The Best Fun Activities in Houston for Adults
If you’re searching for fun activities in Houston for adults, you’re in the right place! Houston is known as the unofficial capital of Texas because it’s filled with history, diversity, art, delicious food, and fun things to do. You’ll find amazing murals and delicious barbeque around every corner in Houston.
There are all kinds of fun things to do in Houston! This Texas Gulf Coast city isn’t just an excellent choice for families, there’s lots for adults to explore and enjoy too. Some of the best places to spend an afternoon in Houston include one of the many museums or metropolitan parks. If you’re searching for fun activities in Houston for adults, you’ll want to see this list of perfect places.
Fun Activities in Houston for Adults
Nestled in the heart of the Lone Star State, Houston offers an endless amount of entertainment and leisure options that cater to every taste and preference. Whether you’re a local looking to spice up your weekends or a visitor eager to explore this dynamic city, our guide to the best fun activities in Houston for adults is your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.
Keep reading to discover how you can make the most of your time in this exciting city, ensuring you leave with cherished memories and a desire to return for more.
Visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is more than 100 years old and it’s always growing. You’ll find the museum at Hermann Park where the huge science center hosts visitors from around the world. In addition to many permanent galleries, the museum hosts traveling exhibits like King Tut’s Tomb Discovery.
If you’re searching for fun activities in Houston for Adults, try one of the museum’s “Mixers & Elixers” events. These events feature fun signature cocktails, live music, and a chance to explore the entire museum after the crowds have gone for the day.
See the Houston Astros Play at Minute Maid Park
Sports are definitely on the list of fun things to do in Houston! If you’re a fan of major league baseball, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see the Houston Astros in action at Minute Maid Park. Catching a game is definitely one of the best fun activities in Houston for adults who love baseball.
Minute Maid Park also offers daily tours for fans. This will give you a chance to see the VIP sections of the park, the press box, and the Hall of Fame Alley! It’s a fun budget-friendly activity for fans of the game.
Become an Astronaut at Houston Space Center
Okay, maybe not a real astronaut, but you’ll definitely feel like one inside the Houston Space Center’s interactive anti-gravity machine. Discover new things about space exploration and see how astronauts prepare for their journey to space. Then, get an up-close look at real spacecraft, the suits the astronauts wear, and their equipment.
This NASA space center is definitely a must-do fun activity in Houston for adults. While you’re there, don’t miss the opportunity to take a NASA tram tour. It’s one of the most popular experiences at the Space Center Houston.
These tours get you on-site at NASA Johnson Space Center, a training base for NASA astronauts, and the site of Mission Control. You can tour George W.S. Abbey Park, Mission Control, or the astronaut training facility during your visit.
Spend an Afternoon Exploring the Museum of Fine Arts
Situated on 14 acres of gardens in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts is the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon immersed in beauty. Art lovers will have plenty to admire including antiquities, collections from all over the world, and the gorgeous green spaces surrounding the museum. Current works of art on display include pieces from the Masterson Collection, Islamic art, as well as Oaxacan Art and Culture exhibits.
Visit After Dark at the Houston Zoo
A day at the zoo is one of my favorite fun activities in Houston for adults! Enjoy visiting the animals during the day or get tickets to one of Houston Zoo’s “After Dark” events. It’s the best way to enjoy the zoo without the crowds.
These adult-only events happen after hours and feature fun themes. Guests will get to chat with zookeepers, feed giraffes, and even ride the wildlife carousel!
Related Post: Houston Zoo Guide
Explore Houston’s Museum District
One of the most popular spots in Houston is the Museum District. In this section of the city, you’ll find 19 different museums divided into four walkable zones. Exploring one of the zones in the Museum District is the best way to see a lot in just one day.
You’ll find the Museum of Fine Art, the Health Museum, and the exclusive Menil Collection all within this section of the city. You’ll also find the perfect places to grab a drink or dinner like Gatsby’s Steakhouse, The Pit Room, and Mo’ Better Brews.
Related Post: Guide to the Best Museums in Houston
More Fun Things In Houston for Adults
But wait, there’s more! Houston’s treasure trove of adult-oriented entertainment doesn’t stop with the previously mentioned activities. This city has a wealth of options to keep you engaged and enthralled.
Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone who simply enjoys the finer things in life, Houston has something special in store for you. In the following section, we’ll delve deeper into the exciting array of experiences awaiting adults in Houston, ensuring your visit is an enriching and unforgettable journey.
Be a Kid Again at Kemah Boardwalk
They say the fun never stops at Kemah Boardwalk and it’s easy to see why! Just 20 miles from downtown, you’ll find great shopping, waterfront restaurants, and seaside shows. Kemah Boardwalk is a popular attraction for the entire family, but it’s also one of my favorite fun activities in Houston for adults.
Charter a sailboat, eat fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants or take in the exhibits at Ripley’s. Enjoy live music, take in the fresh ocean air, and be a kid again as you enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel. Whatever you like, you’ll find fun things to do in Houston at the boardwalk.
See an Event at the Toyota Center
Houston’s Toyota Center features delicious concessions and a behind-the-scenes tour for visitors. This is the spot to see the Houston Rockets play basketball when you’re in town. Lots of other awesome live shows can be found at the Toyota Center too.
If you’re searching for budget-friendly fun activities in Houston for adults, Margarita Mondays at the Toyota Center can’t be beat! Tickets are under $30 and include a themed shirt to wear and a margarita. It’s the perfect easy date night for couples who enjoy basketball.
Visit Houston’s Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is one of many fun things to do in Houston. The aquarium features its own restaurant, a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, a white tiger exhibit, and an interactive “shark voyage” in the heart of Downtown Houston. You might even get to see scuba divers feeding the fish in the aquarium’s 500,000-gallon tank during dinner at the restaurant!
Some of the most loved exhibits include Discovery Rig, a hands-on encounter with aquarium animals. You’ll get the chance to touch horseshoe crabs, shark eggs, and stingrays here!
Then, check out the Shark Voyage ride on the CP Huntington Train. You’ll get to see sharks swim around you as you travel through the train tunnel. It’s an amazing way to see these marine animals up close!
Explore the Outdoors at Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park features 160 acres of green spaces near downtown Houston. There are all kinds of fun things to do in Houston parks, but Buffalo Bayou is one of my favorites! The park features hiking, biking, paddling, public art, a dog park, and lots of great places for a picnic.
Whether you’re looking for more ways to get active in the city or a fun way to spend the afternoon relaxing outside, there’s something for everyone at Buffalo Bayou Park. Don’t have your own bike or kayak? That’s okay because the park’s partners rent bikes, kayaks, and canoes to guests.
If you’re getting hungry, check out all the great local food trucks at the entry to The Water Works for some delicious eats. Alternatively, you’ll find FLORA, a Mexican restaurant in the park if you want a spot to sit down in the air conditioning while you eat.
Become Inspired at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Do you need a great new photo for the ‘gram? Don’t miss the beautiful backdrop that is Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. This park is an iconic Houston landmark just as well known as the Waugh Bridge.
People of all ages enjoy standing in the mist created by this memorable centerpiece. The waterfall is found beneath a lush canopy of live oak trees in Houston’s business district. It’s one of the most visited attractions in the city, so don’t forget to add it to your list of fun things to do in Houston.
Catch a Show at Miller Outdoor Theatre
If you’re looking for a great place to enjoy performing arts in Houston, don’t miss the shows at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. All of these live shows feature free admission any time of year. That’s why Miller Outdoor Theatre is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Grab a picnic blanket or a lawn chair and come out to enjoy one of the unique performances put on by the theatre in Hermann Park. Upcoming shows include live music from various artists in Houston’s 44th Annual Chicano Festival.
See the Japanese Garden at Hermann Park
Houston’s Japanese garden was designed by world-renowned landscape architect, Ken Nakajima using a variety of natural elements that invoke serenity. The garden space features winding paths, lush gardens, and a traditional tea house.
Spend a quiet afternoon enjoying the azaleas, dogwoods, and cherry trees in this peaceful hideaway at Hermann Park. The Japanese gardens are open daily and no admission is charged, so don’t forget to add this beautiful retreat to your list of fun activities to do in Houston for adults.
Hear the Houston Grand Opera
The Houston Grand Opera is committed to engaging new audiences and honoring the history of opera. Whether you’re a fan of opera or looking to discover what opera is all about, you’ll find performances just for you. The opera features grand operas and smaller-scale works including American premieres and operas from a wide variety of time periods, genres, and languages.
This year the Houston Grand Opera will feature 90 premieres including short 45-minute performances entirely in English at Miller Outdoor Theatre. Even if you haven’t considered it before, you may want to add the opera to your list of fun activities in Houston for adults.
Listen to a Concert from the Houston Symphony
If you’re looking for fun activities in Houston for adults, consider spending an evening listening to the Houston Symphony. The symphony features concerts throughout the year at several locations throughout the city including the popular Miller Outdoor Theatre, Jones Hall for Performing Arts, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion, and The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. You can enjoy all kinds of concerts including classical music, summer concert specials, and the new Bank of America Pop Series.
See the Bat Colony at Waugh Drive Bridge
The Waugh Drive Bridge can be found at Buffalo Bayou Park in downtown Houston. The bat colony living under the bridge is estimated to include more than 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. On warm evenings, you can see the bats fly east along the bayou from the viewing platform. When the platform is crowded, consider booking a boat tour to see this amazing sight from the water of the bayou.
When the weather is below 50 degrees or rainy, the bats don’t emerge. If you visit on a Friday night, you can take advantage of the popular “Bat Chats” presentation given by Houston Area Bat Team members. It’s a great way to get any of your questions about bats answered by the experts.
Play the Escape Game Houston
Do you love escape rooms? Sometimes an adrenaline-pumping activity is the perfect thing! The Escape Game Houston invites guests to find their way out of a “locked” room by solving puzzles and discovering clues in just one hour.
Can you beat the clock? If you’d like to try, add an escape room adventure to your fun activities in Houston for adults this year. It’s a fun way to get to know someone new or spend the day with friends trying something totally new.
Check out the Houston Mural Map
Have you ever been on a mural walk? Houston’s Mural Map features 750 murals and 250 mini murals located all over the city. Get outdoors and go on a walking tour all over Houston to experience these amazing local art murals.
What are your favorite fun things to do in Houston? Do you have a fun activity in Houston that I forgot to mention? Share your favorite fun activities in Houston for adults in the comments. I can’t wait to read them and try a few of your favorites on my next-day trip into the city!
