14 Best Things To Do In Houston – Ultimate Guide

Houston, Texas is a large metropolitan city in the southeastern United States.

Houston is known for its diversity, culture, and economy.

The city is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Astros (MLB), and the Houston Rockets (NBA).

Visitors to Houston will find plenty to see and do. Some of the city’s most popular attractions include the Space Center Houston, the Johnson Space Center, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Visitors can also enjoy shopping at one of the many malls and outlet centers, or take in a show at one of the city’s many theaters and performing arts venues.

Things To Do In Houston

1. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is the visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center which is where both the Nasa Mission Control and training facility for astronauts are.

It’s located around 26 miles south east of Houston city center.

One of the city’s topmost attractions, the Space Center Houston is home to numerous exhibits on space exploration and space in general for visitors to explore.

There are two main parts for a visit to the Nasa Space Center.

There’s the self-guided Space Center Houston museum itself, and there’s the tram tour, which takes you onto the grounds of the NASA Johnson Space Center facility.

Here you can see actual working government facilities, as well as historic locations like the original Mission Control room.

The real star of the show is the Independence Plaza exhibit, a 747 aeroplane with a full replica of the space shuttle Independence mounted above it.

The space centre also runs various education programmes, so you can learn some of the science behind space exploration.

Also check out the range of kid-friendly exhibits and the extensive movie collection.

Address: Space Center Houston, 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

2. Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is one of Houston’s most beloved parks.

The 160-acre park winds its way through the heart of the city, providing visitors with a chance to experience nature in the midst of a bustling metropolis.

The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as numerous sculptures and other works of art.

Visitors can enjoy picnicking, bird watching, hiking, biking, and much more.

Buffalo Bayou Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Houston. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or a day, and it’s sure to please everyone in the family.

Address: Buffalo Bayou Park, 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019

3. Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is located in downtown Houston, the zoo houses over 6,000 animals representing more than 800 species.

The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

The Houston Zoo first opened its doors to the public in 1922, making it one of the oldest zoos in the country.

The zoo has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, and today occupies 55 acres (22 hectares) of land. The zoo is divided into several different exhibits, each showcasing a different kind of animal or habitat.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the Houston Zoo include the African Forest, which is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, and other African animals.

The Asian Gardens, which features tigers, pandas, and other Asian animals.

The Reptile House, which houses snakes, lizards, and other reptiles.

The zoo also has a children’s zoo, an insectarium, and a veterinary hospital.

Address: Houston Zoo, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

4. Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular museums in the United States, attracting more than two million visitors each year.

Founded in 1909, the museum is dedicated to advancing the scientific knowledge of natural science and to providing educational opportunities for all ages.

The museum houses a collection of more than three million items, including fossils, minerals, meteorites, animals, plants, and space science exhibits.

The museum’s collections are used for research by scientists from around the world and are also loaned out to other institutions for exhibitions.

The museum offers a variety of public programs, including lectures, workshops, camps, and field trips. It also operates an education center that provides classes and outreach programs to schools and community organizations.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a member of the Association of Science-Technology Centers. It is also a Smithsonian Institution affiliate.

Address: Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

5. Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium is one of the most unique and exciting attractions in the city.

Located in downtown Houston, this six-acre complex features a 500,000 gallon aquarium with more than 200 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

The aquarium also houses an interactive stingray petting tank, a shark reef tunnel and a turtle sanctuary.

In addition to the amazing animals on display, Downtown Aquarium Houston also features a number of fun and educational exhibits.

The Fossil Dig lets kids experience what it was like to be a paleontologist as they uncover fossils from the Cretaceous period.

The Touch Pool allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the sea creatures living in the aquarium. And the Aquatic Gallery features a variety of rotating art exhibitions.

The Downtown Aquarium is also home to a full-service restaurant, an upscale bar and a gift shop. The restaurant offers fresh seafood, steaks and salads, while the bar serves up cocktails and light snacks. The gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, toys and books.

6. Cockrell Butterfly Center

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is one of the most popular attractions at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

This indoor rainforest is home to thousands of butterflies from around the world. Visitors can stroll through the lush gardens and watch as butterflies flutter among the flowers.

The center also features a butterfly conservatory, where rare and endangered species are protected.

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is open year-round, so visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature no matter what time of year it is.

Admission to the center is included with general admission to the museum. Group tours are available for groups of 10 or more people.

Address: Cockrell Butterfly Center, 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

7. Hines Waterwall Park

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a two-acre public park located in Houston, Texas.

The park features a man-made waterfall that cascades down a 65-foot concrete wall.

The waterfall is illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for evening walks and picnics.

The park also has a playground, picnic tables, and walking trails.

It is located near several restaurants and shopping centers, making it a convenient place to visit for families and couples.

Hines Waterwall Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Address: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056

8. Art Car Museum

One of the best things to do in Houston for car lovers is the Art Car Museum.

However, it’s not just car fans who can enjoy this Houston attraction, it’s also for art lovers.

The museum is nicknamed the Garage Mahal, as it features elaborate art cars that have been given a new flair through dazzling colors and designs.

The Art Car Museum is a private museum of contemporary art.

By the time you’ve finished touring the art museums exciting exhibits, you should have a new outlook on both art and vehicles.

Located west of downtown Houston and north of the Museum District, the Art Car Museum is open Wednesday through to Sunday.

Address: Art Car Museum, 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

9. Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park is home to Houston’s Major League Baseball team the Houston Astros.

Located in Downtown Houston at Union Station, Minute Maid Park was built to reflect Houston’s historical relationship with the railroads.

During days when there isn’t a Houston 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.

Tours last approximately one hour and fans should be prepared to climb stairs and ramps, and to walk approximately one mile.

A super attraction for all the family as there is lots of fun to be had whether it be rain or shine.

Address: Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002

10. Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a 12-acre public park located in downtown Houston.

The park opened in 2008 and is one of the most popular green spaces in the city.

Discovery Green features a variety of amenities for visitors, including a lake, playgrounds, gardens, and event spaces.

The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, from concerts and festivals to farmers markets and movie nights.

Discovery Green is the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors in the heart of Houston.

Address: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

11. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Through more than 70 years in the city, the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston has provided residents and visitors with stunning pieces, exhibitions and fine arts.

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston occupies the famous stainless steel building in the heart of the Houston Museum District.

The art museums two floors house rotating exhibitions that showcase a mix of international artists and regional works.

This Houston Museum is located across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts and is within walking distance of Hermann Park.

It is closed on Mondays.

Admission to the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is free.

Address: Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, 5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006

12. Children’s Museum

One of the best things to do in Houston with kids is a visit to the Children’s Museum.

The Children’s Museum of Houston is located in the Museum District, right opposite the Health Museum and Hermann Park.

Listed as a top kid-friendly museum in the U.S, the Houston Children’s Museum was founded in 1980.

The Children’s museum has some great absorbing exhibits in subjects such as science, technology, history, culture, and much more.

This Houston museum has 14 exhibition areas filled with innovative displays, fun games, and interactive challenges.

From outdoor activities, science lessons, play areas, hobby center, arts and crafts and more, you could spend a whole day at this popular museum.

Address: Children’s Museum, 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004

13. Hermann Park

Hermann Park is one of Houston’s most beloved parks.

The park spans 445 acres and is home to many attractions, including the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Hermann Park Golf Course.

The park also has a large lake where visitors can go fishing or paddleboarding. Hermann Park is a popular spot for picnics, walks, and bike rides.

The park is also host to many events throughout the year, such as the weekly farmers market and concerts in the park.

Hermann Park is a cherished part of Houston and a must-visit for any visitor to the city.

Address: Hermann Park, 1700 Herman Dr Houston, TX 77004

14. The Health Museum

Located in the heart of the city’s rich and varied Museum District, The Health Museum has a mission to foster wonder and curiosity about health and medical science.

The Health Museum is one of Houston’s top family attractions, with a fun and immersive learning experience on health, medicine, and the human body’s inner workings.

The museum has a number of interactive and instructive exhibits, such as a hands-on tour of the human body and real organ dissections.

One of the top parts of The Health Museum is the “Amazing Body Gallery.”

This lets you learn so much about yourself and how you function.

Throughout the museum, computer simulators, video touch screens and interactive exhibits provide hands-on learning about health and the workings of the human body

This is also a great place to come with your kids and nurture their budding interest in science.

The exhibits keep changing, so there’s always something new on offer.

Address: The Health Museum, 1515 Hermann Drive Houston, TX 77004

FAQ

What is the city of Houston famous for?

Houston is recognized as the world’s capital of space research, with the NASA Johnson Space Center in the city. The phrase “Space City” has been used to refer to Houston since at least 1965.

The name Space City refers to the city’s long history as a preeminent center of activity in space and its current importance to space exploration.

How much street art is there in Houston?

Houston street art scene is always developing, changing and evolving.

There are well over 90 Houston street art wall murals in all.

An interactive digital map displays the locations of hundreds of works of street art expressing the cultural character of Houston.

What is the biggest livestock show in Texas?

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the world’s largest livestock show and richest regular-season rodeo.

The Houston Livestock Show has encouraged and promoted the breeding, raising and marketing of the livestock industry.

Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo draws more than 2 million fans to experience rodeo action, major musical acts, and a carnival atmosphere.

Who plays at the Houston Toyota Center?

The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston that play their home games at the Toyota Center.

The Toyota Center is located in Downtown Houston.

The Houston Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association as a member team of the league’s Western Conference Southwest Division.

How many parks are in Houston?

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department oversees over 350 developed parks and more than 200 green spaces.

Amenities include 268 playgrounds, seven golf courses, a Japanese Garden and Garden Center, 38 municipal swimming pools, 13 Water Playgrounds, 3 staffed tennis centers, 7 Skate amusement Parks and 5 Dog Park.

Some of the best include, Bayou Bend, McGovern Centennial Gardens, Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden and the Jane Gregory Garden that is situated in Buffalo Bayou Park.

What is the best month for visiting Houston?

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.