Wanderlust World Wanderlust World With the sixth most populous metropolitan area in the U.S., Houston has no shortage of activities for field trippers. Group tours of the city can be arranged to accommodate the needs of each group. Plan to spend a few days in the city as some sights are large enough for full-day tours.
Transportation to Houston by bus or plane is best for large student groups. Charter buses are rented through charter companies. School buses are another option for groups traveling from Houston's outlying area. While wholesale airfare sites often sell group fares to domestic destinations. See the resource section for more information on wholesale airfare and charter buses.
Students traveling from too far a distance for a day trip can take advantage of hotel group rates. Contact local hotels for group discounts.
Houston boasts over 500 cultural, visual and performing arts organizations. The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston houses classic masterpieces and contemporary international sensations. Tickets for school groups are free with at least four weeks registration. Register with the museum online at mfah.org.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest rodeo in the world. The rodeo is located inside the city limits making it easily accessible from downtown Houston. The rodeo offers guided tours for school groups through the AGventure exhibit. An exhibit gives the public a walk-through look at agriculture in the U.S., complete with livestock and crops. A carnival and the rodeo show are not included in the ticket price for the AGventure exhibit.
Miller Outdoor Theater hosts multiple performance art groups including the Houston Symphony and the Houston Grand Opera. The theater offers free tickets for the entire season running from March through November.
The Houston Zoo allows an educator to schedule a animal education class for her students. The cost for each student is low and covers admission into the zoo. Some examples of other tours include a guided look at the Houston City Hall and the historical Sam Houston Park neighborhood. The Downtown Aquarium and Houston Arboretum also host tours throughout the day. School groups are often discounted or free. Call tour companies and museums ahead of time to confirm costs.
Battleship Texas saw active duty in both World War I and World War II. Now it rests in Buffalo Bay, just a few minutes outside of downtown Houston. The ship in nestled into a harbor against the 1,200-square-foot San Jacinto Battleground, a National Historic Site.The Battleship is a National Historic Landmark that is best viewed during the daylight hours. Tours on the boat are subject to availability and must be scheduled in advance.
George Ranch Historical Park is an early American settlement that now acts as a museum. Costumed guides in the park re-enact typical 19th century Texas ranch life. The ranch is still owned and operated by the same family that settled it in 1824. The park offers a catalog each year detailing options for school tours. See the resources section for more information.