By Marene Gustin
Updated: 03.09.09
This probably isn’t the year you’re going to take the family to Disney Land. With economy the way it is, air fare and fancy theme parks may not be in the game plan for spring break but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up with the kids in the house all week while school’s out. Here are 10 easy tips for a day of family fun that won’t break the bank.
Still the number one attraction, the Galveston beaches aren’t quite back to their post-Ike glory, but they’re free and only a short drive away. Before you go check out the Beach Patrol’s website at www.galvestonbeachpatrol.com for current beach conditions and advisories as well as a live Web cam. Yes, you can swim, although it’s not recommended on the west end of the island or between 21st and 24th streets, and you’re advised to stay 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Just be careful to watch for submerged debris when either swimming or surfing. You can play it safe and play in the sand then stuff the family with great seafood at the re-opened Guido’s on the Seawall.
Hendrix the penguin has predicted spring will come to Galveston March 14, just in time for spring break! Even better, Moody Gardens has a new exhibit where the kids can get up close and personal with Hendrix’s family and friends. Penguin Encounter is a daily chance to meet the penguins and their trainers at the Aquarium Pyramid. Tickets are $30 on a first-come-first served basis. Check out www.moodygardens.org for details and other spring break activities.
Just in time for spring break, there’s a new exhibit in Clear Lake, Treasure! is a hands-on exhibit exploring the history of treasures and treasure hunting at Space Center Houston. And there’s an all new lineup for spring break, from death-defying stunt shows by the incredible All American Dive Team to edge-of-your-seat live action with Pirate’s Duel shows and the Jovan Cartoon Character Show starring Spongebob Squarepants. Kids of all ages be entertained and educated. Check out dates and times and buy tickets online at www.spacecenter.org.
There’s nothing like a springtime drive through Washington County. Besides a pastoral drive through bluebonnet central, there are plenty of things to do here. This historic area is rife with antique shops, quaint B&Bs and wineries. If all that sounds too boring for the brood, there’s always Brenham, just west of the Houston on U.S. 290, also happens to be home to that little Texas creamery, Blue Bell (www.bluebell.com). And what kid doesn’t like ice cream? During spring break call 1-800-327-8135 to reserve a tour during weekdays to see how ice cream is made and get your free scoop.
The family-friendly Woodlands Resort (www.woodlandsresort.com) is offering the lowest rates of the season starting at just $99; available March 13 – 22, an affordable getaway with lots of kid activities from dive-in movies to build-your-own S’mores at dusk. There’s also the signature Forest Oasis Waterscape, where kids can shoot down the two-story, double-helix water slide, enjoy underwater music, explore underwater murals or take part in the underwater Scavenger Hunt. Dad can always hit the 36-hole golf course and for mom there’s the spa and lots of nearby shopping.
For the outdoor child in all of us, there’s nothing like a trip to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World just 15 minutes away from downtown Houston off Texas 288. Inside this gigantic 150,000-foot paradise you’ll find all things hunting and fishing, from bass boats to bows and arrows. Kids will be thrilled with the educational regional wildlife, both the stuffed bears and deer to the 200 species of Texas fish stocked in the 18,000-gallon aquarium set in a cave waterfall. There’s also an archery range and laser arcade and a country store inside the store with homemade fudge for sale. But if the family gets really hungry, there’s the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant with a waterside patio and fresh seafood dishes.
But Houstonians don’t even have to leave the city for fun.
Strolling the Museum District (www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org) is one of the wonders of Houston. Eighteen museums within a 1.5-mile radius of the Mecom Fountain provide entertainment and education for the entire family. From the breathtaking historic Afghanistan: Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston to the kid-friendly activities at the Houston Museum of Natural Science — and the colorful Cockrell Butterfly Center — you’ll love every minute of it. Plus, there’s always a family picnic in Hermann Park where a ride on the miniature train will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Speaking of parks, Houston’s newest is also its most kid-friendly. Discovery Green (www.discoverygreen.com) has playgrounds, a model boat basin, a dog run (bring Fido!), a bocce court, a putting green and shuffleboard court. During spring break you can sign up for classes for young writers, yoga and pilates fans and catch musical acts and entertainment.
You probably don’t want the little ones betting on the simulcast racing at Sam Houston Race Park (www.shrp.com) but they’ll love the U.S. debut of Artania starting at March 14 at The Showgrounds. The family-oriented, all ages event features mystery and surprise under the big top with the legendary Kantemirov Family Cossack warriors, breath-taking horsemanship and cirques-style acrobatic artistry, with a cast of 55 aerial artists, acrobats, twelve of the rarest Russian horses.
And let’s not forget the big Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (www.hlsr.com) is still going on at Reliant Stadium. Show tickets can be had for as little as $15, but just prowling the grounds all day will be sure and wear out the kids as they can pet the animals, see agriculture exhibits and cowboy skills, thrill to the midway carnie rides and, of course, eat all things fried to their hearts content.
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