Ultimate Guide to 25 Must-Do Activities in Houston, Texas

Houston, named after former General Sam Houston who, in 1836, won the Battle of San Jacinto which granted Texas its sovereignty from Mexico, is the fourth most populous city in North America, with an estimated two and a half million inhabitants.

This vibrant city is a focal point for tourism, thanks in part to the proximity to Space Center Houston, NASA’s astronaut training and flight control center, alongside a wealth of other compelling attractions.

Reviewing the compilation of the premier attractions in Houston will assist in organizing an engaging and exciting agenda for you and your family.

1. Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) boasts an impressive array of mineral specimens, space station replicas, and an extensive collection of large skeleton mounts, which include four Tyrannosaurus Rex and three significant Quetzalcoatlus. Additionally, the facility features a planetarium and numerous other exhibits that ensure a full day of exploration for families.

The museum’s noteworthy appeal is further enhanced by a diverse range of special and guest exhibits. Since its inception in 1909, it has evolved into one of the most visited venues in North America.

Children will be delighted by the grasshopper clock prominently displayed at the museum’s entrance, where its legs synchronize with the ticking seconds.

2. Children’s Museum

Established in 1980, Houston Children’s Museum is one of 190 such institutions across the United States, created by a collective of parents aimed at promoting early childhood development within the community.

The museum offers captivating hands-on interactive exhibits covering subjects such as science, technology, history, and culture. Notably, The Market provides a fun yet educational experience where children can learn how to apply for jobs, earn paychecks, and manage their ATM cards.

An engaging outdoor area featuring toy boats and water pipes adds to the appeal, ensuring that children have ample opportunity for play.

3. Space Center Houston

As one of the city’s premier attractions, the Space Center houses over 400 artifacts and a plethora of both permanent and traveling exhibits, highlighting America’s impressive space flight initiatives.

This engaging venue captivates the entire family, enticing them with a collection of films and interactive displays.

Globally recognized as the International Space Station Mission Control, and the base for NASA Mission Control and astronaut training, guests can also venture behind the scenes to witness where significant historical achievements occurred at NASA Johnson Space Center.

4. Discovery Green

This recently renovated 11.78-acre public park is cherished by locals as a much-needed urban oasis. It fosters community spirit, offering complimentary yoga classes, story time for toddlers, movie nights, and regular concerts.

The park also features a playground, free WiFi, open-air reading areas, as well as equipment rental options for games and sports, perfect for families wishing to engage in active pursuits. Alternatively, families can simply enjoy a relaxing picnic on the gently sloping green space, making it an ideal day for relaxation.

5. Downtown Aquarium

This remarkable six-acre entertainment and dining complex was brilliantly revitalized by merging two of Houston’s historic landmarks, the Central Waterworks Building and Fire Station No.1.

With ample space to showcase its 500,000-gallon aquatic exhibit featuring 200 species of exotic marine life, this attraction offers fun rides for children, including Frog Hopper, Shark Voyage, and Aquatic Carousel.

The venue also caters to adults with shopping options, an upscale bar, a full-service restaurant, a ballroom, and geographic and aquatic exhibits.

6. The Health Museum

For aspiring scientists and those with a fascination for scientific subjects, The Health Museum is an excellent choice.

This institution attracts over 180,000 visitors annually, including more than 22,000 school children participating in field trips.

One of the principal attractions is the museum’s exceptional interactive health and science educational experiences, which encompass a walkthrough of the human body, real organ dissections, and a multitude of constantly changing innovative exhibits.

For an additional nominal fee, children can immerse themselves in the cell lab, where they can conduct engaging and straightforward experiments.

7. Speedy’s Fast Track

This family entertainment center provides an ideal outlet for those wanting to release energy, showcase skills, and enjoy overall fun. Comprised of arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag, and Formula 1-style go-karts, the venue offers a mix of indoor and outdoor entertainment suitable for everyone.

With a friendly and accommodating staff, polished facilities, as well as a selection of enjoyable games including Godzilla Wars JR, Wacky Gator Super Speedway, and Awesome Rat, Fast Track Amusements is the destination for family outings.

8. Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) not only caters to the continuous influx of visitors eager to view its awe-inspiring collection, which spans over 6,000 years of history and encompasses approximately 64,000 works from six continents, but it also serves 1.25 million individuals who engage with the museum’s workshops, programs, and resource centers annually.

This world-class institution takes pride in housing masterpieces, including Gleizes’s La Femme, Memling’s portrait, Monet’s Water Lilies, and an impressive collection of Roman-era sculptures and paintings. For an enriching experience, families can participate in 45-minute guided tours to ensure they don’t miss any highlights.

A café offering a selection of above-average refreshments adds to the charm of the museum.

9. Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park serves as the home field for the Houston Astros, Houston’s Major League Baseball team, and is notably recognized for being the first major league stadium to feature natural grass on outdoor fields.

This significant renovation has received overwhelming support from their three million fans, who can now enjoy the 242-foot high retractable roof, introducing open-air baseball to the city for the first time in over three decades.

An exciting venue for families, where fun can be had regardless of the weather, it also features a Happy Hour Beer site in Left Field, offering a diverse selection of beers, alongside a variety of dining options, including excellent BBQ.

10. Cockrell Butterfly Center

The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology offers an extensive variety of species, providing both entertainment and educational experiences for families interested in insects.

The center features a living butterfly habitat that showcases remarkable specimens of some of the world’s most unique arthropods, alongside engaging interactive quizzes and games. As you explore the space, take a moment to look beneath leaves and read about the life cycle of butterflies at the entrance, where you can see evolving chrysalises. Wearing bright colors often attracts butterflies, increasing the likelihood of a close encounter.

11. The Galleria

When the family is in search of serious retail therapy, a trip to The Galleria is highly recommended. Modeled after Milan’s exquisite Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, it boasts over 400 high-end stores, exquisite restaurants, and food outlets like Cheesecake Factory and Chili’s, alongside a full-size ice rink, top-notch children’s play areas, seven beauty salons, and more. It comes as no surprise that it is Texas’s largest shopping center. With options ranging from Valentino and Gucci to Prada and La Perla, there is something to satisfy every family member.

12. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Opened in 2002, the Hobby Center features impressive 60-foot-high glass walls offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and is situated on the edge of the theater district. The center hosts exceptional shows and performances, making it a delightful outing for families, particularly as many shows are suitable for children. The venue prides itself on comfortable seating arrangements that offer generous leg space, along with a selection of snacks and refreshments.

13. Hines Waterwall Park

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park provides a tranquil escape for families within an aesthetically pleasing environment. The park features a 64-foot semi-circular fountain that recycles 11,000 gallons of water per minute, cascading down the structure’s inner and outer walls, creating a captivating spectacle.

This landmark park, enveloped by 186 oak trees, is a favored gathering spot for locals to socialize, engage in Frisbee games, picnic, or capture stunning photographs.

14. Texas Rock Gym

Offering over 14,000 square feet of climbable surface, five auto belays, 42 top ropes, a lead arch, and a separate bouldering area, the Texas Rock Gym serves as an outstanding venue for rock climbing enthusiasts of all ages. The gym emphasizes safety, requiring all participants to undergo a safety orientation and belay training class, regardless of prior climbing experience. Additionally, participants can explore yoga, Tai-Chi, and Kung Fu classes. The knowledgeable staff are eager to assist in guiding visitors toward an enjoyable experience.

15. Saint Arnold Brewing Company

A visit to Houston’s oldest craft brewery promises an enjoyable experience for adults at Saint Arnold Brewing Company. The facility is fully involved in the beer-making process, from brewing and filtering to kegging and bottling, allowing visitors to indulge in their offerings. The brewery produces a variety of seasonal and year-round beers, available in grocery and liquor stores, as well as bars and restaurants across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. Patrons will be attended to by professional staff while enjoying tastings and tours, followed by lunch and refreshments, featuring the brewery’s acclaimed beers.

16. Toyota Center

Named after the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota, which secured the naming rights for $100 million, the center’s arena serves as the home for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association and was formerly occupied by the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. The arena features spacious seating and clean facilities. This popular venue attracts both visitors and locals alike, thanks to a wealth of excellent restaurants and hotels in proximity. An enjoyable outing can be easily arranged by attending a game or concert, followed by a satisfying meal.

17. The Music Box Theater

This performing arts theatre excels in the presentation of original sketch comedies. Thus, for older teens and adults fond of live musical reviews infused with humor, this is a suitable venue. The performances are engaging and captivating, showcasing talented actors who add their unique flair to the shows. The theater also offers refreshments, such as soft drinks, wine, beer, and snacks for guests’ enjoyment.

18. JPMorgan Chase Tower

For a view of the high life—quite literally—a trip to JPMorgan Chase Tower should certainly be on your itinerary. Formerly known as the Texas Commerce Tower, this 75-story skyscraper stands at over 1,000 feet, earning the title of the tallest building in Texas, the tallest five-sided building in the world, the 13th tallest in the United States, and the 79th tallest globally. A quick and complimentary ride to the observation deck offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area. The tower, featuring exquisite art deco architecture, is truly stunning.

19. Miller Outdoor Theatre

This exceptional theater presents a diverse array of daytime programming for children, alongside many other free plays, concerts, dance performances, and shows suitable for all ages. Located within Hermann Park, the theater operates from mid-March through mid-November, making it a widely attended venue. Guests have the option to bring their own chairs, blankets, and food (alcohol is permitted in containers), or they can purchase seating on-site, which is covered in the event of rain.

20. Buffalo Bayou Park

Offering an array of trails for walking and biking, Buffalo Bayou Park is an excellent venue for families seeking healthy outdoor activities. The picturesque park encompasses 124 acres of expansive greenery, providing stunning views of the Houston skyline. Additional features include a nature play area, art installations, and live performances, as well as a dog park for families with four-legged companions. This is the perfect setting for families who appreciate outdoor experiences.

21. 1940 Air Terminal Museum

This destination is essential for aviation enthusiasts in the family. Housed in the original art deco Houston Municipal Airport, the museum presents a remarkable exhibition of all things related to aviation, including a focus on Houston’s aviation history. The museum occupies the ground floor while renovations of the upper floors, including observation decks and the tower cab, are currently pending. Visitors can explore treasures from airlines such as Braniff and Eastern Airlines, alongside many fascinating architectural and aviation artifacts from a bygone era.

22. Topgolf

Topgolf offers a unique golfing experience, ensuring fun for families of all ages and skill levels. This innovative format allows players to strike microchipped golf balls at a range of targets on the outfield, resulting in a fun and engaging experience that has attracted over 8 million visitors globally each year. After an enjoyable game, families can unwind by exploring Topgolf’s extensive menu of food and beverage options.

23. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

This attraction offers one of the most exhilarating experiences for families. Suitable for participants aged three and up, this remarkable indoor skydiving experience simulates realistic freefall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. The tunnel utilizes fans that draw air upward through the chamber, creating a smooth airflow that allows individuals to “fly.” All necessary gear and instruction are provided at the venue, ensuring an effortless and enjoyable experience. Observers can also watch the excitement unfold from comfortable seating areas.

24. Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear

For a memorable token of your journey to Houston, consider visiting Pinto Ranch, where you can find an extensive selection of Western merchandise that embodies the region’s traditions and charm. From premier items like men’s and women’s buckles, belts, and jewelry to an impressive collection of fine Western attire, including exquisite shirts, genuine Stetson hats, authentic Filson leather jackets, and handmade cowboy boots, you’ll be able to take a piece of Texas home.

25. Battlefield Houston

Enjoy an exhilarating day of laser tag at Battlefield Houston’s zombat zone, engaging in exciting missions such as Domination, Hitman, Search and Destroy, and Sniper while utilizing top-quality laser guns. This experience immerses families in a thrilling live video game ambiance. Unlike traditional laser tag, this venue employs headbands instead of vests; the laser must make contact with the headband to temporarily disable a player. Regardless of skill levels, everyone receives a vital role during collaborative missions. Afterward, guests can enjoy refreshments available at the arena’s snack bar.