Vacation destinations close to home

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Looking for a fun getaway – that isn’t too far away?

The Woodlands LearningRx offers several ideas that make close-to-home spots perfect for a quick trip. Kim Bellini, owner and director of the brain-training center, said exploring your own backyard may yield some fun surprises.

“There are several places nearby that would make for a fun – and educational -- vacation,” she said. “Pick a place where kids can enjoy some informal learning and stretch their minds through play and discovery. Make it a family adventure.”

Here are a few of her top picks:

-- Spend a day in Houston’s museums. You can feel like you are in another world at the Museum of Natural Science, Asia Society Texas Center, Health Museum or Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Other fun options include the Houston Fire Museum and the Children’s Museum of Houston. Even closer to home is The Woodlands Children’s Museum, a place to play focused on art, science and culture.

-- See what’s happening in Waco. The town is less than a three-hour drive away from The Woodlands – and boasts Waco Mammoth Site, a fossil wonderland sitting on the banks of the Bosque River. The Mayborn Museum combines a natural history, historic village and children’s discovery center all in one complex at Baylor University.

-- Take a trip to Austin. Jump in the car and head to the State Capitol. Children can tour the places where all the state laws are made – and follow that up with a dip in the cool waters of Barton Springs.

-- Head to the beach. Galveston is full of historic sites and natural inspiration. Tour the Bishop’s Palace, go on a Sea Turtle tour, visit the state park and learn about the rainforest and ocean at Moody Gardens. Or head to Corpus Christi to visit the Texas State Aquarium. Stay to spend a few days enjoying the sandy beaches at the Padre Island National Seashore.

-- Check out the sites in San Antonio. Take your children to the Alamo to learn about Texas history; then head to Sea World to find out all about whales and ocean life. There’s also the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, Natural Bridge Caverns and Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch to explore. In nearby San Marcos, children can spend the day at the Wonder World Park, with an earthquake cave, observation tower, anti-gravity house and petting park.

“Children learn the most when they are having fun,” Bellini said. “Why not take them on a trip that inspires their minds? Besides, you’ll be building lasting family memories at the same time.”

The Woodlands LearningRx is located at 4840 West Panther Creek, Suite 205 in The Woodlands. Trainers work with students of all ages to enhance their ability to learn, read and succeed at a broad range of academic and work-related challenges. The center also offers programs for adults and seniors who want to improve their cognitive skills.

For more information, call 832-482-3082 or visit the website provided below.

www.learningrx.com/the-woodlands/default.htm or http://woodlandsenespanol.com/directorios/listing/learningrx-the-woodlands.