Recently refurbished, this hotel continues to offer guests the opportunity to relax in lavish splendor. Enjoy equally elegant dining in Quattro, the hotel's restaurant. A salon is on hand to take care of any grooming needs you might have, and a fully equipped workout area will keep you in shape while you are on the road. Though it's a business hotel, the Four Seasons also welcomes families with children; welcome gifts are given to children and guests, and babysitting services can be arranged through the hotel.

Have a yearning for the nautical life? Take a plunge into the deep at the Houston Downtown Aquarium. This aquarium is definitely the place to be for a fun day out. The aquarium features diverse species of aquatic life, with the Shark Voyage being the main attraction. This voyage gives visitors the opportunity to travel via train into an acrylic viewing tunnel with live sharks swimming overhead. Other attractions include the Ferris wheel, the aquatic carousel and some themed educational exhibits. If you've had your fill of the aquatic life and need some grub then take a pick from the restaurant or lounge.

Tucked away in the 20-acre Sam Houston Park downtown, you will find an impressive bit of Texas history. Visit the Heritage Society Museum & Tour, which features historical records, then take the outdoor tour of noble buildings restored to their original glory. Pathways lead to an assortment of prestigious homes in Greek and Victorian styles. The 1868 Victorian-style Pilot House also happens to be the site of the city's first indoor kitchen. All the homes on the tour are unique in structure and furnishings. There is also a quaint church built in 1891 by German farmers.

What was once a weedy parking lot is now a 12-acre (4.8 hectares) space with playgrounds, dog runs, bike paths and more. Discovery Green hosts all kinds of fun activities for families, couples, groups of friends, and the solitary traveler. Complete with an amphitheater, children's theater and open 'sky gazing' areas, Discovery Green invites you to see, touch, hear, taste and explore your way through the park. For the more technologically inclined, the park is a Wi-Fi hot spot, perfect for study sessions.

Buffalo Bayou Park is a lush 160-acre park (64 hectares), where everyone can come to soothe the senses. Eleanor Tinsley Park, located within the park is host to many of Houston's festivals and a variety of activities. Experience a canoe trip or take a serene walk with a loved one through the beauty of this park. The park also has a play area for children, a dog park, unique art installations, sculptures and fountains throughout, and also includes bike trails.

In a city like Houston where everyone spends most of the day driving, it's no wonder some innovative artists would think to turn cars into art. At the Art Car Museum, also known as the "Garage Mahal," you can see these crazy pieces on display. This unusual museum will delight visitors of all ages with cars transformed into the likes of a giant evil Easter Bunny or a gold Chevy covered in stuffed alligators called the "Swamp Mutha." The car art depicts personal, social, political, and economic dimensions of Houston.

Children's Museum of Houston opened in 1984 and is devoted to teaching through interactive play. Galleries here cover subjects like history, culture, fine and performing arts, technology, science, and geography. Here, children can navigate an exciting multi-obstacle course, learn all about cyberspace, create a molecule model, and even learn to code. Adults are welcome to take a break in the Teacher and Family Resource Center where extra teaching materials are available to boost those creative juices. While Fiddle Sticks offers exciting books and toys for the little ones, Fresh Cafe is the place to grab some nutritious snacks during your visit to the museum.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a wide variety of exhibits that are worthy of a full day's outing. The three-level live butterfly exhibit will fascinate visitors of any age, as will the dinosaur exhibit in the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The Wiess Energy Hall and the Hall of Gems and Minerals are also worth a visit. You can also catch an interesting IMAX show at Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and spend the night stargazing at the George Observatory.

The Cockrell Butterfly Center, housed in The Houston Museum of Natural Science, promises an experience like no other. An impressive array of over 1,500 butterflies from across the world call the tropical conservatory their home. The three-leveled glass enclosure is an enchanting rainforest, punctuated with fascinating flora and an alluring waterfall. Marvel at exotic species of the arthropod, Blue Morpho, Atlas Moth, Red Peacock, Owl Butterfly and Longwing, to name a few. Housing some of the largest and rarest specimens, the vibrant assortment paints a picture of paradise.

Situated in the lovely Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals and over 900 species. Experience a true wildlife adventure as you check out the lions, Komodo dragons, flamingos, tigers, gorillas, bears, and bats, just to name a few! There is a wonderful Natural Encounter area where you can get up close and personal with otters and meerkats; and be sure to take a spin on the Wildlife Carousel, featuring hand-carved and decorated animals that showcase many endangered species of the world. If watching the animals eat makes you hungry yourself, there are two outdoor concession stands and one indoor dining area. Get ready to spend a day with the animals as you learn more about the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Are you ready to go on a treasure hunt for baseball cards, model kits or train sets? Nan's Games & Comics Too will probably seem a little cluttered and disorganized, but if you are willing to spend some time browsing, you can find some incredibly fun stuff. Beyond the realm of games from years gone by, the store masterfully serves the needs of modern-day gamers. You will also find a nice selection of comics - both current and collectible back issues - and comic-related merchandise.

Houston will be forever grateful for George Hermann's generous gift of land in the early 1900s. The park spans over 445 acres (180 hectares) and is one of Houston's oldest public parks. People from all walks of life gather here for various events throughout the year. A monstrous statue of Sam Houston welcomes you to the park. Those seeking an educational outing for themselves or the kids will find many options inside the park. The Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Burke Baker Planetarium and an IMAX theater are all popular attractions. Lighter family entertainment is available in the form of pedal boats, train rides and other activities.