Things to see and do in Houston

Experiences

Space Center Houston is fun for all ages. Exhibits include Planet Pioneers, Mission Mars, and Above and Beyond. Don’t forget to check out the podium former President John F. Kennedy stood at when he delivered his famous “moon speech” on Sept. 12, 1962.

1601 NASA Parkway
(281) 244-2100
spacecenter.org

The Museum District is made up of 19 cultural institutions. It features the sixth largest art museum in the United States, the Museum of Fine Arts. Other museums in the area include the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, the Children’s Museum of Houston, the Health Museum, the Houston Center for Photography, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, among many more.

houmuse.org

Feed the giraffes, visit the petting zoo, ride the wildlife carousel and explore the Wild! Natural Play Area at the Houston Zoo. If you’re lucky, you’ll encounter Hannah the Binturong, aka Hannah the Bearcat, who often participates in zookeeper talks so guests can get a close-up look. Exhibits include the African Forest, Hoofed Run, Kipp Aquarium, McNair Asian Elephant Habitat and more.

6200 Hermann Park Drive
(713) 533-6500
houstonzoo.org

During both world wars, Battleship Texas played a role in many significant naval battles. Now docked along the Houston Ship Channel, she serves as a memorial. Go walk her decks and imagine life as a sailor.

3527 Independence Parkway South, La Porte
(281) 479-2431
tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/battleship-texas

Located across the street from the George R. Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green is a 12-acre public park. Take part in “Scream on the Green,” the park’s annual costume party, on Oct. 26, or watch the park’s movie screening of “E.T. The ExtraTerrestrial” at 7:30 p.m. that same day. The park also hosts multiple workout classes, including yoga and Zumba.

1500 McKinney St.
(713) 400-7336
discoverygreen.com

“Be not afraid of greatness” and check out the Alley Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” Visit the theatre’s website for ticket information.

615 Texas Ave.
(713) 220-5700
alleytheatre.org

Sports

The NFL’s Houston Texans will host the Miami Dolphins at 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 25. Games are played at NRG Stadium. Go to the team’s website for ticket information.

1 NRG Parkway
(832) 667-2110
houstontexans.com

The Houston Rockets tip off the 2018-2019 NBA regular season in October. Don’t miss your chance to see James Harden, Chris Paul and others in action against the Utah Jazz (7 p.m., Oct. 24) and the Los Angeles Clippers (7 p.m., Oct. 26) at the Toyota Center. Check the team’s website for ticket information.

1510 Polk St.
(713) 758-7235
nba.com/rockets

Dining

Enjoy Texas Creole cuisine such as turtle soup, pecan-crusted fish and more at Brennan's of Houston. The establishment is back in business after having burned down during Hurricane Ike. Before you leave, don’t forget to grab what the staff refers to as a “little something extra” – Brennan’s famous and unforgettable pecan pralines.

3300 Smith St.
(713) 522-9711
brennanshouston.com

Downtown Aquarium is a 6-acre dining complex featuring a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland. The full-service restaurant is home to more than 200 species of aquatic life, and even offers “meet and greets” with its ambassador animals (call the restaurant for information and pricing).

410 Bagby St.
(713) 223-3474
aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston

Smoked chicken, brisket-topped fries, smoked corn and baked beans are only a few of the items on the menu that you’ll want to try at Gatlin's Barbecue. Check out the two-time winner of the Houston Press “Best Barbecue” award while you’re in town.

3510 Ella Blvd.
(713) 869-4227
gatlinsbbq.com

Serving 16 Mexican specialties six days a week, Irma’s Original features an everchanging selection of breakfast and lunch items.  And don’t forget to grab a glass of Irma’s famous Limónada. Drink it while you peruse the autographed photos to see which celebrities have visited Irma’s and paid compliments to the chef.

22 N. Chenevert St.
(713) 222-0767
irmasoriginal.com

Visit what “Good Morning America” has dubbed “one of the best breakfast restaurants in the nation,” The Breakfast Klub. Patrons line up to savor the flavor of southern specialties such as “Katfish & Grits,” “Wings & Waffles” and buttery biscuits that “rival anyone’s grandma.”

3711 Travis St.
(713) 528-8561
thebreakfastklub.com

Information for this section gathered from VisitHouston and Trip Advisor.