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Amazing Places to Visit around Southwest Houston

10 Fantastic Ideas for Your Daytrip To Houston

Published: 2022-07-29 08:07:36

Houston is a massive city with many places to visit, but sometimes it's nice to get out of the city and explore some of the smaller towns and areas around it. So if you're looking for an amazing day trip or a weekend getaway, check out some of the spots around Southwest Houston. From nature preserves and small towns to bustling cities and everything in between, there's something for everyone.

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a two-acre park in Uptown, Houston. The Waterwall is a 64-foot-tall semi-circular fountain that runs along the back of the park. The water wall is one of the most popular features of the park, and it's a great place to cool off on a hot day. In addition to the water wall, the park also has a walking trail, a playground, and a picnic area. Entry is free, and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. 

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southwest Houston. The museum has something for everyone with various exhibits and attractions such as the Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Burke Baker Planetarium, and the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre. There is also a great selection of shops and restaurants on-site, so you can take a break between exhibits. Entry is free for members, and there are discounts for seniors, students, and children. 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston is a spiritual and cultural complex in the city of Houston, Texas, USA. It's one of the largest Hindu temples in the world outside of India. The mandir is constructed from 34,450 pieces of Italian Carrara marble and Turkish Limra stone. The temple is affiliated with the Swaminarayan Sampraday and was built according to the Vastu Shastra. There's no dress code to enter the temple complex, but visitors are asked to dress modestly. Shoes must be removed before entering, and photography is not allowed inside the temples. 

Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve

Houston Interactive Aquarium & Animal Preserve is one of the most amazing places to visit around southwest Houston. This place is known for its hands-on approach to animal encounters and variety of educational exhibits. The staff is also very friendly and knowledgeable, which makes this a great place to learn about the animals that call this place home. You can see animals like sharks, stingrays, alligators, turtles, snakes, lizards, and even exotic birds. There's also a touch pool where you can get up close with some smaller animals. 

McGovern Centennial Gardens

McGovern Centennial Gardens is a 22-acre public garden located in Houston, Texas, created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city of Houston. The gardens feature a variety of native plants and flowers, such as bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, and Texas lantana. There's also a butterfly garden, a children's garden, and a sensory garden. Everything is open daily from dawn to dusk, and there's no cost to enter. There are also several events held throughout the year. 

Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southwest Houston. The park offers various activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and kayaking. Visitors can also explore the numerous trails and parks within the park, including the Buffalo Bayou Promenade, which offers stunning views of downtown Houston. Other popular attractions in the park include the Buffalo Bayou Art Park, which features a variety of public art installations, and the Buffalo Bayou Water Works, a working water treatment facility. 

Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center

Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center is a great place to take your kids if you're looking for something fun and educational to do in Southwest Houston. The Discovery Center has interactive exhibits on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, making it the perfect place for your little ones to learn and have a blast at the same time. There's also a playground and a café on-site so that you can make a day of it. 

Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land

Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land is one of the most popular museums in the area, featuring a variety of exhibits that focus on different aspects of natural science. Visitors can learn about the history of the area, the wildlife that inhabits it, and the geological processes that have shaped it. The museum also has several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to get more familiar with what the museum offers. It's in Sugar Land, Texas, just outside of Houston. It is open year-round, and there is no admission fee.

Houston Funplex

Houston Funplex is an amazing place to visit around southwest Houston. It has something for everyone, from activities and games to delicious food options. The staff is also very friendly and accommodating, which makes it a great place to visit for families or groups of friends. Overall, Houston Funplex is a great option to have fun and relax in Southwest Huston, and it's worth a visit if you are in the area. 

Eclectic Menagerie Park

Eclectic Menagerie Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southwest Houston and is home to various animals, including lions, tigers, and bears. The park has restaurants and cafes, a playground, and a petting zoo with different animals. In addition to the animal attractions, Eclectic Menagerie Park has several hiking trails, a botanical garden, and many sculptures and art installations. There is also a small lake in the park that is perfect for picnicking or relaxing in the sun. 

Other Things To do Around Southwest Houston Area:

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