Top 5 Fun Things to do in Houston

April 30, 2025

Houston is that city that usually gets relegated to second place by trendier neighbors such as Austin or Dallas. But once you visit the “Lone Star State,” it will charm you with its wacky and world-class museums and art installations, killer cuisine, and massive parks. So in case you are traveling or are already a resident and looking to figure out the best ways to spend your days, here are the top 5 things to do in Houston. So keep reading-

1. Visit the Museum District (and Get Your Inner Child Out at the Museum of Natural Science)

Before we begin, let’s get one thing straight: Houston takes its museums seriously. The Museum District isn’t just a few buildings grouped together—it’s 19 cultural powerhouses within walking distance of each other. But if you’ve got limited time or attention span (no judgment), make a beeline for the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Yes, it does have dinosaur bones. Yes, there is a planetarium. And yes, there is an actual freaking butterfly center that's like stepping into a fairy tale with wings whizzing by your head. It's the kind of place where grown-ups get strangely stoked about rocks and kids go completely bonkers in the best possible way. On Tuesday, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has free admission. Plan ahead and thank us later. Need a bit more sophisticated things to do in Houston? Take a few blocks' walk to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston—which just finished an expansion that is now an architectural wonder with interactive displays, underground tunnels, and enough contemporary art to make your head spin.

2. Dine Your Way Through Houston's Food Scene

Due to its cosmopolitan population, you can have nearly every ethnic cuisine on the globe in Houston—most frequently in a Southern mode. Craving tacos? Go to Tacos Tierra Caliente, a low-key taco trailer outside hipster paradise West Alabama Ice House. Craving Viet-Cajun crawfish? Go to Crawfish & Noodles, where spicy, buttery crawfish take center stage. And of course, for good ol' Texas 'cue, The Pit Room or Truth BBQ is the place to go. Oh, and don’t leave without trying a kolache. Trust us. These Czech-inspired pastries are a Texas staple—savory or sweet and dangerously addictive. Pro Tip: If you’re a foodie on a mission, hit up Conservatory or POST Houston, two of the city’s coolest food halls packed with local vendors and rooftop views.

3. Take a Stroll (or Paddle) Through Buffalo Bayou Park

Yes, Houston is flat. And yes, it's hot. But don't count out the great outdoors just yet when you are talking about things to do in Houston. You have to check out Buffalo Bayou Park. The 160-acre park winds its way through the city center and manages to make you forget that you're in a big ol' city. Rent a bike and ride, or just relax with your pup underneath the skyline. If you feel adventurous, kayak down the bayou (just be sure to keep an eye out for the occasional gator—Texas and all that). Along the path, there will be wacky art pieces, picturesque bridges, and an underground cistern that looks as if it's out of a video game.

4. Get Offbeat at the Art Car Museum and Beer Can House

When you are talking about things to do in Houston, it is interesting to note that Houston has a quirky side, and it's seen best in its art. Steer clear of the sterile galleries and go see the Art Car Museum, lovingly called the "Garage Mahal." It's a love affair with all things unusual and creative, with automobiles repurposed into mobile works of art—like giant bug-shaped cars or mirror-coated lowriders. A block or two distant is the Beer Can House, literally a house covered in more than 50,000 beer cans, tabs, and labels. It's half folk art, half monument to one man's recycling and Busch Light habit. It's kitschy, weird, and totally worth checking out.

5. Catch a Show or Game—Houston-Style

If you're a performer instead of an adventurer, don't worry— you will have lots of things to do in Houston. Sports reign supreme in the city, so seasonally catch the Astros at Minute Maid Park (baseball), Rockets at Toyota Center (basketball), or Texans at NRG Stadium (football). The energy is infectious—whether or not you're invested in who wins. Got something to chill? Visit Houston's Theater District, which holds a candle to New York City alone in per capita seating. From Broadway productions to off-Broadway shows and the award-winning Houston Ballet, there's never a dull moment. It is also interesting to note that because of their close proximity and the important transit lines that connect them, Austin and Houston are important Texas cities with a noteworthy connection. Houston is a significant urban hub in Southeast Texas, whereas Austin, the state capital, is situated in Central Texas. Together with San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth, they form the “Texas Triangle.” Also Read - Things to Do in Austin: Your Guide to Texas’ Coolest City

Conclusion

As per the latest data, travel expenditures in the United States are expected to increase 3.9% to $1.35 trillion in 2025 and further to $1.46 trillion (inflation adjusted) by 2028. Houston is the city that wakes you up. It does not scream. It does not brag. But before you even have a chance to explore, you can't help but fall for its low-key atmosphere, its free-range creative energy, and it's unbelievable grub. There are lots of interesting things to do in Houston. You can start the day having a million-dollar view of real works of art, slurping tacos on a paper plate, and watching the flying foxes descend at sundown—all in one day. Whether you're in town for a quick weekend escape or hanging around for a while, don't miss the fun lurking behind Houston's jammed freeways and hot skies. So without any further ado, contact us today!