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Fun Things to do in Houston
Texas
city guide
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country by population, offers a plethora of activities to keep visitors engaged. The city boasts a diverse cultural scene, with over 150 museums catering to a wide range of interests. From the iconic NASA's Space Center Houston to quirky museums like the one dedicated to the history of funerals, there is something for everyone to explore and learn.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the vast outdoor spaces in Houston, perfect for year-round exploration. Despite the sticky summers, the city offers beautiful parks and green areas to enjoy. Moreover, Houston's restaurant scene is a culinary delight, often compared favorably to dining scenes in Dallas and Austin. Particularly renowned for its Asian cuisine and vibrant brunch spots, Houston offers a rich gastronomic experience for visitors.
To fully experience the best of Houston, consider exploring the following activities:
1. Visit NASA's Space Center Houston to learn about space exploration and history.
2. Explore the diverse museum scene, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the quirky National Museum of Funeral History.
3. Enjoy the outdoors at Hermann Park or Buffalo Bayou Park for a peaceful retreat in nature.
4. Indulge in the vibrant food scene, with a focus on Asian cuisine and trendy brunch spots.
5. Attend live music performances at venues like The Heights Theater or House of Blues.
For more insights and recommendations on things to do in Houston, consider following these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @VisitHouston
- Twitter: @HoustonTX
- Facebook: Houston, Texas
Additionally, keep an eye on publications like "Houstonia Magazine" and "CultureMap Houston" for the latest updates on events, attractions, and dining options in the city. These resources will help you make the most of your visit to Houston and ensure a memorable experience in this dynamic and entertaining city.
Best time to go
The best times to visit Houston are between February and April and during the fall months of September to November. The weather is pleasant during these two times and there are many festivals for visitors to enjoy. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations
Fun city facts and activities
- As the countrys fourth-largest city by population, Houston already has plenty of bodies to keep occupied. Thats especially good news for travelers rolling through townwhen it comes to the best things to do in Houston, theres something for everyone.
Take their cultural access alone, with a mind-boggling collection of over 150 museums that range from NASA's Space Center Houston to a museum focused on the history of funerals (yes, you read that right) and massive art exhibitons. There are sprawling outdoor spaces for nature lovers to explore year-round (even in sticky summers) and a brimming restaurant scene that rivals (and some say, thrashes) Dallas and Austin (particularly when it comes to Asian cuisine and brunch).
You could call it an embarrassment of riches if it werent so darn entertaining here. Whatever your reason for touching down at IAH, the best things to do in Houston will keep you busy.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Downtown Houston
Midtown
Memorial
Houston Heights
Montrose
Nassau Bay
Katy
The Woodlands
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- Dont be fooled into thinking that the best of the south lies in Tex-Mex restaurants, at least not in Houston, which boasts one of the most exciting culinary scenes in America. The fact is that their restaurant scene is as ethnically diverse as the six million-plus residents that inhabit. Translation: 10,000 restaurants representing more than 70 different cuisines.
Those with an expectation for Tex-Mex and barbecue need not worry. Those mainstays are widely done and done darn well. But did you know that Houston has the second-largest Indochinese population in America, behind Los Angeles? Chinatown aint no novelty lil townits a thriving district. Add Gulf Coast seafood, decadent European fare, and authentic South-East Asian delights, and well, youre in foodie heaven_with Texas-sized portions. Weve plucked our favorites from the mahoosive range of eateries available, so all yall gotta do is show up hungry and wear loose-fitting pants.
Houston Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a Tour of Houstons Street Art
Houston has some of the best street art in the country, and you can take a guided tour to explore the city's vibrant and creative murals.
2. Visit The Beer Can House
This quirky landmark in Houston's Riverside Terrace neighborhood is made entirely out of beer cans and other recycled materials.
3. Go to a Comedy Show at The Secret Group
This indie comedy club offers a variety of live stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy shows and is a great spot to catch some laughs.
4. Take a Segway Tour
Take a guided Segway tour of downtown Houston and the surrounding neighborhoods and learn about the city's history and culture.
5. Attend an Outdoor Movie Night
Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy an outdoor movie night at one of Houston's many parks and green spaces.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. HANG OUT WITH THE BUTTERFLIES
Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science! The museum is currently limiting crowd sizes to encourage social distancing and is recommending face coverings for visitors 10 years and older. Youll have a full day of adventure plus a chance to view dozens of butterflies at once. Get nearly 50% off admission to the center with your Houston on the Cheap reader discount! Its one of the best things to do in Houston with kids and toddlers!
2. GO ON A MURAL TOUR
Take selfies at some of Houstons best murals, like the Biscuit Paint Wall, Michael Rodrigues Fox Mural, and more!
3. HAVE OUTDOOR FUN IN THE WOODLANDS
Walk the Woodlands Waterway or ride along it by renting a water bike or kayak. Make sure to check out the colored and choreographed light and fountain show in the evening.
4. SPEND A DAY AT THE ZOO
Visit every exhibit at the Houston Zoo and save big on this and 4 other top destinations with CityPASS. The zoo has many new safety guidelines in place, like encouraging visitors to wear face coverings, using one-way walking paths, closing certain exhibits, and more.
5. EXPLORE EVERYTHING HERMANN PARK HAS TO OFFER
Visit the scenic Hermann Park for Japanese Gardens, Art in the Park, and more fun.
6. ENJOY NATURE AT BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
Spot the gators at Brazos Bend State Park. Go geocaching, fishing, and hiking, then check out the nature center before you leave! Advanced day pass reservations are required right now, and face coverings are recommended.
7. SPEND SOME TIME AT THE FARMPet the farm animals, take a train ride and play at the childrens paradise on Old MacDonald Farm. The farm is currently open 10-5 weekdays, 10-6 weekend, pool, ponies, and trains close one hour before the park.
8. TAKE A JOURNEY TO OUTER SPACE
Get your science on at Space Center Houston which reopened earlier this summer. Get a CityPASS to see five of Houstons major attractions for 47% discount!
9. FEED THE HORSES
Bring your own apples, carrots, and/or peppermints to feed the horses in the barn at Houstons Mounted Patrol Station. Check their visitors page for hours and information.
10. ENJOY A PICNIC AT YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL PARK
Have a picnic in the park at Discovery Green, Market Square Park, Memorial Park, or any of Houstons great parks! One of the best things to do with kids and toddlers in Houston!
City data and FAQ
Are two days enough in Houston?
Houston is a huge city and some things are fun, but crowded. The freeways are always a parking lot of non moving cars. Do you want to go to The Museum of Fine Art? Going to look at the multimansions in River Oaks? The zoo?
Sue Ritterbusch Lived in Houston, TX
If you have friends here who will take you around ( if they can think of things to do) you might find the experience okay but you wont get much of a feel for the place in two days. Its just too big. Seven million people live here.
Its a big place that takes a while to know. 2 days isnt even close to enough time. On the other hand two days in this heat and humidity may be all you can stand anyway. A lot of people who visit here do not speak highly of the experience.
Ive been here 45 years now ( came in my 20s) and its home now. Ive found it a great place to live.
Wayne Evans Lives in Houston, TX
Is Houston worth visiting?
Yes, visiting Houston is well worth your time. My daughters competed in dance. Friday and Sunday were full but on Saturdays we toured Houston.
Natural History Museum; Art Museums; The Zoo; Holocaust Museum; NASA; and much more_.way more than our one tourist day a year would allow.
Jo Mikels - Lives in Austin, TX
Is Houston a walkable city?
There are only a few neighborhoods in Houston that you might regard as walkable. The Houston Heights is such a neighborhood. It has sidewalks, its compact, and has a good number of eateries and shops that one might walk to. Its still over a mile from by house, right in the middle, to a grocery store. One problem is its just so hot here most of the year.
Wayne Evans Lives in Houston, TX
Downtown Houston is walkable and fairly compact but once you leave the center you will need a car.
Cary Languirand
Landmarks in the city
Here are some popular landmarks and tourist attractions in Houston, Texas:
1. Space Center Houston - This is the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center and offers interactive exhibits and displays related to space exploration.
2. Houston Museum District - This area is home to several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
3. The Galleria - A large shopping mall with over 400 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, including an indoor ice skating rink.
4. Minute Maid Park - Home of the Houston Astros baseball team, this stadium offers tours and the opportunity to watch a game.
5. Houston Zoo - A 55-acre zoo with over 6,000 animals from around the world, including elephants, giraffes, and lions.
6. The Menil Collection - A museum featuring a diverse collection of art, including works by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.
7. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - An annual event featuring a rodeo, livestock shows, and live music performances.
8. Hermann Park - A large urban park with attractions such as the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Hermann Park Golf Course.
9. Downtown Aquarium - A restaurant and entertainment complex with a 500,000-gallon aquarium featuring marine life from around the world.
10. Buffalo Bayou Park - A scenic park along the Buffalo Bayou river, offering walking and biking trails, kayak rentals, and beautiful views of the Houston skyline.
These are just a few of the many landmarks and attractions that Houston has to offer.
About the author
Chaz, a seasoned restaurateur and activities operator, has traveled extensively, exploring cultures and local experiences across Mexico, Nicaragua, Egypt, France, Portugal, Hungary, Italy, Greece, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, most U.S. states, and Colombia. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Chaz’s passion for discovering authentic, affordable activities inspired the creation of city guides that help travelers experience destinations like a local.