-centered, hands-on learning.
Link and info provided for those with small children to enjoy.
located 3 blocks East, and 2 blocks North of the Fine Arts Museum.
5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004
Dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust
"Education is unique in its ability to transform ignorance into respect for those who are different…"
Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, Noon to 5 p.m.
General Admission $12
Seniors and active-duty Military $8
Students free with Student ID
This Museum is not recommended for children under 10.
 |
| Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and visitors Bureau Houston Contemporary Arts Museum |
5216 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
Tel 713 284 8250
FREE ADMISSION - ALWAYS
Tue 10AM - 7PM
Wed 10AM - 7PM
Thu 10AM – 9PM
Fri 10AM – 7PM
Sat 10AM – 6PM
Sun 12PM – 6PM
Closed Monday
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| Houston Museum of African American Culture Photo Courtesy of Houston Greater Convention & Visitors Bureau |
4807 Caroline Street
Houston, Texas
713-526-1015
Adults: $5
Children (12 and under): $3
Seniors (60 and older): $3
"HMAAC seeks to invite and engage visitors of every race and background, and to inspire children of all ages through discovery-driven learning"
Asia Society-Texas
.jpg) |
| Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Visitors and Convention Bureau |
1370 Southmore Blvd.
Houston, TX 77004
713.496.9901
11 am to 6 pm daily
Sat & Sun 10 am to 6 pm daily
Closed Mondays
Admission is Free for the Museum
Sarofim Gallery $5 for non-members
"Enriching and engaging the vast diversity of Houston through innovative, relevant programs in arts and culture, business and policy, education, and community outreach."
The Health Museum
1515 HERMANN DRIVE
HOUSTON, TX 77004
(713) 521-1515
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays September - May
Adults $9
Children and Seniors $7
Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd.
11am-6pm, Wednesday-Sunday
Closed on Mondays & Tuesdays
713-861-5526
Wednesday - Sunday, 11am - 6pm
CLOSED: Monday & Tuesday
Admission is FREE
.jpg) |
| Photo Courtesy of Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau |
222 Malone Street
between Memorial Drive and Washington Avenue
Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 only
$5 per person
Over 50,000 cans adorn this monument to recycling!
.jpg) |
| Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau |
410 Bagby St @ Memorial Dr.
Houston, TX 77002
713-223-FISH (3474)
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm
Friday & Saturday: 10am – 10:30pm
Sunday: 10am – 9pm
See Website for ticket pricing
Nature and Out Doors
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
155 acre nature sanctuary
Located in Memorial Park
4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
Hiking Trails
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| Bayou Bend Gardens, Houston Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau |
Bayou Bend
6003 Memorial Drive at Westcott Street
Houston, Texas 77007
This is the Museum of Fine Arts collection of American display art, containing furnishings and household goods in the home of former Houston Civic Leader, Ima Hogg. (yes, that IS a name, don't laugh, Texans do NOT think its funny) The home is nestled within a 14 acre park-like setting containing styled gardens that are quite beautiful.
 |
| Mercer Arboretum Photo Courtesy of Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau |
Mercer Arboretum Facebook Page
22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338
300 acres of native & cultivated plants along with butterflies, birds & special seasonal events.
Open Daily 8 am to 5 pm
Admission is FREE
~*~
Our intention for Museum day is to visit on Thursday, when most of the museums have FREE admission. We hope to visit the aquarium for lunch, to split up the day. Mercer Arboretum and Bayou Bend are included on this page because they are nearby,, but will be a separate trips for us, on different days.
I hope you enjoyed my invitation to explore Houston's Museums, and that you will visit me again, for More Day Trips by Jersey Girl. Also,find me on Facebook A Jersey Girl in Texas and follow me on Twitter@AJerseyGirlinTX
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