Houston, Texas, the fourth most populous city in the U.S., has more than 30 museums, 500 parks, over 100 golf courses, 60 movie theaters and at least 8,000 restaurants at any given time. The region's mild climate provides a perfect setting for indoor and outdoor amusements all year long.
As the Art Car Capital of the World, Houston is home to the Art Car Museum, affectionately known by locals as the "Garage Mahal." This privately owned attraction was founded in 1998 to spotlight the creative endeavors that "cartists" pursue when attempting to modify ordinary cars into rolling works of art decorated with everything from broken toys to neon tubing. Other artwork that is under-represented in traditional museum settings is also included, such as ethnic art and found-object creations. The Art Car Museum also sponsors a Houston Art Car Parade, held every May.
Art Car Museum
140 Heights Blvd.
Houston TX, 77007
713-861-5526
artcarmuseum.com
Set on an historic working ranch in the southwest side of Houston, the American Cowboy Museum is dedicated to preserving the memory and contributions of African Americans, Latinos and women in the American West. The museum is set on the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch, a 150-year-old institution that today still houses the Stevenson family's descendants, animals and the second oldest oil well in Texas. The museum offers hands-on workshops, exhibits and lectures in an authentic, old West setting. The frontier-themed attraction is also available for private parties and special events.
American Cowboy Museum
11822 Almeda Rd.
Houston, TX 77045
713-433-4441
americancowboymuseum.org
Houston's largest water-based amusement park offers 40 acres of slides, pools, raft rides and family activity areas. Thrill rides include the Tornado, a 75-foot-tall, 5,000-gallon ride that features a 135-foot-long tunnel and 60-foot funnel with clover-shaped tubes that shoots riders into a giant pool of water. Splashtown also features calmer play areas including the Blue Lagoon Activity Center, which has swings and waterfalls, and Crocodile Isle, a play area for small children complete with an interactive pirate ship, slides and water cannons.
Splashtown Park
21300 I-45 North
Spring, TX 77383
281-355-3300
splashtownpark.com
Kids, teens and adults will enjoy Zuma Fun Center, an amusement park featuring go-kart rides, batting cages, miniature golf, video arcades and bumper boats. With two locations in both North and South Houston, Zuma Fun Center also has dining facilities and specializes in hosting private parties and special events. The park offers special evening rates, group discounts and sells unlimited yearly passes.
Zuma Fun Center North Houston
180 W. Rankin Rd.
Houston, TX 77090
281-872-7778
Zuma Fun Center South Houston
6767 SW Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
713-981-7888
parcfuncenters.com
