Get lost in Houston is a game suitable for kids of the age of six or above. It is designed as a city tour game with some riddles and interesting facts about the city of Houston. Playing a game is a great way to explore the city and its most famous sites.
There are 10 sites located not far from one another, marked with the numbers from 1 to 10. Use a map to locate the sites and solve the riddle when you reach each site. Take your time to explore the beautiful city of Houston and let the game be your tour guide for the day.
1. Welcome to Downtown Houston City Portal
How many stars are there on the portal?
Did you know?
The sign “Welcome to Downtown Houston” welcomes you at the beginning of the downtown city area. Houston is the most populous city in the state of Texas and the fourth-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 2.312 million inhabitants. The downtown area is the largest business district in Houston and has been an important commercial district since 1836.
2. Big Bubble
Find the red button and press it. What happens?
Did you know?
There is a hidden red button, located on the Preston Street Bridge in Downtown Houston which provides a flow of oxygen into the Bayou River. The button is hard to see at first, as it is located inside a brick pillar. It is interesting that the person pressing the button cannot see what does the button do, only her/his companion, who is standing a few meters away can see what happens.
3. JPMorgan Chase Tower
Draw the shape of the tower.
Did you know?
At 600 Travis Street in Downtown Houston, the JPMorgan Chase Tower is located. The tower was once known by the name “Texas Commerce Tower” and is currently the tallest building in the state of Texas. With its 305.4-meters (1,002-feet) elevation, it is also the 18th-tallest building in the United States. The Hurricane Ike, which struck on September 13, 2008, caused great damage to this 75-story tower. Many of the tower’s windows were broken and metal blinds were left hanging from the building. As a result, the streets around the building were covered with a black glass.
4. Tranquillity Park
In how many languages are the first words transmitted by Neil Armstrong from the moon written on the board in the park?
Did you know?
Tranquillity Park is located in Downtown Houston and is well-known for having a United States federal courts building on one side and Houston City Hall on the other. The park is dedicated to the first landing on the moon which happened during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969. It was built on the tenth anniversary of the event and is named after the Sea of Tranquility, which is the area where the first moon landing happened. If you look closely at the bronze plaques, placed next to the main entrance, you can read the first words transmitted to Earth by Neil Armstrong, “Houston, Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed”.
5. Hermann Square
Which important building is located on the square?
Did you know?
Hermann Square is a square, which was built in 1939. It is named after George Henry Hermann (1843–1914) who was a well-known oilman and philanthropist. He is also known for his many travels around America and Europe where he was visiting physicians and hospitals. During the visits, he also donated money to many hospitals. The square area is the place, where Hermann was born. After his death, he gifted the area to the city of Houston.
6. Henry Staiti House
What is the color of the information board in front of the house?
Did you know?
The historical Henry Staiti House was owned by an oil pioneer Henry T. Staiti. In 1905, when he bought the house, the Westmoreland addition was one of only a few residential areas built south from the main business district. The neighborhood was considered to be elegant and classy. The houses in this area were already electrified, which means only the rich people could afford to live here at that time. During the hurricane in 1915, the house was damaged and had to be renovated.
7. Buffalo Bayou Park
How many steps can you count in the Houston Police Department Memorial?
Did you know?
Buffalo Bayou Park lays on the bank of the slow Buffalo Bayou River, which is running through the city of Houston. Its source is located in the prairies around the city of Katy. From there, it flows about 53 miles (85 km) east before coming to the Houston Ship Channel. Its mouth is located in the Galveston Bay.
8. Gus S. Wortham Fountain
Throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish.
Did you know?
Gus S. Wortham Fountain is named after Gus Sessions Wortham (1891 – 1976) who was an important businessman, a civic leader and a president of the Houston Chamber of Commerce. Together with his wife, he created the Wortham Foundation which supports the city of Houston in many cultural activities and in the development of parks.
9. Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Take a photo of bats, but do not use a flash on your camera, as bats are night animals and flesh can harm them.
Did you know?
One of the unique features of the city of Houston is the bat colony which lives under the Waugh Drive Bridge, located near Buffalo Bayou. The bats belong to the species of Mexican free-tailed bats and do not migrate in the winter months, meaning, you are able to see them at this location year-round. As they are night creatures, every evening they come from under the bridge to hunt and feed on the insects.
10. Hogg Bird Sanctuary
Stay quiet and observe the birds. How many different birds can you spot?
Did you know?
Hogg Bird Sanctuary is located on the outskirts of the centre of Houston, however, it is mostly still unchanged by the development of the city. Here you can find many different species of animals, especially birds. The area is a popular stopping point for migratory birds as well.
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