15 Best Fun Things to do in Downtown Houston
Eva Rogers
May 9, 202415 Best Fun Things to do in Downtown Houston
A concrete and glass jungle with a heart of gold, downtown Houston has several fun and exciting opportunities for everyone, locals and visitors alike. There’s plenty to do, from catching a concert at the Toyota Center or strolling through Discovery Green. We’ve compiled a list of 15 fun things to do in downtown Houston.
List of fun things to do in downtown Houston
- Visit the Theater District
- Visit the Historic Market Square Park
- Go to a Concert Toyota Center
- Walk the Green at Discovery Green
- Discover the Underground Tunnels
- Catch a Show at the MoonStruck Drive-In
- Visit POST Houston
- Visit the Downtown Aquarium
- Spend a day at Bayou Place
- Spend a Day at Buffalo Bayou Park
- Dine and Play 810 Billiards & Bowling
- Catch a Show at the Alley Theatre
- Support the Astros at Minute Maid Park
- Catch a Concert at House of Blues
- Grab a Slice at Frank’s Pizza
1- Visit the Theater District
Houston’s downtown Theater District stretches across over 16 blocks and is the cultural, beating heart of Houston. Basically, if you’re standing in downtown Houston, you’re already walking through the theater district. With over two million annual visitors, the theater district holds Houston’s premiere ballet shows, stage plays, symphonies, and music concerts. Whether you’re a local or visitor, make sure to check out the theater district in downtown Houston.
2- Visit the Historic Market Square Park
Location: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
If you’re looking for something fun to do in downtown Houston, be sure to stop by the historic Market Square Park. Once the original communal area of Houston, Market Square Park now provides the city another beautiful green space adorned with public art, entertainment and dining establishments, and even a space for your furry friends. They’re always hosting events, so be sure to check out their website if you’re looking for something to do in downtown Houston!
3- Go to a Concert Toyota Center
Location: 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX 77002
Home to the Houston Rockets, the Toyota Center is an indoor arena that hosts everything from basketball games and concerts to local events and conferences. This year it has welcomed artists like SZA, Drake, Madonna, and TWICE. You can look forward to seeing Doja Cat, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and many more! Be sure to check out the Toyota Center if you’re a concert-goer looking for something to do in downtown Houston!
4- Walk the Green at Discovery Green
Location: 11500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
The shining, green star at the center of downtown Houston is Discovery Green park. This 12-acre greenspace is adorned with several captivating art installations, a beautiful man-made lake, and a play space for the kids. If you’re hungry, you can visit The Grove, or The Lake House, two onsite restaurants for those looking to make a day of the park in downtown Houston! It’s especially beautiful at night, where the park glows green to welcome any late-night pedestrians looking for something fun to do in downtown Houston.
5- Discover the Underground Tunnels
Location: 909 Fannin St #1650, Houston, TX 77010
A not-so-well-hidden gem of downtown Houston are the intricate tunnels burrowed 20 feet below the city streets. The underground tunnels span more than 6 miles and have several retail and restaurant establishments for the busy city-dwellers of downtown Houston. The only street-level entrances to the tunnels are Wells Fargo Plaza or through the McKinney garage on Main. Be sure to check out the tunnels if you’re looking for something to do in downtown Houston!
6- Catch a Show at the MoonStruck Drive-In
Location: 100 Bringhurst St, Houston, TX 77020
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This one isn’t necessarily IN downtown Houston, but it offers a pretty amazing view of the downtown skyline. The MoonStruck Drive-in is for those of us who yearn for simpler times. Showing everything from the classics to the latest blockbuster, the drive-in is sure to offer you a memorable view and a memorable experience!
7- Visit POST Houston
Location: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201
A recent addition to the downtown Houston itinerary is POST Houston. Originally a historic post office, POST is downtown’s hub for technology, food, concerts, and events. The highlight of post is it’s scenic rooftop lawn which gives visitors an amazing photo opportunity with downtown’s towering skyscrapers. 713 Music Hall is right next door too if you’re looking to catch a show, but POST Houston is great enough on its own to add to your list of things to do in downtown Houston!
8- Visit the Downtown Aquarium
Location: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
The Downtown Aquarium is an iconic staple of the downtown cityscape. Visitors can get an up-close look at beautiful, colorful marine life and other exotic animals. There’s also a few rides like a drop tower and a train that passes through a shark tunnel, and you can’t forget the iconic ferris wheel. Definitely give it a visit if you’re looking for something fun to do in downtown Houston!
9- Spend a day at Bayou Place
Location: 500 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
If you’re looking to dine, catch a movie, or even a concert, we recommend checking out Bayou Place. This 130,000 square feet entertainment complex is home to several bars and restaurants to liven up your night in the city. There’s even an AMC theater if you want to catch a movie before heading on a bar crawl. The main attraction of this hub is the Bayou Music Center, where several artists have made their name. Check this place out if you’re looking for something fun to do in downtown Houston!
10- Spend a Day at Buffalo Bayou Park
Location: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
Another great place to get an unbelievable view of the downtown Houston skyline is Buffalo Bayou Park. This 160-acre park runs parallel to the bayou and offers visitors a place to live in harmony with nature despite the concrete jungle just a few miles away. It has several trails, picnic areas, and public art displays. If you’re looking to spend a day among the green, we recommend visiting Buffalo Bayou Park.
11- Dine and Play 810 Billiards & Bowling
Location: 1201 San Jacinto St Suite 321, Houston, TX 77002
Located next to the House of Blues, 810 Billiards & Bowling is an entertainment establishment looking to encompass everything its guests need to have a fun experience in downtown Houston. This neon-lit venue offers good eats and fun play and is open until 2 AM on the weekends. Stop by 810 Billiards & Bowling if you’re looking for something to do in downtown Houston, maybe even catch a concert at House of Blues!
12- Catch a Show at the Alley Theatre
Location: 615 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
The Alley Theatre is a nationally recognized nonprofit performing arts company and produces over a dozen plays every year. Its stunning architecture and design combined with its talented, world-class performers make for an amazing night out with family or friends. If you get hungry after a show, stop by Birra Porreti’s, a delicious Italian restaurant located right next door.
13- Support the Astros at Minute Maid Park
Location: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002
This one should be familiar to any Astros fan reading this. Home to the two-time World Series champions, Minute Maid Park is a massive baseball stadium that houses over 40,000 seats, several restaurants and bars, and, of course, merchandising stands. Occasionally, it also serves as a concert venue with artists like Bad Bunny and RBD gracing the field with their outstanding performances. We recommend catching a game here to get the true Houstonian experiences or if you’re just looking for something fun to do in downtown Houston.
14- Catch a Concert at House of Blues
Location: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002
House of Blues has become a staple of the downtown Houston nightlife. This multi-level, multifaceted venue hosts artists of all genres within its state-of-the art interior. It’s even open to fan-led events, with several fan nights for artists like One Direction, Taylor Swift, and BTS. House of Blues is an amazing venue to check out if you’re looking for something to do in downtown Houston!
15- Grab a Slice at Frank’s Pizza
Location: 417 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002
This one is for those who find themselves in downtown Houston after hours. Frank’s Pizza is known for its delicious hand-tossed specialties, staying open ‘til 3 AM is just a plus side. A cozy interior bustling with life and an optimal location if you’re on a bar crawl, Frank’s Pizza is a must-visit for those looking for something to do in downtown Houston.
Downtown Houston is the shining cultural and commercial hub of the city and it has plenty to offer its visitors. We personally recommend catching a show at the Toyota Center and stopping by Frank’s Pizza for a quick pick-me-up!
A Texan through and through, her passion for the Lone Star State is evident in every word she writes.Hailing from the vast plains of West Texas, Eva has a deep appreciation for the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Texan spirit. Eva crafts articles that celebrate the diverse tapestry of Texas, from its bustling urban centers to its serene rural landscapes.
