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We Tried 10 Quirky Things to Do in Houston To Cure Our Boredom

quirky-things-to-do-in-houston
| Last Updated: October 2024

Do you ever get that feeling like you’re stuck in your own version of The Truman Show—where every day seems like a scripted show created in a predictable set where you just wake up, work, eat, sleep, and repeat? 

Then, it suddenly hit me: what if Houston was hiding several one-of-a-kind places I’d completely missed? Thanks to my curiosity, I decided to explore Houston’s peculiar and extraordinary landmarks. 

If you’re like me who’s ready to shake up predictable plotlines, now’s the time to join me as I dive into Houston’s quirkiest and unexpected adventures!

1. Be An Astronaut For a Day at the NASA Space Center

Media credit: @kennedyspacecenter

Website: https://www.spacecenter.org/ 

Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

Contact Details: +1 281-244-2100

Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

For those of you who want to experience authentic space exploration, then head over to NASA Space Center. Here, you can feel like an astronaut for a day as you try a real spacesuit while you simulate landing a spacecraft!

What’s great about NASA Space Center is that there are experts who roam around the area, ready to share their knowledge about science and space artifacts. They even take their time in answering every curious question from the crowd.

Meanwhile, you can also access the astronauts’ training facilities, which are usually closed to the public.

Pro tips: 
NASA Space Center is closed during Thanksgiving and Christmas, so plan your space exploration accordingly.

Consider buying tickets more than a month before your actual date of visit as passes to see the command center get sold out easily. Moreover, purchasing online will grant you a $5 discount and reduced wait time.

2. Visit the Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum

Media credit: @atlasobscura

Website: https://truckyardthecolony.com/toilet-seat-museum 

Address: 5959 Grove Ln, Colony, Texas 75056

Contact Details: +1 469-401-6764

If wanting to visit toilet seats isn’t quirky, I don’t know what is! Barney Smith’s Toilet Seat Art Museum houses over 1,300 toilet seats, transformed as unique pieces of art by a retired master plumber, Barney Smith.

If you want to see some folk art, then the Toilet Seat Art Museum should be on top of your list! You’ll also find it amusing that each seat has inscriptions, so make sure to take your time to read the insight and history of each toilet seat.

Pro tip: The Toilet Seat Art Museum is located just above the Truck Yard Bar. You can head upstairs to cap off the night, a great way to end your day of exploration.

3. Appreciate the Giant Heads at David Adickes Studio

Website: https://m.facebook.com/DAVID-ADICKES-123424451026983/ 

Address: 2401 Nance St, Houston, TX 77020

Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours

For those on the hunt for something truly unique, then a visit to the giant heads at David Adickes Studio is a must! Imagine strolling along the oversized heads of United States presidents—some are even up to 20 feet tall!

You can also spot the huge sculptures of the Beatles, which are already visible from the street. And if you’re lucky, you can even catch David Adickes crafting more busts and sculptures during the day.

Surely, this site provides a unique photo opportunity, even some quirky couples invite their wedding photographers here for a little pre-nuptial shoot!

Pro tip: Consider checking David Adickes Studio’s schedule as it’s not always open to the public. Nonetheless, if you happen to drive by while it’s closed, you can still take photos at the chain link fence area as the busts are huge enough to see by the street.

4. Uncover Secrets of the Abandoned Taoist Palace

Media credit: @lexi_theestallion

Website: http://swamplot.com/most-unknown-ashford-point-palace-of-the-golden-orbs/2008-05-05/ 

Address: 3695 Overture Dr, Houston, TX 77082

Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours

If you want a somewhat eerie experience in Houston then you should visit the Lien Hoa Temple, an abandoned Taoist temple that served Vietnamese and Chinese communities back in the 1980s.

As you walk towards the temple, you’ll notice traditional architecture, faded murals, and detailed carvings. You’ll also notice that roots and vines are growing through the cracks, adding to the whole eerie vibe.

Once you enter the main hall, your voices will echo as the place is now empty with just old altars present in the space.

Pro tip: Lien Hoa Temple is now considered private property, so trespassing is strictly prohibited. If you wish to take a peek inside, make sure to ask permission from the property owner or the caretaker present in the area.

5. Marvel at Colorful Mosaics at Smither Park

Media credit: @smitherpark

Website: http://orangeshow.org/ 

Address: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023

Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

You can roam around Smither Park if you wish to see creative folk mosaics made by more than 300 artists. Even the sidewalks and walls are covered with colored scrap materials, making it a nice park to take good photos.

Using recyclable materials such as broken glasses and dishes, these talented artists were able to curate abstract designs in different forms and shapes. And since it’s an ongoing project, you’ll surely see new abstracts whenever you go.

What’s great about Smither Park is that you can take your dogs here for a little walk so you won’t have to leave them at home!

Meanwhile, if you want to have some quiet time, you can head over to the meditation garden where you’ll be surrounded by trees.

Pro tips: 
Smither Park has no bathrooms in the area, so make sure to plan your restroom stop before heading to the place.

If you want to catch the artists at work, consider visiting Smither Park on a Saturday.

6. Adore the Cactus King

Media credit: @adrianasotojoyeria

Website: http://thecactusking.com/ 

Address: 7900 I-45, Houston, TX 77037

Contact Details: +1 281-591-8833

Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Cactus King in Houston is a great quirky place for plant enthusiasts who are interested in a wide variety of cacti and succulents.

Once you enter, you’ll be welcomed into a huge nursery filled with small to large statement succulents ready to take home. You’ll love that the aisles are organized, making it easy for you to know what type of plant is in front of you.

Aside from the popular varieties such as aloe veras, exotic cacti are also sold here. And if you need further assistance, especially with plant care, their knowledgeable staff will assist you while doing your plant shopping.

Pro tip: If you’re not new to plant care, consider buying from Cactus King’s ‘leftover’ section. They offer plants that need more TLC, allowing you to buy the plants that you adore at a discounted price.

7. Drop by the Beer Can House

Media credit: @modtexas

Website: http://thecactusking.com/ 

Address: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX 77007

Contact Details: +1 713-926-6368

Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

If you want to see more folk art installations then you should spend some time at the Beer Can House. Imagine a house filled with—yes, you guessed that right—beer cans, bottles, and all things beer!

Here, you’ll get to appreciate a house with beer cans covering the walls, fences, and a garden constructed by a retired upholsterer and beer-lover, John Milkovisch. You can also spot some beer can mosaics and sculptures scattered across their yard.

There’s no need to purchase tickets if you’re just taking photos from the inside. However, if you wish to see the Beer Can House’s interiors and learn more about the place’s history, just pay the $5 entrance fee.

Pro tips: 
While the Beer Can House serves as a free attraction, you can consider donating more to support the maintenance of this quirky spot in Houston.

Avoid touching the beer cans during your visit. In doing so, you’re doing your part in preserving the Beer Can House’s intricate and unique work.

8. Dress Up Like Royals at Newman’s Castle

Website: https://newmanscastle.com/ 

Address: 504 E Main St, in Bellville, Texas 77418

Contact Details: 979 865 9804 

For those of you who want your fairy tale dreams to come true, even just for a day, then a day spent at Newman’s Castle is a quirky experience you wouldn’t want to miss!

Once you’re in the area, you’ll automatically be transported to the medieval era, surrounded by stone walls and drawbridges. You can also feel like a princess attending a ball once you see the grand halls and the royal banquet.

If you’re curious about the architectural background and inspiration of Newman Castle, you can sign up for a guided tour. This will allow you to get to know more about the castle builder’s vision and dedication while creating this medieval masterpiece.

Pro tip: While it’s tempting to wear heels (or even glass shoes!) to feel like a royal for a day, Newman Castle is huge. Wearing comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended when exploring the place.

9. Embrace Quiet Time at Rothko Chapel

Media credit: @rothko_chapel

Website: http://www.rothkochapel.org/ 

Address: 3900 Yupon St, Houston, TX 77006

Contact Details: +1 713-524-9839

The Rothko Chapel is designed to be a place for meditation and reflection. If you want to spend some quiet time while being surrounded by the abstract art of Mark Rothko then Rothko Chapel (rothko chapel houston) is a great place for you.

Once inside the Rothko Chapel, you can instantly feel the serenity, allowing you to appreciate the art minus the distractions.

Mark Rothko’s paintings are even well-thought-of, making you contemplate deeply on your emotions and spirituality. Because of this, several cultural events, spiritual lectures, and musical performances are held at Rothko Chapel.

What’s more interesting about Rothko Chapel is that taking photos isn’t allowed inside the chapel. This maintains a more intimate vibe, allowing everyone to appreciate without digital distractions.

Pro tip: Consider checking out the Menil Collection located in the Montrose neighborhood. This allows you to explore more historical artifacts and other works of art from different periods and cultures.

10. See the Orange Show

Media credit: @theorangeshow

Website: https://www.orangeshow.org/ 

Address: 2401 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023

Contact Details: +1 713-926-6368

Another quirky spot in Houston that offers a splash of color and vibrancy is The Orange Show. Created by Jeff McKissack, The Orange Show reflects his passion for oranges and his creative and inventive mind.

Started around the 1950s, The Orange Show has since been one of the favorite quirky landmarks that celebrate folk art around town.

Once you’re inside the premises, you surely won’t miss the large orange-themed structure built using recycled materials. The place is also surrounded by art installations, inviting visitors to explore the area.

And of course, there’s also a stage where you can catch performances that they get to host now and then.

Pro tip: Consider checking out the Menil Collection located in the Montrose neighborhood. This allows you to explore more historical artifacts and other works of art from different periods and cultures.
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