FAQs: Houston Region

What are the top five activities for your teen near/in Houston?

When you hear the city of Houston, you already know “what’s up.” Houston is art, culture, energy, strength, immersion, and history. It’s the epitome of cowboy boots, BBQ, Beyonce, and Southern Texan values.  

1. Escape the Room Texas: Test your wits and unravel mysteries at Escape the Room, where immersive puzzles demand creative, outside-the-box thinking. Race against the clock as you decipher hidden clues and manipulate puzzles to escape your room in 60 minutes or fewer.
2. Color Factory Houston: Explore a kaleidoscope of art, science, and sharable moments intended to ignite your senses in this immersive art installation. Located in the chic River Oaks/Upper Kirby District, the Color Factory offers a sophisticated and bold approach to interactive art. 
3. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo transforms the city into a whirlwind of Western spirit, where donning your finest cowboy boots and rodeo attire is a cherished tradition. Enjoy the twang of country anthems like “Texas Hold ‘Em” while sampling classic carnival fare, cheering for the bronc busters, and visiting animals at the petting zoo. 
4. Houston Art Car Parade: The Houston Art Car Parade is a dazzling moving gallery where automotive ingenuity meets artistic expression. See the city’s artistic community transform everyday vehicles into moving masterpieces, from whimsical sculptures to painted canvases, this parade celebrates Houston’s spirit.
5. Houston Astros or Houston Texans Game: If you’re in Texas, you know we take our sports seriously. Experience the city’s sports culture by catching a baseball or football game. Cheer for the reigning World Series Champion Astros, or watch quarterback CJ Stroud lead his team down the field.

What are the top cultural activities for teens in Houston?

Houston thrives as a vibrant cultural hub celebrating diversity and fostering community. From the energy of Downtown and the Heights’ historic charm to the artistic soul of Third Ward/Midtown, the city’s neighborhoods weave a multicultural mosaic. Check out some of our favorite activities and experiences.

1. Holocaust Museum Houston: The Holocaust Museum Houston explores Jewish history and culture with photos, videos, and artifact exhibits. Its interactive “Positive Affirmation Wall” invites visitors to contribute messages of hope, creating a collective expression of resilience. The museum is dedicated to educating people about the dangers of hatred, realities of hardship, and enduring power of human triumph.
2. Buffalo Soldier National Museum: This museum invites visitors to explore African American history by showcasing the remarkable courage and contributions of the Buffalo Soldiers. Each gallery uses authentic military artifacts, photographs, videos, and research to create a compelling narrative that brings these soldiers’ legacy to life.
3. SHAPE Community Center: For over 50 years, this center has stood as a cornerstone in Houston’s Third Ward, deeply rooted in the Black community. Throughout its history, the center has served as a beacon of history, culture, and empowerment for people of African descent. From cultural education to celebrations, the SHAPE Community Center fosters understanding and appreciation of African heritage.
4. Houston Graffiti Park: Once relegated to the fringes, graffiti art has found a home in this park, a dynamic space where local artists share their talent. This park has become a popular spot for music videos, photo shoots, and social media influencers. Its existence is a testament to Houston’s celebration of street art.  
5. Alley Theatre: This nationally recognized institution presents a diverse repertoire of theatrical productions from timeless classics to new works. With two distinct spaces, the Alley provides experiences for all. It’s also won a Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, a Pulitzer Prize for one of its premieres, and several of its productions have moved to Broadway and beyond!
   

What are the best Houston outdoor activities for teens?

Houston is a big city with tons to do around town. But when you need a little tranquility and space to relax, try the following outdoor activities. 

1. Discovery Green: Located steps from the convention center, Toyota Center, and Minute Maid Park, this urban oasis has a year-round calendar of free events, festivals, and concerts. During the holidays, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink. 
2. Miller Outdoor Theater: This iconic venue in Hermann Park offers a range of free performances from classical music and ballet to Shakespeare and modern theater. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and find the perfect spot on the lawn to enjoy world class entertainment under the stars.
3. Hermann Park Conservatory: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at the Hermann Park Conservatory. Explore the Japanese and McGovern Centennial gardens and learn about the exotic and native plants housed in a stunning Victorian-era glass house. 
4. Houston Zoo: Love animals? The zoo is a must-visit destination where you can explore the African forest, with its chimpanzees and giraffes or get up close to lions, sea otters, and rhinos. See colorful fish and other marine life at the Kipp Aquarium. There are plenty of educational programs and interactive activities for all.
5. Kemah Boardwalk: This waterfront destination is packed with fun, with amusement park rides and many waterfront restaurants. With stunning views of Galveston Bay, Kemah Boardwalk offers a vibrant atmosphere to enjoy events, life music, and unique shops.
   

What are the best Houston indoor activities for teens?

Escape the Texas heat and discover a world of indoor fun with these awesome activities. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or art enthusiast — or just looking for a unique hangout spot, Houston has something for you, rain or shine.

1. iFLY Houston: Take the leap and experience the thrill of skydiving without ever (really) leaving the ground. Soar through the air in a safe, controlled environment of this indoor skydiving center. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a first-time flyer, defy gravity at iFLY.  
2. Pinstripes: Elevate your bowling game at this entertainment venue in the River Oaks/Upper Kirby District. Pinstripes offers a refined experience with ambiance, gourmet dining, bowling — and bocce ball courts!  
3. K1 Speed: Experience the thrill of indoor kart racing at this state-of-the-art facility, which has a professionally designed track and high-performance karts that can go up to 45 mph. Challenge your friends and family to see who can claim the fastest lap time.
4. Seismique: This isn’t your typical museum but a mind-bending, immersive experience combining art, technology, and science. Explore 40+ interactive exhibits, like a galaxy of lights, futuristic cityscape, and more.
5. Space Center Houston: The official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, this museum celebrates the past, present, and future of space exploration. See hundreds of space artifacts like the Apollo 17 command module. Walk through a replica of the ISS. Take a behind-the-scenes tram tour of the astronauts’ training facilities and Mission Control.
   

What are the best Houston restaurants for teens?

Houstonians are foodies at heart, and the city’s food scene is booming! For fine dining, check out Pappadeaux or Pappasitos. From trendy cafes to international flavors, the following restaurants were some of our faves if you want to hang out with your friends and enjoy a good meal.

1. Downtown Aquarium Houston: Enjoy delicious food while surrounded by a 500,000-gallon aquarium teaming with sea life. You can even gently pet the stingrays swimming in the touch pool or book another animal encounter before or after your meal.
2. Barnaby’s Cafe: A haven for artists and free spirits, Barnaby’s Cafe has a diverse menu for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans. Enjoy food in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by colorful murals and quirky decor at one of its eight Houston locations. 
3. Luigi’s Pizzeria – Midtown: Transport your tastebuds to the heart of Italy in this lively pizzeria that perfectly captures the essence of a classic New York pizza joint. The menu includes all the Italian favorites like pizza, pasta, salads, subs, gelato, and cannolis.   
4. Mia’s Table: This Houston fave serves comfort food classics with a Texas twist, like Tex-Mex faves and irresistible milkshakes made with Blue Bell ice cream. Try the crispy fried chicken or catfish, or enjoy a fiesta of tacos with chips and queso. 
5. Creamistry: Creamistry offers a unique dessert experience unlike any other, using liquid nitrogen to create custom made-to-order ice cream and frozen treats while you wait. This sciency magic is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

What are the best Houston museums for families?

Houston has many excellent museums, including the Art Car Museum, Woodlands Children Museum, Lone Star Flight Museum, and Wunderlich Farm. Check out some of our favorites below.

1. Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS): HMNS takes visitors on a journey through the wonders of the natural world, from ancient dinosaur bones to minerals and gems. One of its highlights is the Cockrell Butterfly Center, a tropical rainforest home to hundreds of butterflies. 
2. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH): This world-renowned art museum houses 80,000 works of art. Discover ancient and contemporary masterpieces and visit the Lillie and Hough Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden, too.
3. The Health Museum: Learn about the human body and the processes keeping our bodies functioning in this interactive museum that fatures exhibits on the brain, skeleton, and human anatomy. Exhibits include Body Worlds and the Amazing Body Gallery.
4. Children’s Museum Houston: This museum uses child-centered experiences to transform communities. Exhibits invite families to discover science, the environment, culture, math, and the arts through play and exploration. It’s also a recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
5. Rosenberg Railroad Museum: All aboard for a journey through railroad history in this museum, which teaches visitors about the rich history of railroads in Fort Bend County. Tour a restored 1879 rail car and climb aboard a Missouri Pacific caboose. Discover the inner workings of a switching and signals control tower and learn how technology has evolved with interactive displays.
   

For even more ideas and inspiration, check out the U.S. News Houston Travel Guide.