Texas is a great state to raise a family for many
reasons. One of those reasons is because it is home to hundreds of kid-friendly
destinations. From Dallas to San Antonio to Houston and everywhere in between,
the fun and learning never stops in the Lone Star State.
Below is my “top five” list for the best educational
trips for kids in Texas. Even though school is about to begin, you can still
visit these awesome places on the weekends.
Space
Center Houston
For some kids, space is a dream, and that dream can
be realized at Space Center Houston. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA,
touch a real moon rock, practice landing a simulated space shuttle and learn
about the history and future of space exploration. Some visitors are even lucky
enough to see a real astronaut training for a mission, and at the center’s Kids
Space Place, children can see what it would be like to man a space flight and
go into space. Discounted tickets can be purchased online at SpaceCenter.org.
Texas
State Capitol
Teach your children about state government at the
capitol building in Austin. Take a self-guided or guided tour of the building
and learn about the significance of its architecture and history. If you visit
during the legislative session, you may even get the opportunity to sit in on a
house or senate public meeting! After seeing the capitol building, stop by the
Capitol Visitors Center to view exhibits about the history of Texas government
and its beloved capitol. Admission is free for everyone, and guided tours are
generally 45 minutes long. For more information, visit the Capitol Visitors Center
website.
Houston
Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the
most popular museums in the United States. Home to the Burke Baker Planetarium,
the Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, the Cockrell Butterfly Center and a variety
of permanent exhibit areas, the museum is the perfect education trip for all
ages. Permanent exhibits focus on topics related to astronomy, space science,
Native American culture, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals,
seashells, Texas wildlife and so much more. Ticket prices vary depending on age
and exhibits visited. More information can be found on the museum’s website at
HMNS.org.
Fort
Worth Zoo
The Fort Worth Zoo has been named one of the top
zoos in the United States by several media outlets, including Family Life
magazine and USA Today. Although this zoo is home to less species than the
Houston or San Antonio zoos, it outshines the larger zoos with its commitment
to conservation, education and entertainment. The zoo’s Museum of Living Art
(MOLA) is a premier Herpetarium that brings visitors up close to exotic and
endangered species in an environment that is described as a living, breathing
work of art. For information about admission, visit FortWorthZoo.org.
The
Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston was named number
two on the “10 Best Children’s Museums” list on Parents.com, making it the best
children’s museum experience in Texas. With 90,000 square feet of mind-blowing,
educational fun, kids are given the opportunity to learn in a hands-on, active
atmosphere that they are sure to remember. The museum can be enjoyed by
children of all ages, even adults find the exhibits interesting and
enlightening. Admission is $9.00 per person and $8.00 for seniors 65 years and
older. Children under the age of one may enter for free, and all activities,
exhibits, workshops and performances are included with admission. The museum
hosts a free Family Night every Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. For more information,
visit their website at CMHouston.org.
Hope you have a blast!
Pepper Givens is a freelance writer whose foremost passion is writing for her blog about education. While her primary writing focus is trends in higher ed, Pepper also enjoys writing about personal finance, parenting, sustainable living, small business strategies, and more. She can be reached for questions or comments at pepper.givens@gmail.com.
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