The city of Houston is located in Harris County, Texas, and was named after Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas. The city is home to dozens of local festivals including the Bayou City Cajun Fest in March and the Bluegrass Festival in September. You'll also find hundreds of interesting attractions for the entire family, from parks to performing arts, and learn about Houston's multicultural heritage in historic sites and museums.
Houston is nicknamed "Space City, USA," and therefore the Space Center Houston is a must-see for tourists. It features dozens of permanent exhibits and attractions including Space Center Theater, Blast Off Theater, NASA Tour, Blast Off Gallery, Feel of Space, Starship Gallery and Kids Space Place. Visitors can learn what it takes to be an astronaut, feel what it's like to launch into space and tour the historic Mission Control Center, the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory and the current Mission Control Center. The venue also offers educational programs such as day camps and teacher programs. Space Center Houston is open daily, and admission fees apply.
The 124-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, located near downtown Houston, is a destination for outdoor recreation and the site of major festivals and events. Visit the park, which features hike and bike trails, canoe and kayak trails, exercise stations, a disc golf course, a dog park and a boat launch. The entire family will enjoy a day at the park, which also has a playground, displays temporary public artwork and is home to a recreation center.
Houston's only outdoor interactive historic museum and park, the Heritage Society at 10-acre Sam Houston Park is located in the heart of downtown Houston. Take a tour of the nine historic structures including San Felipe Cottage, a house built by German immigrants in 1868, and Yates House, a home built in 1870 by Jack Yates, a freed slave. You'll also find the Heritage Society Museum Gallery, which features exhibits pertaining to Houston's history. Educational programs are also offered. The Heritage Society is open daily but closed on major holidays. A fee is charged for historic house tours; but children 18 and under are admitted free, and the museum gallery is always free.
A not-for-profit performing arts theater, The Grand 1894 Opera House features performances year-round. Enjoy live entertainment in the 1,000-seat Opera House presented by visiting artists and production companies including dance, drama, Broadway musicals and opera. Annual events are also held here, and the Opera House may be rented for special occasions. An important part of Texas' history, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been proclaimed "The Official Opera House of Texas."
