Houston, Texas is a bustling hub for business, but it also has a lot to offer in the fun department. Whether you’re planning a vacation to Houston or you live there full-time, this list can help you find something fun to do for the whole family.
Space Center Houston
The official visiting center of the Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston offers a unique inside look at the past, present and future of space exploration. The Space Center offers guided and self-guided tours of the informational galleries as well as operational facilities. A visit to the Space Center can be fun and educational for the whole family!
Houston Astro’s Game
For sports fans, an Astro’s baseball game at Minute Maid Park is a must-see. No matter the scores or standings, an old-fashioned baseball game is an American classic for a reason. The Park holds nearly 50,000 fans and offers a retractable roof so you never have to worry about inclement weather interrupting your game. Grab a hot dog from the concession stand, relax, and enjoy a good old-fashioned ball game at Minute Maid Park.
Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals including elephants, sea lions, giraffes, and more. You can take a walk through the 55-acre park and watch the animals from a distance. If you’re feeling bold, you can get up close and personal with some of your favorite animals with an animal encounter. There are a variety of activities and events to take part in throughout the day, and even a water park to keep cool in those hot summer months.
Downtown Aquarium
If aquatic animals are more your thing, take a trip into the city to the Downtown Aquarium. Located conveniently just off Highway 45, the Aquarium houses over 200 species of wildlife. You can see a variety of animals, from turtles to tigers, and even touch and feed live stingrays in the new Stingray Reef exhibit. Take a visit to the Downtown Aquarium to go under the sea without leaving the city limits.
Discovery Green
For a modern outdoor experience, visit Discovery Green in downtown Houston. A sprawling greenspace in the middle of the urbanized downtown area, Discovery Green brings nature into the city. You can take your dog for a walk by the lake or stop by for a concert at one of the bandstands, all within walking distance of some of Houston’s most important business centers.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
If you’re looking for a taste of Southern history, Bayou Bend mansion and gardens are a must-see. With an early 1900’s mansion housing nearly 5,000 artifacts from the 1600’s to 1800’s, the site is a treasure trove of historical pieces. The expansive gardens make a visit to Bayou Bend feel like a trip back in time, away from the busy streets of Houston proper.
USS Texas
Houston is known for its importance as a shipping hub, and the presence of the USS Texas in the port is a testament to that significance. Launched in 1912, the USS Texas served in both World Wars and was the first battleship to become a museum ship after it was decommissioned. You can visit the historic site and take a tour of the very same decks that some of the most important battles of the 20th Century were fought on.