20 of the Most Adventurous Things to Do in Houston
Are you traveling to Houston or new to the area? If you’re unfamiliar with Houston, and looking for some fun and adventurous things to do in Houston, you’ve come to the right place. There are so many ways to have fun and explore this vibrant city!
I’ve compiled a list of my favorite ways to have fun and venture in and around the city. I’m excited to share some of the best outdoor adventures in Houston, indoor fun, unique spots, and the best places to visit with kids. Keep reading to get the scoop before your next visit to the Houston area.
Outdoor Adventures in Houston
There are many ways to explore and enjoy Houston for outdoorsmen, nature lovers, and thrill seekers. Discover a variety of outdoor activities in and around Houston below.
Geronimo Adventure Park
If you’re a thrill seeker, you won’t want to miss Geronimo Adventure Park! Geronimo features three different zipline courses, an aerial park, axe throwing, a rock wall, a ninja obstacle course, box hockey, lawn games, a ball pit, and so much more. There’s something for the whole family at this fun outdoor space in Houston.
Skydive Spaceland
Skydiving is the perfect adventurous thing to do in Houston for adrenaline junkies. Check out Skydive Spaceland for parachuting, free falling, and watching the action. There are 130 acres at this training center hosting over 100,000 jumps each year.
Xtreme Off Road Park & Beach
If you’re looking for a muddy good time, you’ll definitely want to check out Xtreme Off Road Park & Beach. It has a camp site and miles of off road trails with plenty of dirt, mud, water to get rowdy in.
Texas TreeVentures
Looking for fun things to do in the great outdoors with your family while you’re in Houston? One of the best ways to see and explore is by climbing the ropes courses at Texas TreeVentures. This outdoor aerial adventure park features courses for kids as young as age 6 and advanced courses for adults too. There are also 5 unique treehouses you can rent for special events with scenic views.
Humble’s Cypress Trails Ranch
The equestrian center at Humble’s Cypress Trails Ranch is open every day of the week for riding and private lessons. If you’re up for a little fresh air, horseback riding, and learning about general horsemanship, you’ll want to visit while you’re in the Houston area.
Houston Polo Club
The Houston Polo Club is a great place to catch a match if you’re more interested in watching than horseback riding. Learn about the rich history of polo in Houston and see the players compete in weekly tournaments. Interested in learning to play polo? You can try it out with one of their private lessons or a polo clinic.
McGovern Centennial Gardens
McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park were built to commemorate 100 years of the park in Houston. The gardens have a small hill with a spiral path you can climb to the top. At the top, you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the whole park. The park has over 400 trees, flowers, and plants making it one of the most adventurous things to do in Houston.
It’s the perfect space for you to get some fresh air and refresh yourself while traveling around Houston. The stunning Houston Zoological Garden in the park features historical statues and a laid-back atmosphere. You can also go for a walk along one of the many trails.
There’s even an outdoor theater! Miller Outdoor Theater features ballets, live music, and interactive shows for everyone to enjoy.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Enjoy some of the outdoor fun Houston has to offer at the ever-popular Buffalo Bayou Park. They offer ecological tours, wellness walks, and even kayaking in the bayou.
There are even segway tours that make seeing the park a whole new experience that might become one of your favorite adventurous things to do in Houston
Houston Indoor Activities
There’s a lot of indoor fun to be had in and around the city of Houston too. From exploring the shops in downtown Houston to some of the cool indoor activities listed below, you’ll have a great time even if you’re not the outdoorsy type.
Houston Grand Opera House
The Houston Grand Opera House attracts many visitors annually. The building itself features fascinating architecture and design. Then there are the magical world-renowned shows.
Indulge in the opera scene, sink your teeth into the music, and enjoy unforgettable performances and theatrics. Taking in an opera is definitely an adventurous thing to do in Houston!
Club Tropicana
Do you love to dance? If you’re a party animal, you won’t want to miss all the fun clubs in Houston. Club Tropicana is the most popular dance club in Houston. They play a variety of authentic Latin music, disco tunes, and unusual EDM for dancers to enjoy all night long.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Another way to have fun indoors in Houston is by visiting the museum district. While you’re there, check out the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This colorful museum features tons of exhibits, immersive displays, and information to make the whole experience a sensory delight.
My favorite part of the museum is the Cabinet of Curiosities. This exhibit features strange and fascinating objects preserved in glass cases. You’ll love ogling the animal skulls, and shells, and sifting through the open drawers in this exhibit.
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is huge! Unlike some art museums, it’s not packed to overflowing. Instead, there are empty hallways, staircases, and a kind of sparse beauty that draws your attention to the pieces on display. My favorite part of the museum of fine arts is the light tunnel.
Artist James Turrell created a piece called The Light Inside that’s part art and park hallway featuring neon lights that illuminate a small space connecting two of the buildings in the museum. The lights slowly change from pink to purple to blue in a way that’s captivating and immersive for visitors.
For another James Turrell piece that steals the show, don’t miss the Skyspace. This architectural piece features an elaborate LED light show at sunrise and sunset. You can see it every day of the week except Tuesday.
Space Center Houston
NASA’s Space Center Houston is a fun and engaging educational museum featuring many educational exhibits, programs, and attractions for visitors. You can even check out the command center!
The museum is filled with STEM games and exhibits for children and adults. There are even motion simulators and tram tours to help you experience the race to space firsthand!
Unusual Things to Do in Houston
There are plenty of unusual things to do in Houston too. If you’re looking for an activity that’s off-the-beaten-path, check out some of these fun ideas for things to do in and around the city.
The Music Box Theater
The Music Box Theater is a unique venue for concerts, comedy sketches, and cabaret shows. It’s a fun place to unwind, have a few cocktails, and enjoy a show. There’s a 4-piece band with local actors and singers.
Plus, the Music Box Theater writes its own comedy acts with fun musical themes! It’s definitely got something for everyone and you won’t want to miss out.
Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
If you’re visiting Houston, you absolutely must see the bats at Waugh Bridge. Every Friday evening from March to November, the Houston Area Bat Team gives a talk at the bridge about the local bat colony.
Between 250,000 and 300,000 Mexican freetail bats make their home under the Waugh Bridge in Houston. If you’re on the bridge at dusk, you’ll be treated to a show as the bats all fly off into the night together. It’s everyone’s favorite adventurous thing to do in Houston.
Greater Houston Soaring Association
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? If you said the power of flight, you’re in luck! Visit the Greater Houston Soaring Association on the weekend to soar through the air in sailplanes. Sailplanes can fly great distances for hours, giving you the opportunity to fly like an eagle on your next visit to the area.
Mural Tour
A great way to explore the city that features free admission and unusual views is to take a walking tour of Houston’s beautiful murals. You can use the Houston Mural Map to find 750 murals, art walls, and 250 mini murals located throughout the city.
Have a good time exploring to see how many murals you can visit during your trip. A few murals you don’t want to miss include The Black and White Wall outside The Secret Group and the popular Biscuit Paint Wall.
Best Things to Do in Houston with Kids
Houston has some of the very best attractions for kids! In fact, one of the best children’s museums in the United States is in Houston. If you’re planning a family adventure in the city, don’t miss the entertaining and educational adventures below.
Children’s Museum of Houston
Get ready to explore 90,000 square feet of exhibits, hands-on workshops, science experiments, and more! Complete a secret spy mission with lasers, spy gadgets, and hidden clues!
Hang out in the tot spot, create new things in the inventor’s workshop, and enjoy water play in the Flow Works exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Houston.
Downtown Aquarium
Looking for a great spot to explore with kids downtown? Explore Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. The Aquarium Adventure Exhibit features a 500,000 gallon tank filled with sea creatures including sharks! Kids can even touch and feed stingrays. Then, ride through the Shark Voyage Tunnel attraction and play games along the way.
Houston Zoo
There is something for everyone at the Houston Zoo. Your kids will love meeting Winnie and Teddy, the baby elephants that live at the zoo. Then, get the whole family in on the fun by feeding the giraffes.
The Pantanal is the perfect place to catch a glimpse of a South American jaguar walking right over your head! You can even set up animal encounters with Galapagos turtles and gorillas at the zoo’s nature center.
Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk is one of the most unique amusement parks in Texas. The whole family will enjoy the rides, shows, festivals, and waterfront restaurants.
Go on a speedboat tour or ride one of several roller coasters in the park. Then, finish out the evening with a breathtaking view of the boardwalk from 65 feet in the air on the Century Wheel. It’s one of the top things to do on the boardwalk!
There’s so much fun to be had in Houston! Whether you like exploring the historic districts with a walking tour, hiking tours through the great outdoors, permanent exhibits at the local art museums, or arcade games and laser tag, you’ll find something in the city to enjoy. What’s your favorite place to visit or get good food in Houston?
Tell me all about your favorite great things in Houston in the comments. I can’t wait to read about your favorite fun activity and add it to your Houston bucket list too!
