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3 days in Houston

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3 days in Houston
Houston is a sprawling city with many attractions; you will spend some time in the car getting from place to place.
Good for: Families, Groups, Seniors, Individuals
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
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Day 1
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science

This outstanding science museum has a spectacular collection of mineral specimens, a dinosaur skeleton, space-station models, a planetarium, IMAX theater and a six-story butterfly center in which these beautiful creatures land delicately on outstretched arms.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Cockrell Butterfly Center
Cockrell Butterfly Center

Next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the glass-enclosed butterfly habitat includes a simulated rainforest and thousands of colorful butterflies. A dramatic 50-foot waterfall and exotic plants transport visitors.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 1-2 hours
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Miller Outdoor Theatre
Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre, in Hermann Park, offers an 8-month season of free outdoor performances. See concerts, theater, dance, and children’s programming.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: 2-3 hours
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Water Wall
Water Wall

The Water Wall, near the Galleria, offers a respite from commerce. Sit under the spray on a hot day, or people watch and take pictures.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: <1 hour
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Day 2
The Galleria
The Galleria

Sprawling network of hotels, restaurants, and shops circling a giant indoor ice skating rink.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts

The first municipal art museum in Texas is most well-known for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, and also includes Baroque and Renaissance art, African tribal art, a sculpture garden and a teaching wing, where the works of students and top Texas artists are displayed.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection

One of the greatest private art collections in the U.S. features such surrealist works as those by Salvador Dali and Max Ernst, and offers visitors a sign-free and simply-designed environment in which to experience the art in a more personal way. The main building is accompanied by four satellite buildings.

Fee: No      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Rienzi Mansion
Rienzi Mansion

The Rienzi, an offshoot of the Museum of Fine Arts, houses a collection of European decorative arts. Stroll the formal and Texas woodland garden. The mansion is in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: 2-3 hours
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Day 3
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston

Houston's top attraction is the official visitor's center for NASA, where simulations allow you to experience what it's like to walk in space or land on the moon. Visitors can also tour the NASA control center.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Memorial Park
Memorial Park

Memorial Park is a sprawling park nestled within a wooded majestic metropolis.  Enjoy miles of walking or jogging with friendly Houstonians.  You... more »

Fee: No      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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The Health Museum
The Health Museum

The Health Museum has interactive exhibits on health, medical science and the human body. Walk through a brain and an eyeball, test your reflexes and experience a 4D theater.

Fee: Yes      Duration of visit: More than 3 hours
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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.