5 Things to Do in Houston During TMTA
In 2025, the Texas Music Teacher’s Association will be taking place on June 12-15 at the Downtown Houston Hyatt Regency. While you’re there, here are some other fun things to do in the area (scroll to the bottom for restaurant/coffee recommendations!)
1. Houston Zoo
Feed giraffes, pet the goats at the Children’s portion of the zoo, and see the elephant habitat at the Houston Zoo! Then cool off in the Galapagos Island exhibit (pictured above) seeing the giant tortoises, Bonnethead sharks, penguins, and sea lions. Then you can grab a snack at the Cypress Circle Cafe before exploring the ‘wild!’ and finding a cute souvenir in the gift shop. In addition, this zoo has one of the largest collections of birds in any U.S. zoo, so you will see a lot of interesting ones, to be sure! Things to note:
Tickets are ONLY sold online
Children between the ages of 3-12 years receive a 20% off discount on tickets
Seniors 65 years and older receive a 20% off discount
U.S. veterans and active military receive 50% off general admission tickets for up to five guests all year long (2 adults and 3 children)
The zoo does not have its own parking lot, but free parking is available at Hermann park
A portion of each Houston Zoo ticket purchase goes towards protecting animals in the wild
Ticket price info for that weekend:
2. Space Center Houston
Come and check out the amazing Space Center, which has more than 400 space artifacts, including the world’s largest collection of moon rocks, many exhibits, and simulation rides. Touch a rock from Mars, try some dehydrated astronaut food (like the neapolitan ice cream sandwich!), and walk through a replica shuttle!
Ticket price info for that weekend:***
Things to note:
Parking is an additional $10
Simulation rides are an additional cost
Be sure to check the hours of operation, as some days are 9am-5pm, and some are 10am-6pm
Be sure to check out the movie showing called “ The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks” - included with admission!
***Click here to get a discounted ticket through Groupon (while the offer lasts!) https://www.groupon.com/deals/viator-space-center-houston
3. Color Factory
Check out this immersive experience of more than 14 art installations! Dive into a ball pit, check out the floating balloons, and play in the confetti room before having a sweet treat and taking a fun (complimentary) photo! (Ms. Crystal has been here and had so much fun!!)See this link for a Groupon (while offer lasts!): https://www.groupon.com/deals/viator-color-factory-houston
4. Meow Wolf Houston
Another immersive experience of ‘mind-bending’ art installations! Meow Wolf has several locations throughout the U.S., each one unique and featuring local artists of that state. The theme/storyline for the Houston exhibit is: “When ETNL Radio Station and its crew are mysteriously transported to a surreal new world, the airwaves open to infinite possibilities. Explore the art, unravel the story, and change your frequency.” Weird and wonderful, this Meow Wolf also features an immersive dining experience. Tickets are $25 for kids, and $44-46 for adults. This unique experience is worth checking out!
5. Holey Moley Golf Club
Visit this retro-themed mini golf place that also has karaoke! This is a really unique course that is fun for the whole family.
Food and drinks are also available– be sure to book your tickets! https://holeymoley.com/locations/houston
Restaurants:
Morton’s Steakhouse
Lucille’s
Bungalow
Ramen Moto
City Cellars
Coffee:
Tenfold Coffee
Eden Plant Co.
La Tazza
Refuge Houston