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We Found 12 Cool Things to Do in Houston (And They’re Lowkey Fire)

cool things to do houston

As a lifelong Houstonian, I thought I knew this city, but boy, was I wrong! 

Just the other day, I was wandering around downtown and stumbled upon a cool art installation tucked away in an alley. It was like finding a hidden treasure! And that’s what I love about our city–it’s full of little pockets of awesome just waiting to be discovered.

So, if you’re looking for cool things to do in Houston, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a lifelong Houstonian or just visiting for the weekend, you’ll find activities that will make you go “Whoa!” and love H-Town even more.

Go on a VIP Tour and Meet an Astronaut at Space Center Houston  

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Website: https://spacecenter.org/ 

Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (281) 244-2100

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM

Admission Costs: General admission starts at $29.95 

Houston’s incredible contributions to space exploration makes the Space Center a must-visit destination. Although there’s plenty of cool things to do with a General Admission ticket, NASA offers enthusiasts opportunities to experience even more!

The NASA VIP Tours will give you a glimpse of what it’s like to train as an astronaut! You’ll have an expert guide who will walk you through the experience and you will also get to see the actual facilities where current astronauts are training to go to space. 

NASA also offers the opportunity to have a delicious, catered breakfast with a veteran astronaut. You’ll learn about the space program through the eyes of those who have already done it–the perfect opportunity for kids dreaming of becoming an astronaut! 

Pro Tip: To join the NASA VIP Tours, you must be at least 14 years old. If you’re under 18, you’ll need to come with an adult who also has a ticket.

 Visit the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern  

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Website: https://buffalobayou.org/location/the-cistern/ 

Address: 105-B Sabine St, Houston, TX (in The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park)

Contact Details: (713) 752-0314

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Monday to Tuesday – Closed

Admission Costs: Start at $15 

Originally a massive water reservoir built in 1926, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern has been transformed into a unique public space! Today, this 87,500-square-foot underground chamber hosts tours, performances, and art installations.

Seems like an odd venue for such activities, but it’s actually the perfect backdrop for cool performances and audio-visual art experiences like no other! The architecture creates amazing acoustics and water reflects light in a way that’ll blow your mind. 

You can check out the several art installations they host throughout the year and you’ll understand what we mean! You can try joining one of their meditative and sound healing classes too. It’s a great chance to recharge in a different but cool way. 

Pro Tip: 
You’ll need tickets to join their meditation classes and to see the art installations, but you can easily buy them online at their website! 

Admire the Artwork at The Menil Collection  

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Website: https://www.menil.org/ 

Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 525-9400

Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 7 PM; Monday to Tuesday – Closed 

The Menil Collection is a really cool place to see lots of art for free! Spread across a lush 30-acre campus, this art haven has an impressive collection of contemporary and surrealist masterpieces . 

There’s a huge collection of modern and surrealist masterpieces, including famous works by artists like Picasso. And guess what? The buildings themselves are like works of art too! They were designed by Renzo Piano, a renowned architect. 

With so much to discover, you’ll want to spend a day getting lost in here. Our advice: take your time, explore at your own pace, and let the art inspire you. It’s an unforgettably cool  experience for anyone who loves contemporary art!

Pro Tip: 
The Menil Collection keeps things fresh by switching up its art displays a few times a year. So, even if you’ve been before, there’s always something new and exciting to see!

Hang Out at Smither Park  

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Website: https://www.full.orangeshow.org/smither-park 

Address: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 926-6368

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday7 AM to 7 PM

Smither Park is the only place in Houston where every surface is covered in mosaics. It’s a cool place to hang out thanks to the dedication of over 300 local artists who continue to create in this wonderful outdoor art museum. 

This place is where creativity and functionality intersect because you can have a meaningful interaction with the pieces! Need a moment of zen? You can swing your worries away on the whimsical Burguieres, Hinton and Mathre Swings. 

And don’t miss the first Sunday of every month when the park comes alive with free live music! You can dance to the tunes while admiring the colorful mosaics, or join in the fun with arts and crafts activities for all ages.

Pro Tip: Wanna join the fun at Smither Park Sundays? Make sure you RSVP!

Catch a Movie at Rooftop Cinema Club 

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Website: https://rooftopcinemaclub.com/houston/venue/uptown/ 

Address: 1700 Post Oak Blvd 5th Level, Houston, TX (in BLVD Place) 

Operating Hours: Screenings start as early as 1:00 PM 

Admission Costs: Seats start at $19

For a cool date night idea, take your sweetheart to Rooftop Cinema Club! You can  cuddle under the stars with the twinkling city lights as your backdrop. How romantic is that? 

This awesome outdoor cinema shows a mix of classic films, new releases, and cult favorites. While you can’t reserve specific seats, they do offer Adirondack loveseats for extra snuggles with your date.

And don’t worry about audio issues like the ones you get at other outdoor movie spots. At this outdoor cinema, personal headsets are provided so you can hear every word and every note of the soundtrack perfectly. 

Pro Tip: 
You can bring your own snacks or food to your screening! Only outside drinks are not allowed inside. 

Go Skating at Seismique 

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Website: https://seismique.com/ 

Address: 2306 S Texas 6, Houston, TX (in Village at West Oaks)  

Contact Details: (866) 636-9969 

Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM; Tuesday – Closed; Friday – 12 PM to 11 PM; Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM; 10 AM to 9 PM 

Admission Costs: Tickets start at $35 

Seismique offers an immersive art experience that’s perfect for cool hang outs with friends! With 40 incredible interactive galleries to explore, you’ll be amazed by the creativity of the local artists who have contributed their work to this art haven! 

But here’s where it gets really cool: aside from being a mind-bending art gallery, it’s also a cocktail bar, a roller skating rink, and an outdoor garden! You can try grabbing a galaxy-inspired drink at The Drinque, the museum’s awesome glow-in-the-dark bar. 

You can also dance and skate at The Rinque! Like the bar, this roller skating rink also glows in the dark. Local artists created the art pieces around this space so you also get to appreciate their creations while having fun. 

Pro Tip: 
For a more chill activity in Seismique, check out The Parque! It’s an outdoor garden with fun, colorful sculptures. You can grab a cold drink at their walkup bar and watch the sunset at this spot!  

Do Indoor Skydiving at iFly Houston 

Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/houston-memorial/ 

Address: 9540 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (281) 942-4359

Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM; Wednesday, Thursday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM; Friday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM; Saturday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM; Sunday – 9 AM tot 7:30 PM

Admission Costs: Start at $104

Ever watched a movie with an awesome skydiving scene and thought, “Man, that looks cool!”? At iFly Houston, you can experience the thrill of skydiving in a safe space and without ever jumping out of a plane! 

You’ll skydive inside an awesome indoor wind tunnel that lets you float effortlessly in the air. Sounds a little scary, but it’s safe for everyone–even for first-timers!  Before you take flight, friendly instructors will teach you, so you’ll feel confident and ready to go. 

And once you’re inside the tunnel, it doesn’t feel like falling at all. An instructor will be right there with you to guide and assist you throughout your flight, especially if it’s your first time, to make sure you have  a safe and awesome experience. 

Pro Tip: 
Make sure to bring a bag where you can keep any accessories (glasses, watch, jewelry) before you fly!

Go Indoor Ice Skating at The Galleria 

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Website: https://www.iceatthegalleria.com/ 

Address: 5015 Westheimer Rd # 1260, Houston, TX (in The Galleria) 

Contact Details: (713) 621-1500

Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday – 11 AM to 8:15 PM; Wednesday – 11 AM to 6 PM; Thursday – 11 AM to 5:15 PM; Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Saturday – 11:15 AM to 9 PM; Sunday – 12:15 PM to 7 PM 

Admission Costs: Starts at $24 with skates 

Here’s a “cool” thing to do in Houston–go ice skating at Ice at the Galleria! Nestled inside the city’s most glamorous shopping mall, this ice rink is one of the few places you can do this fun winter activity all-year long. 

You can bring your family, friends, or even a date for a day of laughter and fun on the ice. If you’re a beginner, you can try holding onto a balance aid or simply just grab the wall as you try to figure out the technique. 

And if you fall, don’t feel embarrassed! You can laugh it off and embrace the fun because the rink is a judgment-free space–anyone who’s tried to learn to ice skate has experienced falling! And if you need time to rest, there’s plenty of seating where you can relax and enjoy the show. 

Pro Tip: 
Be aware of your surroundings, especially younger skaters! Little ones can be unpredictable, so keep an eye out to avoid collisions.

Watch the Bats at Waugh Drive Bridge 

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Website: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/bats/bat-watching-sites/waugh-drive-bridge.phtml 

Address: Waugh Dr, Houston, TX (in Buffalo Bayou Park)

Contact Details:  (713) 752-0314

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – Open 24 Hours 

Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful 160-acre haven right in the heart of the city! Whether you’re looking for a kayak adventure, a chill day with friends, or a romantic place to stroll, this park along the Buffalo Bayou has it all.

With 10 miles of trails, it’s perfect for biking, strolling, or even taking your furry friend for a walk. There are tons of different paths, so you can explore something new every time. You can try flying a kite or just relax on a blanket in the wide-open spaces.

But here’s the coolest part about this park: at sunset, head to Waugh Bridge and watch thousands of bats fly out from under the bridge! It happens every single night. The best time to see it is when it’s warm out, so keep an eye on the weather!  

Pro Tip:
Want to see the Houston skyline in all its glory? Head to Buffalo Bayou Park! It’s got amazing views of downtown!

Spend Time with Family at Downtown Aquarium 

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Website: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.com/ 

Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 223-3474

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 10 PM 

Admission Costs:

Downtown Aquarium is always a great idea for a cool family activity. While it might be smaller than some other aquariums, there’s still plenty of things to do! 

One of the coolest things to do in this aquarium is to pet the stingrays at the stingray petting station. When and where else do you get to touch a stingray?! Though there’s a small extra fee, it’s still worth it.  

You can also visit the majestic white tiger in Maharaja’s Temple (yes, still in the aquarium!). This incredible creature is truly special, especially since tigers aren’t exactly from around these parts. 

Pro Tip: 
Your ticket also includes a train ride through a shark sanctuary! While you can’t get up close and personal with the sharks, it’s still an exciting experience to watch them from the train. 

Catch a Houston Rockets Game or Concert at Toyota Center 

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Website: https://www.toyotacenter.com/ 

Address: 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX

Contact Details: (713) 758-7200

Admission Costs: Tickets start at $13

NBA fans who want to do something cool in the city can catch a Houston Rockets game at the Toyota Center! Even though it’s been a while since their last championship, they still bring the heat and put on exciting games! 

Just being in the arena with fellow fans and cheering on the home team is already an awesome experience. And who knows, you might even witness the start of a new dynasty as they rebuild and rise to the top again!

When there’s no basketball game scheduled, the Toyota Center transforms into a concert venue with some of the biggest names in music taking the stage. You can sing along to your favorite songs and make memories in this awesome venue! 

Pro Tip:
For the best views in the upper deck at Toyota Center, snag seats in sections 409 or 410 near the escalator.  And if you’re in the lower bowl, avoid sitting directly behind the backboards.

Watch the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park

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Website: https://www.mlb.com/astros 

Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 259-8000 

Admission Costs: Start at $30

Houston loves Major League Baseball so heading to Minute Maid Park and catching a Houston Astros game will always be cool! This isn’t just any baseball team – these guys are two-time World Series champs with a massive and dedicated fan base.

When you watch a live baseball game, it’s a whole different experience than watching it on TV. You’ll feel the energy of the crowd, hear the crack of the bat, and maybe even catch a home run ball! 

And don’t forget to watch out for the iconic ballpark train that chugs along the left side of the stadium, celebrating every team victory! It’s all part of the charm and excitement of watching a live game at this ballpark. 

Pro Tip: Head to the main team store beyond left field. Ignore the crowds clamoring for jerseys and look up! You’ll find a stunning piece of history – the original structure from a 1911 train station. 
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