Frenchsnowhite Posted May 28, 2012 #1 Share Posted May 28, 2012 We will be spending 3 full days in Houston prior to our Carnival Magic cruise this August, any must do see & eat? We have 3 kids, 12-12 & 16 ;) thanks!!!!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted May 28, 2012 #2 Share Posted May 28, 2012 We will be spending 3 full days in Houston prior to our Carnival Magic cruise this August, any must do see & eat? We have 3 kids, 12-12 & 16 ;) thanks!!!!:D What dates in August? Where are you staying? Museum District Theater District for a play Galeria Mall/Shopping Astro Game if you are in to sports Texan Preseason Game if timing right and you are in to sports Nasa/Kemah Galveston (there is alot to do for the kids) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchsnowhite Posted May 28, 2012 Author #3 Share Posted May 28, 2012 We have plan to arrive August 16th and we leave on the Magic on August 19th. And yes an Astro game would be interesting since our oldest is a softball referee and our twin girls play softball;) Was is Texan team? Football? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted May 28, 2012 #4 Share Posted May 28, 2012 If you were to stay in Galveston There is a lot to do for kids in Galveston Main areas to stay On the Gulf (beach 32 miles/seawall)(many motels and hotels) On the Bay (Moody Gardens Hotel) Downtown Old Town Historic District by Port – Only (Harbor House and Tremont) On highway coming into town(few) ---------------------- see INTERNET maps for visual of Greater Houston Metro and to get bearings of island galveston.com ....interact and discover.... maps Houston Map PDF Download Houston-area map in PDF Format: Houston Metro Galveston Island Map PDF Download Galveston-area map in PDF Format (note: this is a large, 11' wide, print-quality map, so please be patient): Galveston (B&W) Galveston (Color Hi-Resolution) ---------------------------- In my opinion San Luis, Hilton, Moody Gardens, Tremont, Galvez and Harbor House are the better hotels. Many other nice ones obviously! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ With a couple of days only There is plenty to do in Galveston/Kemah/Nasa area There are special events in Galveston area almost every weekend See: www.galveston.com (what to do)(calendar of events) your vacation calendar dates Sign up on Galveston.com for email of weekly events see also: www.galvestonhistory.org ---Galveston Historical Foundation !!!!!! www.moodygardens.com ------ just look at site !!!!!! www.thegrand.com – 1894 Grand Opera House !!!!!! www.pleasurepier.com www.schlitterbahn.com/gal Clearlake Nasa Space Center Kemah board walk – www.kemahboardwalk.com Galveston: Beaches Beaches Beaches Old town Galveston *- Strand To Post Office Street ...... (lots of shopping, ice cream, old army surplus store, nautical) .........Restaurants, Antiques, Shops, Bakery and Coffee shops Wineries and wine festivals Restaurants overlooking gulf and on port Swimming in Gulf Two first class convention centers Many live theater venues Many live music venues ART WALK always fun Free concert Saturday nites - old town Galveston *- on strand Free film Saturday nights -old town Galveston *- on strand Free band nights-“family/kids” -summer outdoor Tuesdays 24th & Sealy 1894 grand opera house*(a must see tour or performance many types) Chess park Artist festivals Museums Antique stores and art Galleries Horse drawn carriage rides Night scene Galveston Historical Foundation properties* Wonderful Many Historical and Victorian homes Galveston has second largest preservation membership in United States Wooden Carved Trees Tour (wonderful) Bishops palace (wonderful) Moody mansion(wonderful) · Ashton villa (wonderful) Moody gardens *(lots and lots and lots to do) ......(massive, fun and family oriented) Schlitterbahn water park www.schlitterbahn.com/gal Restored tall ship schooner Elisa www.tsm-elissa.org (wonderful) 1900 storm and pirate jean Laffite documentary films at port Pirates Store and program - Old town Strand Maritime museum- www.tsm-elissa.org Airplane museum (Lone Star Flight Museum)- www.lsfm.org/ Railroad museum - http://www.galvestonrrmuseum.com Oil drilling rig museum - www.oceanstaroec.com Sea wolf park – WWII submarine and destroyer - www.cavalla.org Large souvenir shop over gulf water - Murdochs Dolphin watching and port water tours Turtle rescue farm behind San Luis Resort Carved damaged trees tour from storm Free ferry ride and a short cruise to Bolivar Duck tour (amphibious boat) Walks and shelling on the beach Cruise ships (RCCL, Carnival, Princess, Disney) Fishing (piers, wadefishing and charters-offshore & inshore)) Golfing Skateboard park - large Kayaking trails Surfing and children surf camps Kite flying on beach Marine life and children marine care educational camps at Moody Gardens Marine life and children marine camps at Texas AM University - Sea Camp Programs Various Running events with major Triathlon event Sand castle building event Shopping shopping shopping Galveston.com/ interact and discover/cams Many major weekly events and festivals not mentioned as example : Spring Break Events(Large) Confederate Reenactment Sanctioned and Fun Runs(some large) Triathlon Events Art Walk (every 5 or so weeks year around) LARGE Dickens on Strand (Dec) ----LARGE - http://www.dickensonthestrand.com Lone Star Motorcycle Rally (Nov) ---LARGE - www.lonestarrally.com Mardi Gras Galveston (Feb) ----LARGE - www.mardigrasgalveston.com October Fest Beer Fests Wine Events and Fests Greek Fest Epicurean Evening of all restaurants Shrimp Fest Yega’s Wild Game Cook Off large County Fair - LARGE Children’s Fest Feather Fest - Large Old Timey Bathing Beauty Fest And many many more !! Trauma 1 Emergency Hospital on Island – Univ. Texas Medical Branch/Sealy Hospital Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted May 28, 2012 #5 Share Posted May 28, 2012 We have plan to arrive August 16th and we leave on the Magic on August 19th. And yes an Astro game would be interesting since our oldest is a softball referee and our twin girls play softball;) Was is Texan team? Football? Astros Minute Maid Park is beautiful! NFL - Houston Texans Need to check preseason dates for football Reliant Stadium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helicopter Posted May 28, 2012 #6 Share Posted May 28, 2012 I would stay in Galveston, new Pleasure Pier, plenty to do...great for kids:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGBCruiser Posted May 28, 2012 #7 Share Posted May 28, 2012 What dates in August? Where are you staying? Museum District Theater District for a play Galeria Mall/Shopping Astro Game if you are in to sports Texan Preseason Game if timing right and you are in to sports Nasa/Kemah Galveston (there is alot to do for the kids) The Museum District is also right next to the Houston Zoo which is def worth a visit. There is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. They are adding a huge dinosaur exhibit. You can check it out at www.hmns.org. There is also a Museum of Fine Arts, Holocaust Museum, Children's Museum...check it all out at www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org. It is all located very close to the Texas Medical Center in and around Hermann Park. There is also shopping not too far from the Museum District in Rice Village as well as the Galleria area. There are also some good restaurants in the Rice Village area as well. There are many good restaurants all over the Houston area. Only thing about all this is that it's going to be HOT in August. So, plan to do some indoor activities as well as outdoors! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted May 28, 2012 #8 Share Posted May 28, 2012 The Museum District is also right next to the Houston Zoo which is def worth a visit. There is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. They are adding a huge dinosaur exhibit. You can check it out at www.hmns.org. There is also a Museum of Fine Arts, Holocaust Museum, Children's Museum...check it all out at www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org. It is all located very close to the Texas Medical Center in and around Hermann Park. There is also shopping not too far from the Museum District in Rice Village as well as the Galleria area. There are also some good restaurants in the Rice Village area as well. There are many good restaurants all over the Houston area. Only thing about all this is that it's going to be HOT in August. So, plan to do some indoor activities as well as outdoors! CGBCruiser Thanks for coming in with information about museum districk. Guess it's really about interests Of the family. Travelers Tell us your interests and we will try to inform you better destinations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevesan Posted May 31, 2012 #9 Share Posted May 31, 2012 We will be spending 3 full days in Houston prior to our Carnival Magic cruise this August, any must do see & eat? We have 3 kids, 12-12 & 16 ;) thanks!!!!:D I've lived in Houston 39 years. Trust me, you and your kids will have a much better time staying in Galveston. Reserve a half day for Moody Gardens. Also the Pleasure Pier and Schlitterbahn Water Park.. Stay at a beach hotel. Your kids will luvya for it.:) http://www.galveston.com/default.asp You might want to make a copy of ssb's post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchsnowhite Posted May 31, 2012 Author #10 Share Posted May 31, 2012 I've lived in Houston 39 years. Trust me, you and your kids will have a much better time staying in Galveston. Reserve a half day for Moody Gardens. Also the Pleasure Pier and Schlitterbahn Water Park..Stay at a beach hotel. Your kids will luvya for it.:) http://www.galveston.com/default.asp You might want to make a copy of ssb's post. Thanks, but the hotels in Galveston are triple the price of Houston:eek: So for a 3 nights stay that counts!:o But I've put Moody Gardens on my list. Can you guys tell me more about that place? What should we do at MG? Thanks;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted May 31, 2012 #11 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Thanks, but the hotels in Galveston are triple the price of Houston:eek:So for a 3 nights stay that counts!:o But I've put Moody Gardens on my list. Can you guys tell me more about that place? What should we do at MG? Thanks;) STAY RIGHT Off Island in Texas City or Webster or around Nasa half way or on Island There is much to do at www.moodygardens.com ------ just look at site !!!!!! http://www.galvestonhistory.org---Galveston Historical Foundation Properties www.pleasurepier.com www.schlitterbahn.com/gal Kemah Boardwalk Nasa Try Inn at Waterpark by Moody Gardens Gaidos Commodore Travellodge Best Western Beachcomer and others Make Priceline Bid What part of town in Houston would you be staying? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
megmno Posted May 31, 2012 #12 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Hi FrenchSnowWhite, We're also coming in a couple of days early for the 8/19 Carnival Magic. We're arriving on Thursday night, renting a car and staying at the Marriott Town Place Suites near NASA. I found a two bedroom suite there for $99 a night (sleeps up to six). It's not elegant, but it looks acceptable and it's cheap! My kids are science geeks, so we're doing a VIP tour of NASA called the Level 9 tour. It's a little bit pricy ($89 per person) but that includes the regular admission and lunch and a 4-5 hour tour behind the scenes. There are only 12 spots per tour and one or two tours per day. On Saturday we're going to Moody Gardens. I think we'll probably hit the Kemah boardwalk at some point as well. SSB, thanks for all of the other suggestions and links! Some of them look really fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted May 31, 2012 #13 Share Posted May 31, 2012 Hi FrenchSnowWhite, We're also coming in a couple of days early for the 8/19 Carnival Magic. We're arriving on Thursday night, renting a car and staying at the Marriott Town Place Suites near NASA. I found a two bedroom suite there for $99 a night (sleeps up to six). It's not elegant, but it looks acceptable and it's cheap! My kids are science geeks, so we're doing a VIP tour of NASA called the Level 9 tour. It's a little bit pricy ($89 per person) but that includes the regular admission and lunch and a 4-5 hour tour behind the scenes. There are only 12 spots per tour and one or two tours per day. On Saturday we're going to Moody Gardens. I think we'll probably hit the Kemah boardwalk at some point as well. SSB, thanks for all of the other suggestions and links! Some of them look really fun! ========================================= Hi megmno, Thanks for your help! Good information! More help the merrier! You might even have a look at TEXAS A&M University Marine Specialties School for any interests of your kids. Programs are extensive and varied. There is even a large new ship the students study on while at sea whether in oil exploration, world shipping, or marine industries! I grew up in Houston, and can help her there with restuarants and things to do! Thats why I asked about where they would be staying. Assume they have rent car and their options are plentiful between Houston, Clearlake(Nasa and Kemah) and Galveston! They could easily drive to Galveston for the day and return! Heck with them being from Canada, it a shame they couldn't fly into San Antonio (a jewel on The Riverwalk), then come thru Houston, Clearlake to Galveston! I live in Galveston now and can certaily help here also! To narrow down family things in addition to Nasa and Baseball Game: see also: Galveston.com Galveston.com/ interact and discover/cams Family Related things: Kemah Beaches Beaches Beaches Old town Galveston *- Strand To Post Office Street ....(lots of shopping, ice cream parlors, wineries, .................old army surplus store, nautical) ....(restaurants, Antiques, Shops, Bakery and Coffee shops) ……(clothing shopping) Swimming in Gulf Walks and shelling on the beach Pleasure Pier on Gulf Horse drawn carriage rides Restaurants overlooking Gulf and on Port Galveston Historical Foundation properties* - Wonderful www.galvestonhistory.org Many Historical and Victorian homes Galveston has second largest preservation membership in United States Wooden Carved Trees Tour (wonderful) Bishops palace (wonderful) Moody mansion(wonderful) Ashton villa (wonderful) Moody gardens *(lots and lots and lots to do) ......(massive, fun and family oriented) Schlitterbahn water park www.schlitterbahn.com/gal (a chrildren’s must) Restored tall ship schooner Elisa www.tsm-elissa.org (wonderful) 1900 Storm, Pirate Jean Laffite and Galveston Immigration doc films at port Pirates Store and Program - Old town Strand Maritime museum- www.tsm-elissa.org Airplane Museum (Lone Star Flight Museum)- www.lsfm.org/ Railroad Museum - www.galvestonrrmuseum.com Oil drilling rig museum - www.oceanstaroec.com Sea Wolf Park – WWII submarine and destroyer - www.cavalla.org Large souvenir shop over gulf water - Murdochs Dolphin watching and port water tours Turtle rescue farm behind San Luis Resort and at TEXAS A&M University Marine Specialties Free ferry ride with a short cruise to Bolivar Duck tour (amphibious boat) Free concert Saturday nites - old town Galveston *- on strand Free film Saturday nites -old town Galveston *- on strand Free band nights -“family/kids oriented” - Wonderful …………..-summer outdoor Tuesdays 24th & Sealy Chess park on Strand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevesan Posted June 3, 2012 #14 Share Posted June 3, 2012 Thanks, but the hotels in Galveston are triple the price of Houston:eek:So for a 3 nights stay that counts!:o But I've put Moody Gardens on my list. Can you guys tell me more about that place? What should we do at MG? Thanks;) That's surprising. W/E rates are higher, but the first hotel I looked at is $170 week days and $250 Weekend. For three nites, an average of $197 p/nite. One third of $197 is $65 p/nite. Trust me, you don't want to stay there!:p http://www.galveston.com/bestwestern/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchsnowhite Posted June 3, 2012 Author #15 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I'm paying 87$/night to stay at the Springhill Suites in Galveston because we booked 3 nights;) Hard to beat that price for a suite!!!!!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssb Posted June 3, 2012 #16 Share Posted June 3, 2012 I'm paying 87$/night to stay at the Springhill Suites in Galveston because we booked 3 nights;) Hard to beat that price for a suite!!!!!:D Great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wickedphonebook Posted June 5, 2012 #17 Share Posted June 5, 2012 I've lived in Houston 39 years. Trust me, you and your kids will have a much better time staying in Galveston. Reserve a half day for Moody Gardens. Also the Pleasure Pier and Schlitterbahn Water Park..Stay at a beach hotel. Your kids will luvya for it.:) http://www.galveston.com/default.asp You might want to make a copy of ssb's post. I agree with Stevensan. We live in Houston too, and prefer Galveston --especially in August and for our visitors (we have many). Your stay isn't that long...we usually rent a beach house -- but you are better off with a hotel. Our "don't miss" is the Moody Mansion tour. The docents are excellent -- and the history is truly interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGBCruiser Posted June 5, 2012 #18 Share Posted June 5, 2012 I agree with Stevensan. We live in Houston too, and prefer Galveston --especially in August and for our visitors (we have many). Your stay isn't that long...we usually rent a beach house -- but you are better off with a hotel. Our "don't miss" is the Moody Mansion tour. The docents are excellent -- and the history is truly interesting. I love the historic homes tour and always like to see Bishop's Palace and Ashton Villa too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdyer09 Posted June 10, 2012 #19 Share Posted June 10, 2012 I have lived in Houston all my life, I would reccomend staying in Galveston or Kemah too. Seabrook is kemah pretty much and hotels a little ways away from the Kemah Boardwalk (definitely a must to go see!) Are usually cheaper. I would suggest spending two nights in Houston, check out an astrid game, or a rice owls baseball game (a local university), then tour the theatre district, museum district and surrounding areas. There are a few free Rt museums (the Menopause, the Contemporary Arts Museum which is directly across from the big art museum. The holocaust museum is free. On Thursdays, they should have Rock the Dock in Kemah (also free, but can get crowded!) Check out the houston city pass, I think it includes 4 or 5 attractions for about $50-60 a person and is good for 7 days. You can ice skate at the Galleria mall. There is soo much to do! Everything mentioned is just within few miles of each other and just in the museum/ arts district! Oh it will be hot and sticky but you could check out Miller Outdoor Theatre and Theatre under the Stars for performances and sometimes sitting in the lawn area is free and you can bring a picnic dinner! I would then spend Saturday night closer to Galveston and then drop your luggage off Sunday morning with a porter, ride the shuttle back to the terminal and walk across the street to explore the strand area of Galveston. Definitely worth a few hours. Just be sure to be back to the cruise area by 230 or so. Honestly we watch for the crew ti start heading back then we do the same. They are all typically in their white uniforms so they are easy to spot. If you are going to do this definitely either wake up in Galveston or somewhere close. Im assuming you will have a car, so don't feel the need to spend the money on a beachfront hotel for the night! You're about to have all the water and beach you can handle. Comfort Suites Seabrook is only a year or so old and was very very clean! Ok sorry I rambled, but if you have any questions let me know. My kiddo (and her momma) loves Galveston so we are here a bunch! Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdyer09 Posted June 10, 2012 #20 Share Posted June 10, 2012 I just re-read my post (posted from my cell, sorry) and its the Menil museum, not the menopause ;) and Rt is art! dumb autocorrect! So excuse the rest of the imperfections and the one long paragraph. My cell is being spastic today! Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Galveston Cruiser Posted June 10, 2012 #21 Share Posted June 10, 2012 The baseball team is the "Astros"! Where is the "Menopause Museum" - would definitely like to see it:rolleyes: That is why I hate using my iPhone to post:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGBCruiser Posted June 11, 2012 #22 Share Posted June 11, 2012 The baseball team is the "Astros"! Where is the "Menopause Museum" - would definitely like to see it:rolleyes: That is why I hate using my iPhone to post:D LOLOL!!! I hate autocorrect too! Somebody sent a pic to me that said "Ada at the beach." I'm thinking...who the heck is Ada??? It's "a day" at the beach! :rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdyer09 Posted June 11, 2012 #23 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I didn't even notice the astros one! Lol!!! I forgot you asked about dinner. Its hard to go wrong at most places in the Galleria area. What are your family's favorites? There is so much to choose from, that would help narrow it down some! Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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