The city of Houston connects the world with space, as the city is the home base of NASA Johnson Space Center. It’s also the most populous city in Texas. A fun destination, you’ll find many Tex-Mex restaurants, rooftop bars, and theme parks in the city, as well as an impressive shopping scene. However, your priorities could change depending on the needs of your travel companions. If you’re traveling with a kid, then a visit to the zoo or a children’s museum is a must. Teenagers, however, are a very different ballgame. Check out some of the top things to do in Houston with teenagers.
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1. Visit NASA Johnson Space Center
A trip to the city won’t be complete until you’ve seen one of the things that Houston is famous for, the NASA Johnson Space Center. Although a major part of this research institute is not open to the public, you can still take the opportunity to visit the official visitor center. It is actually a Smithsonian Affiliate museum and the place for mission control and astronaut training. Teenagers can learn about space science through the 400 space artifacts - some of which are part of the permanent exhibit. There are live shows on the human spaceflight program of America. An extra tour can be taken to see how the astronauts are trained in NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. Overall, this place is sure to give an excellent glimpse of what goes on at NASA.
2. Find the best eats in downtown Houston
One of the top things to do in Houston for young adult foodies, signing up for this tour means enjoying a blend of culinary exploration and city immersion. Teenagers can enjoy the thrill of discovering a variety of local flavors, from street food to gourmet bites, all while strolling through the vibrant streets of downtown Houston. The interactive nature of the tour, with opportunities to interact with local vendors and chefs, adds an educational and immersive touch that can captivate teenagers’ curiosity.
Exploring Houston’s diverse food scene is a fun and interactive way for teenagers to bond with family or friends, making memories as they sample the city’s culinary gems. With the chance to taste diverse cuisines and experience the dynamic urban atmosphere, this tour has all the ingredients for an unforgettable day out.
Book Tours : Downtown Houston Food Tour
3. Go on a private tour around the city
Houston is a big city — with many iconic landmarks and must-see attractions. Because of this, you might think it’s impossible to explore the city and see everything it has to offer. But with this private 2.5-hour Houston tour, you don’t have to worry anymore — because it will help you navigate the city and visit its highlights.
This tour is open to up to 10 guests, so whether you’re going solo, with a partner, or with your family, you’ll be able to participate. A professional guide will be with you, informing you about Houston’s history as you go. You’ll also see a few attractions, such as Market Square, the George Bush Monument, and Minute Maid Park.
For your comfort and convenience, light refreshments will be served to you. The guide will also drive you around in an air-conditioned car, so you don’t have to worry about commuting.
Book Tours : Private Houston Sightseeing Tour, 3hr Mural Tour
4. Enjoy laser tag at Battlefield Houston
If you want to fill your Houston itinerary with fantastic things to do, be sure to add laser tag to the list! Battlefield Houston has an open play laser tag option so you can simply drop by and play without a reservation. Just note that it might be busy on the weekends, so open play might not be available then! Pick from a quick, 30-minute game to a 2-hour laser tag session - their exciting missions will keep you alert and excited regardless of what you choose. Besides laser tag, you can also enjoy immersive VR escape rooms.
Battlefield Houston
Address: 11755 W Little York Rd Ste 202, Houston, TX 77041
Website: Battlefield Houston
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 9pm; Fri: 5pm - 11pm; Sat: 12pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Race your siblings at Speedy's Fast Track
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Speedy's starting to get sad. He's only able to play for a few more days . Make him happy and come visit him to give...
Posted by Speedy's Fast Track Amusements on Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Speedy’s Fast Track is a popular attraction for teens in Houston. So if you’re visiting this city with adolescents in tow, an afternoon here is bound to get them excited for the day ahead. Speed through the go-kart tracks or beat the high score on the Star Wars pinball machine at the arcade. If you’re looking for more laid-back activity, miniature golf is available. If you’re feeling more active, check out the laser tag arena.
Speedy's Fast Track
Address: 11440 Hempstead Rd, Houston, TX 77092
Website: Speedy’s Fast Track
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am
6. Eat and play games at Dave & Buster's
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Dave & Buster's on Monday, December 3, 2012
Located inside Marq-E Entertainment Center, Dave & Buster’s is a sports bar where you can not only eat good food but play arcade games, bowl, and try virtual reality games. Their menu includes classics such as the all-American cheeseburger, fish and chips, and pretzel dogs. A kids’ menu is available, so kids and teens under 18 years old are welcome as long as they come with a guardian who is at least 25 years old. On your Houston trip, upgrade your family dinner night and let the young ones eat and play at Dave & Buster’s.
Dave & Buster's
Address: Marq-E Entertainment Center, 7620 Katy Fwy #100, Houston, TX 77024
Website: Dave & Buster’s
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 12pm - 10pm; Wed - Thu, Sun: 12pm - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 12am
7. Shop at The Galleria
Houston has an impressive shopping scene, so don’t miss out on the chance to shop in the city. Stop by The Galleria, which is home to about 400 stores and is considered the largest shopping mall in Texas. You’ll find a wide range of popular shoe and clothing brands such as Adidas, Forever 21, Gap, H&M, and more, as well as more high-end stores such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton.
The indoor ice skating rink in Ice at The Galleria and the thrilling virtual reality games in XD Ride make this shopping mall a more interesting place for teens in Houston.
The Galleria
Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
Website: The Galleria
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 7pm
8. Visit Art Car Museum
Art Car Museum is a charming museum that mostly features art related to cars, as well as paintings and other installations. Built in the place of a garage, this museum is an excellent place to visit for fans of unique art, as well as car enthusiasts. The museum features work by local, national, and international artists. You’ll be impressed by the colorful models displayed inside the museum and the overall charm of this attraction. Admission is free, too!
Art Car Museum
Address: 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, USA
Website: Art Car Museum
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
Price: Free
Must Read: 32 Best Things to do in Houston, Texas
9. Skate at Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is a public skate park that welcomes skaters of all skill levels. If you’ve brought your skateboard to your Houston vacation, this is the place to be. You’ll find this spot inside Eleanor Tinsley Park. Just note that helmets are required if you want to skate at the park, so don’t forget yours!
Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
Address: 103 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, USA
Website: Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
Opening hours: 9am – 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
10. Experience hands-on science at Nature Discovery Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Give your kids and teens the opportunity to learn science not from inside a classroom but out in nature. Nature Discovery Center is home to native plants, migratory birds, and various other animals. Teenagers can join the science and nature education programs, where they’ll be introduced to some snakes, turtles, and other animals on the property. This attraction is located in Bellaire, Texas, which is about a 12-minute drive from Houston via I-69.
Nature Discovery Center
Address: 7112 Newcastle St, Bellaire, TX 77401, USA
Website: Nature Discovery Center
Opening hours: 12pm – 5:30pm (daily)
Price: 5 USD
11. See bats at Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Amidst the lush greenery of Buffalo Bayou Park is the nearby Waugh Bridge, which is known for housing a large population of Mexican free-tailed bats. The park is located very close to downtown, but since the bats mostly stay under the bridge, you can head to the observation deck at Buffalo Bayou Park to get a better view. Some viewing etiquettes to follow include not pointing flashlights at the bridge and minimizing noise.
Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Address: Waugh Dr, Houston, TX, USA
Website: Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
12. Pass by the iconic Beer Can House
Beer Can House is one of the most important folk art icons in the city. This property is decorated with flattened beer cans, beer bottles, bottle caps, and other beer paraphernalia. Over 50,000 beer cans were used to cover this amazing art house. A visit to this icon is a must - who knows, it might inspire a creative streak! This landmark is owned by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, a non-profit that preserves creations like this.
Beer Can House
Address: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX 77007, USA
Website: Beer Can House
Price: 5 USD
13. Check out David Adickes Studio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by DAVID ADICKES on Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Sculptor and painter David Adickes is well known around Texas and in the art world. He created one of the most recognizable monuments in Huntsville, A Tribute to Courage. His workshop, which is open to the public, contains some of his work. From giant heads of former US presidents to huge sculptures of The Beatles, these works are sure to impress teenagers.
David Adickes Studio
Address: 2401 Nance St, Houston, TX 77020, USA
Website: David Adickes Studio
14. Go on a scavenger hunt
Experience a treasure hunt in the city of Houston with various clues provided through your smartphone. This scavenger hunt is a fun activity that you can book on Viator. It will last for two hours and will give you a chance to discover local attractions. This is sure to be an entertaining activity for teenagers as they will get to know the city better and also have lots of fun.
Book Tours : Houston Scavenger Hunt Experience
15. Attempt the Apollo 13 Escape Room
The concept of escape rooms is very thrilling - one has to use their wits to break free from a locked room within a specific time period. The city of Houston has many escape rooms where teenagers can use their brains while having lots of fun. One of the most famous escape rooms in this city is Apollo 13 Escape Room by Escape It Houston. You’ll find this escape room center in the Midtown neighborhood. This hour-long activity is great for families or a group of friends and is definitely a perfect choice for teenagers.
Book Tours : Apollo 13 Escape Room
16. Have a pedal-powered boat party
Combining the thrill of being on the water with the interactive element of pedaling, this experience provides a dynamic and engaging adventure for young adults. Teenagers can revel in the camaraderie of pedaling together while taking in picturesque views of Houston’s waterways. The barge’s social and open setup creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, perfect for spending quality time with friends or family.
The opportunity to enjoy music and refreshments, and even bring their own food amplifies the enjoyment factor for teenagers, making it a memorable and entertaining outing that fosters teamwork, laughter, and a sense of exploration.
Book Tours : Houston Pedal Party Barge With A Licensed Captain
Houston, a city to inspire teens
Houston offers entertainment for all types of travelers, and the spectrum of fun activities for teens in Houston undoubtedly adds to its draws. If you are planning a trip with a cheerful and lively teenager, choose this enchanting city for your next trip.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do in Houston with teenagers
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