A Grand Slam Weekend: 3 Days of Baseball Bliss in Houston

For families who live and breathe baseball, Houston in the summer is your ultimate playground—especially when the Houston Astros are swinging for the fences at Daikin Park (previously Minute Maid Park). This 3-day weekend is all about soaking up Astros fever with games on Saturday and Sunday, plus a hit of baseball fun to kick things off. We’ve pegged this for a weekend when the ‘Stros are home—think Saturday at 3:10 PM or 6:10 PM usually and Sunday at 1:10 PM (typical times, though check mlb.com/astros closer to 2025 for the exact lineup). Expect sunny days, big swings, and Texas-sized meals—here’s your family’s all-star itinerary!

Day 1: Friday – Arrival & Baseball Warm-Up

• Morning: Breakfast at The Breakfast Klub
  Kick off your Houston trip at The Breakfast Klub (3711 Travis St, 2 miles from Daikin Park, ~10-minute drive). Doors open at 7:00 AM—dive into chicken and waffles (crisp and golden) or biscuits with sausage gravy. It’s a soul-food classic that’ll have everyone fueled up—worth the short wait for that first Houston bite.
• 10:00 AM – Home Run Dugout (or Closer Option: Urban Warzone Batting Cages)
  Swing into baseball mode with one of these family-friendly options:
  • Home Run Dugout (1220 Grand W Blvd, Katy, 25 miles west, 35-minute drive): It’s a bit of a drive, but a baseball lovers dream.  Think the TopGolf of Baseball with the option to virtually play in your favorite MLB park. Open at 10:00 AM, this spot’s got 12 high-tech batting bays with virtual fields—pitch speeds up to 100 mph. Book a bay ($50/hour, homerundugout.com)—kids can channel their inner Astro while you sip a coffee or local brew from the taproom. It’s a home run for baseball buffs!
  • Urban Warzone Batting Cages (2315 Telephone Rd, 4 miles southeast, 10-minute drive): Prefer to stay closer? This turf-field spot offers batting cages ($10/person, call 713-928-5860 to confirm). It’s simpler but just as fun—practice swings or toss some pitches without the trek to Katy. Perfect for keeping the baseball vibe downtown!
• 1:30 PM – Lunch at Pitch 25 Beer Park
  Back downtown (5-minute walk from Daikin, 904 Hutchins St), Pitch 25 is your baseball-themed refuel. Order pulled pork sandwiches or chicken tenders with fries—meaty, kid-friendly. The patio’s buzzing, TVs replay Astros highlights, and it’s steps from the ballpark—perfect for a pre-weekend stretch.
• 3:00 PM – Explore Daikin Park Surroundings
  Wander around Daikin Park (501 Crawford St)—hit the Astros Team Store (Section 114 entrance) for a cap or mini bat, and snap pics by the giant baseball sculptures or Union Station wall. It’s a chill way to soak in the Astros spirit before the big games, no rush needed.
• 5:30 PM – Dinner at Irma’s Southwest
  Wrap your day with an early dinner at Irma’s (1314 Texas Ave, 5-minute drive, 1 mile from Daikin). Open till 8:00 PM, this Tex-Mex gem serves carne asada tacos and chicken enchiladas—bold flavors. Sopapillas for dessert seal the deal—cozy, family-friendly, and done before the sun dips.

Day 2: Saturday – Astros Evening Game

• 8:30 AM – Breakfast at Common Bond Bistro & Bakery
  Rise and shine at Common Bond (1706 Westheimer Rd, 3 miles from Daikin, ~15-minute drive). Open at 7:00 AM, snag sausage kolaches or bacon-egg sandwiches—no fish, just flaky goodness. Split a cinnamon roll and grab a coffee—your baseball day’s off to a sweet start.
• 10:00 AM – Houston Sports Museum
  Drive 15 minutes (5 miles) to the Houston Sports Museum at Finger Furniture (4001 Gulf Fwy). This free spot’s packed with Astros gear—vintage jerseys, bats from legends, and Texas sports tales. It’s small but mighty—kids will love the baseball relics. Call ahead (713-528-0046) to confirm hours.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Home Plate Bar & Grill
  Back near Daikin (3-minute walk, 1800 Texas Ave), Home Plate’s got that baseball heart. Dig into the “Grand Slam” burger or BBQ chicken sliders—no fish, just game-day fuel. TVs keep the Astros buzz alive—ideal for pre-game hype.
• 3:10 PM or 6:10 PM – Astros Saturday Game
  Hit Daikin Park for the 3:10 PM or 6:10 PM game—Saturday’s often a promo night (think bobbleheads or kids’ run-the-bases—check mlb.com/astros/schedule). Watch Orbit the mascot dance—your little fan might score a high-five! Stay put and eat during the game—hit Fastball Foods (Mezzanine) for a brisket sandwich or chicken nachos, all served fast via kiosks. It’s ballpark dining done right—grab it mid-innings so you’re back home or at your hotel after the last out.

Day 3: Sunday – Astros Afternoon Finale

• 9:00 AM – Breakfast at Toasted
  Start downtown at Toasted (1515 Dallas St, 0.7 miles from Daikin, ~10-minute walk). Open at 8:00 AM, order sausage breakfast tacos or a cinnamon roll— pure Tex-Mex comfort. Sip a coffee while the kids gear up for the final game.
• 11:00 AM – Astros Pregame Ballpark Tour
  Squeeze in the Pregame Ballpark Tour at Daikin Park (book at mlb.com/astros/tickets/ballpark-tours). Starting ~9:10 AM (4 hours before the 1:10 PM pitch), this hour-long tour hits the Upper Deck, Suites, and bullpen—ending with Astros batting practice. Kids can watch stars swing—perfect pre-game fuel!
• 1:10 PM – Astros Sunday Game
  Cap your weekend with the 1:10 PM game—Sunday’s early start is family gold. Kids might snag an Astros Buddies Kit ($45/year, astros.com) with gear like a backpack. Grab a brisket-loaded baked potato (Section 231)—hearty, doubles as lunch. Cheer the ‘Stros to a series win!
• 4:00 PM – Dinner at Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
  Post-game, walk 5 minutes (0.3 miles) to Vic & Anthony’s (1510 Texas Ave). Open till 9:00 PM Sundays, it’s a luxe treat—ribeyes or roasted chicken and seafood options. Split a chocolate cake to celebrate—early enough to wrap your day by 5:30 PM.

Where to Stay

Make your baseball weekend seamless with a downtown hotel that’s steps from Daikin Park and packed with family perks. Here are two top picks:

• Marriott Marquis Houston (1777 Walker St, 0.6 miles from Daikin, ~10-minute walk)
  This sleek spot’s got a Texas-shaped rooftop pool—kids will flip for it—plus spacious rooms and a shuttle to Daikin if you’re feeling lazy. It’s close to Pitch 25 and Irma’s, so your dining’s a breeze. Book early—summer rates start around $200/night.
• The Westin Houston Downtown (1520 Texas Ave, 0.1 miles from Daikin, ~2-minute walk)
  Right across from Daikin, this hotel’s all about convenience—walk to games and Vic & Anthony’s without breaking a sweat. Family suites, a fitness center, and a cozy vibe make it a win. Expect ~$180–$220/night in July—snag it fast!

Why This Weekend’s a Winner

This plan’s a double-header delight—Saturday and Sunday Astros games, a choice of Home Run Dugout or Urban Warzone swings, a museum dive, and a ballpark tour, all orbiting Daikin Park (most spots within 0.5–6 miles, Katy’s 25 miles out). July’s warm, but the roof keeps you cool, and Houston’s baseball spirit shines. Meals offer Texas faves—brisket, chicken, tacos—keeping everyone happy. Book tickets early at mlb.com/astros—summer games fly off the shelf!

Pack your mitts, Houston—this is your family’s baseball blast.