12-Day Family Friendly Adventure in Houston, Texas

Day 1: Christmas Day Fun

Houston, USA on December 25, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Klub

Begin your adventure with a hearty breakfast, featuring Southern-style dishes like chicken and waffles.
Located in Midtown, it's a quick drive or ride from downtown.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Houston Zoo

Explore the Houston Zoo, which is beautifully decorated for the holidays, featuring over 6,000 exotic animals.
A 15-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD 70, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pappadeaux's Seafood Kitchen

Indulge in some of the finest Gulf Coast seafood with the family.
A short 10-minute drive from the zoo.
USD 100, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

The Children's Museum Houston

Dive into interactive exhibits that engage children of all ages in learning through play.
Just 15 minutes from lunch.
USD 50, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Grove

Enjoy a delicious dinner with a stunning view of the city skyline, perfect for winding down the holiday.
Located in Discovery Green, a quick 5 minutes from the museum.
USD 120, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Space City Explorations

Houston, USA on December 26, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at Common Bond Café & Bakery

Fuel up with artisanal pastries and coffee at this local favorite.
About a 10-minute drive from downtown.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Space Center Houston

Discover the wonders of space exploration with interactive exhibits and a tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center.
A 30-minute drive from the café.
USD 80, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at NASA Space Center Café

Enjoy a themed lunch at the Space Center Café, where space-themed dishes are served.
Walkable from the space center attractions.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Tour of Downtown Houston

Take a tour of the key sights including Discovery Green Park and the historic district.
Consider a guided bus tour or explore on foot.
USD 20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette

End your day with fresh oysters and Gulf seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.
Approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown.
USD 90, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Cultural Arts Day

Houston, USA on December 27, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at a Local Diner

Start your day at a classic diner with pancakes and eggs, perfect for fueling up.
Choose a restaurant closer to your accommodation.
USD 40, 1 hour

10:00AM

Houston Museum District

Visit renowned museums like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Natural Science Museum.
A 15-minute drive or a convenient METRO ride.
USD 50, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Raven Grill

Enjoy a mix of Tex-Mex and American cuisine in a family-friendly atmosphere.
About a 5-minute drive from the museums.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Houston’s Discovery Green

Unwind in this public park, perfect for families, with playgrounds and scenery.
Located close to lunch, just a drive away.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at La Griglia

Savor delicious Italian dishes in style, perfect for family gathering after a busy day.
Short 10-minute drive from Discovery Green.
USD 110, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure Day in Nature

Houston, USA on December 28, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Egg & I

Start your day with a variety of breakfast options from eggs Benedict to healthy smoothies.
A pleasant 15-minute drive from your hotel.
USD 60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Buffalo Bayou Park

Enjoy bike riding or walking trails in this urban park that offers stunning views of downtown.
About a 15-minute drive from the diner.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch at Buffalo Bayou Park

Prepare a picnic using local treats from the market to enjoy in the park.
Settle in a scenic spot within the park.
USD 40, 1 hour

1:30PM

Boat Ride on Buffalo Bayou

Take a family-friendly boat ride to explore the wildlife and greenery.
Available at the park entrance.
USD 50, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit to the Houston Arboretum

Discover the serenity of nature trails and interactive exhibits designed for education and exploration.
A quick drive to the nearby Arboretum.
USD 20, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Salata

Choose from a delicious array of fresh, healthy salads and wraps.
About a 10-minute drive from the arboretum.
USD 50, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Beach Day in Galveston

Galveston, USA on December 29, 2024

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sweet Bribery

Enjoy gourmet pastries and unique breakfast options to kickstart your beach day.
About a 15-minute drive from hotels in Houston.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Galveston

Head out for a scenic drive to the beach town of Galveston.
Approximately a 1-hour drive via I-45 S.
USD 10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Galveston Beach

Enjoy a relaxed morning on the sandy shores; sunbathe or build sandcastles.
Free public access to the beach.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Spot

Dine with a view at this beachfront restaurant known for burgers and seafood.
Located directly on the beach boardwalk.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Moody Gardens

Explore the aquarium, rainforest, and 3D theater with family-friendly attractions.
A quick 10-minute drive from the beach.
USD 100, 3 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Landry's Seafood

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes while overlooking the water as the day wraps up.
Located at the Galveston Harbor.
USD 120, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Adventure Day in Galveston

Galveston, USA on December 30, 2024

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Grotto

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a view of the Gulf, perfect for energizing before a day of fun.
Located near the heart of Galveston.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Have a thrilling day at this famous water park, with plenty of rides for all ages.
About a 20-minute drive from your breakfast spot.
USD 90, 5 hours

3:00PM

Lunch at The Waterman’s Restaurant

Refuel at this laid-back eatery known for seafood dishes and lovely ambiance.
Grab a quick bite just before heading back to your accommodations.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Explore Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Enjoy rides, games, and fun on this iconic seaside amusement park.
Short drive from the restaurant.
USD 60, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf

Savor fresh catch of the day in a family-friendly setting by the bay.
Located close to the Pleasure Pier.
USD 110, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Houston & New Year’s Eve Celebration

Houston, USA on December 31, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Enjoy classic American breakfast to fuel up for a day of travel back to Houston.
Near your Galveston accommodations.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to Houston

Drive back to Houston and enjoy the sights along the way.
About a 1-hour drive.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (Seasonal Event)

Experience the excitement of Texas culture during the rodeo, if available during your travel.
Determine if the rodeo is on during your stay; located within the city.
USD 60, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at HEB’s Food Court

Sample local flavors and family-favorite meals at a food court in this popular grocery store.
Drive to a close-by HEB.
USD 40, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Last Minute Shopping

Take the opportunity to shop for some unique Texas souvenirs at local markets.
Consider the Galleria Shopping Center.
Varied, 2 hours

7:30PM

New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory

Celebrate the New Year with a family dinner at this popular restaurant featuring a diverse menu.
Located at the Galleria.
USD 120, 2 hours

10:00PM

New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show

Enjoy fireworks displays in downtown Houston to ring in the new year with a bang.
Walk to a nearby viewing area in downtown.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Relax and Recoup Day

Houston, USA on January 1, 2024

9:00AM

Brunch at The Rustic

Enjoy a leisurely brunch with a menu featuring classic brunch items in a laid-back setting.
Located close to downtown.
USD 70, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Hermann Park

Spend the day relaxing at Hermann Park where kids can enjoy the playground or pedal boats.
Only a short drive away.
Free, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Hot Bagel Shop

Grab a quick and delicious sandwich or bagel before continuing your relaxation.
Close to Hermann Park.
USD 40, 1 hour

3:00PM

Walk at the Houston Arboretum

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon walk among the nature trails at this lovely arboretum.
Head back to the arboretum from lunch.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Melting Pot

Enjoy a unique fondue experience for dinner, perfect for the whole family to engage with.
A 15-minute drive from the arboretum.
USD 140, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Exploration Day

Houston, USA on January 2, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Barnaby’s Café

Start with hearty breakfast selections including omelets and pancakes in this family-friendly spot.
Conveniently located in the city.
USD 60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the NASA Johnson Space Center

If missed before, this is your chance to experience the historical heart of human spaceflight.
35-minute drive from Barnaby's.
USD 80, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Moonstruck

Delight in gourmet burgers and unique creations close to the Space Center.
A 10-minute drive away.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Explore exhibits that captivate young minds with dinosaurs, Egyptian artifacts, and more.
A 25-minute drive from the restaurant.
USD 50, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Capital Grille

End your day with fine dining featuring dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood.
Located back in downtown Houston.
USD 150, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Family Day at the Park

Houston, USA on January 3, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Houston Breakfast Joint

Start the day at this favorite local spot known for their breakfast tacos and robust coffee.
Located nearby.
USD 50, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Houston Zoo

If enjoyed the zoo earlier in the trip, revisiting is great for the little ones to spot different animals.
Short drive from breakfast.
USD 70, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mellow Mushroom

Share a pizza and enjoy fun, funky decor while the kids play games.
Not far from the zoo.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Play at Discovery Green

Let the kids enjoy the interactive elements of this downtown park after lunch.
A quick drive away.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q

Wrap up your family day with Texas-style BBQ in a fun, casual environment.
A short drive from the park.
USD 100, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Final Day Adventures Exploration

Houston, USA on January 4, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Mel’s Country Cafe

Enjoy a traditional breakfast with country vibes to start your last day on a high note.
Located about 10 minutes from your hotel.
USD 60, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit the Art Car Museum

Explore quirky art pieces created from cars, sure to entertain the entire family.
A drive to the Heights district.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Menil Collection

Experience fine art and museum free to the public - perfect for art lovers in the family.
Short drive to the next destination.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Raven Grill

Enjoy a fusion of barbecue and world cuisine in an inviting atmosphere.
A quick drive from Menil Collection.
USD 80, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Houston City Park

Relax and play before heading back, enjoying the last moments in the city.
Nearby the previous lunch stop.
Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse

Indulge in your final dinner in Houston at this upscale steakhouse offering a memorable dining experience.
Located in the Galleria area.
USD 200, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Departure Day

Houston, USA on January 5, 2024

8:30AM

Breakfast at Baby Barnaby's Cafe

Enjoy classic breakfast dishes in a homey atmosphere, a perfect finish to your trip.
Local favorite in Houston.
USD 50, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Last Minute Shopping or City Tour

Spend the morning finishing up any last-minute shopping or revisiting favorite spots in the city.
Flexible based on your flight schedule.
Varied, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-out and Depart

Time to bid farewell to Houston as you set off to your next adventure or back home.
Ensure to allow time for travel to the airport.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability