These 15 Things To Do For Teens in Houston Totally Slap
- Try Go Karting at Speedy's Fast Track
- Experience the Ultimate Gaming Experience at Immersive Gamebox
- Go Shopping at the Galleria
- Have a Fun Afternoon at the Color Factory
- Explore the Houston Public Library
- Visit King Tut’s Tomb at Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Solve Puzzles at Escape Hunt Houston
- Try Indoor Skydiving in iFLY Houston
- Go Wall Climbing at Momentum Indoor Climbing
- Play Laser Tag in Battlefield Houston
- Go Bowling at Bowlero Houston
- Do Yoga in Discovery Green
- Catch a Show at Miller Outdoor Theater
- Visit the Space Center Houston
- Visit the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
When my teenage niece visited Houston for the first time last summer, I found myself both excited and a little anxious. I wanted to show her the best of what the city had to offer, but the challenge was keeping her entertained.
If you’re looking for fun ways to keep your teenagers busy (or you’re a teen yourself), you’re in the right place! This guide highlights some of the best things to do in Houston for teens!
Ready to have fun? Then read on!
Try Go Karting at Speedy’s Fast Track
Media Credit: speedysfasttrack
Website: https://www.houstonfasttrack.com/
Address: 11440 Hempstead Rd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 957-8803
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM –10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 12–10 PM
Admission Costs: Go Kart rides start at $9
For teenagers who want their first taste of driving, go-karting is a fun and exciting way to get behind the wheel, and Speedy’s Fast Track is a safe place to do this sport for the first time!
Go-karting is a pricey sport, but Speedy’s Fast Track offers packages that won’t hurt the pocket. You can pay $43 for 4 rides, $96 for 10 rides, or $171 for 20 rides.
These packages come with Player Cards (worth $10) that guests can use at the arcade! Don’t feel like playing video games? You can convert the cards to more go-kart rides instead.
There are plenty of go-karting tracks in Houston, but Speedy’s stands out for its affordability, accessibility, and attractions, making it a great place to enjoy a day out with friends.
Pro Tip:
For long-haired teens, bring a hair tie when you try go-karting to avoid the risk of injury!
Experience the Ultimate Gaming Experience at Immersive Gamebox
Media Credit: immersive.gamebox
Website: https://www.immersivegamebox.com/en-US/venues/htx-the-highlight-houston-texas
Address: 1200 McKinney St Suite 313, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (210) 595-0792
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 to 8 PM
Admission Costs: General admission tickets start at $34.99
Gaming is not what it used to be! Today, it’s a fully immersive and social experience thanks to places like Immersive Gamebox. It’s perfect for teens who enjoy playing games with friends and family.
Players begin by selecting a gamebox they can book online. Most of the options are teen-friendly, although to play some of the games, like Escape AI and Black Mirror Careers, you must be aged 16 and above.
Upon arrival, guests receive a visor they must wear to play the games as the activity happens in a dark room with the games projected on its walls. To complete the quests, players must make all the right moves and most of all, have fun!
Pro Tip:
Wear comfortable footwear and clothing in case the game requires running and jumping!
Go Shopping at the Galleria
Media Credit: houstongalleria
Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria
Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 622-0663
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Admission Costs: It’s free to enter the mall but
For teens who love to shop, The Galleria is the perfect spot to shop ’til you drop! It’s not only the largest mall in Houston, but also the biggest in all of Texas.
There’s a variety of brands at The Galleria, from budget-friendly to high-end. Popular youth stores like Hollister, Nike, Adidas, and H&M are all here. Need a new gadget? There’s an Apple Store and Samsung Experience Store here as well.
If you need a break from shopping, there are plenty of dining options to recharge and relax! Grab a cup of coffee at Starbucks or a smoothie at Smoothie King. Feel like having something sweet? Head on over to The Cheesecake Factory!
Pro Tip:
Another cool thing to find in The Galleria? The indoor ice skating rink! Ice at the Galleria is available year round so feel free to drop by for some winter vibe.
Have a Fun Afternoon at the Color Factory
Media Credit: colorfactoryco
Website: https://www.colorfactory.co/locations/houston
Address: 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details:
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Wednesday – Closed
- Thursday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $29
Houston is home to plenty of art installations, but The Color Factory stands out for its immersive experience, free gifts, and the free snacks included per entry! It’s a perfect place to visit for teens who want to appreciate art that’s modern and trendy.
Photo booths are scattered all over the exhibits to encourage more interaction with the art and less time on the phone. You can take selfies or shoot cute videos with friends and family with eye-catching art as the backdrop – perfect to level up your social media feed!
Pro Tip:
Each visit to The Color Factory is self-guided, so you can take as much time as you want in each room. Just keep in mind that once you move on, you won’t be able to revisit any of the rooms you’ve already passed through.
Explore the Houston Public Library
Media Credit: houstonpubliclibrary
Website: https://houstonlibrary.org/home
Address: 500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (832) 393-1313
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 6 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Libraries get a bad reputation among the youth for being a boring place to visit, but with the Houston Public Library system, that’s not true!
This place doesn’t just have books–they have a massive catalog of contemporary media for teens to enjoy, too. They have audiobooks, comic books, graphic novels, films, and even music!
The best part is that teens can access all of these for free just by signing up for a library card. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a good deal to me.
Teens will also have access to all the programs that the library has to offer, such as board game parties, Dungeon & Dragon games, writing workshops, STEM workshops, and even tutoring opportunities.
Every now and then, the Houston Public Library also invites experts such as notable book authors and illustrators to deliver talks about their craft for the youth in the city.
Pro Tip:
The Houston Public Library has several active book clubs that are free to join! Just register on the website to reserve a seat for the next session of the club that interests you the most.
Visit King Tut’s Tomb at Houston Museum of Natural Science
Media Credit: hmns
Website: https://www.hmns.org/
Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 639-4629
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5:30 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $35 for Adults
The King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience at Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the best exhibits, IMHO. It’s perfect for teenagers who are intrigued by world history and culture.
What’s cool about this exhibit is that it transports guests back in time to when King Tutankhamen’s Tomb was discovered. The burial chambers have been replicated, so you can see a glimpse of all the golden treasures.
There are also floor-to-ceiling hieroglyphs that tell the story of his life so you can reflect on King Tut’s life and legacy. What a great way to spend the day!
Pro Tip:
Buying a ticket to King Tut’s Discovery Experience at full price includes access to all permanent exhibits of HMNS. So go out and explore further!
Solve Puzzles at Escape Hunt Houston
Media Credit: EscapeHuntHOU
Website: https://escapehunt.com/us/houston/
Address: 125 W Gray St #100, Houston, TX
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 10 AM to 9 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $34.95 for 4-6 players
Teenage sleuth-wannabes will definitely have fun at Escape Hunt Houston! You can choose your own adventure by selecting a specific themed escape room.
For fans of whodunit mysteries, the Mystery in the Mansion room is a must-try. In this room, you are elite London detectives tasked to solve the murder of Lord Carter. It’s thrilling to follow the clues to find out who the killer is!
For those looking for something challenging, we suggest the “Houston, We’ve Had a Problem” escape room. It’s inspired by the Apollo 13 Lunar Mission and is described as having a success rate of less than 10 percent!
Pro Tip:
The cost to play is cheaper for big groups (at least 4 people) so invite as many friends as you can!
Try Indoor Skydiving in iFLY Houston
Media Credit: iflyus
Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/houston-memorial/
Address: 9540 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 9 AM to 6:30 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $104
For daring teens curious about flying, iFly Houston offers an unforgettable indoor skydiving experience. They have a glass wind tunnel that can propel guests skyward safely, so it’s an activity that anyone can do!
Don’t worry – before entering the glass tunnel, the friendly instructors will be there to teach the basics and safety tips. Once the flight begins, there’s no feeling of falling at all–it just feels like being suspended in the air!
For new flyers, the instructor will also be inside the tunnel to guide and assist throughout the flight, so you can feel safe and confident during the experience.
Pro Tip:
Jewelry and other loose accessories are considered not safe for indoor skydiving, so just leave them at home!
Go Wall Climbing at Momentum Indoor Climbing
Media Credit: momentumclimbingtexas
Website: https://momentumclimbing.com/silver-street/
Address: 1401 Silver St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (832) 433-7211
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Admission Costs: Day rates start at $25
Wall climbing is a sport that’s become increasingly popular in the past years and we can understand why–it challenges both the body and mind, which is why it’s perfect for teens looking for a new sport or hobby to try.
Momentum Climbing is one of the most popular and accessible wall climbing spots in the city. With 43,000 square feet of climbing space, expect a huge variety of walls, from easy bouldering areas for beginners to tougher routes that challenge even veterans.
Another cool thing about Momentum? The friendly and supportive community of climbing enthusiasts who frequent the gym!
Pro Tip:
The climbing gym has been undergoing repair and renovations, so prepare a jacket for when the AC is too cold or a towel or water to keep cool when it’s too hot.
Play Laser Tag in Battlefield Houston
Media Credit: battlefieldhouston
Website: https://www.battlefieldhouston.com/
Address: 11755 W Little York Rd Ste 202, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 409-1990
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – 3 PM to to 8 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday – 3 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 3 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 1 PM to –8 PM
Admission Costs: Prices start at $16
Laser tag has been around for decades, but its popularity has never waned. Teenagers of today can still enjoy this game thanks to gems like Battlefield Houston, one of the largest indoor tactical battlefields in the country!
At Battlefield Houston, players can immerse themselves in a fresh, tactical style of laser tag. Instead of scores, players are given mission objectives they must complete. It’s similar to games like Halo and Call of Duty, only it’s real life!
Guests may find themselves planting a bomb, rescuing a hostage, or tackling other exciting challenges. Sounds thrilling, right? And once the missions are complete, arcade games are available to help guests wind down (or begin a new competition).
Pro Tip:
Battlefield Houston has VR games available to play if you’re looking for your first experience!
Go Bowling at Bowlero Houston
Media Credit: bowlerobowl
Website: https://www.bowlero.com/location/bowlero-houston
Address: 925 Bunker Hill Rd, Houston, TX
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 4 PM to 12 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Admission Costs: Starts at $21.49
Bowlero is easily the trendiest, most Instagrammable bowling spot in Houston, which is why it’s perfect for teenagers to go bowling!
Bowling may be a classic sport but Bowlero gives it a modern twist with its neon-lit interiors and colorful bowling balls. You immediately get the feeling that you’re not just playing a sport, but you’re also having a party!
Another thing about Bowlero we love is that they host bowling leagues and social clubs for bowling enthusiasts who want to have fun while competing. It’s a great opportunity to make friends and get better at bowling!
Pro Tip:
Arcade games available in Bowlero and they’re half-price every Wednesday!
Do Yoga in Discovery Green
Media Credit: discoverygreen
Website: https://linktr.ee/discoverygreen
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 400-7336
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Discovery Green hosts “Fitness in the Park”, where they offer Yoga en Español, Gentle Flow Yoga, and Hatha Yoga–all for free! This is the perfect opportunity for teenagers to improve their fitness without forking out cash.
The sessions are done outdoors, which enhances the experience of practicing yoga at the park. It’s easier to feel connected to oneself in nature, after all! The instructor uses a microphone so it’s still easy to hear them even when there’s plenty of people.
Participants can bring their own mats, towels, and water bottles. It’s open to everyone, so invite friends and family to join in the practice!
Pro Tip:
Yoga sessions are usually done at dusk, so plan ahead accordingly!
Catch a Show at Miller Outdoor Theater
Media Credit: milleroutdoor
Website: https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/
Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (832) 487-7102
Catching a show at Miller Outdoor Theater is a great activity for teenagers who love the performing arts!
Teenagers who love music will have a great time listening to the Apollo Chamber Players and Houston Chamber Choir. Those with a Mexican heritage will appreciate the annual Festival Chicano celebrated by the theater.
For those who enjoy modern performing arts, there are also performers such as Gangstagrass (they combine hip hop beats with the banjo) and the Ensemble Theatre, who perform modern interpretations of classic fairy tales.
Pro Tip:
Want to book a seat in the covered seating section? Make sure to grab your free ticket online!
Visit the Space Center Houston
Media Credit: spacecenterhou
Website: https://spacecenter.org/
Address: 1601 E NASA Parkway, 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: Prices start at $29.95
For STEM-inclined teenagers, a visit to the Space Center is a must!
At the Space Center, visitors can explore the history of space exploration, learn about the science behind rocket launches, and–to inspire young teens–meet astronauts who have traveled to outer space.
There’s a NASA VIP Tour that gives behind-the-scenes access to astronaut training facilities! Expert guides will share insights and answer questions as guests explore the actual facilities where astronauts are preparing for space missions.
Space Center also offers Breakfast with an Astronaut, where guests can enjoy breakfast from Wolfgang Puck while learning about the space program from someone who has been there–perfect for teens who aspire to become astronauts themselves.
Pro Tip:
The VIP Tours and the Breakfast with an Astronaut packages include general admission to the rest of the Space Center’s exhibits, so you can explore the rest of the facilities at your own pace!
Visit the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Media Credit: thecistern
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:
- Monday to Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 5 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Admission Costs: Prices start at $12
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a great place to visit for teenagers who enjoy learning history and appreciate art.
Take a historical tour to learn the architecture of this unique space and explore the history of Houston’s water system.
To make a visit to the cistern even more special, watch out for their special art exhibitions, like the recent Haha Real site-specific media and sound installation that was created for the Cistern.
Pro Tip:
All Cistern tours are free on the first Thursday of each month, but reservations are required.
