The temperatures are in the 80’s and the air has a touch of humidity and a whole lot of pollen…Spring is in Full Bloom in Houston and that means it's almost SPRING BREAK! We caught up with Tom at Tomfoolery Toy’s & Books as he stocked up on his Fun in the Sun gear to get his top Staycation tips for Houstonians seeking fun ideas to get the most out of springtime in H-Town:
Fun at our gorgeous Urban Parks ~
Get the zoomies out by visiting one of our fabulous urban parks and savor the springtime temps while roller skating, picnicking, paddle-boating…the skies the limit:
- Discovery Green - With DJ’s spinning the tunes the rink will be the place to be as good old-fashioned roller skating is back! The Green will be full of activities all week…
- Levy Park - Storytime like you’ve never heard it as Houston Grand Opera presents its Bilingual Storybook Opera! New activities all afternoon each day of Spring Break set this bright urban park apart from the rest….
- Hermann Park - The grand urban jewel of Houston’s parks is a wonderful destination for Spring Break! Start by parking near the Centennial Gardens (or work this visit into a day spent at HMNS) and exploring the gardens, Hawkins Sculpture Walk and the Pergola Walk. Meander over to Miller Outdoor Theater and enjoy a picnic lunch at the top of Hippie Hilll. (rolling down the hill not required..but encouraged) Not up for a picnic? Ginger Kale bistro next to McGovern Lake has excellent options from Berry Acai Bowls, Pesto Salad to grilled cheese and smoothies. See the ducks up close while cruising the lake on the paddle boats. And what trip to Hermann Park is complete without a train ride around the park? An absolute great way to spend a spring day in Houston! On your way back to the car take a few minutes and get your Zen on in the Japanese Gardens.
- Memorial Park - Pack a picnic and then bike the Mountain Bike trails, play a round of croquet, check out the new Land Bridges or visit the new Eastern Glades at this spectacular park.
- Buffalo Bayou Park - See Houston from a whole new angle by cruising the bayou on a pontoon boat tour, visit the historic Cistern for a tour of the architecturally fascinating underground drinking water reservoir that has been converted to a fabulous public space (occasional art installations are held here and are a Must See!), or check out the diverse ecology on a guided walking tour along the banks of the bayou.
Fun while learning (shhh! Don’t tell the kids) ~
Spring in Houston can occasionally include a rainy afternoon. Step inside one of our incredible museums for interactive exhibits that include everything from drones to King Tut’s Tomb…
- Spring Break at the Health Museum - learn something new while having fun exploring Brain Awareness week while utilizing STEM and art skills…click here for more details
- Houston Children’s Museum - Destination CELEBRATION (see what we did there? CELEBRATION is Tomfoolery Toys & Books word of the year!) click for the deets:
- Houston Museum Natural Science - King Tut’s Tomb, the Planetarium and oh so much more! Visit historical wonders and far off galaxies with a visit to HMNS. A fabulous way to end your visit to HMNS is a stroll to Centennial Gardens across the street at Hermann Park…
- Lone Star Flight Museum - Where fun takes flight! LSFM has scheduled a week of all things aviation ~ from Helicopter Day, to NASA Day to the Drone Zone…
- Houston Toy Museum - While not technically a children’s museum, they have an interactive play space where Littles can have some fun while their parents embrace their own Inner Kid while taking a trip down memory lane (the museum showcases toys from the 1800’s through the new millennium)...For Spring Break they are offering a “pay your age” entry fee….
Fun exploring all H-Town has to offer ~
- Houston Center for Contemporary Craft - a nonprofit org founded to advance education about the process, product and history of craft. They have scheduled a week of hands-on experiences that encourage craft and art-making…
- George Ranch Historical Park - Saddle up your pony for some good old-fashioned western fun at the Ranch’s Golden Age of the Cattle Drive celebration…
- Houston Zoo - The zoo is staying open an hour longer to accommodate the crowds that will savor the beautiful weather while enjoying the animals, exhibits and gorgeous landscapes that make up the space. Go online to buy tickets and book animal encounters - Feed the Giraffes!!
- Main Street Theater- Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus - the Musical! When a bus driver takes a break a very unlikely volunteer springs up to take his place! A pigeon!
Fun on a quick road trip ~
- Blessington Farms - Head out to Wallis, TX to go blueberry and flower pickin’! Stay for the animals! There are no shortage of animals to feed and love on and the Farm Funland has activities from gem stone mining, fossil digs to pedal cars and duck races…
- Galveston - Houston’s own playground is a must visit for all spring breakers. Stay for an afternoon or the whole week! From miles of sandy beaches to the attractions at Moody Gardens to the shopping in the historic Strand District to the absolute best dining on the Gulf Coast ~ Galveston is the number one Spring Break destination for Houstononians enjoying a Staycation!
- Kemah Boardwalk - Located 20 miles from downtown, the boardwalk hosts waterside restaurants, rides and live music…
- Lagoon Fest Beach Club - A tropical paradise with white sand beaches and turquoise water in Texas City? Yep - at Lagoon Fest Live the Lagoon Life! With 6,000 ft of shoreline and cabanas available to rent you can enjoy the Caribbean by driving down I-45.
Texas Sized Fun ~
- The Rodeo - A Houstonian’s Spring Break is never complete without a visit to the world’s largest Rodeo! Click here for Tom’s Tips & Tricks to ensure you’ll have a root tootin’ grand ole time….
…and for those days in which our own backyards are the ultimate destination ~ visit Tomfoolery Toys & Books to stock up on all the outdoor toys and Boredom Busters that will keep the Spring Break spirit going long past next week!
Oh, and if you spot Tom next week, perhaps riding the paddle boats at Hermann Park or geeking out at the HMNS Planetarium, be sure and say Howdy!