Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Walk through a living butterfly habitat, admire spectacular live and preserved specimens of some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods, and enjoy interactive games and quizzes. Upon arrival, enter a three-story glass structure built around a 50-foot (15-meter) waterfall. Once inside, discover a simulated tropical rainforest filled with exotic plants and hundreds of live butterflies imported from butterfly farms around the world. Marvel as these delicate creatures flutter through the vegetation, stop to sip nectar or fruit juices, and occasionally alight on lucky visitors. Feel the enchantment continue with astounding living insects, mounted specimens, larger-than-life models, and interactive games. Search for camouflaged creatures, meet a cricket weatherman, learn how insects are used to solve crimes, watch leaf cutter ants at work, see giant wasp nests, get a close-up look of some of Houston’s largest cockroaches, and more. Tucked underneath the waterfall and behind the cenote pool, discover how insects are particularly important to humans. Listen to interviews with real-life entomologists and take a peek into an entomologist’s lab, where you can look up close at insect specimens. The last entry of the day is at 5:30 PM.

See the diverse color and beauty of plants from around the world in our Global Collection Garden. Hear the sounds of wildlife drawn to our natural ecosystems. Smell the aroma of our Pine Grove and other distinct botanic fragrances wafting through the air. Taste — figuratively and literally — the bounty from our Culinary Garden through its culinary arts programs. Reach out and touch the simple machines in the water play area and nature play structures surrounding the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden.

Board a unique open-air bus to discover the best of this amazing city, with breathtaking views of the modern energy capital of the world. Houston is the largest city in the south and it offers its visitors a great variety of attractions, magnificent architecture, historic places, and landmarks. See many of these on this remarkable tour. Tours start every morning from the Texan Cowboy-themed Visitors Center. In addition, receive your tickets to the Downtown Aquarium so that you can discover an amazing collection of marine life, exhibits, rides, and attractions.

Drive around the San Jacinto Battleground at your own pace and experience a self-guided tour of the final battle site of the Texas Revolution. Explore the battlefield, hike the marsh trail, and enjoy watching the birds and fish in the Buffalo Bayou. Stare way up at the San Jacinto Monument, discover the San Jacinto Museum, and ride all the way up to the observation tower. Check out the mobile tour and drive into the San Jacinto Battleground and choose how you want to explore and learn about this historically significant location. Learn all about the final battle of the Texas Revolution, and how General Houston and his men defeated the Mexican army after an 18-minute battle. Discover the events that ended the revolution, including the capturing of General Santa Anna. Visit the 567-foot tall San Jacinto Monument and ride the elevator 500-feet above the battlefield to the observation tower. Feel free to leave your car and admire the variety of wildlife on the site, including alligators, coyotes, feral hogs, venomous snakes, and a couple of biting insects. Use your discretion and keep a safe distance as you witness some of the wonders of North American nature. Watch for over 200 species of birds as you walk through the marsh and prairie. The grounds of the park have four picnic areas to sit and ponder the events of the past, but food and drinks are not available for purchase inside the monument.