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Discovery Green, across the street from GRB, spans 12 acres and was made possible through a collaboration between the City of Houston and the nonprofit Discovery Green Conservancy. This urban park is home to a wide variety of events annually. Movie nights, dance performances, yoga classes, and more are offered regularly, and there's sure to be a fun post-5:00 p.m. activity to attend while you're here for work. A portion of the green space turns into an ice rink in the winter, and there are always splash pads and fountains jumping in the summer for cooling down. Discovery Green is also home to one of Houston’s best playgrounds. John P. McGovern Playground offers climbing contraptions galore, numerous slides, and plenty of space to run, skip, and hop around.
Daikin Park has tons of fun to offer for the whole family. Catch an Astros game or get a tour of the field. This one-of-a-kind ballpark is an experience in itself. Kids will go wild for Astros mascot Orbit and his antics, and the whole family will enjoy customizing their experience with all there is to eat at the park.
The Downtown Aquarium boasts an array of eight unique exhibits, each offering a distinct experience. In the Texas Bayou exhibit, you can catch sight of alligators, bullfrogs, and turtles, while the Shipwreck exhibit invites you to step inside a 17th-century Spanish galleon. Among the other captivating exhibits not to be missed are the Rainforest, Sunken Temple, Underwater Rig, and Discovery Zone, where you may encounter electric eels and seahorses up close. A visit to this aquarium can be likened to an extravaganza, as it also offers a variety of carnival-style games and amusement rides. For the daring souls, there's the Lighthouse Dive, a thrilling 65-foot drop that offers a glimpse of downtown Houston's skyline. And for the younger members of your group, the Aqua Wheel, a kid-friendly mini Ferris wheel, keeps them closer to the ground while still enjoying the spectacle.
Don't miss their restaurant! The spectacular wall-to-wall aquarium view complements the surf-and-turf menu. Parents can dig into silky lobster bisque and crabmeat-topped Gulf red snapper, while the little ones nosh on popcorn shrimp, ‘sand dollar’ pizza, and ‘Captain’s’ grilled cheese. During dinner, keep an eye out for scuba divers feeding fish in the restaurant-set tank.
Shell Energy Stadium is home to the Houston Dynamo and Houston Dash Major League Soccer teams, making it the perfect destination for family fun near the GRB! Suite seats, top-tier concessions, and, of course, all the action of a professional soccer game await at this open-air facility in East Downtown. Book your tickets for the whole crew and get ready to cheer on the home teams!
Houston’s renowned Theater District is just around the corner from GRB and offers plenty of artsy fun for the whole family. The Bayou Music Center, Lynn Wyatt Square, and Jones Hall are just a few of the venues that offer plenty of theatrical entertainment. Touring Broadway musicals, concerts, and more are all part of the programming at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. MATCH Theater in Midtown is just a little farther — a 9-minute drive — but offers shows every season that are just for kids. Their shows will have your children laughing out loud and staring in awe at the stage.
Located within Houston's Historic District, Market Square Park is situated on the very grounds that once housed the original City Hall, along with its subsequent three incarnations. Today, it serves as a vibrant hub for entertainment, dining, public art, and, notably, a welcoming green space. The plaza at Market Square is enclosed by the dining trellis, a performance stage, and the James Surls fountain, providing ample outdoor seating. It's the perfect spot to unwind and savor delicious bites from Barnaby’s Cafe, take in a performance on the stage, or simply enjoy a moment of peaceful relaxation.
Where to Eat with the Fam
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Houston is a food haven for adventurous eaters, sophisticated palates, and foodies in general, but there are also plenty of options for those with less refined tastes (a.k.a., usually children). These family-friendly places near GRB have a little something for everyone while being anything but plain and boring.
Lyric Market
If your family seeks a variety of choices to cater to different tastes, Lyric Market will do the trick. Offering different restaurants in this food-hall-esque development, Lyric Market serves up sushi, Indian food, po-boys, ramen, waffles, and more. You’re sure to find a little something for everyone.
Rodeo Goat
Unbeatably delicious burgers await at Rodeo Goat in East Downtown! Stop by to enjoy the menu, which offers mouth-watering bites and features options named after famous local personalities. This burger joint has a dedication to craft beer, a spacious dining area, and a huge outdoor patio. It’s perfect for a mid-day or evening stop with the family to get a hearty meal in a lively Houston neighborhood.
Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
If you and the family seek delicious seafood bites, then look no further than the 9,000-square-foot Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen located in the southwest corner of the George R. Brown Convention Center. Fresh and flavorful Louisiana-style bites, including seafood gumbo, make for the perfect family lunch or dinner. Top off the visit with some delicious desserts that are perfect to share around the table!
Pappasito's Cantina
Pappasito's Cantina, a Tex-Mex favorite, is conveniently located adjacent to the GRB on the ground floor of the Hilton Americas-Houston! Bring the family to the fiesta where the fajitas are always sizzling and delicious and the vibes complement the authenticity of a border town cantina. Enchiladas, combo platters, grilled seafood, desserts and so much more await you and the whole family at this downtown destination!
MKT Bar
Located on the ground floor of Phoenicia Specialty Foods, MKT Bar is a gastropub located just across Discovery Green from the GRB. Whether you and the family are looking for shareable pizzas, hearty brunches, or indulging in a perfectly cooked steak, MKT has it all and then some. Live music, family-friendly events, and more all take place throughout the week, and with Phoenicia just one floor up, the fun and exploration doesn’t stop just because you’re done with your meal. Stop in for delicious bites, good vibes, and stock up on some international specialty foods!
Seaside Poke
Your Ohana is in good hands at Seaside Poke! Traditional Hawaiian poke awaits at this restaurant on Lamar Street, which is walking distance from, and just on the other side of the Eastex Freeway from, the GRB. The raw fish salad is made up of a variety of fish options and toppings which include soy sauce, green onions, sesame seeds, and more. Each family member can customize their poke bowls to fit their unique palates, ensuring everyone is happy, healthy, and hungry no more!
The Grove
Looking for a more upscale way to gather for a family meal near the GRB? The Grove, an ultra-urban two-story restaurant, is located inside Discovery Green and is a short walk away from the convention center. Complete with floor to ceiling windows on the ground floor that offer views of the park and surrounding live oaks, this restaurant is perfect for the family who is looking for a place to sit, dine, and enjoy each others’ company in an elegant setting. The dinner menu features steaks, seafood and rotisserie specialties, and the brunch offerings aren’t to be missed. Make your reservations ahead of time and enjoy great bites and excellent vibes with the whole family!
