Casa Zafiro’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Northwest of Downtown, five minute drive from my home, sits a section of historic neighborhoods that date back to the late 1800's. Residents once flocked to the area to escape the big city, but today it’s home to diverse Houstonians that are drawn to its rich and character-filled architecture, mom and pop-type shops and funky restaurants.
Find something you never knew you wanted at one of 19th Street’s quaint boutiques. Thrift stores, antique havens, and cafes prove to be popular at the Heights-strip. Stop by for the “First Saturday Arts Market” on the first Saturday of each month for live music, crafts, plants and artwork.
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Houston Heights
Northwest of Downtown, five minute drive from my home, sits a section of historic neighborhoods that date back to the late 1800's. Residents once flocked to the area to escape the big city, but today it’s home to diverse Houstonians that are drawn to its rich and character-filled architecture, mom and pop-type shops and funky restaurants.
Find something you never knew you wanted at one of 19th Street’s quaint boutiques. Thrift stores, antique havens, and cafes prove to be popular at the Heights-strip. Stop by for the “First Saturday Arts Market” on the first Saturday of each month for live music, crafts, plants and artwork.
Houston City Pass Attraction
The Downtown Aquarium consists of amusement rides and games which are on the rim of the building’s south side. (For $5, CityPASS holders can upgrade their ticket for unlimited access to the Ferris wheel, carousel and shark voyage train.) Once inside, ask about or look for the Aquarium’s feeding schedule sign. There are opportunities to see staff feed the seahorses, saltwater fish and play with the tigers, too. (Yes, tigers. You never know what you’ll find in Houston.) Expect to spend a couple of hours here, meandering from exhibits like the Louisiana Marsh and the shark-infested Gulf of Mexico tank to the rain-forest room and the Sunken Temple exhibit, the latter of which showcases a 20-foot-long Tiger Reticulated python. Parking: $8, in the Aquarium’s lot behind the building.
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Acuario del centro
410 Bagby StThe Downtown Aquarium consists of amusement rides and games which are on the rim of the building’s south side. (For $5, CityPASS holders can upgrade their ticket for unlimited access to the Ferris wheel, carousel and shark voyage train.) Once inside, ask about or look for the Aquarium’s feeding schedule sign. There are opportunities to see staff feed the seahorses, saltwater fish and play with the tigers, too. (Yes, tigers. You never know what you’ll find in Houston.) Expect to spend a couple of hours here, meandering from exhibits like the Louisiana Marsh and the shark-infested Gulf of Mexico tank to the rain-forest room and the Sunken Temple exhibit, the latter of which showcases a 20-foot-long Tiger Reticulated python. Parking: $8, in the Aquarium’s lot behind the building.
The Children's Museum of Houston is located in the Museum District, the three-story facility unfolds in a labyrinth-like set-up, appealing to everyone from birth to 12 years (and the adults that love them). The youngest kids can crawl, play and touch upstairs in the TotSpot, while the older siblings create and construct gadgets in the lower level Invention Convention workshop. On the main floor, pint-size patrons can take on roles of city leaders, workers and shoppers in the mock community, Kidtropolis, using the debit card they receive upon check in. Some of CMH’s other highlights include Power Play, a 35-foot climbing tower, FlowWorks, a hydroenergy exhibit, and Fiddle Sticks Gifts, the museum’s smartly-stocked giftshop. Plan on carving out at least two to three hours when you take the family to visit. Parking: For 3 or more hours, $9, in CMH’s adjacent parking garage.
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Museo de los Niños de Houston
1500 Binz StThe Children's Museum of Houston is located in the Museum District, the three-story facility unfolds in a labyrinth-like set-up, appealing to everyone from birth to 12 years (and the adults that love them). The youngest kids can crawl, play and touch upstairs in the TotSpot, while the older siblings create and construct gadgets in the lower level Invention Convention workshop. On the main floor, pint-size patrons can take on roles of city leaders, workers and shoppers in the mock community, Kidtropolis, using the debit card they receive upon check in. Some of CMH’s other highlights include Power Play, a 35-foot climbing tower, FlowWorks, a hydroenergy exhibit, and Fiddle Sticks Gifts, the museum’s smartly-stocked giftshop. Plan on carving out at least two to three hours when you take the family to visit. Parking: For 3 or more hours, $9, in CMH’s adjacent parking garage.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is spread out in two, multi-level Museum District buildings, the art-filled complex is an awe-inspiring mix of sculpture, artifacts, imagery, video and installation work. Even if you aren’t a big art buff, it’s hard not to appreciate an up-close look at works by Picasso, Matisse and Rembrandt. In case you want to learn more, the MFAH offers audio tours for some of the pieces - look for the Guide by Cell icon next to the artwork. You most likely can spend a minimum of three hours. Tip: If learning makes you hungry, too, check out the Café Express on the lower level of the Beck Building. Parking: Free, across the street, in the lot along Bissonnet.
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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building
1001 Bissonnet StThe Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is spread out in two, multi-level Museum District buildings, the art-filled complex is an awe-inspiring mix of sculpture, artifacts, imagery, video and installation work. Even if you aren’t a big art buff, it’s hard not to appreciate an up-close look at works by Picasso, Matisse and Rembrandt. In case you want to learn more, the MFAH offers audio tours for some of the pieces - look for the Guide by Cell icon next to the artwork. You most likely can spend a minimum of three hours. Tip: If learning makes you hungry, too, check out the Café Express on the lower level of the Beck Building. Parking: Free, across the street, in the lot along Bissonnet.
At the Houston Zoo, which offers free admission to guests on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May, from noon until closing, backpack your way and visit bird exhibits, as well as the zoo’s new Gorilla exhibit and wander through the multi-million-dollar African Forest exhibit. In the latter, guests are taken on an eco-tour through a wooded canopy, past leaf-covered huts, the chimp house, rhinos, kudo and—beyond the gift shop—the giraffes exhibit, they can be fed, and it is an experience your kids won’t soon forget. If you're hungry, the zoo's Twiga Terrace restaurant is a great place to grab a bite, unless you have packed your own lunch, either way, you can take a seat here as it overlooks the rhinos and giraffe exhibits. The zoo has air conditioned exhibits {yes, AIR CONDITIONED} scattered throughout the zoo that house some of the coolest animals. The reptile and amphibian house is always a hit with the kids, as well as the natural encounters exhibit located nearby. Make sure to stop at the Children Zoo, there are a few playgrounds to play on, a petting zoo, and the most adorable animals like otters, llamas, and a fox. Make sure to ride the Hermann park train afterwards, which is located near the entrance of the zoo. Parking: Free in the zoo’s lot. I cannot stress this enough. With the zoo nestled in arguably the busiest area of Houston, parking can be a challenge, so plan to arrive EARLY.
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Zoológico de Houston
6200 Hermann Park DrAt the Houston Zoo, which offers free admission to guests on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May, from noon until closing, backpack your way and visit bird exhibits, as well as the zoo’s new Gorilla exhibit and wander through the multi-million-dollar African Forest exhibit. In the latter, guests are taken on an eco-tour through a wooded canopy, past leaf-covered huts, the chimp house, rhinos, kudo and—beyond the gift shop—the giraffes exhibit, they can be fed, and it is an experience your kids won’t soon forget. If you're hungry, the zoo's Twiga Terrace restaurant is a great place to grab a bite, unless you have packed your own lunch, either way, you can take a seat here as it overlooks the rhinos and giraffe exhibits. The zoo has air conditioned exhibits {yes, AIR CONDITIONED} scattered throughout the zoo that house some of the coolest animals. The reptile and amphibian house is always a hit with the kids, as well as the natural encounters exhibit located nearby. Make sure to stop at the Children Zoo, there are a few playgrounds to play on, a petting zoo, and the most adorable animals like otters, llamas, and a fox. Make sure to ride the Hermann park train afterwards, which is located near the entrance of the zoo. Parking: Free in the zoo’s lot. I cannot stress this enough. With the zoo nestled in arguably the busiest area of Houston, parking can be a challenge, so plan to arrive EARLY.
The Museum of Natural Science, FREE Thursdays: 6 p.m to 9 p.m. When planning your visit, make sure to download their Access HMNS app to use before, during, or after your visit to have an opportunity to really explore. Upon entering, ensure you get a map of the multi-level facility and instructions on which exhibits your general admission provides access to - basically all of the permanent exhibits, but not the planetarium, IMAX theater, butterfly center or special exhibits. That said, if you plan on upgrading any of your CityPass tickets, this would probably be the place to do it, especially for the Butterfly Center and the special exhibit. As far as the permanent sites go, I saved the best for last - the Smith Gem Vault. Inside, spotlights illuminate an array of vibrant jewels, necklaces and sparkling creations, including pieces by designer Ernesto Moreira. Do not leave without visiting the dinosaurs! The dinosaur exhibit is out of this world, and the perfect way to kick your visit. En route to the dino exhibit, you’ll pass the Foucault Pendulum—a mammoth demonstration of the Earth’s rotation. Be sure to watch the pendulum swing from side to side, knocking down its pins one by one before you move along to prehistoric times. Far from stagnant, the Morian Hall of Paleontology is filled with prehistoric beasts in action, with predators chasing prey. Towards the end of the exhibit, there’s a lifelike display depicting the history of human evolution, too. Next, a magical land awaits. A three story glass structure situated around a 50 foot waterfall, The Cockrell Butterfly Center is filled with plants and hundreds of live butterflies flittering all around you. Really, all that’s missing here are tiny wand-wielding fairies. As you exit butterfly heaven, you’ll be overcome with awe, appreciation...and the overwhelming smell of McDonald’s French fries from the Grand Entry Hall. But stave off the hunger a moment longer because the nearby Barnaby's Café is a local favorite spot to eat in the Museum District. You can actually leave to eat and re-enter on the same day with your ticket to the permanent exhibits. Parking: $10 in the 6-story garage on Caroline Street.
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El Museo de Historia Natural de Houston
5555 Hermann Park DrThe Museum of Natural Science, FREE Thursdays: 6 p.m to 9 p.m. When planning your visit, make sure to download their Access HMNS app to use before, during, or after your visit to have an opportunity to really explore. Upon entering, ensure you get a map of the multi-level facility and instructions on which exhibits your general admission provides access to - basically all of the permanent exhibits, but not the planetarium, IMAX theater, butterfly center or special exhibits. That said, if you plan on upgrading any of your CityPass tickets, this would probably be the place to do it, especially for the Butterfly Center and the special exhibit. As far as the permanent sites go, I saved the best for last - the Smith Gem Vault. Inside, spotlights illuminate an array of vibrant jewels, necklaces and sparkling creations, including pieces by designer Ernesto Moreira. Do not leave without visiting the dinosaurs! The dinosaur exhibit is out of this world, and the perfect way to kick your visit. En route to the dino exhibit, you’ll pass the Foucault Pendulum—a mammoth demonstration of the Earth’s rotation. Be sure to watch the pendulum swing from side to side, knocking down its pins one by one before you move along to prehistoric times. Far from stagnant, the Morian Hall of Paleontology is filled with prehistoric beasts in action, with predators chasing prey. Towards the end of the exhibit, there’s a lifelike display depicting the history of human evolution, too. Next, a magical land awaits. A three story glass structure situated around a 50 foot waterfall, The Cockrell Butterfly Center is filled with plants and hundreds of live butterflies flittering all around you. Really, all that’s missing here are tiny wand-wielding fairies. As you exit butterfly heaven, you’ll be overcome with awe, appreciation...and the overwhelming smell of McDonald’s French fries from the Grand Entry Hall. But stave off the hunger a moment longer because the nearby Barnaby's Café is a local favorite spot to eat in the Museum District. You can actually leave to eat and re-enter on the same day with your ticket to the permanent exhibits. Parking: $10 in the 6-story garage on Caroline Street.
The Space Center Houston is attached to Johnson Space Center, and its a 40-minute drive there, which gives time for pent-up energy to build up for the many options of where to release it once there. Just past the front door, a towering, multi-level Space Place tempts little ones with buttons, lights, slides and climbing options, while the rest of the facility makes room for a mix of space artifacts, theaters and interactive attractions. Make sure to check out the Skylab Trainer - America’s first space station - which is tucked away in the Starship Gallery. Guests get a peek at the living quarters that helped the crew prepare for life in space. You’ll also want to join the 90-minute tram tour, which goes on a behind-the-scenes journey through mission control and the mock-ups. It incorporates real working areas of Johnson Space Center, so be aware that some parts might not be accessible during your visit. Fun Fact: This center contains the largest display of Moon rocks on public display in the world. There are only eight lunar rocks available to touch by the general public in the world. The one you can actually touch here is 3.8 billion years old. Incredible! With everyone learning so much about how the astronauts manage everything in space, there is one activity you won’t want to miss! Yes, you need to try Astronaut food! The gift shop does carry the food, ice cream options are a fave. Speaking of food, you will likely be eating at least one meal on-site unless you leave and come back. Note that they do have a very nice cafeteria with many different stations and options ranging from salads and soups to your more traditional fare like sandwiches and grilled items. Changing often, you will definitely want to participate in the limited time exhibits. These exhibits are listed on their website. They are perfect for all, they are interactive, and one reason that Space Center Houston never gets old. Plan to spend three to five hours. Parking: $6 in Space Center’s lot.
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Space Center Houston
1601 E NASA PkwyThe Space Center Houston is attached to Johnson Space Center, and its a 40-minute drive there, which gives time for pent-up energy to build up for the many options of where to release it once there. Just past the front door, a towering, multi-level Space Place tempts little ones with buttons, lights, slides and climbing options, while the rest of the facility makes room for a mix of space artifacts, theaters and interactive attractions. Make sure to check out the Skylab Trainer - America’s first space station - which is tucked away in the Starship Gallery. Guests get a peek at the living quarters that helped the crew prepare for life in space. You’ll also want to join the 90-minute tram tour, which goes on a behind-the-scenes journey through mission control and the mock-ups. It incorporates real working areas of Johnson Space Center, so be aware that some parts might not be accessible during your visit. Fun Fact: This center contains the largest display of Moon rocks on public display in the world. There are only eight lunar rocks available to touch by the general public in the world. The one you can actually touch here is 3.8 billion years old. Incredible! With everyone learning so much about how the astronauts manage everything in space, there is one activity you won’t want to miss! Yes, you need to try Astronaut food! The gift shop does carry the food, ice cream options are a fave. Speaking of food, you will likely be eating at least one meal on-site unless you leave and come back. Note that they do have a very nice cafeteria with many different stations and options ranging from salads and soups to your more traditional fare like sandwiches and grilled items. Changing often, you will definitely want to participate in the limited time exhibits. These exhibits are listed on their website. They are perfect for all, they are interactive, and one reason that Space Center Houston never gets old. Plan to spend three to five hours. Parking: $6 in Space Center’s lot.
Grab a bite at a Bay Area mainstay before heading to the Kemah Boardwalk for the afternoon. Sure, the boardwalk has plenty of Landry’s-owned restaurants to choose from, too, but area mainstays like Tookie’s Hamburgers & More and Stomp’s Burger Joint are wallet-friendly and chock-full of local flavor. Deep fried eats, especially the Armadillo Eggs (they really are just called that and not actual armadillo eggs), rule the roost at this down-home hub for Southern fare such as steak, BBQ & burgers. Featured by Guy Fieri on one of his shows. After eating, head towards the coast and the waterfront community of Kemah. There, the 35-acre Kemah Boardwalk stretches out over the Gulf of Mexico, offering a dozen rides, retail, dining and classic boardwalk games. Trade your CityPass voucher in for an all-day ride pass, which enables guests to ride everything from the wooden Boardwalk Bullet rollercoaster and the 140-foot Drop Zone to the upside-down Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower, the latter of which offers a birds-eye view of the Bay. (Note: The Boardwalk Beast Speedboat thrill ride and the Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit aren’t included in the all-day ride pass.) Go to the Kemah Boardwalk website for further year-round events. They have something for all the seasons! Parking: $7, for the surface lot.
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Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp AveGrab a bite at a Bay Area mainstay before heading to the Kemah Boardwalk for the afternoon. Sure, the boardwalk has plenty of Landry’s-owned restaurants to choose from, too, but area mainstays like Tookie’s Hamburgers & More and Stomp’s Burger Joint are wallet-friendly and chock-full of local flavor. Deep fried eats, especially the Armadillo Eggs (they really are just called that and not actual armadillo eggs), rule the roost at this down-home hub for Southern fare such as steak, BBQ & burgers. Featured by Guy Fieri on one of his shows. After eating, head towards the coast and the waterfront community of Kemah. There, the 35-acre Kemah Boardwalk stretches out over the Gulf of Mexico, offering a dozen rides, retail, dining and classic boardwalk games. Trade your CityPass voucher in for an all-day ride pass, which enables guests to ride everything from the wooden Boardwalk Bullet rollercoaster and the 140-foot Drop Zone to the upside-down Inverter and the Boardwalk Tower, the latter of which offers a birds-eye view of the Bay. (Note: The Boardwalk Beast Speedboat thrill ride and the Stingray Reef & Rainforest Exhibit aren’t included in the all-day ride pass.) Go to the Kemah Boardwalk website for further year-round events. They have something for all the seasons! Parking: $7, for the surface lot.
Consejos para la ciudad
Formas de ahorrar
Houston CityPASS
Pick up a Houston CityPASS from the Houston Visitors Center - they can also be purchased at participating attractions or online - before setting out. For those that don’t know about the CityPass program, here’s the basic scoop: Each book is $62- kids’ are $52 - and include admission to five of Houston’s most popular attractions. You have nine days to use them and they save you nearly half off regular ticket pricing.
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Follow My House Blog
Follow this Facebook link for some of the ins & outs when visiting Houston as I share places I visit and happenings around town!
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