lkj

My dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and will be spending a few months in the Houston (M.D. Anderson) area for treatment (out-patient). Any suggestions for things to do, for anyone familiar with the area? Thank-you.

mizscarlett

Are you looking for things for your father to do? Or will you be with him and looking for things to do on your own at times while he is in treatment? There are all kinds of things to do in Houston--it just depends on your interest. I just returned from there and we visited NASA and the Museum of Natural Science--both very good if you like that sort of thing. We also went to Galveston and just spent time at the beach. Also in Galveston is Moody Gardenw, which I have never visited but have heard is very nice. There used to be a train museum in Galveston but don't know if it is still there. Also some mansions to tour that are very nice. We have also visited the Battleship Texas, which was kind of interesting. You wouldn't want to do that in summer, though. It is very hot and humid.

Those are just some things we have done on previous trips. I've never lived in Houston, but have visited family there numerous times. Traffic is always terrible, so keep that in mind whenever planning activities.

Hopefully, some Houston Fodorites will see this post and offer more suggestions.

roosterlady

Please tell us what kind of things you are interested in? Houston is massive and Galveston is about an hour south of the medical center. Will you be in Galveston or Houston? I live between Galveston and Houston so I can offer some suggestions. The Kemah boardwalk is nice, West U village near the medical center has many shops and restaurants, The Strand in Galveston is also another option. I'm hoping you'll have a car during your stay since the bus system here is not all that great.

Janedoe

Go north of Houston to Spring, TX near Conroe if I remember correctly. It is a old quaint town with lots of shops. Maggie's is especially good, check out the Maggie's house blend candles. I buy in bulk when I visit. If you are looking for beach go to Galveston, then take the ferry over to Bolivar Island. Take your lawn chain & a cooler. You can park right on the beach. There are also some seafood restaruants on Boliver. It'm much nicer and not very commercial. Shopping at the Strand in Galveston is also fun. Skip the seafood restaruants by the cruise ship dock, very expensive for bad food. Good luck to your father & have some fun!

travellyn

Close to the hospital, it's fun to wander around Rice University and the Rice Village, but I'd worry that outdoor activities now would be too draining, because of the heat and humidity. There are nice restaurants all over Houston.

There are good plays at the Alley Theater, also the symphony, opera, ballet, and a couple of professional sports teams, as well as college teams. This is probably the wrong time of year for a lot of those activities. Years ago, there used to be a nice Shakespeare in the Park program in the evenings at Miller Theater, near MD Anderson.

Anderson has a fantastic support system for everyone who comes there. My guess is that they will have some good suggestions for activities for patients and families, depending on everyone's energy level.