Introduction

Houston is a dynamic city brimming with rich cultural, historical, and recreational landscapes. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring Houston’s top attractions can make for an unforgettable experience. Here’s your guide to the 10 must-see attractions that highlight the exciting things to do in Houston.

10 Must-See Attractions: Exciting Things to Do in Houston

Space Center Houston

Overview: Space Center Houston is a must-visit for anyone interested in space exploration. It serves as the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and experiences.

Main Attractions:

• NASA Tram Tour: Get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA. This tram tour takes you to various key locations within the Johnson Space Center, including the historic Mission Control and Rocket Park.
• Space Shuttle Replica: Experience the life-size replica of the Space Shuttle Independence, mounted on a Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Visitors can go inside both the shuttle and the aircraft.
• Mission Control Center: Visit the iconic control center where historic missions, including the Apollo moon landings, were monitored.
• Astronaut Gallery: View spacesuits worn by astronauts from different eras of space exploration.

Visitor Tips:

• Best Times to Visit: Weekdays and early mornings to avoid crowds.
• Ticket Information: Adult tickets start at $29.95. Discounted rates are available for children, seniors, and military personnel.
• Special Events: Check the schedule for astronaut meet-and-greets and special exhibits.
• Dining Options: On-site dining includes Zero-G Diner, offering a range of meal options.

Attraction	Highlight	Tip
NASA Tram Tour	Behind-the-scenes look at NASA	Visit early to avoid long lines.
Space Shuttle Replica	Life-size shuttle replica	Great for photo opportunities.
Mission Control Center	Historic mission control room	Book a guided tour for in-depth info.
Astronaut Gallery	Spacesuits from various missions	Don’t miss the suits from the Apollo missions.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Overview: This museum offers a wide range of exhibits that fascinate visitors of all ages, from dinosaurs to space exploration. It’s one of the most popular museums in Houston, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Main Exhibits:

• Dinosaur Hall: Home to an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a T. rex and a triceratops.
• Butterfly Center: A lush, tropical environment filled with live butterflies, ideal for a serene and educational experience.
• Planetarium: Offers shows that explore the wonders of the universe, from black holes to the birth of stars.
• Ancient Egypt: Exhibits showcasing mummies, artifacts, and the history of ancient Egypt.
• Gems and Minerals: One of the finest collections in the world, featuring stunning gems and minerals from across the globe.

Visitor Tips:

• Membership Benefits: Includes free admission and discounts on special exhibits, making it a great option for frequent visitors.
• Hours of Operation: Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Extended hours on Thursdays.
• Guided Tours: Available for an additional fee. Enhance your visit with in-depth knowledge from experienced guides.

Exhibit	Highlight	Tip
Dinosaur Hall	Extensive dinosaur fossil collection	Visit early to avoid crowds.
Butterfly Center	Live tropical butterflies	Wear bright colors to attract butterflies.
Planetarium	Shows about space and astronomy	Check showtimes in advance.
Ancient Egypt	Mummies and artifacts	Allocate extra time for this exhibit.
Gems and Minerals	Stunning gem and mineral collection	Perfect for photography.

Houston Zoo

Overview: The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals and offers a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences. It’s located within Hermann Park and is one of the most visited zoos in the United States.

Main Attractions:

• African Forest: Features gorillas, chimpanzees, and other African wildlife in a lush, naturalistic setting.
• Kipp Aquarium: Home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, sharks, and coral reefs.
• Children’s Zoo: Interactive exhibits designed for young visitors, including a petting zoo and a water play area.
• McNair Asian Elephant Habitat: A spacious and enriching environment for the zoo’s elephant herd.

Visitor Tips:

• Best Visiting Times: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid the largest crowds.
• Ticket Prices: Adult tickets start at $19.95, with discounts available for children, seniors, and members.
• Interactive Experiences: Giraffe feeding, sea lion shows, and behind-the-scenes tours are available for additional fees.
• Dining Options: Multiple dining options within the zoo, including Treetops Café and Cypress Circle Café.

Exhibit	Highlight	Tip
African Forest	Gorillas and chimpanzees	Arrive early to see feeding times.
Kipp Aquarium	Marine life exhibits	Visit during feeding times.
Children’s Zoo	Interactive exhibits for kids	Plan for extra time to explore.
McNair Asian Elephant Habitat	Spacious environment for elephants	Check the schedule for elephant talks.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Overview: One of the largest art museums in the United States, featuring over 70,000 works of art. The museum spans two buildings and includes a sculpture garden, a movie theater, and a research library.

Main Exhibits:

• European Art: Masterpieces from the Renaissance to the 18th century, including works by Rembrandt and Van Dyck.
• Modern and Contemporary Art: Works by prominent modern artists like Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko.
• Rotating Exhibits: Frequent special exhibitions showcasing art from around the world.
• Asian Art: A comprehensive collection of ceramics, textiles, and paintings from various Asian cultures.
• Latin American Art: Includes works by influential artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Visitor Tips:

• Special Programs: Check for workshops, lectures, and film screenings that complement the exhibits.
• Membership Details: Offers free admission, exclusive previews, and discounts on programs and events.
• Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours on Thursdays.

Exhibit	Highlight	Tip
European Art	Renaissance to 18th-century masterpieces	Use the museum map to plan your visit.
Modern and Contemporary Art	Works by prominent modern artists	Check for special exhibits.
Rotating Exhibits	Frequent special exhibitions	Visit the website for current exhibits.
Asian Art	Ceramics, textiles, and paintings	Allocate extra time for this section.
Latin American Art	Works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo	Perfect for art history enthusiasts.

Minute Maid Park

Overview: Home to the Houston Astros, this stadium offers more than just baseball games. It features a retractable roof and a unique train that runs along the left-field wall.

Main Attractions:

• Stadium Tours: Go behind the scenes of this iconic stadium. Tours include access to the dugout, press box, and luxury suites.
• Game Day Experiences: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of an Astros game. The park features a variety of food and drink options, fan zones, and promotional events.
• Iconic Features: Such as the retractable roof, which allows for games in any weather, and the train that celebrates home runs and Astros victories.

Visitor Tips:

• Ticket Purchasing: Buy tickets online to secure the best seats and avoid long lines at the box office.
• Best Seating Areas: Behind home plate for the best view, or in the outfield for a chance to catch a home run ball.
• Game Schedules: Check the Astros’ schedule for upcoming games and special events.
• Dining Options: The stadium offers a wide variety of food, from classic ballpark fare to local Houston favorites.

Attraction	Highlight	Tip
Stadium Tours	Behind-the-scenes look at the stadium	Book in advance.
Game Day Experiences	Lively atmosphere of an Astros game	Arrive early for pre-game activities.
Iconic Features	Retractable roof and train	Take photos of the unique features.

Hermann Park

Overview: A sprawling urban park offering a variety of activities and attractions. Hermann Park is located in the heart of Houston and includes gardens, trails, and cultural institutions.

Main Attractions:

• McGovern Lake: Paddle boating and scenic views. The lake is home to ducks, turtles, and other wildlife.
• Japanese Garden: A serene space with beautiful landscaping, including koi ponds, bridges, and traditional Japanese plants.
• Hermann Park Railroad: A fun train ride around the park, great for families and children.
• Miller Outdoor Theatre: Offers free performances ranging from musicals and concerts to Shakespeare plays.

Visitor Tips:

• Recreational Activities: Paddle boats, picnicking, and walking trails are popular activities. The park also has a golf course and tennis courts.
• Events: Check the park’s calendar for special events such as outdoor concerts, festivals, and fitness classes.
• Best Times to Visit: Weekday mornings for a quieter experience, or weekends for a lively atmosphere.

Attraction	Highlight	Tip
McGovern Lake	Paddle boating and scenic views	Rent boats early in the day.
Japanese Garden	Serene space with beautiful landscaping	Visit during the blooming season.
Hermann Park Railroad	Fun train ride around the park	Great for families with young children.
Miller Outdoor Theatre	Free performances	Bring a blanket or chair for seating.

Downtown Aquarium

Overview: A combination of aquarium exhibits, dining, and entertainment. The Downtown Aquarium is home to over 200 species of aquatic animals and offers a range of attractions for all ages.

Main Exhibits:

• Shark Tunnel: Walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other marine life.
• Stingray Reef: Touch and feed stingrays in a safe, interactive environment.
• Aquatic Carousel: A unique carousel ride with sea-themed animals, perfect for children.
• Aquarium Adventure Exhibit: Explore various habitats, including a Louisiana Swamp and a Rainforest.

Visitor Tips:

• Dining Options: Enjoy a meal at the Aquarium Restaurant, which features a floor-to-ceiling aquarium filled with tropical fish.
• Ticket Information: Combo tickets are available for exhibits and rides, providing a full day of entertainment.
• Special Events: Check for seasonal events and promotions, such as themed nights and holiday celebrations.

Exhibit	Highlight	Tip
Shark Tunnel	Tunnel surrounded by sharks	Best viewed during feeding times.
Stingray Reef	Touch and feed stingrays	Perfect for interactive experiences.
Aquatic Carousel	Sea-themed carousel ride	Fun for kids of all ages.
Aquarium Adventure Exhibit	Explore various aquatic habitats	Plan for extra time to see everything.

The Menil Collection

Overview: A unique museum housing the art collection of John and Dominique de Menil. The Menil Collection includes over 17,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs, and rare books.

Main Exhibits:

• Surrealism: Works by Max Ernst, René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, and other surrealist artists.
• Byzantine Art: An impressive collection of medieval art, including icons, manuscripts, and artifacts.
• Rotating Exhibits: Regularly changing special exhibitions featuring contemporary art and other genres.
• African and Pacific Art: Includes masks, sculptures, and textiles from various cultures.
• Modern Art: Works by modern masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Duchamp.

Visitor Tips:

• Visiting Hours: Open Wednesday through Sunday, with free admission.
• Guided Tours: Available for groups and individuals, providing in-depth insights into the collection.
• Nearby Attractions: Visit the Rothko Chapel and Byzantine Fresco Chapel, which are part of the Menil campus.

Exhibit	Highlight	Tip
Surrealism	Works by Max Ernst, René Magritte	Check for special tours and lectures.
Byzantine Art	Impressive collection of medieval art	Visit during quieter hours.
Rotating Exhibits	Regularly changing special exhibitions	Check the schedule for current exhibits.
African and Pacific Art	Masks, sculptures, and textiles	Allocate extra time for this section.
Modern Art	Works by Picasso, Matisse, and Duchamp	Perfect for art history enthusiasts.

Discovery Green

Overview: An urban park in downtown Houston offering a wide range of activities. Discovery Green is a vibrant public space that hosts numerous events and recreational opportunities.

Main Attractions:

• Ice Skating Rink: Seasonal outdoor rink that transforms into a roller skating rink in the warmer months.
• Kayak Rides: Paddle around the park’s lake, offering a fun and unique way to explore the area.
• Art Installations: Regularly changing public art exhibits, featuring works by local and international artists.
• Playground: A large, modern playground with climbing structures, slides, and water features.

Visitor Tips:

• Event Schedules: Check the park’s website for a schedule of concerts, fitness classes, and festivals.
• Facilities: Restrooms, playgrounds, and dining options are available throughout the park.
• Seasonal Activities: Ice skating in winter, water play areas in summer, and various seasonal festivals and markets.

Attraction	Highlight	Tip
Ice Skating Rink	Seasonal outdoor rink	Rent skates early.
Kayak Rides	Paddle around the park’s lake	Wear water-resistant clothing.
Art Installations	Regularly changing public art exhibits	Great for photography.
Playground	Modern playground with water features	Ideal for families with children.

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Overview: A nature sanctuary offering trails, wildlife, and educational programs. Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Main Attractions:

• Nature Trails: Over 5 miles of walking trails that wind through forest, meadow, and wetland habitats.
• Wildlife: Home to a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Birdwatchers will find plenty to see throughout the year.
• Educational Programs: Workshops, classes, and camps for all ages, focusing on nature and conservation.
• Wildlife Garden: A beautifully designed garden that attracts butterflies, birds, and other pollinators.

Visitor Tips:

• Best Times to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon for wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.
• Guided Tours: Available for groups and individuals, offering expert insights into the local ecosystem.
• Membership Benefits: Discounts on programs, access to member-only events, and support for conservation efforts.

Attraction	Highlight	Tip
Nature Trails	Over 5 miles of walking trails	Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Wildlife	Birds, mammals, and reptiles	Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
Educational Programs	Workshops and classes for all ages	Check the schedule for upcoming events.
Wildlife Garden	Garden designed to attract pollinators	Visit during peak blooming seasons.

Conclusion

Houston is teeming with must-see attractions that offer a rich tapestry of experiences. From the wonders of space exploration to serene nature walks, the city has something for everyone. Explore these exciting things to do in Houstonand create lasting memories. Share your experiences and let others know the treasures you discover.