Houston TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Houston, Texas.
1. Space Center Houston
SPACE EXPLORATION HISTORY
Space Center Houston is a historical space center offering tram tours to Mission Control and astronaut facilities. Visitors can explore space history exhibits and gain insights into the Saturn V rocket. The center provides an educational experience showcasing NASA's achievements and the future of space exploration.
2. The Houston Museum of Natural Science
DINOSAURS AND BUTTERFLIES
The Houston Museum of Natural Science features a wide range of exhibits from dinosaur bones to a vibrant butterfly habitat. Interactive elements are available for children along with an educational planetarium. The museum offers an educational ambiance with diverse displays covering natural history and science.
3. The Galleria
UPSCALE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Galleria is an indoor shopping haven boasting upscale boutiques and a renowned ice rink. The center is known for its variety of stores and vibrant atmosphere amid modern architecture. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options under one roof, with ongoing renovations enhancing the experience.
4. Museum of Fine Arts
ART THROUGH AGES
The Museum of Fine Arts showcases a blend of European and modern masterpieces with interactive exhibits. The museum includes a beautiful sculpture garden and an underground art passage. Children can enjoy specially designed activities while adults appreciate the diverse art collections.
5. Houston Zoo
WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION
The Houston Zoo provides a unique and inspirational experience fostering appreciation for the natural world. It functions essentially as a small city encompassing various world ecosystems. Visitors can observe diverse animal species while learning about conservation efforts and environmental stewardship.
6. Minute Maid Park
HOME OF THE ASTROS
Minute Maid Park is an indoor ballpark featuring a retractable roof and spacious seating arrangements. The stadium offers a diverse food selection and creates a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. Beyond baseball games, the venue hosts concerts and other entertainment events throughout the year.
7. Cockrell Butterfly Center
TROPICAL BUTTERFLY PARADISE
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a glass-enclosed butterfly habitat located next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The center includes a simulated rainforest and thousands of colorful butterflies flying freely around visitors. A dramatic 50-foot waterfall and exotic plants create an immersive tropical experience.
8. Children's Museum Houston
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Children's Museum Houston offers interactive exhibits with hands-on STEM activities and an outdoor water feature. The museum features a kid-sized city where children can role-play various occupations and daily activities. Young minds are engaged through imaginative play and educational experiences designed specifically for children.
9. Buffalo Bayou Park
URBAN OUTDOOR OASIS
Buffalo Bayou Park is a sprawling urban green space offering walking trails, bike paths, and picturesque views of the Houston skyline. The park features public art installations, boat rentals, and a bat colony that emerges at dusk for a natural spectacle. Visitors can enjoy outdoor recreation while experiencing the natural beauty within the heart of the city.
10. The Waterwall
ARCHITECTURAL WATER FEATURE
The Waterwall is a multi-story sculptural fountain that has become one of Houston's most photographed sites. Water cascades down its curved walls, creating both a visual spectacle and a cooling microclimate in the surrounding area. The architectural marvel is set within a small park that provides a peaceful retreat from the surrounding urban environment.
11. Toyota Center
SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Toyota Center serves as the home arena for the Houston Rockets and hosts major concerts and entertainment events throughout the year. The modern facility offers excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art sound systems for an immersive experience. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and various food options while attending sporting events or performances.
12. McGovern Centennial Gardens
ELEGANT BOTANICAL DISPLAY
McGovern Centennial Gardens showcases meticulously designed landscape features including themed garden areas and a striking 30-foot garden mount. The gardens display a diverse collection of plant species arranged in artistic patterns and groupings. Visitors can stroll through rose gardens, vegetable gardens, and sculpture displays in this urban horticultural gem.
13. Kemah Boardwalk
WATERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Kemah Boardwalk is an old-school boardwalk on Galveston Bay offering dining, shopping and amusement park attractions. The waterfront destination features carnival rides, restaurants with bay views, and regular live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the coastal atmosphere while experiencing a variety of family-friendly activities just outside Houston.
14. Downtown Tunnel System
UNDERGROUND URBAN NETWORK
Houston's Downtown Tunnel System is the largest underground pedestrian network in the United States, connecting buildings throughout the downtown area. The climate-controlled tunnels house numerous restaurants, shops, and services that cater to the downtown workforce and visitors. Guided tours are available to explore this unique subterranean feature, which includes visits to the tallest building in the city and Texas' first skyscraper.
15. Comicpalooza
POP CULTURE FESTIVAL
Comicpalooza is Houston's biggest multi-genre and pop culture festival held at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The event brings together fans, celebrities, artists, and vendors for a weekend celebration of comics, sci-fi, fantasy, gaming, and more. Scheduled for June 20-22, 2025, this annual convention offers panels, workshops, cosplay competitions, and entertainment for pop culture enthusiasts of all ages.