Top 16 Things To Do In Pasadena, Texas

things to do in pasadena texas
Collins
Collins 
Updated
| 7 min read

When many folks hear of Pasadena, Texas, they think of industries with the resultant pollution and unfriendly citizens. However, that image is far from the truth. Pasadena is one of the nicest places to visit in Texas with friendly down-to-earth citizens and a host of tourist attractions. It is home to iconic buildings and sites: from museums to parks and festivals, the city has a plethora of things to keep visitors engaged and interested. It is home to the largest urban nature preserve in the US and is the location for many iconic movies in cinematic history. Here is a rundown of some of the best things to do in Pasadena, Texas.

1. Delve into local history at Pasadena Historical Society

Order your book about the City of Pasadena, Texas' history.

Posted by Pasadena Historical Society on Sunday, 20 July 2014

The Pasadena Historical Society is one of the places you have to visit when in Pasadena. You can come here with your family or loved ones, or even solo, and learn about local history and the rich cultural heritage of the beautiful city. The Historical Society features diverse collections and exhibitions that are bound to keep you intrigued. The facilities on the grounds include the Pasadena Museum History Center, a research library, the Finnish Folk Art Museum, among others. With all the lectures, seminars, and tours on offer, this place is somewhere to come and leave feeling smarter than when you arrived.

Pasadena Historical Society

Address: 204 N Main St, Pasadena, TX 77506, USA

Website: Pasadena Historical Society

Opening hours: 9:30am - 2:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 6 - 12 USD

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2. Witness a classic performance at Pasadena Little Theatre


If you are looking for high-quality theatre plays in Pasadena, the Pasadena Little Theatre is the right place to go. This community theatre has beautiful dramas and shows on display for the general public. The only problem you might encounter is finding a place to sit; it is almost always sold out; they are that good! During intermission, you buy snacks that are cheap and delicious. Furthermore, at the end of each show, you can meet with the actors. It is an all-round great place to be.

Pasadena Little Theatre

Address: 4318 Allen-Genoa Rd, Pasadena, TX 77504, USA

Website: Pasadena Little Theatre

Price: 12 - 14 USD

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3. Soak in the tranquility of Armand Bayou Nature Center

Posted by Armand Bayou Nature Center on Thursday, 23 May 2019

The Armand Bayou Nature Center is the largest urban nature preserve in the United States! Come here with your family to enjoy varied ecosystems. Some woods and marshlands are also readily accessible. There are also signs at each stop sign giving you more information about the area you find yourself. Home to up to 370 species of local wildlife, the Nature Center is also home to an ancient farm that has existed here since the 1800s. If you visit on the weekends, you can enjoy a canoe ride around the nature preserve as well.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507, USA

Website: Armand Bayou Nature Center

Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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4. Spend some fun time with your family at Big Island Slough


Big Island Slough Activity Center is one of the spots in Pasadena where you can hang out with your friends or family and have a fun time. If you are an outdoors person, you will enjoy the Big Island Slough. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this wetland is a nice place to appreciate nature and have a great time. It is free to the public. Come here with your family and enjoy an afternoon picnic. You can spend your time bird watching, fishing, and even kayaking.

Big Island Slough

Address: 9800 Red Bluff Rd, Pasadena, TX 77507, USA

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5. Enjoy fishing and spotting animals in Burke Crenshaw Park


This park is a great location to sit (if you choose to) and watch the local wildlife. There are amenities at the Burke Crenshaw Park that makes it quite an enjoyable place to be. There are benches that you can sit on here with your friends, tables, playground for your kids and so on. The park offers an outdoor workout spot where you can exercise in the warm Pasadena sunshine. On the south side of the park, there is a hill you can hike and stand atop to have a great view of the surrounding area.

Burke Crenshaw Park

Address: 4950 Burke Rd, Pasadena, TX 77504, USA

Website: Burke Crenshaw Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

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6. Party hard at Second Chance Saloon

Posted by Second Chance Saloon on Thursday, 24 January 2019

Although it looks nothing like a conventional bar/club, the Second Chance Saloon is one of the spots in this beautiful city where you can have unlimited fun. Do you want to party hard? Then this is your destination! The Second Chance Saloon is a nice little hole in the wall that might deceive you with its small appearance, but don’t be; there are loads of fun to have here. Come and enjoy live music and great beer. Bring your friends along to have an unforgettable night.

Second Chance Saloon

Address: 6101 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: Second Chance Saloon

Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 1am; Sun: 12pm - 12am; Mon - Fri: 7am - 12am

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7. Shop your heart out at Fairway Plaza

Shopping Center
Source: Pixabay

No getaway is complete without a shopping spree, and the Fairway Plaza is unbeatable in Pasadena. The plaza is located at a key commercial location and houses different stores from expensive designer shops to shops that sell local antiques. Come here to find a wide variety of items to buy. From electronics to fancy dresses, suits, perfumes and so on, this is your one-stop destination for all your essential items. After your shopping spree, you can walk into any of the restaurants in the plaza for a nice meal.

Fairway Plaza

Address: 5838 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: Fairway Plaza

Opening hours: Sun: 11am - 6pm; Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm

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8. Pamper your taste buds at The Don'Key Mexican Food

This summer heat is sizzling, and so are our fajitas. Come get your fix! #texmexlove #texmex #fajitas #yum #thedonkeypasadena #findthedonkey #nopassportrequired

Posted by The Don'Key Mexican Food on Friday, 16 August 2019

The Don'Key Mexican Food restaurant is an enjoyable spot where you can delight your taste buds in the rich tastes of homemade Mexican delicacies. The staff here is very polite and quick to respond to your needs. There is a wide variety of foods you can try. Many folks who have tried the Donkey Balls have exclaimed in amazement at how outstanding they are. The drinks are also on point: good and strong. There is enough seating space to accommodate a large group of your friends or family. Come and eat to your heart’s delight here; we are sure you will ask for leftovers when done!

The Don'Key Mexican Food

Address: 5010 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: The Don'Key Mexican Food

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm

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9. Unwind yourself at Strawberry Park

things to do in pasadena texas | unwind yourself at strawberry park
Source: instagram

Strawberry Park welcomes you into its warm embrace and untangles your soul and body from the stress of work and the city. This park is one of the finest parks in Pasadena and offers loads of amenities that make it a great spot to just chill and relax at. Come here with friends or family for a picnic in the picnic areas with pits. Your kids have dedicated play areas depending on their age. There is a basketball court, volleyball court as well as a tennis area. The area is open and safe; even at night, the park is well-lit. It is also a nice area for a quiet stroll along the nice walking trail.

Strawberry Park

Address: 1104 Parkside Dr, Pasadena, TX 77504, USA

Website: Strawberry Park

Opening hours: 6:30am - 11pm (daily)

Price: 6 - 10 USD

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10. Tap into your creative side at Painting with a Twist


Come and enjoy art-filled fun, regardless of your age at Painting with a Twist. The staff on the ground is amiable and interactive and is poised to help you make the most of your experience. Tap into your creative side and create works of art that leave even you surprised! You are sure to have a great experience. All you need for painting are provided here. You can even bring your alcohol and food, although you’ll hardly have time for a bite because of the immense fun you’ll enjoy.

Painting with a Twist

Address: 4912 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: Painting with a Twist

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)

Price: 25 - 45 USD

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11. Play a round of baseball at Satsuma Park


Welcome to Satsuma Park, a playground open to everyone in Pasadena. The main attractions here are the basketball courts. These courts are open all year long and are even covered so that you can play a game with friends or family during unfavorable weather. The park is open to all from 6 am till dusk. It is located away from prying eyes and is a nice place to hang out with friends without disturbance.

Satsuma Park

Address: 1001 Satsuma St, Pasadena, TX 77506, USA

Website: Satsuma Park

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

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12. Take a dip in the pools of Village Grove Community


The Village Grove Community pool is excellent in Pasadena. It offers a spacious swimming area for adults and a children’s pool as well. If you come with your kids, they will be entertained by the spouting toy that shoots water to their delight. It has water slides that are great fun for folks of all ages. If you are not interested in swimming, there is a patio in the front that you can rent and throw a party at.

Village Grove Community

Address: 6315 Rockfield Dr, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: Village Grove Community

Opening hours: Mon & Wed: 9am - 8pm; Tue, Thu - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 6am - 5pm

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13. Get your adrenaline boost at Holly Bay Court Sports Complex


Holly Bay Court Sports Complex comes with many amenities to help you get/keep in shape and get that much-needed adrenaline boost. It has a running trail where you can run with your buddies and a path that is also perfect for biking. Trees cover the trail; thus, even if you decide to go on a run with the sun up, the shades provide adequate cover. You can bring your kids along to share in the activities as there is a dedicated park for them.

Holly Bay Court Sports Complex

Address: 7102 Crenshaw Rd, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: Holly Bay Court Sports Complex

Opening hours: 6:30am - 11pm (daily)

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14. Catch a movie at Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20


Just as with all popular towns across the country, Pasadena is home to several cinemas, the pick of which is Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20. Come here with your friends or on a date to enjoy any of the blockbuster movies available. The popcorn is superb, and the seats are comfortable recliners.

Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20

Address: 2101 East, TX-8 Beltway, Pasadena, TX 77503, United States

Website: Cinemark Hollywood Movies 20

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15. Spend some time during the weekend at Armadilla Lanes


If you are looking for some of the best bowling lanes in Pasadena, look no further than Armadilla Lanes. This bowling alley is the most popular in Pasadena, and for a good reason! The facilities are top-notch, the customer service excellent, and the food is great as well. If you have some time over the weekend, this is a great place to spend it with friends and family.

Armadilla Lanes I

Address: 3210 Preston Rd, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: Armadilla Lanes I

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 10pm; Fri: 9am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 1am; Sun: 11am - 10pm

Price: 5 USD onwards

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16. Bring your kids to iT'Z Family


iT'Z Family, Food, & Fun is a place dedicated to providing people of all ages with a great and fun time. Here, you have so many events and games for all ages that ensure that everyone has a great time. There is a mini-bowling alley that is fun for all ages; there is the Monkey Jump ride for kids, bumper cars for all folks as well. It is a place to visit with family and have an exciting time.

iT'Z Family, Food, & Fun- Pasadena

Address: 5950 Fairmont Pkwy, Pasadena, TX 77505, USA

Website: iT'Z Family, Food, & Fun- Pasadena

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 1am; Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri: 11am - 1am

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Enjoy unforgettable experiences in Pasadena, Texas

Whether you are staying here for a couple of days or for some time, or you are here work or pleasure, Pasadena welcomes you with arms wide open. With a friendly population, impressive edifices, and a rich heritage, this city is one of the most beautiful places to be in Texas. Come with your friends and family and enjoy an unforgettable time with these top things to do in Pasadena.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Colins is a quiet individual who always tries to find the meaning and beauty of things around his environment. This passion has led him to begin his journey in photography and hiking nature...Read more

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