When non-Houstonians are asked what brought them to Houston, there are usually two answers: business or family. Houston has a lot to offer, but people don't come here for the scenery or the weather. So, if you're in H-town on work with your family in tow, we have a list of things to do post-meetings and conferences. Luckily, Houston is always buzzing with indoor (in case it's our sauna season) and outdoor activities. And, of course, there is always a lengthy list of unbelievable restaurants with an array of diverse menu items to choose from.
Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park has tons of fun to offer for the whole family. Catch an Astros game or get a tour of the field at Minute Maid Park. This one-of-a-kind ballpark is an experience in itself. Kids will go wild for the train full of pretend oranges that rides around the top of the stadium, and the family will quickly be charmed by Orbit and his antics.
Discovery Green
Houston, while not known for it, offers plenty of green space and outdoor activities. Discovery Green spans 12 acres and materialized 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 after 5:00 activity to attend while you're here on 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 play parks. John P. McGovern Playground offers climbing contraptions galore, numerous slides, and plenty of space to run, skip, and hop around.
Theater District
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. 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.
Downtown Aquarium
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.
Market Square
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 a delicious Gyro from Niko Niko’s, take in a performance on the stage, or simply enjoy a moment of peaceful relaxation.
Where to Eat with the Fam
Houston is a food haven for adventurous eaters, menu snobs, and foodies in general, but there are also plenty of options for those with less refined palates (a.k.a., usually children). These family-friendly places have a little something for everyone while being anything but plain and boring.
Common Bond
This bakery and brasserie offers breakfast lunch and dinner. Offering an assortment of pastries and breakfast tacos and sandwiches, Common Bond can also sound off the morning for grown-ups with coffee choices galore. Lunch and dinner options include colorful dishes as well as sandwiches, soups and salads.
Lyric Market
If your family needs lots of choices for an array of different tastebuds, 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.
Benihana
Benihana offers a fun, family dining experience like no other! Patrons are seated at communal hibachi grill tables in groups, where your dedicated chef will masterfully execute the time-honored art of Teppanyaki. Witness the mesmerizing performance as they deftly slice and dice, crafting a meal that will captivate both your eyes and your taste buds. Whether you opt for the mouthwatering steak, tender chicken, or succulent seafood, Benihana promises a culinary spectacle.
In addition to our Teppanyaki offerings, you can also delight in expertly prepared sushi and sashimi courtesy of our talented sushi chef. Grown-ups, don't forget to savor the renowned, award-winning signature hot sake or one of our specialty cocktails to complete your extraordinary dining experience.
