When I visited it took ~1 hour to go all the way through all the displays, but we were kind of in a rush so we went through a little faster than most people would have. You can definitely spend a couple hours there if you want.

There is also a restaurant on the premise as well. We did not eat there but it looked like a fun place to eat. There were aquariums located throughout the restaurant as well so you could see the fish while you ate. We did check out the prices while we were there. They were not outrageous but they were definitely not cheap.

Be sure to check out their website below because their were a variety of different shows or activities that were going on during the day. We missed all of them while we were there but some of them seemed like they would be really fun, especially if you have children with you.

The aquarium is also one of the attractions on the CityPass ticket. I definately reccommend this because it could save you a tone of money if you plan on visiting all the attractions on the list.

Overall this was one of the better Houston attractions that I have been to on my numerous trips there. It was a nice way to kill a few hours. The parking was convenient and everyone had a great time.

Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 10 AM – 10 PM
Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 11 PM

Admission:
I highly recommend using CityPass to buy your tickets because you get the tickets at a high discount. If you just buy an individual ticket I believe the tickets were around $10.

Contact Information:
Website: Houston Downtown Aquarium
Phone: 713-223-FISH
Location: Downtown Houston
Google Map

If you are a person that loves to shop don’t pass up this wonderful Houston attraction. And even if you don’t love to shop, let the other in your group go shopping, I’m sure there are plenty of other attractions for you to visit. You could walk around Rice University or find a restaurant to eat at while you wait.

Hours:
Normal business hours.

Admission:
There is no cost to enter the Rice Village area but obviously you need to be prepared to spend money on shopping and food.

Contact Information:
Website: www.ricevillageonline.com
Location: South West side of Houston next to Rice University.
Google Map

Even though this zoo is exceptionally kid friendly that does not mean that as an adult you will not have any fun here. Of  course you will. Every on loves the zoo. So be sure to make a stop here on your visit to Houston.

Hours:
March 8-November 1:
9:00 AM-7:00 PM
November 2-March 7:
9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Closed on Christmas day.

Admission:
Adults: $10
Children (ages 2-11): $6
Seniors (65+): $6
It is FREE to go to the Houston Zoo on these days:

• Martin Luther King Day
• President’s Day
• Columbus Day
• The Friday after Thanksgiving
• New Year’s Day

Contact Information:
Website: www.houstonzoo.org
Phone: 713-533-6500
Location: Southwest of downtown near Hermann Park
Google Map

Dine at one of the many fine restaurants while you sit on the boardwalk overlooking the ocean.

This is a great place for families and young adults as well. Everyone will have fun on the boardwalk! Don’t miss out on one of Houston’s best attractions.

Check their calendar of events to see whats going on while you are there.

Kemah Boardwalk

Hours:

Sunday-Thursday: 10:30 AM-10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:30 AM-11:00 PM

Admission:
All day ride pass:
Under 48″: $16.99
Over 48″: $18.99

Contact Information:
Website: www.kemahboardwalk.com
Location: Outside of Houston to the southwest.
Google Map

The Johnson Space center named after, president Lyndon B. Johnson is a wonderful place to visit while in Houston. They have a variety of different attractions including the NASA tour, the feel of space, and the space museum.

The NASA tour is the main attraction and takes you around the grounds and takes you to several buildings including historic mission control and the room that houses a full size replica of the space shuttle and the international space station. This is definite must see attraction while in Houston!

When I visited this was not available to see but the tour guide told me that during special times they also offer a tour of their underwater training facility. If you have the opportunity that would be an awesome sight to see.

Hours:
10:00 AM-5:00 PM on weekdays.
10:00 AM-7:00 PM on weekends.
Hours are extended during the summer and some holidays. Check specific dates on their calendar.

Admission:
Adults: $19.95
Children (ages 4-11): $15.95
Seniors: $18.95

Contact Information:
Website: www.spacecenter.org
Phone: 281-244-2100
Location: 1601 NASA Parkway about 25 miles south of downtown Houston in the NASA/clear lake area.
Google Map

When you arrive at the park you pay a very small entrance fee (~$2) that will also let you visit the Battle of San Jacinto monument. There is not an extra fee for the monument but you do have to pay again to board the ship. Once you get aboard the ship it is just a self guided tour. You can visit several decks above and below the main deck to see how crews on board lived and worked every day.

Visiting the USS battleship will not take all day long. Most likely your visit will not last more than a few hours, so you will have plenty of time to visit near by Houston attractions like the Kemah Boardwalk and the Johnson Space Center.

Hours:
Daily: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
*Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas.*

Admission:
Adults: $10
Children (12 & under): FREE (when accompanied by an adult)
Seniors (65+): $5

Contact Information:
Website: Battleship Texas
Phone: 281-479-2431
Location: East of Houston in the Battleship Texas State Park
Google Map