The Houston metro area attracts people with an entrepreneurial spirit and those who want to work at some of the country's largest companies. Not only is Houston the hub of the oil and gas industries, but it's also a major center of manufacturing and health care. The region has weathered the economic downturn better than similarly sized metro areas in terms of bouncing back from lost jobs. As the country recouped, Houston was able to gain all of its lost jobs back, and has gone on to add two jobs for every one lost, Corporate housing companies in Houston reports an increase in the relocation category many employees moved to Houston and many other employees are working in Houston many months of the year, going back and forth looking for fully furnished with all bills paid apartments for mostly long stays but also for short stays, in the last 2 years Houston also tract tourists and other visitors who choose to rent furnished apartments and use corporate housing services instead of the conservative lodging solutions, A paycheck goes further in Houston than it does in other major metro areas, with affordable housing and free or cheap attractions like biking along Buffalo Bayou and exploring the 7,800-acre George Bush Park. The affordability of this region, which is located in southeastern Texas and home to more than 6.7 million residents in the metro area, is attracting new people from across the country and around the world.In Houston, dining is a pastime, and the region pleases palates with more than 11,000 restaurants. Houston has everything from award-winning establishments to barbecue joints like Gatlin's BBQ. The metro area also offers a variety of international cuisine ranging from Ethiopian to Indian, U.S. News analyzed 125 metro areas in the United States to find the best places to live based on quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people's desire to live there. Houston, named after former General Sam Houston who, in 1836, won the Battle of San Jacinto which gained Texas its independence from Mexico, is the fourth most populated city in North America and home to approximately two and a half million residents.It is a magnet for tourism, being closely linked with the Space Center Houston, and NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex together with many other interesting attractions.Reading through the list of the best things to do in Houston will help you and your family to plan a fun filled, exciting time.1. Museum of Natural ScienceMuseum of Natural ScienceSource: wikipediaMuseum of Natural ScienceThe Houston Museum of Natural Science (abbreviated as HMNS) has an amazing collection of mineral specimens, space station models, 60 large skeleton mounts – which include four Tyrannosaurus Rex and three large Quetzalcoatlus – a planetarium, and lots more to occupy the family for the day.The museum’s great popularity is also down to its generous number of special and guest exhibits. Established in 1909, it is now one of the most popular in North America.The kids will love the grasshopper clock situated at the museum’s striking entrance, whose legs harmonize with the passing seconds.2. Children’s MuseumChildren's Museum, HoustonSource: flickrChildren’s Museum, HoustonFounded in 1980, Houston Children’s Museum is one of 190 children’s museums in the United States, founded by a group of parents who wanted to raise early childhood development within the community.The museum has some absorbing hands on interactive exhibits in subjects such as science and technology, history and culture, and more. In particular, The Market, an area where the kids will have fun – and learn at the same time – how to apply for jobs, get paychecks and use their ATM card.There is also a popular outdoor area that has toy boats and water pipes to enjoy too. This will be a hit with all the kids.3. Space Center HoustonShuttle Cockpit, Space Center HoustonSource: flickrShuttle Cockpit, Space Center HoustonOne of the city’s topmost attractions, the space center is home to more than 400 artifacts together with an abundance of both permanent and traveling exhibits as well as other displays relating to America’s awesome space flight programs.The whole family will be spellbound as they look through the museum’s collection of movies and interactive consoles.Known globally as the International Space Station Mission Control, and home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training, as an additional treat guests are then taken behind the scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center where history was made.Great tour available: Houston: City Tour & NASA Space Center Visit with Admission4. Discovery GreenDiscovery GreenSource: wikipediaDiscovery GreenRecently renovated, this 11.78 acre public city park is thought of by locals as a much needed urban oasis. It is very community spirited, offering free yoga classes, toddler story times as well as movie nights and regular concerts.It also has a playground, free WiFi, open air reading rooms and an area from which you can borrow games and balls when the family feels like getting active. Alternatively, just enjoy a picnic as you laze on the upward sloping green, relax and watch everyone else. A great family day. Pleasant stay furnished apartments and corporate housing in Houston wishes you all a great Houston stay