35 Fun Things to Do in Houston, Texas
Houston is a large city located in the state of Texas, in the United States. It is the fourth most populous city in the country, known for its diverse population, cultural attractions, and thriving economy. Houston is home to many museums, parks, zoos, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists. The city is also a major center for energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries, with a bustling port and international airport. Houston has a humid subtropical climate and is known for its hot and humid summers.
Houston has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s when the area was home to Karankawa and Akokisa Native American tribes. The city was founded in 1836 by brothers Augustus and John Allen, who named it after Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas. Houston became the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1837 and was incorporated as a city in 1839.
During the Civil War, Houston became an important center for the Confederate Army, with the city's port and railroads providing vital supply routes. After the war, Houston began to grow rapidly, with the discovery of oil in nearby areas leading to the city's economic boom in the early 1900s.
In the 1960s, Houston became a major center for the space industry, with the establishment of NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center (now known as the Johnson Space Center) in 1961. This led to the city becoming known as the "Space City," and Houston played a key role in the Apollo space program, including being the location of mission control for the Apollo 11 moon landing.
Houston has also played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with Martin Luther King Jr. giving one of his most famous speeches at the city's City Hall in 1967. The city has also been shaped by its diverse population, with significant communities of African American, Hispanic, and Asian residents contributing to the city's culture.
Today, Houston is a major center for energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries, and continues to attract visitors from around the world with its many cultural attractions and diverse population.
There are many fun things to do in Houston. Here are 35 ideas:
- Visit the Space Center Houston and learn about space exploration.
- Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science and see dinosaurs and other exhibits.
- Visit the Houston Zoo and see animals from around the world.
- Go to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and view art from all over the world.
- Take a tour of the Buffalo Bayou Park and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
- Explore the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and go on a nature walk.
- Visit the Menil Collection and view an extensive collection of art.
- See a show at the Houston Grand Opera.
- Visit the Children's Museum of Houston and learn through interactive exhibits.
- Go to the Houston Museum of African American Culture and learn about African American history.
- Take a boat tour of the Port of Houston and see the ships and cargo.
- Visit the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and see the beautiful water wall.
- Explore the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and see artists in action.
- Go to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and experience Texas culture.
- Visit the National Museum of Funeral History and learn about the history of funeral customs.
- Take a trip to the Houston Galleria and shop at high-end stores.
- Go to the Houston Symphony and enjoy classical music.
- Visit the Museum of Natural Science and learn about the universe.
- Go to the Houston Museum of Health and Medical Science and learn about the human body.
- Explore the Houston Museum of American Architecture and learn about different styles of architecture.
- Visit the Holocaust Museum Houston and learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust.
- Go to the Houston Ballet and see a beautiful performance.
- Visit the Beer Can House and see a house made out of beer cans.
- Explore the Houston Public Library and borrow a book or attend an event.
- Take a tour of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and learn about the history of African American soldiers.
- Visit the Art Car Museum and see unique and creative art cars.
- Go to the Houston Zoo Lights and see the zoo lit up for the holidays.
- Explore the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and see a beautiful collection of art and antiques.
- Take a trip to the Battleship Texas State Historic Site and see a piece of history.
- Go to the Houston Museum of Decorative Arts and see beautiful pieces of furniture and decorative art.
- Visit the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and see contemporary art exhibits.
- Explore the Houston Fire Museum and learn about the history of firefighting.
- Take a trip to the Houston Maritime Museum and learn about the history of Houston's port.
- Go to the Houston Museum of Natural History and learn about natural history.
- Visit the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and learn about the weather and climate.