Activities
Activities to Experience in Houston
Houston, Texas, is not only a bustling urban center, but it also offers a variety of activities that cater to all interests, from outdoor enthusiasts to history buffs and art lovers. With its dynamic cultural scene, stunning parks, and one-of-a-kind attractions, Houston provides numerous ways to explore and immerse yourself in its rich offerings. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, thrilling adventures, or serene cultural experiences, Houston has it all.
This guide will walk you through the top 10 activities to try in Houston, complete with practical information on how to get there, the best time to visit, and what makes each activity unique. Let’s dive into the best of what Houston has to offer!
Top 10 Activities in Aspen
Space Center Houston
Address: 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058
Contact: (281) 244-2100 | spacecenter.org
Description: Explore the fascinating world of space exploration at Space Center Houston, NASA’s official visitor center. You’ll find interactive exhibits, space artifacts, and even meet real astronauts. The Tram Tour takes you behind the scenes to NASA’s Mission Control and astronaut training facilities.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Cost: $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for children (tickets available online).
What Makes It Unique: It’s one of the few places in the world where you can experience space exploration history firsthand.
Good for: Families, space enthusiasts, adventure seekers.
Parking: On-site parking for $5.
Restrooms & Dining: Multiple restrooms available; dining options include an on-site café.
Tip: Book the Level 9 VIP Tour for a more in-depth experience with exclusive behind-the-scenes access.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Address: 1800 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
Contact: (713) 752-0314 | buffalobayou.org
Description: Spanning 160 acres along the bayou, this urban park offers outdoor activities like kayaking, biking, and walking trails. There are also art installations and the famous Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, where you can watch thousands of bats fly out at dusk.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall, during the cooler months.
Cost: Free, though some activities like kayak rentals have a fee.
What Makes It Unique: The stunning views of the Houston skyline and the natural beauty of the bayou.
Good for: Families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers.
Parking: Free parking available at designated lots.
Restrooms & Dining: Public restrooms and food trucks nearby during events.
Tip: Bring binoculars to view wildlife along the water, including herons and turtles.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
Contact: (713) 639-4629 | hmns.org
Description: One of the most popular museums in the country, the Houston Museum of Natural Science features exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient civilizations, gems and minerals, and more. Don’t miss the Burke Baker Planetarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in the morning.
Cost: General admission is $25 for adults, $16 for children.
What Makes It Unique: A world-class collection of fossils and interactive exhibits make this a must-see for families and science lovers.
Good for: Families, science enthusiasts, and history buffs.
Parking: Paid parking garage available.
Restrooms & Dining: Multiple restrooms and a café inside the museum.
Tip: Purchase a CityPASS to get discounted admission to multiple attractions, including this museum.
Address: 5085 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77056
Contact: (713) 622-0663 | simon.com/mall/the-galleria
Description: Houston’s largest shopping center, The Galleria is home to over 400 stores, from luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton to more accessible shops like H&M. There’s also an ice-skating rink and several dining options.
Best Time to Visit: Early weekdays for quieter shopping.
Cost: Free to enter, but shopping prices vary by store.
What Makes It Unique: It’s a luxury shopping experience with entertainment options like skating and dining all under one roof.
Good for: Shoppers, families, and visitors looking for a day out.
Parking: Multiple parking garages available, some free and some paid.
Restrooms & Dining: Numerous restrooms and over 50 dining options, ranging from fast food to fine dining.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—the mall is enormous!
Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Contact: (713) 524-5876 | hermannpark.org
Description: Hermann Park is a lush urban park that offers a variety of activities, including the McGovern Centennial Gardens, a golf course, paddle boating on McGovern Lake, and a miniature train ride for kids. It’s also home to the Houston Zoo.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather.
Cost: Free to enter, but some attractions like paddle boating and the train ride have fees.
What Makes It Unique: A large park in the middle of the city, it offers beautiful gardens, outdoor activities, and cultural landmarks all in one place.
Good for: Families, couples, and nature lovers.
Parking: Paid parking available throughout the park.
Restrooms & Dining: Restrooms scattered throughout the park; several dining kiosks and cafes nearby.
Tip: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the gardens or near the lake.
Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002
Contact: (713) 259-8000 | mlb.com/astros/ballpark
Description: Home to the Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park is a modern baseball stadium with a retractable roof. Even if there’s no game, you can take a stadium tour to learn about its history and see behind-the-scenes areas.
Best Time to Visit: Baseball season (April to October).
Cost: Tickets range from $15 to $150 depending on the game and seating.
What Makes It Unique: The park offers baseball fans a state-of-the-art facility with great food and a lively atmosphere.
Good for: Sports fans and families.
Parking: Paid parking lots around the stadium.
Restrooms & Dining: Multiple restrooms and concession stands.
Tip: Try the local food vendors at the stadium, like Tex-Mex nachos and BBQ sandwiches.
Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
Contact: (713) 400-7336 | discoverygreen.com
Description: A 12-acre public park located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green is a hotspot for free activities, outdoor concerts, yoga sessions, and art installations. It also features a playground, splash pads for kids, and kayak rentals on the lake.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall when the weather is mild.
Cost: Free entry, with some activities (like kayaking) requiring a fee.
What Makes It Unique: Its central location and year-round schedule of free events.
Good for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and art lovers.
Parking: Paid parking garages and street parking nearby.
Restrooms & Dining: Public restrooms and nearby restaurants and food trucks.
Tip: Check the calendar for special events like outdoor movies or concerts.
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Contact: (713) 533-6500 | houstonzoo.org
Description: Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals, including elephants, gorillas, and sea lions. There are also special exhibits like the Bug House and a giraffe feeding platform.
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds.
Cost: $22 for adults, $17 for children.
What Makes It Unique: One of the nation’s most-visited zoos, with interactive exhibits and beautiful natural habitats.
Good for: Families, animal lovers.
Parking: Parking is available at Hermann Park, but it fills up quickly.
Restrooms & Dining: Multiple restrooms and several dining options inside the zoo.
Tip: Download the Houston Zoo app for a map and updates on animal feedings and events.
Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006
Contact: (713) 525-9400 | menil.org
Description: The Menil Collection is a free contemporary art museum with an impressive collection of works from artists like Pablo Picasso and René Magritte. The museum also has rotating exhibits and a sculpture garden.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays.
Cost: Free.
What Makes It Unique: A peaceful, minimalist museum experience with an impressive modern art collection.
Good for: Art lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Parking: Free street parking nearby.
Restrooms & Dining: Restrooms available; several nearby restaurants in Montrose.
Tip: Visit the Rothko Chapel, just a short walk away, for a meditative art experience.
Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Contact: (713) 966-7799
Description: A stunning 64-foot-tall water wall located near The Galleria, this is one of Houston’s most photographed landmarks. The park surrounding the fountain is perfect for picnics or relaxing.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
Cost: Free.
What Makes It Unique: The dramatic water wall is both a refreshing break and a photo-worthy site.
Good for: Families, photographers, and couples.
Parking: Paid parking available nearby at The Galleria.
Restrooms & Dining: No restrooms on-site, but The Galleria is nearby for shopping and dining.
Tip: The best photos are taken from the base of the water wall with the arch as your backdrop.
Costs and Booking Information
- Space Center Houston: Advance booking recommended via the official website.
- Houston Zoo: Tickets available online; buying ahead can save time.
- Minute Maid Park: Book tickets for games or stadium tours on the Astros website.
- Buffalo Bayou Park Activities: Kayak rentals available on-site or online.
- The Menil Collection and Discovery Green: Free entry, no bookings required.
Final Thoughts
Houston is a city that offers a range of activities, from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, an art enthusiast eager to explore galleries, or an adventurer looking to kayak through the city’s parks, Houston’s activities cater to all. With a mix of free and paid experiences, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary, no matter the season. Make the most of your visit to Houston by planning ahead and choosing activities that suit your interests and pace.