Are you on a quest to discover the vibrant spirit of Houston? Well, buckle up, because the city is brimming with activities that can fill your itinerary faster than a cowboy says “Yeehaw!” Whether you’re an art aficionado, a nature enthusiast, or just in it for some good old-fashioned Texan BBQ, the array of things to do in Houston will keep your schedule as packed as the Galleria on a Black Friday. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 things to do in Houston, each guaranteed to leave you with rich memories and probably a strong craving for more Tex-Mex.
1. Space Center Houston
Where: Located in the Clear Lake area of Houston, near the official NASA Johnson Space Center.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays during the school year to avoid the weekend and holiday crowds.
Advice from Locals: Make sure to check out the tram tour early as it fills up quickly!
At Space Center Houston, you can launch your curiosity into the stratosphere! This stellar attraction isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience that brings the wonders of space right down to Earth. Visitors can get up close and personal with spacecraft, moon rocks, and even meet an astronaut or two. Don’t miss the “Feel the Space” exhibit, where you can experience the texture of the moon’s surface—no spacesuit required! Be prepared for a lot of walking; wear comfortable shoes unless you possess anti-gravity boots.
2. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Where: Located in the Museum District of Houston.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon; the morning crowd thins out by then.
Advice from Locals: Check out the lesser-known Hall of Ancient Egypt and avoid the selfie crowd at the dinosaur exhibit.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that will make you feel smarter just by walking through the door. From dazzling gemstones that make the royal jewels look like vending machine toys, to ancient fossils that tell the tale of Earth before humans decided to redecorate. The Butterfly Center is also a must-see, where you can walk through a living butterfly habitat—watch your step, and your head, these butterflies don’t always respect personal space!
3. The Menil Collection
Where: Nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood in Montrose.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-week mornings for a more solitary experience.
Advice from Locals: Don’t miss the Byzantine Fresco Chapel, and remember that photos are a no-go inside the galleries.
The Menil Collection could be described as Houston’s home of eclectic cool. It’s a place where modern art meets ancient relics, all housed in a series of buildings that are themselves architectural masterpieces. Visitors can ponder the mysteries of surrealism or relax in the Menil Park with a picnic (just don’t share your sandwich with the art). Remember, whispering dramatically about the art pieces makes you seem more profound.
4. Houston Zoo
Where: Located in Hermann Park.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to see the animals at their most active.
Advice from Locals: Check feeding times posted at the entrance for an extra special experience.
Explore the wild side of Houston at the Houston Zoo, where you can talk to the animals (though we can’t guarantee they’ll talk back). The zoo is home to over 6,000 creatures, including some with more legs than you’d prefer to see up close. The elephant bath time is a splash hit; just be sure you’re out of the splash zone unless you’re looking for a free bath. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes—this is not the place to break in those new heels!
5. Buffalo Bayou Park
Where: Runs along the Buffalo Bayou in central Houston.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset for stunning views and cooler temperatures.
Advice from Locals: Rent a kayak to see the bayou from a different perspective, but watch out for the mythical bayou beast!
Buffalo Bayou Park is the green heart of Houston, offering more than just walking trails and scenic views. This park is an urban oasis with a twist of adventure. Whether you’re biking, hiking, or kayaking, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive urban alligators (they’re just logs, we promise). The park’s skyline views are perfect for impressing your Instagram followers and the local ducks. Don’t miss the underground cistern tour—it’s like visiting Houston’s version of the catacombs, minus the skeletons.
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6. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Where: NRG Park in Houston.
Best Time to Visit: Late February to early March during the annual event.
Advice from Locals: Dress the part! Grab a cowboy hat and boots to blend in and enhance your experience.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo isn’t just a rodeo; it’s a Texan rite of passage. This event combines bull riding with barbecue, and where else can you see a concert, a carnival, and a cow all in one place? Try your hand at mutton busting if you think you’ve got what it takes to hold on for dear life to a sheep. Don’t forget to sample the deep-fried everything on a stick—because calories don’t count at the rodeo.
7. The Galleria
Where: Uptown Houston.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings to shop without the crowds.
Advice from Locals: Park near the entrances of your favorite stores to minimize aimless wandering—this mall is huge!
The Galleria isn’t just a shopping mall—it’s a retail kingdom. You can shop till you drop with over 400 stores, and if you do drop, there’s plenty of spots to recover with a quick bite or a gourmet meal. Don’t miss the ice skating rink in the center of the mall; it’s a great place to cool off and show off your Olympic-level skills (or maybe just your ability to cling to the edge). If you leave without at least three shopping bags, did you even go to The Galleria?
8. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Where: In Houston’s Museum District.
Best Time to Visit: Thursday afternoons for free admission.
Advice from Locals: Start with the European art and work your way to contemporary to avoid crowds and fatigue.
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is a cultural epicenter, offering everything from dusty old sculptures (they’re actually quite valuable) to paintings that might just make you tilt your head and squint. Whether you’re an art aficionado or someone who can’t tell a Picasso from a pizza, there’s something here to captivate your imagination. Make sure to wear your most contemplative face and nod thoughtfully for the full effect.
9. Discovery Green
Where: Downtown Houston.
Best Time to Visit: During one of the many festivals or events held throughout the year.
Advice from Locals: Bring a blanket and enjoy a concert or movie night on the lawn.
Discovery Green is where Houstonians go to unwind and pretend they’re far from the hustle and bustle of city life. This park is always buzzing with activity, from flea markets to ice skating in the winter. You can join a yoga class and find your zen—even if it’s just trying not to fall over while everyone else looks serenely balanced. It’s a patch of green designed to make you forget you’re in the fourth-largest city in the U.S. Don’t miss the Kinder Lake for kayaking; it’s like Venice, but with more fish and less gondoliers.
10. Minute Maid Park
Where: Downtown Houston.
Best Time to Visit: During a night game for cooler temperatures and great ballpark atmosphere.
Advice from Locals: Grab a ballpark hot dog and a cold drink, and enjoy the game even if you don’t understand the rules.
Catch the excitement at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. This isn’t just a baseball stadium; it’s a ballpark with a retractable roof—which means no rain delays and more time for baseball! Whether you’re a sports fan or just there for the stadium snacks, there’s a seat for you. Watch the home runs, or just the people, because both are equally entertaining. Remember, every time you cheer, an Astros player gets his wings (or just swings a bit better).
11. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Where: Located in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston.
Best Time to Visit: Spring when the gardens are in full bloom.
Advice from Locals: Enjoy one of the guided tours to fully appreciate the history and art on display.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is where the beauty of American decorative arts meets a southern fairy tale landscape. This former home of philanthropist Ima Hogg (yes, that’s her real name) is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Stroll through rooms filled with treasures from the colonial period to the late 19th century, and then wander among azaleas and magnolias in the lush gardens. Remember, it’s considered poor form to play hide and seek with the statues.
12. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Where: On the western edge of Memorial Park.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning to enjoy the serenity and cool air.
Advice from Locals: Bring bug spray and wear comfortable shoes for the best experience on the trails.
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a green sanctuary in the heart of the city. This 155-acre nature preserve offers a peaceful escape with five miles of trails and an array of wildlife. It’s a fantastic place to forget your city stress and remember your allergies. But don’t worry, the beauty of the blooming wildflowers and the songs of the birds are worth every sneeze!
13. Downtown Aquarium
Where: In downtown Houston, near the Theater District.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings for fewer crowds and a magical underwater night vibe.
Advice from Locals: Don’t miss the shark tunnel; it’s like being in a submarine without the claustrophobia.
The Downtown Aquarium is not just an aquarium but a full-blown entertainment complex with rides and dining experiences. Discover a world under the sea where you can dine next to a 150,000-gallon tank, making your dinner conversation seem as deep as the ocean. The Ferris wheel and aquatic carousel add a splash of fun for those who prefer their sea creatures with a side of adrenaline.
14. Holocaust Museum Houston
Where: In the Museum District, close to the Houston Zoo.
Best Time to Visit: Midweek mornings for a contemplative atmosphere.
Advice from Locals: Take time to absorb each exhibit fully; it’s a profound experience.
Holocaust Museum Houston offers a somber reflection on human rights and the resilience of the human spirit. This museum challenges visitors to understand the past and encourages them to build a better future. While it’s not filled with laughs, the power of this place lies in its stark reminder of the importance of kindness and justice. A visit here is a must for a complete cultural and historical perspective of Houston.
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15. Market Square Park
Where: In the heart of Downtown Houston.
Best Time to Visit: During one of the park’s many festivals or evening movie screenings.
Advice from Locals: Grab a bite from one of the surrounding local eateries and enjoy an alfresco dinner in the park.
Market Square Park is a bustling hub of activity surrounded by some of Houston’s oldest and coolest bars. It’s a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring, with regular events like bingo nights and outdoor concerts that make it a local favorite. Watch a classic movie under the stars or play with your dog in the dog run—just don’t let Fido critique the film loudly.
16. The Health Museum
Where: In the Museum District, next to the Children’s Museum.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon when school groups have departed.
Advice from Locals: Check out the DeBakey Cell Lab for a hands-on science experience.
The Health Museum is where you can literally walk through a giant human body and hear your own heartbeat without doing any exercise—talk about an inside job! This interactive museum makes learning about health and medical science as much fun as eating candy (but it’s better for you). Be sure to try the aging machine, which shows how you might look in 30 years; it’s the only time traveling that’s doctor recommended!
17. The Kemah Boardwalk
Where: Just outside Houston in Kemah, TX.
Best Time to Visit: Early evening to enjoy the sunset over the bay.
Advice from Locals: Don’t miss the Boardwalk Beast speedboat ride; it’s thrilling!
The Kemah Boardwalk is like a seaside vacation just a stone’s throw from Houston. With amusement rides, seafood restaurants, and shops, it’s a perfect family getaway. Challenge your stomach with a ride on the Boardwalk Bullet roller coaster, then fill it with some of the best seafood the Gulf has to offer. Just remember, the order of these activities is crucial unless you want to see your lunch twice.
18. Houston Symphony
Where: In the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts in downtown Houston.
Best Time to Visit: Evening performances for a full orchestral experience.
Advice from Locals: Enjoy a pre-show dinner at one of downtown’s many fine restaurants.
The Houston Symphony offers a chance to dress up and enjoy an evening of high culture. Whether you’re into Beethoven’s bombastic symphonies or the soft whisper of a Debussy piano piece, the symphony has you covered. If you don’t know much about classical music, just follow one rule: clap when everyone else claps—especially if you fall asleep during the slow parts.
19. Children’s Museum Houston
Where: In the Museum District, near the Health Museum.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings when it’s less crowded.
Advice from Locals: Let the kids lead the way to fully engage with the interactive exhibits.
The Children’s Museum Houston is where you go to let your kids burn off energy while they think they’re just having fun. Packed with interactive exhibits like the FlowWorks water lab and the Tot*Spot for toddlers, it’s a place where your kids can learn, play, and scream all at once. And if you find yourself enjoying the exhibits as much as the little ones, don’t worry—we won’t tell!
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20. James Turrell Skyspace
Where: On the Rice University campus in central Houston.
Best Time to Visit: At dawn or dusk for the full effect of the light sequence.
Advice from Locals: Bring a blanket and relax on the grass for the ultimate light show experience.
James Turrell’s Skyspace is an art piece that’s also a masterclass in sky-gazing. This architectural marvel uses the sky as a canvas, where the colors of dawn and dusk play across the ceiling through an aperture in the roof. It’s a tranquil place for contemplation or for tricking your friends into thinking you’ve gotten seriously into art. Either way, it’s a must-see for a unique and serene experience.
Conclusion
From space rockets to rodeos, and skyscraping views to underground cisterns, Houston offers a Texas-sized platter of experiences that are as diverse as its population. Exploring these top 20 things to do in Houston will not only fill your days with adventure but also bring you closer to the heart and soul of this bustling metropolis. So, dust off your cowboy boots (or your sneakers, if that’s more your style) and dive into all the activities Houston has to offer. Remember, in Houston, the only thing you’ll find lacking is boredom—and maybe a little bit of your waistline after all the delicious food. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these must-do activities will ensure that your Houston journey is nothing short of extraordinary.