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These 10 fun things in Houston will make you want to stay forever in the city! 

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| Last Updated: November 2024

I’ve always loved my little bubble at home. Here, I can just watch my favorite series, read a book, or spend more time in the kitchen to bake some goodies.

But one sunny day, I felt like I needed to step out of my comfort zone and welcome some excitement back into my life. After all, my friends and family need to know I’m still alive!

So if you need to step out of your usual daily routines but can’t afford to leave the city, there are several fun activities in Houston that you can try, you will even forget watching the latest episode of your favorite series.

1. Visit the Johnson Space Center

Media credit: @nasajohnson @nasaastronauts

Website: https://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/home/index.html 
Address: 2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Contact Details: +1 281-483-0123
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For those curious about astronauts and what it was like to be in outer space, a trip to Johnson Space Center is a fun activity for you. Here, you can see technological innovations and new scientific discoveries related to the space economy.

You’ll appreciate the display of various spacecraft, including the astronauts’ spacesuits. You can also imagine how they live in outer space by checking the replica of a space shuttle.

If you want to join a tram tour, make sure to arrive early. Here, you’ll be able to see Johnson Space Center’s Mission Center’s Mission Control and witness how they monitor moon landings and other expeditions.

You can also witness the ongoing training of some astronauts.

Meanwhile, if you’ve got kids in tow, you can let them join the interactive exhibits where they can function like real astronauts during various simulations.

Pro tips: 

  • For those who need wheelchair assistance, Johnson Space Center can lend you one at the guest services area.
  • Prioritize the tram tour as the lines can get quite longer later in the day.

2. Learn About the Dinosaurs at Houston Museum of Natural Science

Media credit: @hmns

Website: https://www.hmns.org/ 
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Contact Details: +1 713-639-4629
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

If you want an adventure where you can learn more about dinosaurs, the planetarium, and gemstones, then a trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must!

When you’re at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, make a stop at The Morian Hall of Paleontology so you can see their wide collection of fossils and huge dinosaur skeletons.

You can also see displays of the triceratops and the T. rex which always amazes both kids and adults.

For fans of gemstones, you can spot colorful gemstones and rare mineral collections at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Meanwhile, if you want to get to know more about the planetarium, you can head to the large dome located inside the museum. This will allow you to explore interesting information about the galaxy–something you won’t just read in the books.

Pro tip: 

If you want to touch a piece of the moon, you can head to the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Wiess Energy Hall to find the moon rock. 

Additionally, since it’s easy to miss, you can approach a museum staff for further assistance.

3. Attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Media credit: @houston.rodeo.tickets

Website: https://www.rodeohouston.com/ 
Address: 3 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
Contact Details: +1 832-667-1000
Operating Hours: Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:25 PM; Tuesday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

If you’re in Houston, you shouldn’t miss a trip to see the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. What’s great about the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is that they have daily rodeo shows, allowing you to witness authentic bull riding events.

Here, you can also watch other rodeo competitions such as bareback riding, tie-down roping, and barrel racing.

But don’t worry, you’re not just here to watch these competitions, you can enjoy the festivities by partying to their live music or even playing at their outdoor carnival.

Moreover, you can watch some livestock shows such as horse shows. You can even join a livestock auction!

Pro tip: 

You should wear closed-toe shoes when you’re watching a show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo so you can keep your feet protected from dirt and dust.

4. Take Photos of Houston Murals

Media credit: @houstonmuralspot

For art lovers out there, Houston Murals is the perfect place to go. You can enjoy the quirky murals and street art, highlighting the vibrant culture of Houston.

You can head to the Mural Mile located in East Houston to start your mural hunting. Here, you’re not just taking photos of some random colorful murals, you’re also learning more about the local history through their art.

If you’re a fan of graffiti-style art, you can head to Houston’s Graffiti Building located in East Downtown Houston. And if you’re looking for Instagrammable places in Houston, Wings Over Houston may be the best spot for you. 

Meanwhile, for the old souls out there, you can appreciate the murals at the Historic Market Square Park, allowing you to appreciate the history and culture of the city.

Pro tips: 

  • Consider bringing polarized sunglasses if you’re scheduled to see the murals during the daytime. This will reduce the glare when you’re looking at the murals.
  • Some artists leave smaller artwork on the nearby streets or alleys, so make sure to take some time and check them out too.

5. Float in the Lazy River at Marriott Marquis Houston

Media credit: @themarquishou

Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houmq-marriott-marquis-houston/overview/
Address: 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
Contact Details: +1 713-654-1777

Marriott Marquis Houston’s lazy river, is the world’s largest! This Texas-shaped lazy river is located on the rooftop, allowing you to appreciate the views of downtown Houston.

If you want to hop in another pool area, you can enjoy Marriott Marquis Houston’s infinity pool. You can also relax around the pool area since there are several lounge chairs around too.

Additionally, if you happen to visit during the winter months, Marriott Marquis Houston shows classic movies at the pool deck area, allowing you to have an outdoor cinema experience with a luxurious touch.

Pro tip: 

While Marriott Marquis Houston provides floaters, consider bringing your own inflatables. This prevents you from queuing if your chosen floaters are still in use.

6. Shop at Houston Farmers Market

Media credit: @houstonfarmersmarket

Website: https://thehoustonfarmersmarket.com/ 
Address: 2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009 
Contact Details: +1 713-862-8866 
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 7:30 PM

If you love shopping fresh produce then a trip to Houston Farmers Market should be a fun activity for you! In fact, Houston Farmers Market has been a go-to market since 1941.

This 18-acre farmer’s market provides fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also buy homemade items from their vendors, if you want to try out the specialties of the locals.

If you need to refuel after strolling around, Houston Farmers Market is home to several food trucks, where you can grab gourmet sandwiches, tacos, sausages, and other food truck snack favorites.

Pro tip: 

If you’re on a hunt for some Mexican and South American ingredients, you can find a good selection at Houston Farmers Market—you can even find some that you won’t be able to spot in other local grocers around Houston.

7. Sightseeing at Rice University

Media credit: @riceuniversity

Website: https://www.rice.edu/ 
Address: 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005 

Rice University isn’t just your ordinary campus, it’s known for its rich history and innovation. Here, you’ll be amazed at the Roman architecture mixed with a modern flair.

If you want a romantic space within Rice University, you should head to the Lovett Hall and Rice Memorial Center. You and your significant other can walk along landscaped and curated gardens.

Rice University is also home to James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace, one of the best sunrise or sunset spots in Houston. You can watch the space play with different lighting, allowing you to have a more interesting experience during sunrise or sunset.

Pro tip: 

If you’re planning to visit Rice University on a Tuesday, consider dropping by the Rice University Farmers Market from 3:30 in the afternoon until 6:30 in the evening.

This will allow you to score some fresh produce and gourmet snacks while you’re in the area.

8. Tour Inside the Holocaust Museum Houston

Media credit: @hmhou

Website: https://hmh.org/ 
Address: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004
Contact Details: +1 713-942-8000
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

If you’re curious about the history of the Holocaust and want a deeper understanding of this part of history then a visit to Holocaust Museum Houston should be on your list.

Here, you’ll see multiple exhibits showcasing the stories of survivors, including their photographs and some artifacts. You can also see how the Jews lived before and after the Holocaust, highlighted through the Miller Family History Gallery.

What’s great about the Holocaust Museum Houston is its ongoing projects aiming to support and commemorate the lost souls during this dark period. If you want to take part, you can contribute to the 1.5 million butterfly art installation in the museum.

Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about World War II, there’s a film showing inside the museum. You can also read the diaries that trace back to a 1942 railcar that served as the victims’ main transportation.

Moreover, you can find a Danish fishing boat that was used to rescue over 7,000 Danish Jews during the Holocaust.

Pro tips: 

  • While you can explore the area on your own, it’s best to acquire a guide at the Holocaust Museum so you can be educated about all the intricate details that surround this dark period.
  • If you want to avail free entrance to the Holocaust Museum, schedule your visit for a Thursday at 2 in the afternoon.

9. Watch the Cascading Water Wall at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Media credit: @0michael

Website: http://www.uptown-houston.com/news/page/water-wall-park 
Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Contact Details: +1 713-850-8841
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

If you want to watch an interesting display of a 64-foot-tall water wall then head over to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. This place will bring you an instant calm that’s why we’re not surprised to see people setting up their picnic blankets around the area.

If you love walking, the park has a good walkway area with tall trees as your backdrop. No need to bring your headphones as the water cascading on the wall is the perfect tune for your afternoon stroll.

Even better, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a kid-friendly park, where your kids can run around freely. There’s even a playground for your kids!

Pro tip: 

There are no restrooms inside Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park so plan your visit accordingly.

10. Night Out with Friends at Post HTX

Media credit: @posthtx

Website: https://www.posthtx.com/ 
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
Contact Details: +1 713-999-2550
Operating Hours:

  • Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM;
  • Thursday: 11:00 AM – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Post HTX has a vibrant culinary scene, where you can choose from a wide variety of food options from different cuisines. You can also shop from your favorite brands here, while exploring the other unique stores and vintage shops.

Meanwhile, if you want to get a really good view of the downtown skyline, you can head over to the rooftop park. Here, you can enjoy live music while socializing with the rest of the community.

Pro tip: 

Roam around the rooftop at Post HTX so you can find the vegetable plantation area. If you’re lucky, you can even buy some produce there, making your trip to the POST HTX even more memorable.

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