40 Fun Things To Do Houston
If we forget about the big northern Alaska, we have A. the largest US state to claim the throne of Texas. And while the likes of Dallas and Austin would love to compete, the reality is they don't make it any bigger than Houston — as you're about to see, the list of visitor-friendly activities is just as big and exciting. The city itself.
With so much to do in Houston, from a vibrant theater district to an impressive museum district, nearby theme parks, craft breweries and a diehard sporting culture, Space City truly has something for everyone.
And in a city of this size, you can be sure of plenty of unique attractions too! Want to see a multimedia museum dedicated to citrus fruits, or a house decorated with beer cans? No problem; You can even do both in one day.
Admire the one-of-a-kind cars on display, or explore the ornate Hindu temples – leaving plenty of time for a good meal. So, you say, it's time to start planning our trip, right?
1 – Be an astronaut for a day at the NASA Space Center
At this iconic Houston attraction, guests can discover all about the possibilities of space travel, see how astronauts prepare for their journey, and get an up-close look at real spacecraft, astronaut suits and interstellar equipment.
Be sure to check out the anti-gravity machine in the Living in Space gallery, and if you're hungry, grab some lunch at the NASA cafeteria — the muffins are out of this world.
2 - Explore Houston's web of underground tunnels
Led by a local expert, there's no bad day to explore the largest underground tunnel system in (or should we say) North America in downtown Houston.
The complex map of tunnels spans more than 7.5 miles, connecting an array of Houston's busy corporate buildings.
On a walking tour of the area, guests will learn all about Houston's fascinating history and see first-hand how the bunker's purposes have changed over time.
3 – Race against the clock in an escape room
Escape rooms are all the rage these days and Houston is no exception — a fun activity for almost any age, travelers can try to crack the clues and find a way out of the room before time runs out.
Depending on your interests, The Escape game covers a range of immersive themes, including uncovering a mystery in a deep laboratory, escaping a cell where you've been sentenced to life imprisonment, recovering a stolen masterpiece, and more.
4 – Watch an NBA game at the Toyota Center
Home of the NBA's own Rockets, a fully packed Toyota Center produced a roar and energy display matched by few stadiums in the country.
Outside of basketball season (and even then), the center hosts sellout concerts with names like Harry Styles and Eric Clapton, WWE events, UFC fights and more.
5 – Admire the creativity on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art Houston
With a wide range of works by some of the most creative artists of recent decades, the Museum of Contemporary Arts Houston is a must-see stop for any fan of culture!!
Originally established in 1948, this welcoming and innovative space houses thousands of pieces, often presented in innovative, rotating exhibitions.
In addition to impressive multimedia exhibits, the museum also offers great programming support for artists, such as CAMHLAB, which focuses on celebrating the work of an artist in residence and connecting them with the public.
It's the perfect place to enjoy creative works - and you might even feel inspired to create something yourself!
6 - Taste your way around Houston on a food tour
Texas has many stereotypical qualities, some true and some exaggerated. One that feels every bit as true is the food scene: In Houston, the portions are huge, the food is delicious, and the Tex-Mex influence is second to none.
On a dedicated food tour through neighborhoods like Astroville, Downtown or The Heights, hungry travelers can sample up to 10 different cuisines, including Asian innovations, Mexican staples, authentic American BBQ and more.
If the traditional face-stuffing food tour doesn't quite cut it, why not opt for something a little different — book a spine-tingling ghost-themed tasting tour!
7 – Take the kids to the downtown aquarium
Much more than a massive (500,000 gallon massive to be exact) aquarium full of fish, sharks, touch pools and educational exhibits, the Downtown Aquarium is also a place for adventure.
Guests of all ages love the on-site Ferris wheel, as well as the aquatic carousel and Shark Voyage adventure train.
As one of the most popular things to do in Houston for anyone traveling with youngsters, tickets to the Downtown Aquarium are often included in city-wide tours — just check out the different itineraries to see which one fits your itinerary best.
8 - Spend at least one day in Harman Park
Spanning 445 acres (or around 180 hectares), the urban park welcomes more than 6 million visitors a year, many of whom roam the area on free walking tours.
Be sure to check out the dancing Mecom Fountain at night, spend the day wandering through the Houston Zoo, stroll Bob's Fishing Pier at McGovern Lake, or stop by the Houston Museum of Natural Science's Butterfly House at the park's northern border. .
9 – Take a selfie in front of the Houston Graffiti Building
One for art lovers, the Houston Graffiti Building is the perfect place to snap that new social media profile picture
It sits within a few blocks of an old industrial structure, where almost every square inch of wall is covered head to toe in colorful street art – murals, slogans, scratchy tags and a regular giant sign that says "Houston".
Located just a stone's throw from BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston's East End, it's easily incorporated into most 2- or 3-day trips and is a must-see.
Go back millions of years and encounter realistic dinosaurs that once roamed the earth. At Dinos Alive, you can walk among life-size moving replicas of a T-Rex, Stegosaurus, and Velociraptor, among 80 other specimens. Interactive and educational, this is the perfect trip for families and kids!
10 - See it all on a hop-on-hop-off bus
Only visiting Houston for a few days? Can't be bothered to rent a car and deal with all the traffic? Then a hop-on-hop-off bus tour is the perfect solution.
At stops scattered throughout the city, double-decker buses take you to the city's most popular attractions, including Buffalo Bayou, the Museum District, BBVA Stadium and Minute Maid Park, the Theater District, and more.
A pre-recorded audio narration makes it an educational experience, while a great opportunity to work on the open-top tan.
11 - Watch a baseball game at Minute Maid Park
The crown jewel of the jagged downtown Houston skyline, Minute Maid Park plays host to MLB's own Houston Astros, housing the city's baseball team during the April-October season.
While nothing compares to the roar of a 41,000-capacity crowd when a home run is hit, the stadium also offers locker room rooms and hosts off-season concerts and events.
12 - Go out on a Galveston day trip
Flanked on both sides by the Gulf of Mexico, nearby Galveston produces a vibrant beach atmosphere.
If you're planning your own trip, start by stretching your legs with a stroll down the Pleasure Pier, home to plenty of restaurants and a handful of amusement rides. Then, Galveston Island State Park is ideal for hiking and fishing.
It should take about an hour to drive from downtown Houston to Galveston Island, making it an easy day trip option. However, you can avoid the hassle of driving, parking, and planning by joining a pre-organized day trip instead (or a nighttime ghost-themed trip!).
13 - Get a little elegant at a candlelight concert
As the music gears up and the flames start to burn, you'll see why candlelight concerts have become famous around the world!
The grounds alone are worth a visit: the acclaimed orchestra checks out modern hits, classical compositions and more, all while surrounded by beautiful, softly lit candles.
Along with a gorgeous setting perfect for music lovers and romantics alike, this beloved series takes place at various venues across the city, giving you the chance to experience some of the best concert halls Houston has to offer.
14 – Go full western — learn to ride a horse!
You are in Texas! This means that embracing cowboy and cowgirl culture is a non-negotiable
Perfect for travelers young and old, Horseback Adventures operates a few ranches on the outskirts of town and teaches guests not only how to ride a horse, but also how to care for it.
Even if you've never gathered before, an expert instructor runs the show, suitable for every experience level.
15 - Explore the city on two wheels
Like everything else in Texas, Houston is by no means small. So instead of trying to see everything on foot, a bike tour is a much more efficient (and enjoyable) option.
With the chance to get off the main roads, locally-led cycling adventures zoom through areas like Buffalo Bayou and historic downtown, stopping at places that those who drive often overlook.
For something a little different, brewery bike tours are always exciting.
16 - Visit the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Found in the midst of a refreshing change of landscape in Houston's Memorial Park, the 155-acre Arboretum & Nature Center transports visitors to the beautiful outdoors, with five miles of walking trails through forests, meadows and ponds.
The area is known to be home to thousands of native critters, including frogs, turtles and birds, so be sure to bring your camera!
As for the indoor nature center, guests are treated to a range of interactive exhibits — be sure to check out the discovery room and learning tree.
17 - Treat yourself at a spa
When you're ready for a more relaxing interlude, pop into one of the best spas in town and pamper yourself – Texas style!
Indulge in a steam room or a sauna at Trellis, or a high-tech skincare treatment at Post Oak Hotel. Indulge in organic products and treatments at Milk and Honey or the cavernous plunge pool at Fiori Spa.
Try aromatherapy and foot baths at The Spa at Four Seasons or infrared treatments at ZaSpa. Wherever you go, you can expect state-of-the-art treatment, great service and maximum relaxation!
18 - Shop till you drop at Tanger Outlets
If your idea of vacation involves lots of retail therapy, look no further than Tanger Outlets.
Home to over 80 outlet stores featuring both luxury designer brands and budget-friendly stores, from Adidas to Kate Spade and everything in between, there's something for every form of fashionista.
For a different shopping experience, consider the popular shopping tour option, where shopaholics are driven to all the esteemed outlets and boutiques, showcasing the city's major landmarks.
19 – Admire the creative work at Menil Collection
Referencing the museum itself and the throngs of artifacts under its roof, the Menil Collection is highly respected in the Houston art community.
With over 17,000 items to admire – wall-to-wall paintings, handcrafted sculptures, old-school prints, sketches, creative photographs and rare books – the entertainment can last for hours.
It's steps from the Rothko Chapel (the perfect back-to-back itinerary), but we'll get back to that later.
20 - Watch the complete Freaky Orange Show
Located in Houston's East End, The Orange Show is a monumental work of folk art created by one man (Jefferson Davis McKissack) over nearly 25 years.
Using throwaways, old tiles, and random bits and bobs of junk metal, McKissack has transformed the area into a web of whimsical sculptures, doors, and displays — and the result is part maze, part museum, and part stage, dedicated to his favorite fruit... the orange.
Visiting this quirky place is definitely one of the weirdest but must-do things in Houston.
21 - Take a selfie in front of the Beer Can House
If the Orange Show tickles your fruity fancy, take note of Beer Can House.
Found in the residential neighborhood of Rice Military (just off Bayou Bend), this unique attraction is what you might guess from its name: a house made entirely of beer cans.
More than 50,000 individual cans were used to build this glittering residence, which has now become Houston's most photographed landmark.
22 - Go skydiving... if you're brave enough
Have you ever wanted to hit terminal velocity? Is jumping out of a plane on your bucket list? Well, now is your chance!
Few American cities can offer the same stunning aerial views as Houston: with the Gulf of Mexico on one side, the dramatic skyline on the other, and the endless dusty desert plains beyond, it's a visual masterpiece.
Skydive Houston and Skydive Spaceland Houston are both great options, with expert guides and some really awesome jumps to try.
23 - Walk a cheetah at the Houston Zoo
Located within the sprawling Harman Park, the acclaimed Houston Zoo welcomes more than two million tourists a year who flock to see its 900 different species of animals.
In addition to the almost endless list of cute and cuddly (or slimy and scaly) animals on display, the zoo also offers a range of up-close animal encounters.
For the ultimate experience, sign up for one or all of the sloth meet and greet, alligator feeding, cheetah walk, or sea lion painting session!
24 - Admire art throughout history at the Museum of Fine Arts
Located in Houston's Museum District, The Museum of Fine Arts is a place where travelers regularly spend half or even a full day completely engaged and entertained.
Why? Because with a vast collection of more than 65,000 works of art, covering more than 6,000 years of artistic history, it holds the title of being one of the 10 largest art museums in the United States.
25 - See what's happening in Market Square Park
Surrounded by skyscrapers, Market Square Park is a popular slice of green smack-bang in the middle of the city's buzz.
However, this is much more than a place to roll out a picnic rug; This art-lined park is overflowing with history and serves as a beacon for community spirit, hosting live music, yoga meetups, events, outdoor movie nights and more — check out the website to see what's on or simply walk by and marvel.
26 - Enjoy the view from an observation deck
Years later, locals would head to the 1,002-foot-tall JPMorgan Chase Tower for panoramic views of the city.
These days, Chase Tower is closed to the public, meaning if you're after the best local vantage point, you'll have to look elsewhere.
Spindletop Restaurant, on the 34th floor of the Hyatt Regency, combines a revolving roof with unobstructed views.
Otherwise, the San Jacinto Monument, with its own observation deck (with limited viewing points) offers a great angle of the Houston Ship Channel below.
27 - Take the kids to the Children's Museum of Houston
Undoubtedly one of the most important things to do in Houston for anyone traveling with kids, the Children's Museum of Houston recently underwent an extensive renovation, now doubling in size to house "90,000 square feet of action-packed fun."
Often kids don't quite like Flowworks, a state-of-the-art exhibit that teaches about water through giant waves; Kidtropolis, where young minds explore how a city runs and how it works?, is an interactive insight into the fascinating inner workings of everyday life.
28 – Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Arguably Houston's most impressive museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences has four floors worth of permanent exhibits, including a range of interactive displays throughout the complex.
With dedicated areas such as the Wiss Energy Hall and the Hall of Ancient Egypt, expect to uncover thousands of artifacts spanning everything from Native American culture to paleontology, seashells and native wildlife.
While you could spend hours exploring the above sections, the undisputed crowd favorites are the Cockrell Butterfly Center, George Observatory, and Burke Baker Planetarium.
29 – Say YEE-HAW at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
If your plan is to tick off all the stereotypical Texan moments, you'll find more than your fair dose of ye-howin', rope-slingin', cowboy-boot-wearin' Lone Star entertainment at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. .
Officially the world's largest livestock show, this indoor venue features outstanding rodeo shows (of course), concerts, and also a barn area, home to lambs, calves and cute one-button pigs.
30 – Gerald D. Cool off at Hines Waterwall Park
Sitting in the heart of the city, this small yet famous park has become one of Houston's most beloved and iconic landmarks, and it's all thanks to its massive, man-made waterfall.
On those scorching summer days (remember you're in Texas, so there will be plenty) locals often find themselves sitting in the fountain spray to cool off. And with 11,000 gallons of water per minute pouring down its facade, there's no shortage of spray to go around.
31 - Soar over the city with a plane ride
Thanks to its location spanning the sparkling Gulf of Mexico, Houston is nothing short of spectacular from a bird's-eye view.
The best way to soak it up is in your own passenger plane — but much more than just a joyride, you can even take control and learn the ropes!
If you're not quite ready to take to the skies (literally), Space City also offers several great flight simulator experiences.
32 - Cheer on the home team at NRG Stadium
The highly versatile NRG Stadium has a diverse calendar unmatched by many others: at various times throughout the calendar, it will host monster trucks, rodeos, conventions, sold-out pop concerts and family-friendly musicals.
But its main selling point is sports — NRG is home to the Houston Texans NFL team. Come hell or high water, turn into groups of devotees.
33 – Chill out on the Discovery Green Grass
It's fair to say that the non-stop nature of downtown Houston can, at times, be a bit much for the more leisure-oriented traveler to handle. Fortunately, this 12-acre urban park is the perfect oasis.
In addition to boasting a dog park, 2 restaurants, a children's play area and a man-made lake, Discovery Green, "downtown's new backyard" schedules Friday night live concerts, fitness sessions on the grass and festivals.
34 - Galleria Shop and Skate
When you hear that this complex spans an astounding 3 million square feet, it's no surprise to learn that The Galleria is officially the largest and most luxurious shopping destination in the Lone Star State.
Housing 400 air-conditioned shops (many of which are exclusive) and no shortage of dining and entertainment options, it's the perfect place to hang out on a toasty afternoon and refresh the wardrobe.
After grabbing a snack at the Cheesecake Factory, why not do a few laps on the center's indoor ice rink? Open year-round, there's never a bad time to lace up the skates.
35 - Have a picnic at Sam Houston Park
Since being declared an urban park in 1900, Sam Houston has held the title of being the city's first and oldest designated parkland.
To complement the 19 acres of open greenery perfect for a picnic or nap, Sam Houston Park also features seven historic homes—a sure point of interest for anyone fascinated by the evolution of architecture.
36 - Experience the thrill of an indoor skydive
If you want the adrenaline of freefall but can't muster up the courage to jump from a moving airplane, iFly Houston is the next best thing.
In a man-made wind tunnel, thrillseekers are treated to a gravity-defying experience, all in a safe and monitored environment just a few feet off the ground.
You'll be lumpy in between and in no time.
37 – Wander around campus like Hogwarts: Rice University
Of course, Rice excels academically among the top 20 universities in the United States. But that's not why we're here.
For tourists, its 300 acres worth of tree-lined campus and beautiful buildings make this establishment a worthy destination, student or not.
While the campus is full of wonders and quiet spaces, its highlight can be found in the Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion — home to one of Houston's most iconic pieces of urban art, James Turrell's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.
38 – See WW2 planes at the Lone Star Flight Museum
With models like the B-17 Flying Fortress, P-47 Thunderbolt, and F4U-5 Corsair tucked into the Lone Star’s hangers, you’ll find more than your fair share of historically significant aircraft here.
On top of the 15-plus well-preserved planes on display, the Museum also does a wonderful job in teaching the fundamentals of flight through an array of interactive exhibits.
39 – Duck into the Houston Center For Photography
If any budding photographers are on the hunt for things to do in Houston, look no further.
In addition to the wide range of award-winning contemporary photography exhibitions, the Houston Center For Photography also puts on workshops and houses a state-of-the-art digital darkroom.
The best part? It’s totally free (which means more cash left over for street tacos, obviously).
40 – Admire manmade and natural art at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Perched on 14 acres of well-manicured greenery in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood, you’ll find the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens — alternatively known as the Museum of Fine Arts.
Here, guests can wander around on several guided or unguided tours, admiring one of the finest showcases of American ceramics, paintings, and furnishing on the planet.
Bring the kids; children under 12 get in for free!
.jpg)
0 Comments