Things to do in La Marque

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is located in Houston, Texas, USA, and is the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center. From the Apollo moon landings to the Space Shuttle era, most American crewed spacecraft launched from Florida, while flight control after liftoff came primarily from the adjacent Johnson Space Center: after the Apollo 11 lunar module landed on the Moon in 1969, the phrase transmitted back to the ground, "Houston, Tranquility Base here," was calling precisely the control team here; the film Apollo 13 made "Houston, we have a problem" a popular catchphrase, and its prototype was also a real space emergency handled by the Houston ground team. Most of the highlights in the museum are real objects that have "been to space": Starship Gallery displays the Apollo 17 command module that carried out a lunar landing mission, the return capsules from the Mercury and Gemini programs, the training module astronauts used to prepare for the Skylab space station, and a moon rock you can touch with your own hands—only a handful of moon rocks worldwide are available for the public to touch; the spacesuit exhibition area brings together a large number of actual flight suits and extravehicular suits that were worn, including the lunar suit Pete Conrad wore while walking on the moon during Apollo 12. Outdoors, Independence Plaza stacks the real Boeing 747 shuttle carrier aircraft and the space shuttle replica Independence one above the other, and visitors can go inside both; beside it lies a Falcon 9 rocket booster that flew a cargo mission to the International Space Station. The signature experience is the NASA tram tour, with multiple routes leading to different areas of Johnson Space Center: you can overlook full-scale spacecraft and space station mockups from the elevated walkway at the astronaut training facility, visit the historic mission control room restored to its Apollo-era appearance where the moon landing was commanded, and get a close look at the Saturn V giant rocket—over 100 m long and displayed horizontally—in Rocket Park; only a handful of complete Saturn V rockets survive worldwide. Allow most of a day for the visit; tram departure time slots are limited and spots on popular routes are tight, and queues are common at Independence Plaza during peak boarding hours, so it is best to make arrangements early after entering. The exhibit where you can touch a moon rock is inside Starship Gallery and is easy to miss inadvertently; meeting astronauts and hearing them recount their space experiences is a long-standing signature activity here, so keep an eye on the day's time slot schedule.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Galveston

Moody Gardens Attractions Theme Park

Moody Gardens, located on Galveston Island in Texas, USA, is a comprehensive attraction that combines natural science education, animal exhibits, leisure and entertainment, and resort experiences. The most striking buildings in the park are three large glass pyramids. The Rainforest Pyramid simulates a tropical rainforest environment, allowing visitors to observe monkeys, birds, reptiles, and tropical plants up close; the Aquarium Pyramid showcases penguins, seals, sharks, and various marine creatures; and the Discovery Pyramid focuses on science education and themed exhibitions, making it suitable for family visits.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Kemah

Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk - the perfect hideaway! Enjoy rides, nine floating restaurants, shopping, midway play areas, live performances and weekend festivities. Challenge the bullet roller coaster, ride our train and Ferris wheel, and dive 140 feet in the drop zone. The Kemah Boardwalk appeals to all children, young and old!

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Galveston

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a seaside landmark located on the coast of Galveston County, Texas, USA. Built on a pier high above the Gulf of Mexico, it blends leisure, entertainment, and dining experiences, attracting visitors from all over. Here, visitors can admire the stunning seascape and feel the gentle ocean breeze. The pier features a variety of rides, such as a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a roller coaster, suitable for all ages. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk, you can also admire the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the distant ships passing by. Restaurants and food stalls offer a diverse selection of cuisines, from classic American snacks to seafood specialties, catering to every taste. At night, the lights reflect on the water, creating a captivating spectacle. More than just a place for entertainment, the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is a relaxing haven where one can relax and experience seaside culture, showcasing the unique coastal charm of Galveston Island.

Lagoonfest Texas

Texas City Dike

NASA Mission Control Center

The NASA Mission Control Center is located in Houston, Texas, in the United States, and is part of NASA's Johnson Space Center. The center is responsible for commanding and monitoring U.S. space missions, coordinating a series of critical tasks including spacecraft launches, in-orbit operations, and recovery. Since it began operations in 1965, the NASA Mission Control Center has been a vital pillar of the U.S. space program, witnessing countless space achievements and technological advancements. When visiting the NASA Mission Control Center, guests can learn about the operational processes of space missions and discover how spacecraft communicate with the ground through guided tours. The center's control room is the core for commanding space missions, and visitors have the opportunity to see historic equipment and modern control technology. In addition to the mission control room, visitors can also learn about astronaut training, space technology, and past and future space missions. For technology enthusiasts and space fans, the NASA Mission Control Center provides an important platform to engage with the history and future of spaceflight, helping visitors better understand the complexities and challenges of space exploration.

Rainbow Park

Aquarium At Moody Gardens

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston