You’ve arrived in Houston, the city where cowboy boots meet space suits. But it’s about more than cowboys and trips to the moon. Discover the wide range of things to do in Houston, from unique cultural experiences to exciting urban adventures. We’re taking a trip through Bayou City, and you won’t want to miss it.
Sports and Entertainment
Sports and entertainment are a part of Houston’s culture. The city is home to several major sports teams, as well as the history of space flight. Catch a game at one of multiple sports venues, or visit NASA’s iconic museum and take a trip through the stars. It’s hard to be bored here!
The NASA Space Center
If you’ve ever wanted to bounce around on the moon, a trip to the NASA Space Center is one small step in the right direction. With hundreds of incredible artifacts from America’s space missions, it’s hard not to get lost in the awe and wonder of our galaxy. Gaze at the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft in Independence Plaza and imagine that historic first flight, or sail into the future by experiencing a simulated trip to Mars. You can even touch a real piece of rock from the Red Planet!
Toyota Center
Toyota Center is where you can see the Houston Rockets play while you devour some classic Texas BBQ from the concession stands. Plus, the profits from some of the arena’s foods and beverages go to charity, and we love that. While you’re there, stop by the team store and get some new merch.
Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park — sometimes called “the Juice Box”—is a massive baseball stadium in the heart of downtown Houston where the Houston Astros play. You’ll watch it come alive as you cheer with fellow fans through each inning. And don’t forget about the fresh food — give yourself the true Houston experience and order a Texas Reuben or smoked brisket.
Arts and Culture
Houston is a little offbeat when it comes to arts and culture, reflecting the city's many hidden gems. As pioneers of creativity, we find this aspect of the city particularly fun and engaging.
From a house covered in beer cans to restaurants serving sautéed insects, fall down the rabbit hole and see where Houston takes you. These unique things to do can keep you entertained for days.
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston keeps things interesting by constantly swapping in new artwork by fascinating creatives. Wander inside for free and get lost in the galleries. Whether you’re experiencing art installations or admiring a sculpture, you can easily spend hours exploring the museum’s surreal world of contemporary art.
By the way, the building itself is also a work of art by Gunnar Birkerts, a renowned architect from Latvia. Built in 1972, the structure is covered in stainless steel, creating a modernist, shimmering facade.
The Houston Graffiti Building
The Houston Graffiti Building, in Graffiti Park, is a monument to free spirits and public art. It displays works by some of the city’s most impressive street artists. The murals frequently change at The Houston Graffiti Building, so exploring the artwork is always one of the most unique things to do in Houston. Keep an eye out for the colorful work of GONZO247 or Empires13, two of the city’s most beloved artists. You’re sure to find an eye-catching spot to snap some selfies or group photos.
Spectacular Shows Nearby!
Elevate your Houston experience with breathtaking Cirque du Soleil performances.
Houston Food Tours
Food tours can be fun anywhere, but Houston food tours elevate the experience with unique and wild dishes, including dining at some of the best rooftop restaurants in Houston.
Beer Can House
Beer Can House is a must-see stop in Houston. After years of mowing the lawn of his small home, Beer Can House’s creator John Milkovisch covered the facade in concrete, pieces of metal, and marble, like a giant mosaic. And thus, Beer Can House was born. By the ‘70s, John’s unconventional decorating had climbed up the sides of the home in the form of flattened beer cans. Hanging from the roof and framing the windows, the cans popped up everywhere. Today, over 50,000 beer cans bejewel the building.
The Orange Show
The Orange Show is an experience, not a destination—similar to our performances, in a way. With a touch of whimsy, a dash of live music, and plenty of neon colors, this trippy venue is perfect for anyone who likes their art to be quirky and just a little weird.
First up is the Orange Show Monument, a maze-like environment with seating areas, space to watch live performances, and some outsider art. Then there’s Smither Park just down the block, a fantastical world of colorful folk art that’s part of the Orange Show family. Venture into both locations and see what happens — you’re in for a weirdly fun time.
The Menil Collection
Visit the The Menil Collection to get your fill of thought-provoking art. It all started in 1987, when two philanthropists named John and Dominique de Menil opened a museum. Their goal was to give the public access to visionary artwork, so the building purposefully reflects democratic values through its ground-level entry.
Today, the campus offers 30 acres of green space to explore and several gallery buildings that house a rotating collection of works. We love the campus’s ethos of making art accessible to everyone, and we give it bonus points for the free admission.
Family-Friendly Activities
There are exciting and unique things to do in Houston, a city for kids and adults alike. Take the whole family on an adventure and keep everyone entertained with these kid-friendly activities.
Houston's Web of Underground Tunnels
With a network of tunnels 20 feet below the surface, it’s time to break out your inner adventurer and start exploring Houston’s web of underground tunnels. The winding pathways started as a simple connection between two movie theaters in the 1930s, but the network has expanded to connect nearly 100 city blocks, including stops along the way for shopping and dining. Venture underground, and see where the tunnels take you.
Escape Rooms in Houston
Tackle puzzles and hunt for clues in one of the many escape rooms in Houston. Whether it’s a murder mystery at Escape Hunt or an art heist at The Escape Game Houston, get in some good family bonding and have a blast racing against the clock. For even more fun, split up into groups and see who gets out first.
Take the Kids to Downtown Aquarium
Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is anything but normal. Imagine an underwater train taking you to a deep-sea restaurant for a delicious dinner surrounded by swimming fish.
When you’re full, explore a lost shipwreck before feeding live stingrays. Next, swim to the surface and meet a real-life tiger. It’s all possible at the Downtown Aquarium.
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. features winding boardwalks surrounded by wildflowers, and a Nature Playscape, a unique playground that encourages you to get up close and personal with nature.
Be a bug exploring the larger-than-life Grass Climb, or crawl into a human-sized spider web. Parents can enjoy pathways throughout the playground, and there’s a hand and foot washing area, so patrons can clean themselves up when it’s time to leave.
Adventures and Outdoor Activities
Blue skies and sunny weather make it hard to stay indoors in Houston. Get outside with these exciting activities and electrifying adventures.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park was born in 1914, when a philanthropist named George H. Hermann donated over 200 acres of land to the city. Today, the property has expanded to over 400 acres of sprawling green space filled with fascinating attractions.
Relax under the shade of a live oak, hop in a pedal boat and sail across the lake, or journey through the trees on the Hermann Park Railroad. Looking for some arts and culture? Hermann Park has that, too.
Whether it’s the stunning architecture of the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion or the calming ambiance of the Hawkins Sculpture Walk, this massive urban park has something for everyone.
Ride a Horse!
You’re in Texas, the land of cowboys and tumbleweeds, so why not go for it and learn how to ride a horse? Houston might be a metropolis, but stables and riding schools are tucked away at the edges of the city. Schedule a lesson and go full Western!
Houston Skydiving
There are several skydiving companies in Houston ready to give you the thrill of a lifetime. Gawk at the stunning view of Earth from above, or just enjoy the full-body rush. If you’re not ready for the real deal, head to iFLY and experience an indoor skydiving simulation. It’s basically the same thing, but maybe a little less terrifying.
Treat Yourself
If it’s time for a little R&R, we’ve got you. Whether it’s a spa day, retail therapy, or a violin concert, Houston wants you to treat yourself — so go for it.
Spas in Houston
Take a moment to relax at one of Houston’s many spas. Immerse yourself in a healing sound bath at Unwind Studio, clarify your skin with a facial at Face Haus, or indulge in an all-day journey through saunas, hot tubs, and massages at Gangnam. You deserve it.
Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets is your go-to if you need to spend a day shopping. Dozens of stores are conveniently located within walking distance throughout Tanger’s large campus, and they have everything from activewear to the latest designer pieces at discounted prices.
Snack along the way, thanks to unique eateries on-site, or grab a quick cup of coffee at Starbucks and keep shopping!
Get a Little Elegant at the Candlelight Concerts
Candlelight Concerts is a touring show visits stunning concert halls around the world and bathes audiences in a mixture of warm candlelight and classical-inspired music.
Hundreds of candles surround the performers and the stage, creating an enchanting atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Let yourself get carried away by the music.
Sightseeing
One of our breathtaking shows, serenity in nature, beautifully built buildings. There’s so much to see, so make a day of it — or a week! Houston is best experienced up close and personal, so hop on a bus or bike and start exploring. Or for something a little different, head out of town and visit the ocean-side city of Galveston.
See Everything on a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
Walk down Hosuton’s streets and you’re sure to see a few double-decker, open-air buses. These vehicles are a fabulous way to take in the city. Hop off when something catches your eye, and hop back on when you’re itching for the next ideal attraction. You’re in charge of your trip, so try one of these bus tours and see what excites you.
Head Out on a Galveston Day Trip
A day trip to the coastal city of Galveston can be a welcome escape. Go for the refreshing ocean and stay for the seafood (don’t forget to try a fish taco).
While you’re there, take a trip through the city’s history at sites such as Bishop's Palace, built in 1892, and the Galveston Railroad Museum.
Explore the City on Two Wheels
You don’t need a car to travel around downtown Houston. With bike rentals throughout the city, it’s easy to hop on and start exploring — or for something a little more unique, take a segway tour and blast down the streets. Adventurous travelers can take self-guided trips, or look for a tour service to hit all the top destinations.
Charting Your Unconventional Houston Adventure
Houston is a city for dreamers, people who seek out the unconventional, and anyone who loves good food. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a new visitor, a voyage through the city is one you’ll cherish forever. There are countless fun things to do in Houston, so plan a trip and pack your bags!
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out one of our Houston shows. Enter a land of ice and acrobatics through Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL and marvel at our boundary-pushing circus display.
Experience the fantastical expedition of Corteo, a journey through visions of tragedy and beauty. Every one of our shows is a spectacle you won’t forget, so join us in our world of imagination!