Choose from 18 Fun Things to Do in Houston
ShowingFilter 1-18 of 18 listings.
Sam Houston Park
Texas has a history as long as fascinating as the United States itself, and Sam Houston Park is where history and green space combine in the heart of Houston. Established back in 1900, Sam Houston Park is not only the oldest park in the Houston, but also a time portal to the 1800s when the city was first being founded. Wander past the Kellum Noble house that dates to 1847, and is believed to be the oldest brick house in the entire Houston area. Even older is the Old Place Cabin that dates to 1823, and was relocated to the park to join the collection of preserved, historic buildings. Credit for all of the preservation can be attributed to the Heritage Society"”a group that was founded in 1954 to preserve the city's heritage. If visiting the park in the middle of the day, stop in to the The Heritage Society Museum for a look at artifacts and memorabilia from Houston's lengthy past. The museum is modeled after a 19th-century, small-town general store, and tells the story of how the largest city in Texas started from small town roots.
Practical Info
Sam Houston Park is open from dawn until dusk, and the Heritage Society Museum is open from 10am-4pm, Tuesday through Saturday.
Address: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, Texas, USA 77002, USA
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk
From $ 35
Hermann Park
One of Houston’s most popular public greens, the free-to-enjoy Hermann Park is a historic 445-acre park that is home to many important cultural institutions as well as outdoor attractions. For those wanting to experience the city’s natural beauty, head to Bob’s Fishing Pier for some fishing, go hiking in the 80 acres of Bayou Parkland, peruse 2,500 rose bushes and outdoor sculptures at the Garden Center, pedal boat on the 8-acre McGovern Lake or play a round at the 18-hole Hermann Park Golf Course, the first desegregated golf course in the United States. For a serene experience, the Japanese Garden provides a peaceful retreat with waterfalls, wooden bridges, stone pathways, sweet cherry trees, Japanese maples and colorful flowers, while the Mary Gibbs and Jesse J. Jones Reflection Pool measures 740 feet long by 80 feet wide and features a black bottom for striking mirror images of the surrounding trees.
The park is also home to various cultural institutions. First there is the Houston Zoo, with over 6,000 animals as well as exhibits, encounters and experiences. Feed crunchy leaf lettuce to Masai giraffes, trek through an African forest, watch a 4D film on grizzly bears, crawl into a see-through tunnel to view piranhas up close, watch sea lions perform flips and jumps or meet the many exotic animals around the zoo. Additionally, Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre offers free and family friendly performances, the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum memorializes pioneer men and women and the Houston Museum of Natural Science provides four floors of free natural science halls and exhibits.
Because Hermann Park is very close to Houston’s Museum District, visitors can easily continue their exploration of local art, culture and heritage after leaving.
The park is also home to various cultural institutions. First there is the Houston Zoo, with over 6,000 animals as well as exhibits, encounters and experiences. Feed crunchy leaf lettuce to Masai giraffes, trek through an African forest, watch a 4D film on grizzly bears, crawl into a see-through tunnel to view piranhas up close, watch sea lions perform flips and jumps or meet the many exotic animals around the zoo. Additionally, Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre offers free and family friendly performances, the Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum memorializes pioneer men and women and the Houston Museum of Natural Science provides four floors of free natural science halls and exhibits.
Because Hermann Park is very close to Houston’s Museum District, visitors can easily continue their exploration of local art, culture and heritage after leaving.
Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Hours: Open Daily: 6:00am - 11:00pm, Japanese Garden: 9:00am - 5:00pm
From $ 35
Tranquility Park
Since Houston is known as “Space City” for its affiliation with NASA, it only makes sense that a downtown park commemorates the day that U.S. astronauts first landed on the moon. Named after the lunar Sea of Tranquility—a basaltic plain on the surface of the moon where the Apollo astronauts landed—the park today features a replica of a footprint that Neil Armstrong left on the moon.
The first words that the astronaut transmitted from up there are posted in 15 languages, so nearly everyone who visits can read the phrase: “Houston, Tranquility Base here. The eagle has landed.” Most impressive is the park’s fountain, which is designed in large, cylindrical formations to resemble the rocket boosters used on Apollo to get the men to the moon. The park also features craters and mounds meant to mimic the moon’s topography. Although, all lunar connections aside, this is a peaceful place for a pensive moment in the middle of bustling, downtown Houston, just steps from City Hall.
Practical Info
The park sits between Walker and Rusk streets in Downtown Houston.
Address: 400 Rusk St, Houston, Texas, USA 77002, USA
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 64
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is dedicated to providing interesting and educational science exhibits and experiences. Visitors can find four floors of science halls and exhibits in the main building, as well as a planetarium, butterfly center and big screen theater. You could easily spend hours perusing all the institution has to offer.
With so much to explore, where do you begin? The permanent exhibits are included in your general admission ticket and host some worthwhile attractions. For example, the Paleontology exhibit is a common favorite, as it showcases a unique display of predators in action, creating an illusion that the skeletal displays are alive. A progressive timeline layout showcasing over 50 dinosaurs and a section on human evolution also keeps things interesting.
The Gems & Minerals exhibit is another favorite. Featuring over 450 crystallized minerals and rare stones, you’ll find gems you didn’t even know existed. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the enormous blue topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats. This exhibit is best viewed with a visit to the onsite Gem Vault, which has been compared to London’s Crown Jewels. Other permanent exhibits include Hall of Ancient Egypt, Energy Hall, The Americas, African Wildlife, Chemistry, Earth Forum, Malacology and Texas Wildlife. Before leaving, take a stroll through the Cockrell Butterfly Center and immerse yourself in a live butterfly habitat. Additionally, the Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a variety of special exhibits that change throughout the year.
Weekends and weekday mornings can get crowded, so you may want to opt to visit later in the day or call the museum (713-639-4629) to inquire about crowd levels.
Hours for the exhibitions are Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission for permanent exhibits is $15 for adults, $10 for children, college students, military and seniors 62 and over, $7 for groups of 20 or more, $3.50 for school groups, and free for members. Admission to the permanent exhibits is free from 2pm to 5pm on Thursdays. Special exhibit prices vary.
With so much to explore, where do you begin? The permanent exhibits are included in your general admission ticket and host some worthwhile attractions. For example, the Paleontology exhibit is a common favorite, as it showcases a unique display of predators in action, creating an illusion that the skeletal displays are alive. A progressive timeline layout showcasing over 50 dinosaurs and a section on human evolution also keeps things interesting.
The Gems & Minerals exhibit is another favorite. Featuring over 450 crystallized minerals and rare stones, you’ll find gems you didn’t even know existed. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the enormous blue topaz crystal weighing more than 2,000 carats. This exhibit is best viewed with a visit to the onsite Gem Vault, which has been compared to London’s Crown Jewels. Other permanent exhibits include Hall of Ancient Egypt, Energy Hall, The Americas, African Wildlife, Chemistry, Earth Forum, Malacology and Texas Wildlife. Before leaving, take a stroll through the Cockrell Butterfly Center and immerse yourself in a live butterfly habitat. Additionally, the Houston Museum of Natural Science hosts a variety of special exhibits that change throughout the year.
Weekends and weekday mornings can get crowded, so you may want to opt to visit later in the day or call the museum (713-639-4629) to inquire about crowd levels.
Hours for the exhibitions are Monday through Sunday, 9am to 5pm. Admission for permanent exhibits is $15 for adults, $10 for children, college students, military and seniors 62 and over, $7 for groups of 20 or more, $3.50 for school groups, and free for members. Admission to the permanent exhibits is free from 2pm to 5pm on Thursdays. Special exhibit prices vary.
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, USA
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am - 5pm, Free Thursdays 2pm - 5pm
Admission: Adult $15, Child $10, Student/Senior $10
From $ 8
Chase Tower
If "everything is bigger in Texas," JPMorganChase Tower in central Houston is no exception. This skyscraper stands 75 stories tall and tops out at just over 1,000 feet (305 meters), making it the tallest building in Texas. It boasts a unique five-sided design, built with expansive 85-foot-wide (26-meter) glass, and serves as a Houston icon.
The Basics
Although the tower's 60th-floor Sky Lobby observation deck is closed to the public, visitors to the tower can enjoy the natural light and design of the lobby, which opens out onto the plaza outside; get a sense of the scale of the state's tallest structure from its base on a Houston city tour that covers all the essential landmarks; or view the tower as you emerge from one of the city's pedestrian tunnels on an underground tour led by an expert guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Chase Tower is considered to be one of the best free things to see in Houston's city center.
- Much of the building is office space and unavailable to the public, so it is best admired from the lobby, the street, or afar.
- Don't miss the 55-foot (16.7-meter) steel and cast sculpture by Spanish artist Joan Miró at the plaza outside the building, his largest freestanding work of art in America.
How to Get There
The JP Morgan Chase Tower is located at 600 Travis St. in downtown Houston. It is not currently connected to the Houston tunnel system, but it is set near a tunnel entrance.
When to Get There
You can view the tower exterior at any time of day. Note that regular building business hours are Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm. The ground floor is a working bank, while most other tenants are offices.
Things to Do Near Chase Tower
The downtown Houston tunnel system makes for a unique experience that can be accessed near the tower. The Houston Symphony Orchestra is just one block to the west of the tower, while other nearby sights include Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Zoo, and the Downtown Aquarium. Most attractions can be seen on a city sightseeing tour, either by double-decker bus or on foot.
Address: 600 Travis St, Houston, Texas 77002, USA
From $ 35
Kemah Boardwalk
The town of Kemah sits on the shore of Galveston Bay on the Gulf Coast of Texas, and its boardwalk is one of its main attractions.
Built in 1999, the Kemah Boardwalk is an entertainment and amusement park right on Galveston Bay. The boardwalk transformed what was once a small fishing community into a popular tourist destination. The town is considered part of the “greater Houston area,” as it's just 20 miles east of the big city, but it's a popular draw for visitors from elsewhere in Texas, too.
The Kemah Boardwalk features 15 different amusement park rides – including a 96-foot-tall roller coaster, a 140-foot free fall ride, a zip-line over the boardwalk, a double-decker carousel, and a 65-foot Ferris wheel. You can also take speedboat trips into the bay, and visit the Stingray Reef to touch and feed live stingrays.
Practical Info
Kemah is roughly 198 miles from Austin. The rides on the Kemah Boardwalk are open Monday-Thursday from 12-9pm, Friday from 12-11pm, Saturday from 10:30am-11pm and Sunday 10:30am-10pm. There's no entry fee to walk through the boardwalk. You can buy individual ride tickets for $3.50-$6 (depending on the ride), or all-day ride passes for $17.99 (for those under 48”) or $22.99 (for those over 48”).
Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, Texas, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 59
Wells Fargo Plaza
The Wells Fargo skyscraper has won awards for its design"”twice. Not only a designer's masterpiece, Wells Fargo Plaza is also the tallest all-glass tower in the western hemisphere, the 16th tallest building in the U.S. and the second tallest building in Houston, making it one of the highlights of modern American skyscraper architecture. Its unique construction offers visitors to Houston an unparalleled look at the city's fabulous skyline, and from high atop one of the plaza's two sky lobbies, one can see all of Houston.
Outlaid with fine Italian marble, stainless steel and glass, the Wells Fargo Plaza is an inimitable take on the modern skyscraper and one stop your visit to Houston shouldn't be without. Connected to the famous Downtown Houston Tunnels, the Wells Fargo Plaza building encompasses an entire city block and features the area's only sunken plaza.
Practical Info
Wells Fargo Plaza in Houston is located at 1000 Louisiana Street downtown.
Address: 1000 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas 77002, USA
From $ 35
Downtown Tunnels
The signature weather of Houston is something to write home about "“ it's hot. Really hot in the summer, and as Houston is a do-something city, the powers that be decided to do something about it "“ they built the Houston Downtown Tunnels. A series of interconnected and, bless them, air-conditioned tunnels running 20 feet below the surface of the street, the Downtown Tunnels connect restaurants, shops and office buildings and provide some much-needed respite from the Houston heat. A feat of engineering that connects 95 city blocks, the tunnels themselves are an attraction for the Houston visitor.
While you might expect a city of two million people to offer a downtown scene full of bustling people, you may find Houston's streets oddly deserted "“ but that's just because the real life of the downtown scene is happening underground. See it for yourself, and enjoy one of the most unique attractions in the entire southwest.
Practical Info
The Houston Downtown Tunnels are open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are only two points of access to the Downtown Tunnels from the streets: Wells Fargo Plaza and McKinney Garage on Main Street.
Address: Houston, Texas, USA
From $ 35
Tanger Outlets
Got expensive taste but limited budget? This is where Tanget Outlets come in. The real estate company has a branch just south of Houston and is committed to bringing its customers the best shopping experience possible by offering the best deals from preferred designers and brand-name stores, through strategic alliances with brands such as: Liz Claiborne, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Polo Ralph Lauren, Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger, Nautica, Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Eddie Bauer, Brooks Brothers and Nike. Originally founded in North Carolina in 1981, Tanger Outlets have now spread to 24 states as well as Canada. The company currently owns 46 outlet centers across North America and attracts over 185 million bargain hunters every year.
Practical Info
The Tanger Outlets are located at 5885 Gulf Freeway in Texas City, 31 miles southeast of Houston. There is no public transportation from the city to there; driving is advised. It is reachable in less than an hour via I-45, exit 17. The outlets are open from 10am to 9pm from Monday to Saturday and between 11am and 7pm on Sundays.
Address: 5885 Gulf Freeway, Texas City, Texas, USA
From $ 80
Market Square Park
Set in the heart of downtown Houston where the city was originally founded, Market Square Park is the greenest, hippest—and most historic—one square block in Houston. Three different versions of City Hall all stood on this open plot, but all were either destroyed by fire or eventually demolished and removed. The tall, four-sided clock tower, however, that still swings its arms in the park, dates all the way back to 1904 when it hung on City Hall. The history of the park aside, however, visitors are drawn to Market Square Park by the large amount of open green space and strong sense of community. Large displays of public art are scattered throughout the park, and Houston residents with four-legged friends can always be found at the dog park.
Market Square Park is known for its festive outdoor events—particularly community bike rides—although it’s also a place for pensive reflection in the middle of the bustling city. At the memorial known as “Lauren’s Garden” flowing water and seasonal flowers combine with a large, stone-filled fountain that’s dedicated to the memory of lives that were lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The garden is named for Lauren Grandcolas—a passenger on United 93—and is a peaceful, yet somber, piece of history that accompanies the centuries-old Texas heritage in Houston’s Market Square Park.
Practical Info
Market Square Park is open daily from 6am-11pm, and there is no admission to visit. Parking, restaurants, bars, and shopping are all within a five-minute walk.
Address: 301 Milam St, Houston, Texas, USA 77002, USA
Hours: Daily 6am-11pm
From $ 35
Downtown Aquarium
Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a fun and educational attraction, especially for families. Children can get up close and personal with more than 200 types of underwater creatures, including myriad fish, eels, rays in a touch tank, sharks, and white tigers. Kids also love the amusement rides and dining in the underwater aquarium restaurant.
The Basics
This 500,000-gallon (1.89-million-liter) complex takes you through a network of tanks all organized with a different theme. You might enjoy seeing a replica of a 17th-century shipwreck reef teeming with fish or riding through the Shark Voyage tunnel. Another add-on ticket option includes petting stingrays in the aquarium’s touch tanks. End your visit with a peek at the two resident white tigers housed in a replica Maharaja’s temple and a spin on some of the amusement rides. If you’ve worked up an appetite, consider a meal in the aquarium restaurant—and dine next to colorful fish swimming in floor-to-ceiling tanks.
You can get single tickets for individual attractions in the complex, or make a day of it with an All-Day Adventure Pass, which includes admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit and Stingray Reef plus unlimited amusement rides. Combination tickets are available that provide entry to the Downtown Aquarium along with other Houston area attractions.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Houston aquarium is a great activity for families with young kids.
- If you plan to enjoy the outdoor attractions, remember to bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Skip the line with a Houston CityPASS—cardholders enter through a dedicated line.
- The Downtown Aquarium is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Downtown Aquarium is located on Bagby Street between Preston Street and Memorial Drive, just east of US 45 (Gulf Freeway) in downtown Houston. The city’s bus service stops at Preston and Bagby. If driving, paid parking is available in the downtown lot next to the aquarium complex.
When to Get There
Houston’s aquarium is open every day of the year from 10am; it closes at 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. To beat the crowds, visit early or late in the day, even an hour or two before closing—you can get through the main aquarium fairly quickly. Expect throngs on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.
Ride the Train Under the Sharks
For added fun, spring for a train ticket that takes you through the Downtown Aquarium’s Shark Voyage, a tunnel through a 200,000-gallon (757,000-liter) tank filled with sharks swimming overhead. There are several outdoor attractions worth exploring, too, plus amusement rides including a 100-foot (30.5-meter) Ferris wheel and an aquatic carousel.
Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 35
Houston Museum District
The Houston Museum District encompasses 19 museums in a 1.5 mile radius of the Mecon Fountain, creating a walkable destination within Houston for those wanting an immersive educational experience. While the Asia Society Texas Center provides insight into Asian arts, business, culture, education, and policy, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum focuses on American and African American history. Continue your stroll to the Rothko Chapel, a place for meditative contemplation for people of all faiths, the Health Museum, an interactive science museum, and the Houston Zoo, which provides a home for over 6,000 animals.
Those looking for a creative experience may want to visit institutions like the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston Center for Photography, Lawndale Art Center, The Menil Collection, The Jung Center of Houston, The Museum of Fine Arts or the Rice University Art Galley. Other museums in the district include the Children’s Museum of Houston, Czech Center Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and the Museum of African American Culture.
A convenient feature of the Houston Museum District is over half these museums are free all the time, while all of them offer free entry at certain times. Visitors can easily have a worthwhile day browsing the different institutions without spending a dime. Along with creating an accessible world of art, history, culture and science, the museums also feature interesting daily events that can make your Houston visit more interesting. In the spring, the Houston Museum District truly comes to life as the many gardens littering the area becoming vibrant with seasonal flowers.
Those looking for a creative experience may want to visit institutions like the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston Center for Photography, Lawndale Art Center, The Menil Collection, The Jung Center of Houston, The Museum of Fine Arts or the Rice University Art Galley. Other museums in the district include the Children’s Museum of Houston, Czech Center Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and the Museum of African American Culture.
A convenient feature of the Houston Museum District is over half these museums are free all the time, while all of them offer free entry at certain times. Visitors can easily have a worthwhile day browsing the different institutions without spending a dime. Along with creating an accessible world of art, history, culture and science, the museums also feature interesting daily events that can make your Houston visit more interesting. In the spring, the Houston Museum District truly comes to life as the many gardens littering the area becoming vibrant with seasonal flowers.
Address: Houston, Texas, USA
From $ 35
Galveston
Located on Galveston Island and Pelican Island in Texas, Galveston is a coastal city with a rich history. Although people say Galveston has a much different vibe than Texas due to its island feel, has been the home of many firsts in the state. Some of these firsts include having Texas’ first post office, first opera house, first hospital, first golf course and first country club, to name a few. Today, Galveston is still home to numerous historic buildings and houses that allow you to explore this heritage.
Along with being innovative it is a worthwhile destination with much to do and see in terms of the arts, culture, shopping, dining, nightlife and outdoor attractions. Spend some time exploring the local museums, like the Lone Star Flight Museum, Texas Seaport Museum and the Galveston Railroad Museum. Galveston is also home to a large array of art galleries, as well as an ArtWalk in the historic district that takes place once every six to eight weeks.
If you’d rather spend your time outdoors, visit Schlitterbahn Galveston Island waterpark, stroll along the seawall (which boasts being the world’s longest continuous sidewalk) and take in the Gulf of Mexico, go fishing on Galveston Bay and see the many birds at the Galveston Bay Estuary. And of course, don’t leave without lying on the beautiful soft sand beaches Galveston is known for. Galveston has much to explore, and this is just a small taste of some of its offerings.
Address: USA
From $ 99
Children's Museum of Houston
Located in the Houston Museum District, the Children’s Museum of Houston makes learning fun for children and families. Founded in 1980 by a group of parents who hoped to make early childhood development a priority in the community, the museum features 14 interactive exhibits that allows for myriad fun experiences. At Invention Convention kids can build robots, cars and rockets using LEGOs, magnets, batteries, switches and more, while Think Tank allows them to enhance their problem solving skills with brain teases, puzzles and optical illusions. Kidtropolis is another favorite station, as children can act like adults by governing life-sized city. Taking on the roles of city leaders, business owners and community members, children are given an ATM card with 40 Kidtropolis dollars to budget with, needing to get a job, purchase groceries and deposit wisely.
A few of the other many exhibits include How Does It Work?, where kids will learn the answers to challenging questions through investigation, Inventors’ Workshop, where kids are given a creative activity to complete relating to art, technology and/or science, and EcoStation, an outdoor/indoor exhibit showcasing hands-on environmental activities like bug collecting and identifying animal tracks. Exploring three-story mazes, viewing a live chicken hatching, learning about Gullah culture, fighting crime, climbing boulders and navigating a boat upstream in an outdoor water park area are just a few more of the many other experiences that can be had at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
The Children’s Museum of Houston is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm Thursday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Admission is $9 for adults and children over one, $8 for seniors over 65 and military and free for children under one years of age. Additionally, it is free for all to enter on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm.
A few of the other many exhibits include How Does It Work?, where kids will learn the answers to challenging questions through investigation, Inventors’ Workshop, where kids are given a creative activity to complete relating to art, technology and/or science, and EcoStation, an outdoor/indoor exhibit showcasing hands-on environmental activities like bug collecting and identifying animal tracks. Exploring three-story mazes, viewing a live chicken hatching, learning about Gullah culture, fighting crime, climbing boulders and navigating a boat upstream in an outdoor water park area are just a few more of the many other experiences that can be had at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
The Children’s Museum of Houston is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm Thursday 10am to 8pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm. Admission is $9 for adults and children over one, $8 for seniors over 65 and military and free for children under one years of age. Additionally, it is free for all to enter on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm.
Address: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Hours: Tue-Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm, Thu 10:00am - 8:00pm. Sun 12:00pm - 6:00pm. Closed Mondays, except Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Admission: Adults/Children $9, Seniors $8
From $ 12
Houston Theater District
When you think of theater in the United States what cities come to mind? New York? LA? Chicago? Vegas? Maybe Washington DC? While all those cities definitely share an abundance of performing arts, it’s actually Houston that has the most second-most theater seats of any city in the country. In fact, between the 12,948 seats for live theater performances and the 1,580 movie seats that are also in the city’s theater district, there are enough seats to treat 89% of Texas towns to a show.
By every professional and statistical measure, Houston’s theater district is one the world’s most culturally rich destinations. Ballet, music, theater, and opera all have permanent, professional companies, and the actors, musicians, dancers and performers are among the best in the world. When visiting Houston’s theater district, enjoy a play at the Alley Theater, a longtime Houston icon. Or treat yourself to the sounds of a Symphony that was founded in 1913. The Houston Opera has won countless awards including a Tony, two Emmys, and two Grammys, and the Houston Ballet is the fifth largest company in the United States. Combined with the wealth of dining options within walking distance of the shows, the Houston Theater District is the ultimate night out for culture, food, and the arts.
Practical Info
The Theater District is made up of a 17-block area in Downtown Houston.
Address: Houston, Texas, USA, USA
From $ 64
Minute Maid Park
Houston residents love their Astros—and they also love their park. Ever since 2000 when the stadium opened to immediately rave reviews, Minute Maid Park has been one America’s most loved park’s for baseball. Hitters love how the left field wall is only 315 feet away, and fielders love how natural grass is used instead of turf. Spectators love how the retractable roof can create the ideal conditions, as well the train that chugs on the tracks with every Astros home run. In a nod to the city’s railroad history, part of the park has incorporated the historic Union Station, which now serves as the park’s main entrance adjacent to the left field wall. During days when there isn’t an Astros home game, visitors can enjoy a tour of the park that includes the broadcasting booth, press box, luxury suites, dugout, and historic Union Station. Or, if it’s a day when Houston is gearing up to cheer for their hometown team, there are 40,963 seats if you’d like to purchase a couple of tickets and be an Astros fan for a day.
Practical Info
Minute Maid Park is easily accessible by car, bus, or rail. There are over 25,000 parking spots within walking distance of the ballpark. Tours are held at 10am and Noon, Monday-Saturday on days when there aren’t any home games.
Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, Texas, USA 77002, USA
Hours: Daily 8:30am-5:30pm; hours vary during game season
Admission: Park Tour: $6-$15; game ticket prices vary
From $ 50
Space Center Houston at the Johnson Space Center
Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, offers visitors some out-of-this-world experiences. Watch astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock, and tour NASA’s control center. Anyone with an interest in aeronautics and space will appreciate Space Center Houston’s interactive exhibits, presentations, and attractions that dive into the past, present, and future of our universe.
The Basics
Space Center Houston is one of Houston’s top attractions. During a self-guided tour, ride a tram on a Space Center orientation, see fascinating exhibitions of full-size rockets and moon rock samples, and marvel at a life-size space shuttle replica and the real Apollo 17. The Lunch with an Astronaut program lets families dine with a real-life astronaut and hear a firsthand account of what space is like. Kids can take a break from science and play at the Kids Space Place while parents relax.
Things to Know Before You Go
- While everyone will appreciate the offerings at Space Center Houston, the attraction is especially worthwhile for families.
- Plan to arrive at the center right when it opens—you can easily spend the entire day here.
- Take the tram tour first: Not only does it help you get oriented, but lines can get long and the non-air-conditioned trams get very warm by the afternoon.
- Consider a guided tour of the space center with a sightseeing tour of Houston.
How to Get There
Space Center Houston is about a 30-minute drive or a 90-minute bus ride from downtown Houston. There is ample paid parking at the center.
When to Get There
The Space Center Houston is open year-round, except for Christmas Day and some other major holidays. Hours are generally 10am to 5pm, though these subject to change; check the website’s calendar.
Can’t-Miss Experiences at the Space Center Houston
While there are myriad points of interest within the Space Center Houston, there are a few must-do experiences. The NASA tram tour takes visitors to the iconic Apollo Mission Control Center, where all space shuttle missions and activity onboard international space station assembly flights are directed. The tour also visits the Saturn V Complex at Rocket Park to see an expendable rocket used by NASA’s Apollo and Skylab programs. The Starship Gallery, another must-see, is home to the world’s largest collection of moon rocks, plus space hardware like the Mercury-Atlas 8 Faith 7 capsule, the Gemini V spacecraft, a Lunar Roving Vehicle Trainer, the Apollo 17 command module, the Skylab Trainer, the Apollo-Soyuz Trainer, and an original Goddard rocket model.
Address: 1601 NASA Pkwy, Houston, Texas 77058, USA
Hours: Weekdays 10am–5pm, weekends 10am–6pm
Admission: Online: Adults US$29.95
From $ 25
Houston City Hall
A prime example of southwestern architecture of the late 1930s, Houston’s City Hall was built to house the local government and state officials who do business within the city of Houston – but its long history doesn’t stop there. Originally built above a crowded fish market, City Hall has always entertained a lively commercial market, and today the towering structure sits relatively small among downtown's massive skyscrapers. Remnants of that long and lively history can be seen at the City Hall Farmers' Market located just outside the City Hall Reflecting Pool on Wednesdays in the spring from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where local farmers sell everything from coffee to broccoli.
Inside Houston City Hall you’ll find various notable items all harkening back to the great lawgivers that came before us. From the aluminum medallions featuring Julius Caesar, Moses, Charlemagne, Thomas Jefferson and more, to the great marble stairways and specially cast aluminum doors, City Hall is both a step back in time and a contemporary look at modern law making.
Practical Info
Houston City Hall is located at 900 Bagby, and free tours are available twice a month on the first and third Wednesday of the month, as well as on the fourth Thursday of the month.
Address: 900 Bagby St, Houston, Texas 77002, USA
From $ 35