This natural history museum is so large, it would probably take a full day to enjoy all of the exhibits; however, it’s well worth the time. The museum has an extensive dinosaur exhibit in the Morian Hall of Paleontology that is a must-see for those who are interested in prehistoric life. The paleontology hall has a diverse collection of fossilized prehistoric beasts, including well-known dinosaurs like Triceratops and the king of dinosaurs, the T-Rex. You can go on nature walks and see the popular six-story Cockrell Butterfly Center exhibit. Just imagine the splendor of seeing thousands of butterflies in a jungle habitat! Along with dinosaurs and beautiful butterflies, the museum also boasts a popular exhibition on ancient Egypt and an impressive gemstone and rock gallery, a planetarium, and a full IMAX theatre.

Take a walk on Houston’s wild side and spend a day at the nationally-renowned Houston Zoo. The zoo is among one of the most-visited in the country, with over 6,000 furry, scaly, and feathery residents representing more than 600 species. You can find some of your favorite exotic animals like elephants, gorillas, and giraffes in simulations of their natural habitat. The zoo’s knowledgeable staff is available to answer any questions and provide insightful information during scheduled shows and talks. The zoo also has regularly scheduled special animal encounters where guests can get up close and personal with sloths, cheetahs, rhinos, and various other species.

The Galleria isn’t just a shopping mall in Texas, it’s the shopping mall in Texas. At almost 2 million square feet of shopping space, be sure to charter a bus that has plenty of cargo storage, because you can shop until you drop. The Galleria is the biggest shopping center in the state and also ranks among the largest in the country. You’ll find everything from classic anchor department stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus to luxury boutiques like Alexander McQueen and Versace. When you are finished shopping, you can visit the mall’s basement level to do a few laps in its indoor ice skating rink! Later, relax and eat in some of the nice mall restaurants in the food court.

Are you looking for a unique place to picnic and relax while you are in Houston? Take a visit to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park in Downtown Houston. Also referred to as the “Water Wall” this public park offers a beautiful green space with a man-made waterfall in the heart of Houston’s metropolitan area. The towering 65-foot horseshoe shaped structure draws in visitors from across the city to sit and cool off among the sprays of the waterfall. You can picnic under one of the many giant oak trees that surround the falls or even just go to snap a few pictures of the unique structure. The Water Wall is one of the most photographed sites in Houston and once you visit, you’ll definitely understand why.

While in Texas, you’ll probably want to visit a classic Southern mansion. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is the former home of philanthropist and “First Lady of Texas” Ima Hogg. The estate is currently a part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and displays around 4,000 objects that represent art and culture between the 1600 and 1800s. The magnificent collection of American art includes furniture, fine china, silverware, and paintings. Bayou Bend’s well-manicured gardens are also popular for special events like weddings. Book a group tour to explore the breathtaking estate and gardens during your next Houston trip.