Planning a visit to Houston or just getting acquainted with the area? If Houston is new to you and you’re on the lookout for some enjoyable and adventurous activities, you’ve landed on the right page. There are numerous ways to have a good time and explore the vibrant city!
I’ve curated a list of my favorite ways to have fun both within the city and its surroundings. I’m thrilled to share some excellent outdoor adventures, indoor entertainment, unique spots, and the best places to visit with kids. Keep reading to get the details before your next trip to the Houston area!
Outdoor Adventures in Houston
Are you heading to Houston or new in town? If you’re not familiar with Houston and are searching for some enjoyable and adventurous activities, you’re in the right spot. Houston offers numerous ways to have a great time and explore this lively city!
I’ve put together a list of my favorite ways to have fun and explore in and around the city. I’m excited to share some of the best outdoor adventures in Houston, indoor fun, unique spots, and the top places to visit with kids. Keep reading to get the lowdown before your next visit to the Houston area.
For outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers, there are plenty of ways to explore and enjoy Houston. Discover a variety of outdoor activities in and around Houston below.
Geronimo Adventure Park
For the adrenaline junkies out there, Geronimo Adventure Park is a must-visit! Geronimo boasts three thrilling zipline courses, an exciting aerial park, axe throwing, a rock wall, a challenging ninja obstacle course, box hockey, lawn games, a ball pit, and a whole lot more. This fun outdoor space in Houston has something for the entire family to enjoy.
Skydive Spaceland
Skydiving is the ultimate adventure for adrenaline junkies in Houston. Experience the thrill with Skydive Spaceland, where you can enjoy parachuting, free falling, and witnessing all the action. This training center spans 130 acres and sees over 100,000 jumps each year. Get ready for an exhilarating experience!
Xtreme Off Road Park & Beach
If you’re searching for a delightfully messy time, be sure to visit Xtreme Off Road Park & Beach. This spot offers a campsite and numerous off-road trails with plenty of dirt, mud, and water for some lively adventures. Get ready to have a blast!
Texas TreeVentures
Are you on the lookout for enjoyable outdoor activities with your family in Houston? Climbing the ropes courses at Texas TreeVentures is one of the best ways to see and explore. This outdoor aerial adventure park offers courses suitable for kids as young as age 6 and advanced courses for adults.
Additionally, you can rent one of the 5 unique treehouses for special events, providing scenic views. It’s a great way to have fun and make lasting memories!
Humble’s Cypress Trails Ranch
Every day, you can go horseback riding or take private lessons at Humble’s Cypress Trails Ranch. If you’re in Houston and want some fresh air while learning about horses, this place is perfect for you.
Houston Polo Club
The Houston Polo Club is an excellent spot to enjoy a match if you prefer watching rather than horseback riding. Explore the fascinating history of polo in Houston and witness players in action during weekly tournaments. If you’re keen on learning to play polo, you can give it a shot through their private lessons or a polo clinic.
McGovern Centennial Gardens
McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park were created to celebrate the park’s 100th anniversary in Houston. The gardens include a small hill with a spiral path leading to the top. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire park. With over 400 trees, flowers, and plants, it’s one of the most exciting things to do in Houston.
It’s an ideal place to get some fresh air and rejuvenate while exploring Houston. The beautiful Houston Zoological Garden within the park features historical statues and offers a relaxed atmosphere. You can also take a stroll along one of the many trails.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Explore the great outdoors in Houston at the always-popular Buffalo Bayou Park. Experience ecological tours, wellness walks, and kayaking in the bayou.
For a unique perspective, try the Segway tours, offering a fresh and exciting way to discover the park, possibly becoming one of your favorite adventurous activities in Houston.
Read Also: San Antonio Riverwalk After Dark
Houston Indoor Activities
Houston’s got some fantastic indoor fun waiting for you! Dive into the heart of downtown and discover the vibrant shops that make this city unique. But that’s not all – check out these awesome indoor activities for a good time, even if you’re not big on the outdoorsy stuff.
Houston Grand Opera House
The Houston Grand Opera House pulls in lots of visitors each year. The building itself showcases captivating architecture and design. And, of course, there are the magical, world-renowned shows.
Immerse yourself in the opera scene, savor the music, and relish unforgettable performances and theatrics. Checking out an opera is truly an adventurous experience in Houston!
Club Tropicana
Are you a dance enthusiast? If you love to party, you can’t pass up the excitement of Houston’s lively clubs. The go-to spot is Club Tropicana, the most popular dance club in Houston. Get ready to groove to a mix of authentic Latin music, disco tunes, and unique EDM, ensuring a night of non-stop fun for all dancers.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Indoor fun in Houston isn’t complete without a visit to the museum district. Make sure to explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science for a vibrant experience. This lively museum boasts numerous exhibits, immersive displays, and information to engage all your senses.
A personal favorite of mine is the Cabinet of Curiosities. This exhibit showcases peculiar and captivating objects preserved in glass cases. Dive into the world of animal skulls, shells, and explore open drawers filled with surprises. It’s a delightful adventure for everyone!
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is immense! Unlike some art museums, it’s not jam-packed. Instead, there are spacious hallways, staircases, and a kind of minimalistic beauty that directs your focus to the displayed pieces. My top pick in the museum of fine arts is the light tunnel.
Created by artist James Turrell, “The Light Inside” is a blend of art and hallway, adorned with neon lights that illuminate a small space connecting two of the buildings in the museum. The lights gracefully shift from pink to purple to blue, creating a captivating and immersive experience for visitors.
For another James Turrell masterpiece that steals the show, be sure not to miss the Skyspace. This architectural gem features an elaborate LED light show at sunrise and sunset. Catch it any day of the week except Tuesday.
Space Center Houston
Explore the wonders of space at NASA’s Space Center Houston! This educational museum is not only fun but also packed with engaging exhibits, programs, and attractions for all visitors. Don’t miss the chance to check out the command center!
Inside, you’ll find a plethora of STEM games and exhibits for both kids and adults. Experience the thrill of the space race firsthand with motion simulators and tram tours – it’s a journey into the cosmos like no other!
Unusual Things to Do in Houston
Houston offers a plethora of off-the-beaten-path activities. If you’re in the mood for something unique, check out these fun and unconventional ideas for things to do in and around the city.
The Music Box Theater
Discover the Music Box Theater, an extraordinary venue hosting concerts, comedy sketches, and cabaret shows. It’s the perfect spot to relax, savor a few cocktails, and relish a fantastic performance. With a 4-piece band accompanied by local actors and singers, the atmosphere is truly captivating.
What sets the Music Box Theater apart is its own written comedy acts featuring entertaining musical themes! This place has something for everyone, and you surely won’t want to miss out on the fun.
Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
If you’re in Houston, don’t miss the bats at Waugh Bridge! On Fridays from March to November, the Houston Area Bat Team talks about the local bat colony right there.
Around 250,000 to 300,000 Mexican freetail bats live under Waugh Bridge. At dusk, watch as they all fly off into the night together – it’s a fantastic show. This bat experience is a top adventurous thing to do in Houston!
Greater Houston Soaring Association
Dreaming of having superpowers? If you wish for the power of flight, you’re in luck! Head to the Greater Houston Soaring Association on the weekend and experience soaring through the air in sailplanes. These planes can cover great distances for hours, offering you the chance to fly like an eagle on your next visit to the area.
Mural Tour
Embark on a fantastic journey through the city with a walking tour of Houston’s stunning murals – and the best part? It’s free! Use the Houston Mural Map to discover 750 murals, art walls, and 250 mini murals scattered throughout the city.
Enjoy your exploration, counting how many murals you can visit during your trip. Don’t forget to check out some must-see ones like The Black and White Wall outside The Secret Group and the crowd-favorite Biscuit Paint Wall. It’s a unique way to experience Houston’s artistic side!
Best Things to Do in Houston with Kids
Houston boasts some of the best attractions for kids! In fact, one of the top children’s museums in the United States is right here. If you’re gearing up for a family adventure in the city, make sure not to overlook the entertaining and educational experiences below.
Children’s Museum of Houston
Get ready to explore 90,000 square feet of exhibits, hands-on workshops, science experiments, and more! Embark on a secret spy mission with lasers, spy gadgets, and hidden clues!
Hang out in the tot spot, create new things in the inventor’s workshop, and enjoy water play in the Flow Works exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Houston. It’s a world of excitement for kids!
Downtown Aquarium
Looking for a fantastic spot to explore with kids downtown? Dive into Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. The Aquarium Adventure Exhibit boasts a 500,000-gallon tank filled with sea creatures, including sharks! Kids can even touch and feed stingrays. Don’t miss the thrill of riding through the Shark Voyage Tunnel attraction and playing games along the way. It’s a watery wonderland for the whole family!
Houston Zoo
Discover something for everyone at the Houston Zoo! Your kids will be delighted to meet Winnie and Teddy, the baby elephants residing in the zoo. Then, involve the whole family in the excitement by feeding the giraffes.
Visit the Pantanal for the perfect chance to catch a glimpse of a South American jaguar walking right over your head! Take it a step further by setting up animal encounters with Galapagos turtles and gorillas at the zoo’s nature center. It’s a wild adventure for all
Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk stands out as one of the most unique amusement parks in Texas. The whole family can revel in rides, shows, festivals, and waterfront dining.
Take a thrilling speedboat tour or enjoy the excitement of several roller coasters in the park. Cap off the evening with a breathtaking view of the boardwalk from 65 feet in the air on the Century Wheel – one of the top attractions on the boardwalk!
Houston offers an abundance of fun! Whether you prefer exploring historic districts with a walking tour, hiking through the great outdoors, exploring permanent exhibits at local art museums, or engaging in arcade games and laser tag, there’s something for everyone in the city. What’s your favorite place to visit or savor good food in Houston?
Share your favorite Houston activities in the comments. I can’t wait to hear about your top fun experiences and add them to your Houston bucket list too!
FAQs
What is something unique to Houston?
Houston is unique for its diverse culinary scene, particularly its thriving food truck culture. The city boasts a wide range of international cuisines available from these mobile vendors, making it a haven for food enthusiasts seeking global flavors in a single city.
What is the biggest important tourist attraction (#1 in Houston)?
The Space Center Houston stands as the premier tourist attraction in the city. As the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, it offers an immersive experience, showcasing space exploration history, astronaut encounters, and fascinating exhibits, making it a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
What is Houston best known for?
Houston is best known for being a major hub for the oil and gas industry, with a prominent role in space exploration. It houses NASA’s Johnson Space Center, making it a focal point for human spaceflight activities. Additionally, the city is recognized for its diverse cultural scene, including a thriving arts community, world-class museums, and a rich culinary landscape.
What is the Specialty of Houston?
The specialty of Houston lies in its vibrant and diverse cultural offerings. From the Museum District showcasing a wide array of art and history museums to the lively theater and performing arts scene, Houston embraces cultural diversity. The city’s culinary landscape, influenced by its multicultural population, adds another layer to its specialty, offering a unique and delicious fusion of flavors.
I’m Dariel Campbell, your Texas Tales Connoisseur at “Texan Guides Online.” Get ready to be captivated by the tales and traditions of Texas. Whether it’s folklore, live music, or local events, I’ll ensure your Texan experience is filled with unforgettable stories and moments.
