Plan Your Visit to Houston Use our collection of attraction and city resources
to better plan your CityPASS trip.

General admission to the Official Visitors Center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center including NASA Tram Tour.

General admission to Aquarium Adventure Exhibit that features 400 species of marine life.

Exhibit halls general admission to one of the nation’s favorite natural science museums.

General admission to all exhibits including the African Forest, a 6-acre exhibit featuring chimps, rhinos, giraffes, and more.

Valid on all amusement rides (does not include Stingray and Boardwalk Beast).

General admission to all 14 hands-on exhibits designed especially for kids.

General admission to permanent collections that comprise nearly 60,000 works of art. Includes non-ticketed special exhibitions.

• The journey into space begins with the film On Human Destiny at the Destiny Theater.
• The NASA Tram Tour, a 90-minute behind-the-scenes-tour, takes you to real working areas of Johnson Space Center.
• Experience the thrill of launching into space like a real astronaut in the Blast-Off theater.
• Kids Space Place is perfect for children of all ages who've dreamed of being an astronaut
• Hold on to your seat and get ready to blast off in Texas’ largest giant screen theater.

• This magnificent six-acre entertainment and dining complex is a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe.
• Step inside the sunken hull of a 17th century Spanish galleon and look out at the beautiful diversity of species the ocean world has to offer, including a giant pacific octopus and a moray eel.
• White tigers lounge and play in the ruins of the ancient Maharaja’s Temple.
• You can't miss the 20-foot long Tiger Reticulated Python at the Sunken Temple.
• Rays and fish swim right by your table at Downtown Aquarium's unique restaurant — CityPASS holders get a free chef's appetizer and preferred seating (with purchase of an entrée); see coupon in booklet.

• Four floors of dynamic permanent exhibit halls encompass gems and minerals,wildlife, fossils, ancient history, chemistry and more.
• The new Paleontology Hall contains more than 450 dinosaur fossils and casts and shows predators and prey in action — chasing, eating and escaping as they struggle for life.
• Discover more than 450 beautifully crystallized mineral specimens, including some of the world's most rare and beautiful examples, including a 2000 carat blue topaz crystal.
• The Smith Gem Vault showcases stunning, custom-made jewelry set with some of the world's largest, finest and most rare cut gemstones.

• Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals including elephants, red pandas, chimpanzees and rhinos.
• Meet the Keeper Talks are an opportunity to learn about the zoo animals and see them in action with their keepers and include things like elephant bath time, bat feedings and red panda trainings.
• See an array of beautiful and diverse aquatic animals, such as jellyfish, sea turtles, seahorses, stingrays and more.
• Over 140 species of reptiles and 40 species of amphibians live inside the Reptile and Amphibian building.

• Enjoy the fresh air while riding the 65-foot century Ferris Wheel.
• Kids will love riding dragons, sea monsters, unicorns, horses and many more fun creatures on the Double-Decker Carousel.
• Kick back and relax in the Boardwalk Tower as you soak in all of Kemah Boardwalk and the surrounding Bay – you can see miles away.
• Dare to drop in the Drop Zone, a 140-foot free fall!
• Brave the Bullet, a one-of-a-kind wooden coaster, measuring 96' tall with a 92' exhilarating first drop and reaching speeds of over 51 mph!

• Kids will enjoy 14 hands-on exhibits designed especially for them.
• Named "America’s No. 1 Children’s Museum" by Parents magazine!
• Exciting exhibits that burst with action-packed fun will engage kids in the ultimate learning experience.
• Kids become inventors in a workshop of gadgets and gizmos.

• A dynamic cultural complex in the heart of downtown Houston, the Museum maintains An exciting schedule of international loan exhibitions and award-winning programs.
• Works from the MFAH collections fill the galleries year-round with art embracing every era of history across the globe.
• Gallery talks and tours enhance your museum experience.
• The museum houses more than 64,000 works of art, plus the Cullen Sculpture Garden.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at main entrance.

Present CityPASS booklet at the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit ticket window by entering the CityPASS line to skip main ticket line. Exchange voucher for a CityPASS booklet at the main admissions desk.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher in the box office at the window for "Members/Corporate".

Present CityPASS voucher at main ticket window. Please note Houston Zoo requires a valid, unexpired ID to redeem voucher. If you already have a CityPASS booklet, go straight to the greeters for entry.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the main ticket booth located next to the Century Wheel.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at the Museum Members and CityPASS Guests check-in desk.

Present CityPASS booklet or voucher at any admission desk.

Gemstone Carvings: The Masterworks of Harold Van Pelt
For over 35 years, Harold Van Pelt has quietly been perfecting the art of carving quartz, rock crystal and agate gemstones. Working the stone down to paper-thin walls brings out the gorgeous natural quality and colors of the agate and gives quartz the transparency of glass. Transformed by one man’s vision and skill from a solid stone to an incredibly delicate work of art, the gemstone carvings of Harold Van Pelt have to be seen to be believed.

Penguins of the Antarctic: A Photographic Expedition
Through October 27, 2013
Traveling along the ice shelves of the Antarctic from Atka Bay to Halley Station, painter, naturalist and photographer J.J. L'Heureux turns her camera to the emperor penguins and their adaptations to the cold and wind of the continent.

Newton Know-How
Through May 14, 2014
Whether a rocket scientist or a dancer, we are all governed by the laws of motion. But, how well do you really understand these laws that cannot be broken? You can now engage in fun, educational activities that will help you understand the physics associated with the laws of motion at the Museum! So come step into a world alive with action as you delve into force, friction, momentum, gravity and speed in our all-new Newton Know-How exhibit. All components in Newton Know-How are hands-on and built for open-ended explorations of physics.

Three Decades of West Coast Ceramics, 1956–1986
Through June 30, 2013
The years between 1956 and 1986 witnessed a fundamental shift in American ceramics, one that took place mainly on the West Coast in California and Washington. Freed from the constraints of making functional objects, ceramics artists began experimenting with abstract and figural forms, radical building techniques, and surface treatments. The resulting sculptural pieces were groundbreaking, and this search for a new aesthetic changed international ceramic art forever. This exhibition showcases works from the rich MFAH collection of American ceramics made during this important period.

James Turrell: The Light Inside
June 9 - September 22, 2013
Concentrating on the museum's extraordinary collection of work by American artist James Turrell (born 1943), this presentation makes many of the artist’s installations accessible to the public for the first time. At the conceptual core of the exhibition is The Light Inside, which is permanently installed at the MFAH in the underground Wilson Tunnel. Also included is Vertical Vintage, a grouping of a dozen light-based installations that allow visitors to test the limits of their perception, study the play of illusion, and witness how light shapes space.

Astronaut Audio Tour: Cost for CityPASS holders: adult $5.55; child $5.

Rides and games require a separate fee.

All-Day Adventure Pass: Unlimited rides and all-day access to exhibits. Cost for CityPASS holders: $5 unlimited access.

3D Wortham Giant Screen Theater: Reduced cost for CityPASS holders: all ages 3+, $8.

Cockrell Butterfly Center: Includes access to the Brown Hall of Entomology. Reduced cost for CityPASS holders: all ages 3+, $6.

Burke Baker Planetarium Show: Reduced cost for CityPASS holders: all ages 3+, $6.

Fabergé: A Brilliant Vision: Through 2013. Reduced cost for CityPASS holders: adult $10; child $8. This exhibit requires a timed entry ticket.

Wildlife Carousel: Cost for CityPASS holders: $2.50/ride. Tickets available at front gate or carousel entrance.

4D Experience: Cost for CityPASS holders: $5 (adults and children). Tickets available at front gate or theater entrance.

Boardwalk Beast: An incredible 25-minute thrill ride on Galveston Bay while cruising at speeds up to 40 mph. Discounted cost for CityPASS holders (per ride): adult, $12; children 12 and under, $10.

Stingray Reef: Experience the excitement of Stingray Reef, where you can touch and feed live stingrays. Admission for CityPASS holders: $4.25.

FantaSea: CityPASS holders get $5 off any FantaSea cruise.

Arcade and Midway Games also available.

Some specially ticketed exhibitions, events and films may require an additional fee.

Picasso Black and White: Through May 27, 2013.

Portrait of Spain: Masterpieces from the Prado: Through March 31, 2013.

• Arrive early and allow 4 to 5 hours to enjoy all the attractions.
• Take the NASA Guided Tram Tour to see Rocket Park, the Historic Apollo Mission Control Center and astronaut training.
• Buildings visited on Tram Tour are real working areas of Johnson Space Center and subject to close without notice.
• Get 10% off your purchase in the SpaceTrader or Gift Station. See booklet for details.

• Weekdays are least-crowded.
• Get 10% off retail at Treasure Chest gift shop. See booklet for details.
• CityPASS visitors enjoy a free chef's appetizer of the day and preferred seating with purchase of an entree at any Houston area Landry's Restaurant location; see coupon in booklet for locations.

• Thursdays 3-6pm (Sep-May, Thursdays 2-5pm) are free to the public and may be more crowded.
• Weekday and weekend mornings may be crowded due to student groups.
• Crowd intensity information is available by calling (713) 639-4629.
• 3D Wortham Giant Screen Theater is busiest from 9-11am (Additional entrance fee required).

• Check the Meet the Keeper Talks schedule on the morning of your visit to find out what animals have special feedings, showings, or enrichment activities that day.
• There is plenty to see and do at the Houston Zoo even in unfavorable weather – many indoor exhibits and ways to cool off.
• 4D Experience capacity is limited. Check show times and purchase upgrade tickets when you arrive to secure a seat.
• The GPS-enabled free iPhone or Android App is a great way to enhance your Zoo experience; details and download.

• Weekdays are the least crowded times to visit during the spring and summer.
• There's also a playground and dancing water fountains (bathing suits allowed) to keep the kids entertained.
• Some rides have height requirements; see details.

• Visit weekdays after 1pm when it's less crowded.
• Thursdays 5pm-8pm are Free Family Nights and may be more crowded.
• The Children’s Museum is for the young and young-at-heart; however, exhibits are specifically designed for children from birth to age 12.
• Check the calendar to see what’s going on during the day of your visit; see details.
• All exhibits are in Spanish/English.
• Get 10% off your purchase of $25 or more at Fiddle Sticks Toys. See booklet for details.

• Wear comfortable shoes; the MFAH has a total of 300,000 square feet of exhibition space.
• Thursdays are free to the public and may be more crowded.
• When visiting MFAH, you can re-enter any part of the museum buildings the entire day of purchase. Just show your admission sticker.
• Try Guide by Cell, a free cell phone audio tour.
• Get 10% off in the MFAH gift shop. See booklet for details.

Parking: Paid parking available.

Dining: Zero-G Diner

Gift Shops: Space Trader, Gift Station

Parking: On-site self-parking, $6; Valet parking, $8.

Dining: Aquarium Restaurant & Dive Lounge

Gift Shop: Treasure Chest Gift Shop

Parking: Paid parking available in HMNS’s 6-story garage located on Caroline, just south of Hermann Drive. Some curbside parking available near museum entrance and in Hermann Park.

Dining: Food and beverages are not allowed inside the museum exhibit halls or theaters. McDonald's is located within the main lobby.

Accessibility: Handicapped access to all venues.

Gift Shop: Museum Store located at museum's main entrance.

Parking: Free parking available.

Dining: Twiga Terrace, Macaw Café, Cypress Circle, Herzstein Trading Post, and carts and kiosks throughout the zoo for drinks and snacks. (You are allowed to bring food in; no glass bottles, plastic straws or alcoholic beverages.)

Self-Guide: iPhone or Android App

Gift Shops: Located near the main exit gate and in the African Forest.

Strollers: Available on first-come, first-served basis: single, $8; double, $11. Also available: wagons, $11; manual/push wheelchairs, $6; and motorized scooters, $21.

Parking: A variety of parking options, both free and paid, are available; see details.

Dining: Numerous dining options; see details.

Gift Shop: Several retail specialty shops and kiosks; see details.

Parking: Parking available across the street in museum parking lot; see details. Metered parking also available on neighboring streets.

Dining: Kid’s Café

Accessibility: All hallways, exhibits and restrooms are handicap accessible.

Gift Shop: Fiddlesticks Gift Shop

Coat Check: Visitors may store items in the locker room located beside the admissions booth.

Strollers: Strollers permitted.

Parking: Located directly east of Beck and Law buildings, MFAH Visitors Center features a four-story covered parking garage; $6 all day. Free parking available in two outdoor street-level lots north of Law Building along Main St.: one at Bissonnet and one at Oakdale.

Dining: Cafe Express

Accessibility: All public galleries are accessible to wheelchair users and other visitors who cannot use stairs. Wheelchairs available on a first-come, first-served basis for all museum locations. Call for details, (713) 639-7300.

Self-Guide: Cell Phone Audio Tours available.

Gift Shop: MFAH Shop

Photography: Photography permitted for private, noncommercial use only in the museum's galleries devoted to the permanent collection. Flash photography and tripods not permitted.

Coat Check: Free coat-check available in the Beck and Law buildings.

Strollers: Strollers are permitted.

Driving Directions: Space Center Houston is just 26 miles south of downtown Houston, located south of Hobby Airport. Take I-45 South, exit NASA Parkway and follow the signs.

METRORail train: Traveling northbound (Fannin North), exit the train at Preston & Main. Walk west on Preston to Bagby.

METRORail train: Traveling southbound (Fannin South), exit train at Museum District Station. Walk southbound along Fannin to Hermann Drive, turn right on Hermann to museum.

Driving Directions: The zoo offers free parking at the main entrance and a drop-off lane at the Medical Center entrance. During busy times the parking lot can be full. See the Zoo's website for advice on arrival, parking, and public transportation options.

METRORail train: Two MetroRail stations serve Houston Zoo and Hermann Park: Herman Park/Rice U Station at Fannin and Sunset or the Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo Station on Fannin between Cambridge Street and Ross Sterling. Exit train and follow Hermann Park Trail around the lake to the front entry plaza of the Houston Zoo.

METROBus: Take #1 Hospital bus to Fannin/Main Street stop. Walk one block east to zoo’s medical center gate.

Driving Directions: From Houston, take I-45 S to exit 40B; Follow signs for I-610 E/TX-225/Pasadena and merge onto I-610 E to exit 30B; Merge onto TX-225 E to TX-146 S; Turn left onto 6th St; Take the 2nd left onto Bradford Ave; Turn left at Kemah Water Front.

METRORail train: Traveling southbound (Fannin South), exit train at Museum District Station. Walk northbound to Bissonnet/Binz St., turn right and walk 5 blocks to museum.

METRORail train: Traveling southbound, exit train at Museum District Station, walk northbound to Bissonnet/Binz, turn left to museum.

Groups of 15 or more: Call (281) 283-4755.

Group tours are available. Call (713) 315-5140 or e-mail mdesimone@ldry.com.

Groups of 15 or more: Call (713) 639-4601.

Groups of 15 or more: Call (713) 535-7238.