Houston is one of the most exciting cities in the United States, offering a blend of culture, entertainment, outdoor adventure, and family-friendly attractions that few places can match. Known as Space City, Houston is home to world-class museums, professional sports teams, thrilling amusement attractions, massive parks, and a food scene that represents nearly every culture on the planet.

Whether you’re a Houston local looking for new experiences or a visitor planning a weekend getaway, this guide covers 20 of the best ways to have fun in Houston — including many attractions you can enjoy with the GetOut Houston, one of the easiest ways to save money while exploring the city.

👉 Explore all included attractions here:
GetOut Houston

Why Houston Is a Perfect City for Year-Round Fun

Houston’s size and diversity mean there’s always something new to do. Unlike many cities that rely on seasonal tourism, Houston offers entertainment year-round thanks to its warm climate, indoor attractions, cultural events, and family-friendly venues.

From adrenaline-filled water parks and climbing gyms to art studios and sporting events, Houston caters to:

• Families with kids of all ages
  
  
• Couples looking for unique date ideas
  
  
• Friend groups planning weekend outings
  
  
• Visitors wanting authentic Texas experiences
  
  

With the GetOut Houston, you can enjoy dozens of attractions throughout the year for one low price — making it easier to say “yes” to more adventures.

I. Top GetOut Houston Experiences (Included with Your Pass)

One of the best ways to experience Houston is through attractions included in the GetOut Houston. These venues range from amusement parks and water parks to creative spaces and entertainment hubs.

Below are 10 must-visit GetOut Houston attractions, all accessible through the pass.

1. Kemah Boardwalk – Classic Texas Boardwalk Fun

Located just outside Houston on Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk is one of the most iconic entertainment destinations in the area. With amusement rides, carnival games, waterfront dining, and beautiful sunset views, it’s perfect for families, couples, and groups.

Highlights include:

• Thrill rides and family-friendly attractions
• Live entertainment throughout the year
• Scenic waterfront views

👉 Included with GetOut:
Kemah Boardwalk

2. Downtown Aquarium – An Underwater Adventure

The Downtown Aquarium combines education and entertainment, making it a hit for families and animal lovers. Guests can explore exhibits featuring aquatic life, reptiles, and unique ecosystems while enjoying an immersive environment.

Why it’s worth visiting:

• Interactive exhibits for kids
• Great indoor option for hot or rainy days
• Centrally located near downtown attractions

👉 Included with GetOut:
Downtown Aquarium

3. Big Rivers Waterpark – Splash Into Summer Fun

Houston summers can get hot, and Big Rivers Waterpark is one of the best places to cool off. With water slides, wave pools, and family play areas, it’s ideal for kids, teens, and adults alike.

Best for:

• Summer break activities
• Birthday celebrations
• Group outings

👉 Included with GetOut:
Big Rivers Waterpark

4. Houston Dynamo FC Matches – Live Sports Energy

There’s nothing like the energy of a live soccer match. With the Houston Dynamo, fans can enjoy fast-paced action, passionate crowds, and a true Houston sports atmosphere.

Why sports fans love it:

• Professional-level competition
• Family-friendly environment
• Great intro to Houston’s sports culture

👉 Included with GetOut:
Houston Dynamo FC

5. Slick City Trampoline Park – High-Energy Fun

For kids with energy to burn (and adults who want to join them), Slick City offers wall-to-wall trampoline excitement. Jump zones, foam pits, and obstacle courses make this a favorite for families and teens.

Perfect for:

• Rainy days
• Birthday parties
• Active family fun

👉 Included with GetOut:
Slick City

6. Momentum Climbing – Katy – Adventure Meets Fitness

Rock climbing is both fun and challenging, and Momentum Climbing provides a safe, welcoming environment for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

What makes it special:

• Beginner-friendly routes
• Great workout without feeling like exercise
• Encourages teamwork and confidence

👉 Included with GetOut:
Momentum Climbing – Katy

7. Cordovan Art Schools – Get Creative in Houston

Houston’s art scene is thriving, and Cordovan Art Schools allows visitors to participate hands-on. From pottery and ceramics to painting classes, this is a relaxing and creative way to spend a day.

Best for:

• Creative date nights
• Stress-free hobbies
• Learning something new

👉 Included with GetOut:
Cordovan Art Schools

8. We Rock The Spectrum – Inclusive Family Play

Designed for children of all abilities, We Rock The Spectrum provides sensory-friendly play environments that promote fun, movement, and inclusivity.

Why families love it:

• Safe and welcoming environment
• Great for younger kids
• Inclusive play philosophy

👉 Included with GetOut:
We Rock The Spectrum Houston

9. AR’s Entertainment Hub – All-in-One Fun Zone

From mini-golf and laser tag to arcade games and bumper cars, AR’s Entertainment Hub offers something for everyone under one roof.

Perfect for:

• Family game nights
• Group outings
• Weekend fun

👉 Included with GetOut:
AR’s Entertainment Hub

10. 40+ More Attractions to Explore

The GetOut Houston includes access to dozens of additional attractions — and new venues are added regularly. This makes the pass ideal for year-round entertainment and spontaneous adventures.

👉 See the full list here:
GetOut Houston

II. Classic Houston Experiences Everyone Should Try

Houston is packed with iconic attractions that define the city’s character. These experiences highlight Houston’s history, innovation, culture, and love for the outdoors. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering your hometown, these are the must-do activities that belong on every Houston bucket list.

11. Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) is one of the most visited museums in Texas—and for good reason. Located in Hermann Park, this world-class museum offers something fascinating for every age group.

Visitors can walk among towering dinosaur skeletons, explore ancient Egyptian artifacts, admire one of the most impressive gemstone and mineral collections in the country, and experience interactive science exhibits that make learning fun. Seasonal traveling exhibits keep the museum fresh, meaning no two visits are ever exactly the same.

Why it’s a must:

• Ideal for families, couples, and solo explorers
  
  
• Educational yet entertaining
  
  
• A great indoor activity during Houston’s hot summers
  
  

Plan to spend several hours here, and consider pairing your visit with a walk through nearby Hermann Park or the Houston Zoo.

12. Spend Time at Discovery Green

Discovery Green is Houston’s backyard playground in the heart of downtown. This 12-acre urban park serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering a mix of green space, art, food, and entertainment.

Throughout the year, Discovery Green hosts:

• Free concerts and movie nights
  
  
• Fitness classes like yoga and Zumba
  
  
• Cultural festivals and seasonal events
  
  
• Ice skating during the winter months
  
  

Kids love the playgrounds and splash areas, while adults appreciate the skyline views and laid-back atmosphere. It’s also one of the best places in Houston for people-watching and photography.

Best of all, many activities at Discovery Green are free, making it a perfect addition to any Houston itinerary.

13. Visit Space Center Houston (NASA’s Official Visitor Center)

No trip to Houston is complete without visiting Space Center Houston, the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This attraction puts Houston’s nickname—Space City—into full perspective.

Guests can see real spacecraft, moon rocks, astronaut gear, and historic mission control rooms. Interactive exhibits let visitors experience what it’s like to live and work in space, making it equally exciting for kids and adults.

Highlights include:

• Tram tours of NASA facilities
  
  
• Astronaut exhibits and artifacts
  
  
• Hands-on science experiences
  
  

This is one of Houston’s most iconic attractions and a must-visit for science lovers, families, and anyone curious about space exploration.

14. Enjoy the Outdoors at Buffalo Bayou Park

Stretching for miles along the bayou, Buffalo Bayou Park is one of Houston’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. This massive green corridor offers walking and biking trails, scenic overlooks, public art installations, and peaceful picnic spots—all with stunning views of the downtown skyline.

Popular activities include:

• Biking or jogging along the trails
  
  
• Kayaking or paddleboarding on the bayou
  
  
• Visiting the bat colony under the Waugh Drive Bridge at sunset
  
  
• Relaxing with friends or family on the open lawns
  
  

Buffalo Bayou Park shows off Houston’s commitment to green spaces and urban nature, making it perfect for both active adventures and laid-back afternoons.

15. Escape Into Nature at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Tucked inside Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers a tranquil escape from the city without leaving town. With miles of nature trails winding through wetlands, forests, and meadows, it’s an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Why people love it:

• Easy walking trails for all fitness levels
  
  
• Educational exhibits about local ecosystems
  
  
• Excellent bird-watching opportunities
  
  

It’s a fantastic spot for families, photographers, and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with nature after a busy week of city life.

III. Sports, Culture & Seasonal Events

Houston thrives on energy, diversity, and celebration. From major sporting events to cultural festivals and seasonal traditions, this city knows how to bring people together. These experiences showcase Houston’s passion for sports, music, heritage, and community.

16. Experience the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is one of the city’s most beloved traditions and one of the largest rodeos in the world. Held annually, this multi-week event blends classic Texas culture with modern entertainment.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Rodeo competitions featuring top cowboys and cowgirls
  
  
• Concerts by major national and international artists
  
  
• Carnival rides and games
  
  
• Iconic Texas food, from BBQ to funnel cakes
  
  

For many Houstonians, the rodeo isn’t just an event—it’s a rite of passage. Whether you attend one night or several, it’s an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Texas.

17. Celebrate Houston’s Cultural Festivals & Parades

Houston is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and that diversity is celebrated year-round through festivals, parades, and community events.

Some highlights include:

• Lunar New Year celebrations
  
  
• Juneteenth festivals and parades
  
  
• Día de los Muertos events
  
  
• Holiday light festivals and cultural markets
  
  

These events offer live music, traditional food, dancing, art, and performances that reflect Houston’s global community. Many festivals are family-friendly and free, making them accessible to everyone.

18. Attend Live Sports & Stadium Events

Houston is a sports city through and through. From professional teams to college athletics, live games are a major part of local culture.

Attending a game is about more than the sport—it’s about the atmosphere:

• Energetic fans
  
  
• Local food and drinks
  
  
• Pre-game festivities and tailgating
  
  

Whether you’re cheering for soccer, football, basketball, or baseball, experiencing live sports in Houston connects you with the city’s passion and pride.

Why These Experiences Matter

Classic attractions, sports, and cultural events provide the foundation of Houston’s identity. They complement the thrill-based and family-friendly experiences available through the GetOut Houston, giving visitors and locals a well-rounded way to explore the city.

Together, these experiences show why Houston isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a place to experience.

IV. Food, Nightlife & Neighborhood Exploration

Houston is widely recognized as one of the best food cities in the United States, and its nightlife scene is just as diverse and exciting. Thanks to the city’s incredible cultural mix, you can travel the world through food, music, and neighborhoods—all without leaving Houston.

From legendary barbecue joints and international cuisine to rooftop bars and late-night live music, this section highlights how to experience Houston after the attractions close and the city truly comes alive.

19. Explore Houston’s Legendary Food Scene

Houston’s food scene is one of its biggest attractions—and it’s built on diversity. With one of the most multicultural populations in the country, the city offers authentic cuisine from nearly every corner of the globe.

What Makes Houston a Food Capital

Houston doesn’t just do variety—it does authenticity. Many restaurants are family-owned, locally operated, and rooted in generations of culinary tradition. From food trucks to fine dining, Houston celebrates flavor at every level.

Popular food experiences include:

• Texas barbecue with slow-smoked brisket and ribs
  
  
• Tex-Mex staples like enchiladas, fajitas, and queso
  
  
• Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean cuisine, especially along Bellaire Boulevard
  
  
• Nigerian, Ethiopian, and West African food reflecting Houston’s global population
  
  
• Seafood inspired by the nearby Gulf Coast
  
  

Neighborhoods Known for Food

Different neighborhoods offer different culinary vibes:

• Montrose – Eclectic dining, trendy cafés, and global flavors
  
  
• Midtown – Casual eateries, brunch spots, and nightlife-friendly dining
  
  
• Chinatown / Asiatown – Authentic Asian cuisine and specialty markets
  
  
• Heights – Craft restaurants, bakeries, and comfort food with a modern twist
  
  

Food lovers can easily spend an entire weekend hopping between neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems and local favorites.

20. Experience Houston Nightlife & Live Entertainment

When the sun sets, Houston transforms into a city buzzing with energy. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxed evening or a lively night out, Houston’s nightlife has something for every style and age group.

Houston’s Nightlife Vibe

Houston nightlife is:

• Diverse and welcoming
  
  
• Spread across multiple neighborhoods
  
  
• Suitable for both casual nights and big celebrations
  
  

Instead of one central nightlife district, Houston offers several hotspots, each with its own personality.

Popular Nightlife Areas

• Downtown Houston – Rooftop bars, lounges, and live music venues
  
  
• Midtown – High-energy bars, clubs, and late-night crowds
  
  
• Montrose – Artsy bars, live music, and laid-back nightlife
  
  
• The Heights – Cozy cocktail bars and neighborhood pubs
  
  

Live Music & Entertainment

Houston has a thriving live music scene that includes:

• Jazz clubs
  
  
• Country and Americana venues
  
  
• Indie and alternative music stages
  
  
• Comedy clubs and theaters
  
  

Many venues host weekly shows, open mics, and themed nights, making it easy to find something happening almost any night of the week.

Final Thoughts: Why GetOut Houston Makes Exploring Easy

Houston is a city meant to be explored — and the GetOut Houston makes it easier, more affordable, and more fun to do just that.

Whether you’re planning family outings, date nights, or spontaneous weekend adventures, Houston offers endless opportunities — and the GetOut helps you say yes to more of them.

Grab your pass, get out, and start exploring Houston today.