With so many things to do in Houston, putting an itinerary together can take a lot of work. Houston is filled with a range of experiences for visitors and locals alike, from culture and the arts to fun outdoor activities and unique food offerings. Houston is often regarded as one of the top travel destinations in the U.S.
You don’t need to break the bank to visit Houston, as there are plenty of Houston attractions that have a nominal charge, if any. When considering your budget, explore the wide variety of things to do in Houston, as there are more options than you might think.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
Step outside and enjoy the views, sounds and smells of nature in Houston.
1. Enjoy the City Views at Buffalo Bayou Park
- Time needed: Two to five hours
- Address: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and Memorial Drive
When thinking about free things to do in Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park is a great addition to any list. This 160-acre green space surrounding Buffalo Bayou offers a number of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking and picnicking, to name a few.
There are also several attractions to visit while at Buffalo Bayou Park, including the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. While entering the park is free, you will have to pay a small fee for parking and other special attractions.
2. Bike at Hermann Park
- Time needed: Three to five hours
- Address: 6001 Fannin Street
Hermann Park is one of the top things to do in Houston with kids, thanks to its wide range of attractions. Spanning over 445 acres, Hermann Park offers plenty of things to keep the family entertained, such as the Kinder Children's Museum, the McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Hermann Park Golf Course. Best of all, this park offers several bike trails to take a spin on. While admission to Hermann Park is free, you might incur a small admission fee to attractions within the park.
3. Go on a Walk in the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Time needed: One to two hours
- Address: 4501 Woodway Drive
Take an afternoon to explore the 155-acre urban green space of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. The location is free to enter and as a guest, you’ll explore a boardwalk through wetlands, a sensory garden and five miles of nature trails. Visitors can also take advantage of the educational programs offered, like camps and workshops, which provide an even more in-depth look at the nature around you. There is a small parking fee, but overall, this activity is one of the best things to do in Houston for free.
4. Check Out Discovery Green
- Time needed: One hour to half a day
- Address: 1500 McKinney Street
There’s much to do at Discovery Green, a 12-acre park in downtown Houston. A great location for families or visitors of any age, this park offers guests a wide range of activities, like biking, paddleboarding, art-viewing, romantic tours through Houston and the always-popular children’s garden. With plenty of green lawns available, you can bring a blanket and curl up with a good book for part of the afternoon to unwind. Discovery Green is a free public park. However, special events might cost extra.
5. Explore Galveston Island
- Time needed: One hour to half a day
- Address: 14901 FM 3005, Galveston
Right on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Galveston Island hosts phenomenal beaches perfect for swimming and several family-friendly attractions like the Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Historical Foundation Museum. You could easily spend half a day or more taking in this island's sights and sounds, so if you don’t have to rush off, don’t. You can visit the island for free; however, many of the attractions do have a small fee for entry.
6. See the Exhibits at Houston Zoo
- Time needed: Three to four hours
- Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive
Little is better than spending the day exploring a zoo and the Houston Zoo is one of the largest. With over 3,000 animals on exhibit, adults and kids alike will be sure to find a new favorite animal after visiting. The Kids’ Zone is a dedicated place for children to engage in interactive play and all visitors can have the chance to get up close with giraffe and elephant encounters. Houston Zoo offers “flex pricing,” truly considering your budget and schedule.
Arts and City Culture
Houston is a city thriving with the arts — museums, theater shows, music and festivals keep native Houstonians and visitors alike thoroughly entertained.
7. Visit the Museum District
- Time needed: Half a day to a full day
- Address: South of downtown Houston
If you’re a museum buff and wondering what to do in Houston, the Museum District in Houston is the place for you. Home to 19 museums, this group of fantastic Houston attractions is just south of downtown.
You can also find a wide range of restaurants and cafes in the Museum District, great for resting your feet and recharging before the next location. While each museum has its own admission price, there are often deals running for free or discounted admission.
8. See the Menil Collection
- Time needed: One to three hours
- Address: 1533 Sul Ross Street
A small but mighty private art museum, the Menil Collection offers visitors the chance to see works by some of the most iconic artists, including Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Henri Matisse, to name a few. This museum boasts “quality over quantity,” so while you won’t be dazzled with thousands of art pieces, the ones that you will see are often regarded as priceless. Admission to this museum is always free, making it a perfect escape from reality.
9. Experience Houston’s Theater District
- Time needed: Half a day to a full day
- Address: Downtown Houston
Houston’s Theater District spans 17 blocks in downtown Houston. This includes nine theaters, such as the Alley Theater, Stages Repertory Theatre and Jones Hall, so you can find any type of show you’d want to see. There's always something to see from new plays, musicals, new artist showcases and more. Be sure to grab dinner or drinks from one of the area’s many restaurants for a fun night out on the town.
10. Tour the Museum of Fine Arts Houston
- Time needed: Two to three hours
- Address: 1001 Bissonnet Street
One of the largest art museums in the United States, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is a must-see for anyone interested in art. Within the museum walls, you’ll find over 70,000 works of art from all areas of the world. The Beck Collection features European artwork by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists and the Brown Foundation Fine Arts Library holds over 350,000 volumes on art history.
11. Visit the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
- Time needed: One to two hours
- Address: 5216 Montrose Boulevard
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is smaller than other museums that have made this list, but that doesn't make it any less significant. You’ll find some of the greatest works of contemporary art from around the world here, with both permanent and rotating exhibits. For art buffs, you can explore your passion fully with lectures and workshops and since it always offers free admission, you can visit this attraction often.
12. Attend the Houston Grand Opera
- Time needed: Two to four hours
- Address: 601 Worth Street
If you’re in the mood for a show, you should check out the Houston Grand Opera. It’s one of the largest opera companies in the United States and features world-class, diverse productions, making it welcoming for every kind of patron. Ticket prices vary, but membership subscribers save on overall ticket costs.
13. Attend a Show at Alley Theatre
- Time needed: Two to three hours
- Address: 615 Texas Avenue
The Alley Theater, which hosts over 249,000 patrons annually, is known for its commitment to new plays and creative excellence. Not only does this theater host high-quality live shows like A Christmas Carol, but its commitment to education with virtual engagement and acting camps paves the way for new generations of actors.
14. Wander Through Market Square Park
- Time needed: One to three hours
- Address: 301 Milam Street
If you’re seeking to unwind in a park with historical value, add Market Square Park to your Houston itinerary. This site was originally set aside as the “Congress Square” and has since been transformed into a place for all Houstonians to enjoy. Take in the public art showcased around the park or stop in at one of the many restaurants that adorn the outskirts.
15. Visit the Historic Heights District
- Time needed: One to three hours
- Address: Houston Heights East Historic District
Adorned with charming Victorian beauty, the Historic Heights District of Houston is certainly a sight to see if you enjoy history and culture. Take a drive to view some of the historic homes in the area, which have been beautifully restored to showcase their original charm. Visitors can experience diverse dining and shopping options, from small and cozy cafes to fine dining establishments.
While visiting, stop and enjoy one of the many cultural events in the area. Art walks, farmers markets and live music all come to life in the heart of historic Houston. Visitors can also relax in the many grassy areas that the area provides, like Heights Boulevard Park, for a relaxing and minimal-cost afternoon.
16. Indulge on the Tex-Mex Cuisine
- Time needed: One to two hours
- Address: Several options
With all the things to do in Houston, Texas, you can work up your appetite. Take a break from museum-hopping or exploring the outdoors to grab some food at one of the five must-try places to eat in Houston. There’s no shortage of Tex-Mex food (which is a fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors) and there are options for every type of budget.
For a modern take on this Houston staple, visit The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, where fajitas were born. Or, stop by the family-owned restaurant Nia's Taqueria for some delicious (and affordable) tacos or enchiladas.
17. Try Out Texan Barbecue
- Time needed: One to two hours
- Address: Several options
Much like Tex-Mex, there is no shortage of good ol’ Texan barbecue food to fill you up. From brisket, ribs, pulled pork and cornbread, you’ll surely find some lip-smacking good food wherever you stay in Houston. Visit Franklin's Barbecue for their award-winning brisket or try Killen's Barbecue for their juicy pulled pork options. No matter where you go, bring some wet wipes with you — your fingers are sure to get messy.
Entertainment
They say everything is bigger in Texas, including the entertainment. Here are some fun things to do in Houston that will make your trip memorable.
18. Attend a Football Game at NRG Stadium
- Time needed: Three to four hours
- Address: 8825 Kirby Drive
Whether you’re a football fanatic or just someone who’s looking to explore new sights of the city you’re in, stopping for a Houston Texans football game at NRG Stadium is a must. Be sure to purchase tickets well in advance if you plan on making the trip to Houston to get the best possible seats. And don’t forget to pack your Texans colors, deep steel blue and battle red, to wear during the big game.
19. Watch a Basketball Game at Toyota Center
- Time needed: Two to four hours
- Address: 1510 Polk Street
If football isn’t your sport of choice (or maybe you are an avid fan of all sports), enjoy a Houston Rockets basketball game at Toyota Center. Prepare to feel the electric spark of the crowd at tipoff, watch the incredible talent of the Rockets face off against their opponents and enjoy the halftime show offerings. Whether traveling alone or with your family and friends, this is one Houston attraction that shouldn’t go unnoticed.
20. Enjoy a Baseball Game at Minute Maid Park
- Time needed: Two to four hours
- Address: 501 Crawford Street
Watching baseball is a leisurely activity and while the crowds can get wild, it’s a much more relaxed atmosphere than a football or basketball game. Head to Minute Maid Park to watch the Houston Astros take on their opponents. This stadium can hold 41,000 fans on game day and thanks to the retractable roof, you don’t have to worry about a rain-out. Grab some peanuts and Cracker Jack and enjoy the 7th-inning stretch during your fun afternoon.
21. Say Hello to the Sea Creatures at the Downtown Aquarium
- Time needed: Two to three hours
- Address: 410 Bagby Street
Popular with kids and adults alike, the Downtown Aquarium is one of the great family attractions to see in Houston. Here, you’ll find several species of shark, many colorful fish, different reptiles and lots of sea turtles. This aquarium also offers other fun attractions like a Ferris wheel, carousel and roller coaster. And don’t worry — while working up an appetite, you can dine at the on-site restaurant or have a drink and relax at the bar.
22. Explore the Children’s Museum of Houston
- Time needed: Two to four hours
- Address: 1500 Binz Street
Parents or guardians can take their family to the Children’s Museum of Houston for a fun-filled day they won’t soon forget. Made for children of all ages, this museum is filled with fun and activities. Smaller children can enjoy Kid City, which promotes learning through play. Power Play and Science Station introduce kids to experimentation and learning and the outdoor area is perfect to cool down with varying water features.
Space and Science
Visit Houston and learn more about space exploration and scientific research with some of the most well-known attractions in these fields.
23. Witness History at the Space Center Houston
- Time needed: Two to seven hours
- Address: 1601 E NASA Parkway
Maybe you’re a fan of all things space exploration or perhaps just a fan of the Apollo movies. Regardless, setting foot into the Space Center Houston should be high on your to-do list. Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits, view historic artifacts like the Apollo 17 command module, try out different space simulators and take a peek at the astronaut training experience.
24. Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Time needed: Two to three hours
- Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive
While in Houston, set aside time to visit one of the large U.S. museums, the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, there are plenty of sights to see here — enough to dedicate a whole day to if you’d like. Explore different gems in the Hall of Gems and Minerals and get up close and personal with dinosaur skeletons in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, among other things.
25: Get Dark at the National Museum of Funeral History
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
- Address: 415 Barren Springs Drive
There is nothing easy about the funeral industry, but its incredible history and stories are impressive. The National Museum of Funeral History isn’t about gore. Rather, it is owned by a funeral company and has the largest collection of funeral artifacts you’ll find in the country. The location’s goal is to educate the public on the service of death care.
That may not seem important, but once you step into this 35,000-square-foot museum, you will see just how much care and attention go into the process of providing death care. Learn everything about caskets and coffins while also learning about the unique steps taken in the funerals of Popes, Presidents and numerous celebrities. You’ll also be able to explore a collection of rare funeral service vehicles on display, including the actual ones used for U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald R. Ford, as well as those used for Grace Kelly.
26. Walk Through a Living Butterfly Habitat at the Cockrell Butterfly Center
- Time needed: 90 minutes to 2.5 hours
- Address: 5555 Hermanna Park Drive
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a living habitat that you get to explore firsthand. As you walk through it, you’ll see both live and preserved butterflies from a wide range of subspecies and you’ll get to learn a great deal about them and about the importance they provide to the ecosystem. The estimate is that there are 1500 to 2000 individual butterflies moving through the facility at any given time.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is all about educating, but there are a lot of interesting things to explore here, including some of the largest and strangest arthropods in the world. You can interact with various displays, get the kids involved in hands-on experiences and see the creatures up close, even as they land on your shoulder or flutter in front of you. The Rainforest Conservatory is a three-story glass structure within the center, with a 50-foot waterfall and butterflies everywhere.
27. Catch a Show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre
- Time needed: 2 to 4 hours, depending on the show
- Address: 6000 Hermann Park Drive
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is a treasure for those who love the performing arts and spending time outdoors. It sits on around 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park and is a local treasure. You’ll first notice the stunning architecture, with its Corinthian order style. It is the largest, always-free performing arts theatre in the country.
First established in 1923, from March through October, there are a number of events you can catch here. You can bring along a picnic lunch, perhaps a few glasses and some wine, listen, laugh and enjoy the outdoors. The shows range throughout the season but include musical theater, classic films, ballet, ethnic-inspired events, jazz and even Shakespeare. There is seating for up to 1705 patrons, so be sure to get there early.
28. Play Sand Volleyball at Memorial Park
- Time needed: 1 to 3 hours, as desired
- Address: 7575 N. Picnic Lane
Memorial Park is the most expansive central park in the state and one of the largest in the country. There is plenty to do and see here, including taking in an 18-hole golf course that’s hosted PGA tournament events or taking the three-mile loop called the Seymour Lieberman Trail, the perfect long walk on a cool evening.
For others, it’s sports and there are plenty of options here. Whether you come to watch or play, there are facilities for tennis, softball and sand volleyball here. There’s a running track as well. Biking is also popular thanks to the over 30 miles of trails present.
29. Take a Port Houston Boat Tour
- Time needed: 90 minutes to 2.5 hours
- Address: 7300 Clinton Drive, Gate 8
Port Houston is an incredibly busy location, both from the point of view of consumer boats and commercial traffic. Yet, if you want to learn about the port and perhaps see some of the most impressive boats docked here, take the Port Houston boat tour. It’s about a 90-minute tour on the water, round trip. You’ll move through the Houston Ship Channel, learn about the Sam Houston Landing and see some impressive international cargo ships moving through the area.
The M/V Sam Houston is the boat used for the tour. It’s a public vessel that has been on the waterfront since July 30, 1958, and has provided over 2 million visitors with passage. The tour is free, but you will benefit from having a reservation, which you can make at the Port Houston website.
Take a Trip to H-Town with AAA Travel
When traveling, there are always things you can do to make your trip more cost-conscious and affordable. AAA Travel can help you book the best flights, rental cars and hotels for your budget, giving you more money to enjoy your time in H-Town. Or, use your AAA Membership Benefits to let our experienced team of travel agents take care of the planning so you can return to making memories.
