20 Things to Do in Houston — From Rodeos to Art Museums

More than 2 million people live in Houston, Texas, the fourth largest city in the United States. It’s a place rich in culture, great food, and top-notch tourism. Visitors spend days exploring the streets and can’t see everything. But if you need a little help with what to see and do in Space City on your next visit, we’ve got you covered. Here are 20 fun things to do in Houston, Texas.

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Visit the Museum of Natural Science exhibits.

Spanning several floors, Houston’s Museum of Natural Science houses thousands of artifacts that tell us everything from ancient Egypt to the modern animal kingdom. Don’t miss the extravagant Everyday Fabergé exhibition.

Get some fresh air at Hermann Park.

Explore every corner of Hermann Park’s 445 acres. With rolling hills, lakes, gorgeous little bridges and gardens, it will put a smile from ear to ear. For something special, rent a pedal boat and see the park from a whole new perspective.

Dive into science at Space Center Houston.

Get inspired by visiting Space Center Houston, where science comes to life. From a NASA tram tour to a collection of spacesuits, it’s time to get involved in a STEM program.

Take a peek under the sea at the Downtown Aquarium.

Visit the Downtown Aquarium and spend time with fish in a good way. The space is home to hundreds of aquatic creatures that you can learn about through interactive exhibits and thrill rides.

Do a few laps of Speedy’s Fast Track.

Experience an adrenaline rush at Speedy’s Fast Track, a popular go-kart attraction for families and those looking for a little fun. After competing with your friends, win prizes at the arcade, take home bragging rights with laser tag, or play mini golf.

Shop until you stop at the Galleria.

Looking for retail therapy? Head to The His Galleria, where you can find everything from high-end designers like Gucci to more affordable fashion finds. This place is absolutely big, so wear comfortable shoes.

Cheer on your home team at Minute Maid Park.

If you’re visiting during baseball season, pick up tickets to a Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Park. With a total capacity of 41,000 fans, it’s always a good time. (And there are plenty of stadium favorites too, like the requisite ballpark hot dogs, pretzels, and more.)

Find a little peace and quiet at the Cockrell Butterfly Center.

Learn about the life cycle of butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. From learning about the journey from caterpillars to flying creatures, to watching them float around you in a three-story glasshouse, you’ll feel at one with nature here. Please check the website for reopening details as the center is currently closed for renovations.

Learn about culture at the Houston Museum of Art.

Put your artistic knowledge to work with a visit to the Houston Museum of Art. Here, you can check out works by masters like Alberto Giacometti and Gordon Parkes, or experience exhibits like Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish.

Or see outdoor art at Hines Waterwall Park.

Take a deep, meditative breath as you watch the cascading waters at Hines Waterwall Park. While the 64-foot-tall waterfall may be the main attraction, there are 2.77 acres to explore and he has 186 live oak trees.

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Catch a show at the Miller Outdoor Theater.

Want to see a show without spending any money? During the eight-month season, Miller visits his outdoor theater to showcase the coolest acts and shows from around the world. Check the schedule and plan your trip to a play, musical, ballet, and more.

Delve into the history of flight at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum.

Pay homage to the aviation past at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. Built in 1940, this building once served as the Houston Municipal Airport. Today, there are exhibits on everything from aviation history to crew uniforms.

Get a little Houston style at Pinto Ranch.

Pick up quality western wear at Pinto Ranch. Offering an excellent range of cowboy hats and cowboy boots, you’re sure to find something that makes a great (and fashionable) souvenir.

See the stunning Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.

Discover more free outdoor art at Rice University, home to the gorgeous Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. Built in 2012, the James Turrell-designed pyramid is a dazzling display of light and architecture intended to mimic the arcs of the sun.

Find it all in Discovery Green.

Discovery Green is a 12-acre park created through a public-private partnership between the City of Houston and the nonprofit Discovery Green Conservancy. From taking a walk to attending a show to a workout class and everything in between, you’ll find something to enjoy here.

Learn about local history at the San Jacinto Monument and Museum.

Don’t miss the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. He is one of the city’s tallest and most famous monuments, commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto, a key battle during the Texas Revolution.

Discover how the body works at The Health Museum.

body. We all have them, and in Texas you can learn more about them. Head to the Health Museum to learn about the inner workings of the human body, including how to catch and prevent colds.

Smell the flowers at the McGovern Centennial Gardens.

Another must-see garden space in Houston is the McGovern Centennial Gardens. His 8 acres of manicured gardens are planted with 490 trees of over 50 different species and are a place of pure natural wonder.

Catch a lively show at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Come to the performing arts hobby center, which has a mission to create a “world-class cultural center by providing the best performing arts facilities” and also focuses on music activities. From classics like ‘Chicago’ to new shows like Pretty Woman: The Musical, all in one place.

See real cowboys at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

If you’re visiting in late February or early March, don’t miss the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Here you can experience everything from cow jump ropes to barbecue events, wine shows and large country music shows.