For my birthday weekend we did a family staycation in our city with the kids. We planned it all in a short amount of time because a spontaneous trip was so much better. It was the perfect little getaway we needed. All here in our city. Like who would had thought packing a small suitcase and sleeping somewhere aside from your own home for a few days in the same town would actually be fun. I can strongly say our kids probably loved it more than we did!It was the perfect excuse to go around and try new places around town- and that we did.
HOUSTON WEEKEND GUIDE
ALL KID FRIENDLY SPOTS
Houston is such a big city. It is one of the top five largest cities in the U.S, there is so much to explore! You can live here for years and still not experience everything that the city has to offer.
WHERE TO STAY
HOUSTON’S CITYCENTRE
The CityCentre location is the perfect outdoor destination for couples. It has a mixed of upscale restaurants, numerous dining options, retails, bars, and plenty of spots to grab a late night dessert. We been coming here for a many years now and is our usual spot for date nights. The kids love it when we bring them along because they always host special events by the plaza making it an ideal place to spend a long weekend.
HOTEL SORELLA
A BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Hotel Sorella is a perfect combination of a glamorous boutique hotel with a modern touch. Their combination of dark wood and bright sheets gives it a clean contemporary feel. We had a king room suite with decent living room space that had an amazing view that overlooks the CityCentre. The accommodations for our family of five were incredible. We were given an attached room that connected us to our kids bedroom. They were so excited to see they had their own space and beds and a bathroom away from us. It gave us both a bit of privacy and as a mom of 3 that was much needed during our stay.
AMENITIES/ FEATURES:
- Rooftop Pool
- Free Breakfast
- Free WiFi
- Lobby/Patio
- Fitness Center
- Complimentary Parking
- House Restaurant- Radio Milano
- Monnalisa Bar that overlooks the pool
WHERE TO EAT
INTERNATIONAL SMOKE– This restaurant took me by complete surprise. If you do find yourself at the CityCentre you need to check this place out. Ayesha Curry and Chef Michael Mina bring you a shareable experience inspired by cuisine from around the world. These dishes fulfill the “international” component. So rich and full of flavor in every single bite. My top favorites were the Wagyu Shaking Beef with lettuce wraps, Sinaloa Chicken, the Curry Cornbread, the Brussel Spouts and Mai Tai drinks.
STATE FARE– In need of a brunch spot? Then look no more, this is your place! It was a hidden gem to us in our Houston area (Memorial Location) and I am so glad I found it and we got to try it. The poached eggs on crab cakes were incredible. If you or your kids are pancake lovers, you’re in the right spot as well. You will find kid friendly menu options that come in the cutest plate all set up and divided for them (because you know, kids are picky) We can’t wait to come back for lunch and dinner and try some of their other menu items.
BENJY’S– This American restaurant has been voted as one of Houston’s top best places to eat. If you are here for just the desserts than you need to try Benjy’s Moms Chocolate Cake. If there is one thing I’ll come back over and over for is their Asian Salad.
EMMALINE– An American restaurant with a nod to European influences, blending homegrown heritage and European classics. It is build around a heirloom oak where the bar is the center of it all. The sun room was our favorite part of the whole restaurant it provides a laid back feel yet elegant at the same time. Not to mention a patio on the top floor surrounded by a green garden. If you are looking for a beautiful rustic restaurant this is the place to be.
BUFFBURGER– Craving a real Texas burger? Say no more. BuffBurger is a family owned business that sources the finest, all natural ingredients and rely on Texas finest , 44 Farms. They bake their buns daily to mixing their own mayo, everything is prepared in house from scratch. Hand crafted burgers that are flame grilled over wood for an authentic Texas flavor. Okay and now I am starving and craving another Texan style burger with extra avocados and mushrooms please.
SWEET PARIS– 797 Sorella Ct Houston, TX 77024
Located in the CityCentre and walking distance from Hotel Sorella you will find the best place to have a late night dessert. If you ask my husband and kids and myself what is our favorite dessert.. it is this right here. We love Sweet Paris so much, more like we are obsessed with this place and their nutella crepes.
WHAT TO DO IN HOUSTON
BOWL & BARREL– 797 Sorella Ct Unit 118 Houston, TX 77024
Just walking distance from Hotel Sorella located in the CityCentre you can walk and head for some delicious food and some bowling fun with the family all at Bowl & Barrel. Best way to let them burn off some energy especially on those rainy Houston days.
WATER WALL– 2800 Post Oak Blvd Houston
This is located right next to the Galleria shopping area. It is beautiful and a perfect spot for photo opportunities.
HOUSTON ZOO- 6200 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, TX 77030
Spring/Fall time is probably the best time to visit the zoo. I try my best to avoid trips here when it’s summer time. If you visit before 11AM you can head to the Giraffe habitat and get up close and personal with the giraffes while feeding them lettuce leaves ( for only $7)
DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM- 410 Bagby St Memorial Dr. Houston, TX 77002
The Aquarium Restaurant is surrounded by a 150,000 gallon tank full of marine life. The Aquarium exhibits have a variety of aquatic life such as sharks, stingrays, and vast array of fish from waters all over the world.
THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS- 1001 Bissonnet St Houston, TX 77005
We were invited by the Museum of Fine Arts to explore and experience some of their exhibits. Their first building showcases gallery spaces that are so intimate, their second building houses the Museum’s collection of antiques, American art, and contemporary art. It was the first time bringing the kids and they enjoyed it so much. Currently right now the Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the Vincent van Gogh: His Life in Art exhibit and you do not want to miss that. And right outside of the Museum you will find the sculpture garden that is home to the Houston bean.
*General Admission for children 12 & younger is free // bonus: admissions for adults is free if you have a Texas library card
HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE- 5555 Hermann Park Dr. Houston TX 77030
It is one of the most attended museums in the U.S. The Museum houses the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theater, Cockrell Butterfly Center and a variety of exhibit areas. To be honest it can be expensive, a single adult ticket is $25. But if you are trying to enjoy a family afternoon on a budget it is free on Thursdays from 2-5PM. While it may not be enough time to explore the whole museum this option is absolutely worth it.
SHOP AT THE GALLERIA- 5085 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77056
We may live in Houston but I admit we hardly make our drive down here. The Galleria Mall is one of the largest malls in the U.S with over 370 stories. The Galleria is home to many of the expensive upscale fashion brands, but can also be escape the hot weather get some gelato and ice skate.
EVERYTHING IS BIGGER IN TEXAS
If you plan to visit the largest city in the state where everything is larger I hope you find my post and recommendations helpful to help you navigate a weekend in town.
Thank you Hotel Sorella for sponsoring this post and all the Restaurants mentioned above. As always, all opinions are my own.
