20 Best Things to Do in Houston

Embark on a space exploration adventure at the NASA Space Center, where you can immerse yourself in the marvels of space travel and indulge in a day of astronaut role-playing! Explore the intricacies of space flight, gain insights into astronaut preparations for missions, and closely examine authentic spacecraft, astronaut suits, and cutting-edge interplanetary technology at this iconic Houston destination. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the anti-gravity machine at the Living in Space gallery—it's a must-try for a truly out-of-this-world encounter!

There's never a bad day to tour North America's most extensive underground tunnel system. Located right under the city, the intricate network of tunnels spans more than 7.5 miles, connecting a slew of Houston's busiest corporate buildings. Guests will learn about Houston's fascinating history and observe firsthand how the purposes of these bunkers have changed through time on walking tours of the area.

The Museum of Natural Science, arguably Houston's most remarkable museum, features four floors of permanent exhibitions and a variety of interactive displays throughout the site. Expect to see tens of thousands of items spanning everything from Native American culture to seashells, paleontology, and local animals in designated locations such as the Wiess Energy Hall and Hall of Ancient Egypt. While you may spend hours examining the above sections, the Cockrell Butterfly Center, George Observatory, and Burke Baker Planetarium are definitely the most popular.

This urban park, which spans 445 acres, attracts more than six million visitors each year, many of whom take free walking tours of the area. Spend a day meandering through the Houston Zoo, a stroll down Bob's Fishing Pier, or a visit to the Butterfly House - located inside the Houston Museum of Natural Science on the park's northern border to see the Mecom Fountain dance at night.

The Downtown Aquarium transcends the traditional aquarium experience by offering more than just a captivating display of sharks, fish, touch pools, and educational exhibits. It's a hub of adventure with attractions like the on-site Ferris wheel, the Shark Voyage adventure train, and an aquatic carousel—all of which are beloved by guests of all ages.

If you're in Houston for just a few days and eager to explore numerous sights without tiring out your feet, hop on a double-decker bus! These buses make stops at various key locations across the city, including the Museum District, Buffalo Bayou, BBVA Stadium and Minute Maid Park, the Theater District, and more. It's not just a tour; it's an educational journey with pre-recorded audio narration, and the open-top design offers a fantastic way to soak up the sun and work on your tan.

Visitors can rent their own boards and hang ten on Galveston's sun-drenched Seawall Blvd, or they can take part in a guided session and learn the appropriate methods. Guided lessons are normally 2 hours long, include all equipment, and are limited to small groups, ensuring that each visitor receives one-on-one instruction.

The MFAH benefits not just the many tourists who come to see the museum's breath-taking collection of over 6,000 years of history and about 64,000 works from six continents, but also the 1.25 million people who attend the museum's workshops, programs, and resource centers each year. Gleizes' La Femme, Monet's Water Lilies, Memling's portrait, and an astounding number of Roman-era sculptures and paintings are among the treasures housed in this world-class museum. Book a 45-minute guided tour for the family to enjoy if you want to make sure you don't miss anything.

Given the expansive nature of Houston, a sprawling city like everything else in Texas, attempting to see it all on foot can be quite a feat. Opting for a bike tour is not only more efficient but also adds an entertaining twist to your exploration. Led by local guides, these bike trips breeze through sites such as historic Downtown and Buffalo Bayou, making stops at places that might be easily overlooked by those in vehicles. It's a dynamic and immersive way to experience the city's charm and discover hidden gems.

This is the place to go if you have any aspiring scientists in your family or simply appreciate learning about science. The Health Museum receives over 180,000 visitors per year (over 2.5 million total), with over 22,000 schools visiting as part of a field trip. One reason for the museum's popularity is its great interactive health and scientific teaching experiences, such as a hands-on stroll through the human body, authentic organ dissections, and other ever-changing engaging displays.

For a family-wide retail remedy, The Galleria is the perfect destination. Boasting over 400 high-end retailers, outstanding restaurants, a full-size ice rink, state-of-the-art children's play areas, multiple beauty salons, and much more, it caters to diverse interests. Modeled after Milan's stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, The Galleria proudly holds the title of Texas' largest shopping mall. From Valentino and Gucci to Prada and La Perla, there's a little something for every family member, making it an all-encompassing and luxurious shopping experience.

The 155-acre Arboretum & Nature Center, located in the heart of Houston's Memorial Park, takes visitors into the great outdoors with five miles of walking pathways that meander through woodlands, meadows, and ponds. Bring your camera because the area is known to be home to thousands of local creatures, including turtles, frogs, and birds. In the indoor Nature Center, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive displays, including the Learning Tree and the Discovery Room.

The Orange Show, located in Houston's east end, is a massive work of folk art built by Jefferson Davis McKissack over the course of approximately 25 years. McKissack transformed the area into a maze of wacky sculptures, doors, and exhibits using old tiles, throwaways, and random bits and bobs of junk metal. The result is part maze, part museum, and part stage, all dedicated to his favorite fruit — the orange. Visiting this strange place is certainly one of Houston's strangest yet most important things to do.

Houston's splendor unfolds magnificently from above, given its location alongside the picturesque Gulf of Mexico. While the ultimate way to absorb this beauty is in your own passenger jet, this experience goes beyond a mere joyride—it might even include taking the controls and learning the ropes! For those not quite ready to soar through the skies, Space City also offers a range of incredible flight simulator experiences.

The Texas Rock Gym, with over 14,000 square feet of climbable surface, 42 Top Ropes, 5 Auto Belays, a lead arch, and a bouldering area, is a fantastic location for all rock climbing and gym addicts in the family, regardless of age. The gym prioritizes safety, and all members, regardless of previous climbing experience, must participate in the gym's safety orientation and training class, Climbing 101, to minimize the inherent rock climbing risks.

The Children's Museum of Houston, unquestionably one of the most popular things to do in Houston for anyone visiting with children, has recently undergone a significant renovation, more than tripling in size to contain more than "90000 square feet of action-packed entertainment." FlowWorks, a cutting-edge display that teaches about water through huge waves; Kidtropolis, where young brains learn how to govern a city; and "How Does It Work?", an interactive look at the amazing inner workings of everyday life, are all favorites of children.

A visit to Houston's oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, is sure to be an intriguing and delightful experience. The brewery handles everything from producing and filtering the beer to kegging and bottling it - after that, it's up to the visitors to taste it. Experienced and friendly employees will look after you while you enjoy a tour, followed by lunch and drinks (of course, one of the brewery's great brews).

Buffalo Bayou Park is a fantastic place to take the family for some physical activity, with a great selection of walking and bike routes. The meandering park spans 124 acres of lush greenery, with spectacular vistas of the Houston cityscape tossed in for good measure. Aside from that, there is a nature play area, artwork, and live artistic acts to enjoy, as well as a dog park if you have any four-legged family members.

Traveling to Houston? Book a room at one of our affordable, pet-friendly hotels.