Things to do in Houston

But be prepared to be surprised as this cowboy-laden metropolis also offers cosmopolitan delights for art enthusiasts and roaming philosophers too. Everything's bigger in Texas, so bring the whole gang down and enjoy this harbor city sheltered by beautiful Galveston Bay with our travel guide to Houston.

Look Beyond the Skies at Space Center Houston

The often-misquoted but always-haunting call from spacecraft Apollo 13 to Earth—"Houston, we've had a problem"—connected an ailing ship with the heart of America's space program, Space Center Houston. Tour the actual "Mission Control" that coordinated America's early spaceflights, and experience countless exhibits and presentations on America's storied space history. Bringing the kids? Send them to a summer day camp offered by the center, where they'll marvel at the wonders of space travel. Skip the crowds by coming mid-week if possible.

Feel Like a Cowboy at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Want to get your "yee-haw" on? Head to the Livestock Show and Rodeo every March in downtown Houston. Experience the thrills and skills of professional cowboys doing what they do best, all in a festival environment that's so large, it's held in a football stadium. After hitting the dusty trail, drop in on a concert by an A-list performer like Blake Shelton, John Legend or Pitbull.

Walk Along the Historic Buffalo Bayou

Originally the spot where Houston's founders planted their flag and established the city's first docks, the Buffalo Bayou has been reimagined as an urban green space. The 52-mile riverside path offers something for everyone: Biking and kayaking for outdoorsy visitors, sculptures and monuments for art admirers, and even meditation events for those who want to de-stress. There are also restaurants and plenty of other cool experiences along the river, so make sure to set aside some time to visit an attraction that's uniquely Houston!

Catch a Game at Minute Maid Park

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, the thrill of Minute Maid Park delivers it all right in downtown Houston. A ballpark designed for excellent sight lines, Minute Maid is an architectural joy as well, featuring a retractable roof that ensures it's always the right temperature for baseball. Even an extra-inning game won't bother the kids, since they'll be busy at the interactive "Minute Maid Squeeze Play" activity area along right field.

Get Artsy at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

African and Indonesian gold? Brazilian Constructive Art? Monet, Renoir and Picasso? The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) has it all and more. This museum houses one of the country's greatest and most diverse fine arts collections. Showcasing more than 56,000 objects, MFAH offers something to catch the eye of everyone in your group. Save money and visit MFAH on Thursdays when admission is free.