Whether you're visiting, plotting to move, or looking for an excuse to get out of the house, Houston, Texas, offers endless possibilities to keep you and your loved ones entertained. From sports to fine arts, music, food, and more, there is something for everybody.
With so many different things to do, it may seem overwhelming when planning your day, but with this guide, you'll discover the very best that Houston has to offer.
It doesn't matter if you're spoiling your family with the vacation of a lifetime, surprising the love of your life, or even ballin' on a budget; this guide is for you. We've narrowed it all down so you can do less planning and more doing!
Scroll down to find the best things to do in Houston.
Fun Things to Do in Houston
No matter what your idea of fun is, Houston has something for you!
For the Sports Fanatic
When it comes to sports entertainment, Houston is on top of its game. With five professional sports teams, every day is game day, no matter the season.
If football is your passion, you can watch the Houston Texans drive down the NRG Stadium gridiron!
If you like a different type of fútbol, you can cheer on the Hoston Dash or the Houston Dynamo on the soccer field at BBVA Compass Stadium.
If you can't get enough of America's favorite pastime, check out the Houston Astros dominate the baseball field at Minute Maid Park.
Don't worry; we didn't forget about you basketball fans! Once the cold air starts coming in, you can watch the Rockets light up the basketball court at the Toyota Center!
Houston is also home to the second rugby stadium ever built in the United States known as Avea Stadium, where you can see the Houston Sabercats tear up the pitch!
Lastly, you can watch live horse racing at the Sam Houston Race Park for you race track lovers.
If you see sports as more than just a game and are fascinated with what goes on behind the scenes, check out the stadium tours at NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, and the Toyota Center to get an up-close look at the locker rooms, training facilities, press boxes, and more!
If you're the type to be part of the action instead of spectating, check out these action-packed activities.
Urban War Zone to get your paintball on!
Wake Nation will give you a full-on wakeboarding experience.
Go offshore fishing with Galveston Fishing Guides.
Houston is also home to dozens of golf courses where you can get your game up to par.
For the Art Connoisseur
If you can't get enough of art and culture, Houston is the place to be. With tons of art museums and galleries, Houston has become a significant art destination in America.
For the Music Lover
If music is your thing, you're in luck!
For live music, check out the infamous Fitzgerald's where legendary artists such as James Brown, Tina Turner, and The Ramones once rocked the stage. You can also catch artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar at Warehouse Live.
If dancing is your forte, check out Dan's Electro Guitar Bar or get your honky-tonk on at the Firehouse Saloon.
If you are more of a collector, don't sleep on Vinyl Edge, Cactus Music, or Sound Exchange for all of your Vinyl Needs.
Free and Cheap Things to Do in Houston: Activities that don’t Require much Money
Just because you are trying to save money doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun. Houston still has so much to offer even when the bills are flowing, and money is tight!
Here's a list of inexpensive and free activities that won't break the Bank!
Catch a Free show at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Located in the heart of Houston's Museum District, you can layout on the grassy fields watch free concerts, film screenings, and more!
Bike Down Buffalo Bayou
Located in Eleanor Tinsley Park, you can ride your bike through miles of urban bike trails over old fashion bridges going to downtown Houston and back. It's a great way to break a sweat and see the city! If you don't have a bike, you can rent one from one of the numerous Houston BCycle stations for a small price.
Get a Workout at Memorial Park
At the largest urban park in all of Texas, you can jog the three-mile running trail, get a pump at the outdoor gyms, play beach volleyball, or play a whole 18 rounds of golf!
Hike at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Located just one mile west of Memorial Park, you can hike the 155-acre nature sanctuary with miles of scenic trails full of giant trees and buzzing wildlife. The best part of all…admission is free!
Chill at Discovery Green
Much like the Miller Outdoor Theatre, you can catch free live music and movies. Located across the street from the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green has a dog park, walking trails, and a unique soundwave structure designed for you to hear quiet conversations up to 70 feet away!
Take a Selfie at the Water Wall
If your Instagram game is weak, snap a selfie in front of the 64-foot-tall U-shaped fountain called the Water Wall. Located a few blocks away from the Houston Galleria, a photoshoot at the Water Wall is a great way to spend some time and wow your followers!
Parents Unite: Things to Do in Houston With Kids
Ahh, yes, the family vacation. Sometimes more stress than fun, you have to find a way to keep the kids entertained without killing one another. Luckily in Houston, you shouldn't have a problem. With activities for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers, vacationing in Houston is reinventing the meaning of family bonding!
Educational/Museums
Children's Museum of Houston - In this 90,000 square foot blissful utopia full of interactive exhibitions dedicated to subjects such as science and technology, kids can run their own city called Kidtropilis, invent gadgets, report news, and more!
Houston Museum of Natural Science - Known as one of the most visited museums in the US, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has a 3D Imax theatre, a hall dedicated to paleontology and prehistoric species, a butterfly exhibit, and more!
The Health Museum - An interactive museum diving deep into the human body, The Health Museum is an educational adventure!
Space Center Houston - What's cooler than space? Especially when your learning at the Space Center in Houston? With a real-life, hands-on experience, kids of all ages can become an astronaut for the day while building a rocket and uncovering deep secrets of the universe. There is even a behind the scenes all-inclusive look at NASA called the Level Nine Tour for children 14 years and up.
Outdoor Adventures
Splash Town - With 40 acres and two million gallons of water, Splash Town is the most spectacular water park in Houston. Consisting of over 40 water slides, Splash Town turns that summer heatwave into a water wonderland.
Houston Area Live Steamers - Take the whole family on a 15-minute model train ride through Zube Park in NorthWest Harris County.
Houston Zoo - Ranked one of the Top Ten Zoos in the nation by Parents Magazine, the Houston Zoo offers a unique experience with wildlife and an aquarium full of aquatic creatures!
Hometown Favorites
The Chocolate Bar- Prevalent in every kid's fantasy, the Chocolate Bar is a chocolate kingdom full of everything from hand tools to toy cars, and more all made from -you guessed it!- chocolate! Kids can see the chocolate being made, and in the heart of it all lies an ice cream cooler with dozens of varying flavors.
The Mad Potter- Ever wonder what it's like to be a world-famous artist like Vincent Van Gogh? Now you can find out at this paint your own pottery studio!
Daytime Outings
Kemah Boardwalk- Located 20 minutes from downtown Houston this coastal carnival spectacle has a 65-foot Ferris wheel, electrifying rides, themed restaurants, shopping, and more!
Kids Stay Home: Things to Do in Houston for Adults
Adults have to have fun too! Maybe you finally put the kids to bed after a long day of living it up, or you finally got a sitter, or you don't even have kids at all. Houston is just as big of a playground for adults as it is for children! Here's a list of fun things to do when you leave the kids behind!
Tantrums
Ever feel the need to break something after a long day of obnoxious kids, heartless bosses, and crazed drivers? Ever want to scream at the top of your lungs and demolish that laptop that keeps on crashing with a sledgehammer? At tantrums, you can with no judgment! Take out all the stress and frustration by breaking dishes, windshields, tv's, and more! Perfect for the parents who need to lose control once in a while!
Escape Hunt Houston
Houston's most exciting and challenging escape rooms, Escape Hunt Houston, is packed with thrilling groundbreaking missions you and your friends won't get enough of.
Houston Axe Throwing - Bellaire
Another great stress reliever, Houston Axe Throwing Bellaire, is Houston's first indoor axe throwing range. Perfect for a night out, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, and team-building experiences!
Things to Do in Downtown Houston: Explore Urban Centers
Consisting of only 2 square miles, Downtown Houston has just as much going on below the ground as above.
The Double Decker Bus Tour
Go sightseeing on this London-style bus as it drives past all of Houston's most significant sights.
Downtown Houston Tunnel System
Bringing a whole new meaning to downtown the Houston Tunnel System is An astonishing subterranean world, covering a staggering ninety blocks full of restaurants, shopping, and mesmerizing illuminated walkways.
The Church of Beer
Sample beer from the oldest craft beer company in the whole state of Texas. Sip beer surrounded by prestigious religious art, stained glass windows, and high wooden arches. Named after a European Saint, Saint Arnold's brewing company is the ideal stop for beer enthusiasts.
After Work and Weekends: Things to Do in Houston at Night
Houston is beaming with life after dark. From Top restaurants to rooftops, to pubs, clubs, theatre, and more!
For the Party People
Space Night Club - A Las Vegas-inspired Night Club in the heart of Downtown Houston with performances by world-class DJ's and a unique electrifying atmosphere.
Z on 23 Rooftop Bar - Sitting high overlooking the city, the Z on 23 Rooftop bar offers handcrafted cocktails, lounge seating, and a fun yet relaxing nightlife experience. A great place to hang out with friends and enjoy top-notch drinks.
Club Tropicana - Going strong since 1999, this dance club specializes in salsa dancing and Latin music with the best Latin DJ's.
77 Degrees Rooftop - With handcrafted cocktails, the most refined finger foods, and a hookah bar, what can wrong?
E2 Ultra Lounge - An excellent place for good food, good drinks, and good friends.
Gavanna Nightclub - From epic shows from your favorite artists to world-class DJ performances, Gavanna nightclub, also known as Club Z, is where the concert hall meets the club.
The Pink Elephant Room- A funky dive bar with great food, unique drinks, pool tables, and dancing.
Haunted Walking Tour - Yes! Another bar crawl but instead of history lessons, you get scary stories! Follow your guide for a two and a half hour creepy adventure as you learn about Houston's Hauntings and stop at 4 bars along the way.
When the Party's over, but you're not Boring
At one point or another, we all have to hop off the booze train. Here are some fun things to do in Houston at night that don't involve a wicked hangover the next day.
The Museum of Fine Arts- With over 65,000 pieces of art spanning over 6,000 years, The Museum of Fine Arts is a classy yet fun way to spend the day or night! Open late night on Wednesdays and Thursdays!
Explore the Houston Theatre District- Covering 17 blocks of Houston's Downtown, the Theatre District is the end all be all for the performing arts. You can even rent a Segway for an exciting adventure as you discover places like the Wortham Theatre Center, Jones Hall for Performing Arts, and the Houston Ballet.
Downtown Aquarium- Dinner with an underwater view! Dine with your family and friends as 300 species of aquatic life swim around you!
Dining
Once known as the dining capital of the world, Houston's restaurant scene is full of diverse dishes that will leave your mouth watering. Here are some of our favorites!
Indigo- Located in Lindale Park, Eater Houston 2018 Chef of the Year, Jonny Rhodes, serves up the very best in African inspired cuisine.
Squable- Specializing in European dishes, a hometown favorite is the "French Cheeseburger'"- a luscious burger topped with oozing raclette cheese.
Coltivare Pizza & Garden- Located in the Heights of Houston, Coltivare Pizza & Garden, offers homemade authentic Italian food ranging from pastas to pizzas, and salads handpicked from their on site garden.
La Lucha- A seafood lover's dream! Don't eat here without ordering dishes like wood-roasted oysters and redfish on the half-shell. You also haven't lived until you try their caviar and onion dip!
BB's Tex-Orleans- Where Texas meets New Orleans! Order anything from po'boys to gumbo! It's also open 24 hours a day, so you can satisfy your cravings no matter what time it is!
B&B Butchers- Located on Washington Avenu, B&B Butchers is one of only a few restaurants in the entire US certified to sell authentic Japanese Kobe Steaks, making it the mecca of steakhouses in the Houston Area!
Romantic Things to Do in Houston
Whether trying to make a great impression on a first date or celebrating your anniversary, Houston is the place to bring that special person in your life.
Here's a list of Houston's most charming date ideas for couples.
Watch a mesmerizing sunset at James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace
Residing on Rice University campus, this Houston Landmark has tantalizing light shows matched with musical performances that will leave your date in awe. Arrive right before the sunset for the perfect date night!
Have Dinner with Views at the Spindletop
Yes, you read that right! Views! As you dine with your date with American style seafood, enjoy 360-degree views of the heart-stopping beauty that is the Houston Skyline, as the restaurant slowly rotates as you eat!
Catch a Movie at AMC Houston 8
Known for showing indie movies and Hollywood blockbusters, this AMC movie theatre will give you and your loved one a unique once in a lifetime movie experience!
Romantic Couples Spa Day
There is nothing quite like a couple's spa day to ease the stress and enjoy intimate quality time together.
Here's a list of the best spas in the city!
Mokara Spa- Located inside the uptown in Omni Hotel, Mokara Spa is a full-service salon with a relaxing lounge, eight treatment rooms, and services such as massage therapy, body treatments, and facials.
Sanctuary Spa- Located Between River Oaks and Monrose, Sanctuary Spa offers award-winning service and has been featured in magazines such as Allure, Vogue, Time Magazine, and more.
Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel Houston - Relax with customized massage sessions! Located at The Four Seasons Hotel Houston on Lamar Street.
See a Concert at the Houston Symphony
Located on Louisianna Street, the Houston Symphony has unique performances dedicated to legendary pop artists and rock bands such as The Beatles and George Michael.
Something Creative: Cool things to Do in Houston Texas
Looking for something out of the usual? Houston is full of attractions you may not find anywhere else!
The Wilde Collection
A strange and eerie oddities shopped filled with unique treasures and souvenirs inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe!
National Museum of Funeral History
Another creepy and unique Houston Landmark, The National Museum of Funeral History, celebrates funerals through all kinds of cultures.
The Orange Show
Completed in 1979 by the late postal worker Jefferson Davis McKissack, The Orange Show is a folk art masterpiece consisting of a 3000 square foot maze-like structure. Named The Orange Show for McKissack's love of Oranges, the design has multiple upper decks, a wishing well, a pond, a stage, and a museum.
The Big Bubble
Located under the Preston Street Bridge over Houston's Buffalo Bayou lies a hidden Red Button. When pushed, it stirs up oxygen under the water creating a giant bubble exploding out of the water with enormous force!
Indoor Things to Do in Houston
Sometimes the weather does not want to cooperate, but in Houston, you can have just as much fun indoors as you can outdoors!
Here are some fantastic rainy day activities the whole family will enjoy!
Color Factory Houston
Inspired by the joy of colors, this experimental art exhibit is meant to help you embrace your inner child as you immersed in a spectacular color experience!
ExitusVR
With virtual reality escape room quest adventures like escaping the lost pyramid and entering Medusa's gate, ExitusVR brings a whole new meaning to escape rooms as you solve puzzles, shoot robots, and more!
X10 Archery
What better way to embrace the great outdoors while staying nice and comfy indoors than with a fully loaded indoor archery range? With bows to rent and personalized archery lessons, X10 Archery is a great rainy day activity!
As you can see, Houston is a lot more than just the home to NASA. There is a reason why Houston is the fourth most populous city in the nation, trailing only New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago! Book your trip to Houston Today!