What To Do on the Weekends in Houston, TX
May 16, 2023 | Lifestyle
Whether you’re a first-timer just visiting or a Houston local, there are plenty of things to do in Houston for people of all ages. Famous for its large international community, growing art scene, and cultural diversity Houston is a large metropolitan area in Texas that extends down to the Galveston Bay. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum District, or head down to Space Center Houston. Later, you can grab a bite in one of the dozens of award-winning restaurants or hang out at the Houston Zoo!
If you’re just visiting for the weekend or extending your stay, there are endless affordable and family-friendly activities and things to do around Houston. Spend your day exploring Houston’s greatest hotspots while saving big with our list of the city’s most-loved free things to do.
For extra help and guidance, here are just a few of the many things to do on the weekends in Houston, TX!
Visit Market Square Park
Market Square Park, nestled between the streets of Downtown Houston, in addition to being free to visit, is one of the more relaxing attractions throughout the city. It’s a public park that’s remained a geographic centerpiece of Downtown. Market Square Park sits on the site of the original City Hall with a provided green space allowing a place for entertainment, dining, and public art.
Local and national artists Richard Turner, Paul Hester, James Surls, Malou Flato, and Ketria Scott worked with the Houston Arts Alliance to update and move older pieces and install new pieces that go with the overall aesthetic of the space. Art installations cover the entire park, but Surl’s sculpture titled “Points of View” with its black metal and yellow spires provides a modern contrast to the park’s old oaks. After you catch a glimpse of the pieces throughout the park, stop by any of the local food trucks or coffee stands for a quick bite, and then catch an outdoor movie to end the evening!
Whether you’re looking to catch some extra exercise with a stroll around the park, see the beautiful art pieces, or have a picnic, Market Square Park is the perfect place to embrace the outdoors, have some downtime, or relax on the weekend. The park opens at 6 a.m. every morning and closes at 11 p.m. so you can catch the sunrise or sunset in peace.
Dine at the Most Popular Restaurants in Houston, TX
If you’re looking to try something new, or you’re tired of the same old food you eat every day, Houston is a great place to find many award-winning restaurants and bars. Houston is known for several foods and types of cuisines. The most famous foods in Houston are Viet-Cajun crawfish, barbecue, breakfast tacos, chicken and waffles, tamales, pho, and kolaches.
A few of their award-winning restaurants include:
- Adair Kitchen
- Al Aseel Grille & Cafe
- Barbeque Inn
- Backstreet Cafe
- Blacksmith
- Feges BBQ
- Georgia James Tavern
- Killen’s Steakhouse
- Uchi
Some additional quick and cheap eats in Houston include:
- Frank’s Pizza
- Doozo Dumplings and Noodles
- Bubba’ TexasBurger Shack
- Buffalo Grille
- The French House
- Gatlin’s Barbeque
There are many other award-winning restaurants to choose from so you’ll never have to eat at the same place twice! Experience any type of food when you choose to dine somewhere in Houston. Houston has it all if you’re looking for one of the top steakhouses, patio dining, or cheap eats.
Coast Along the Gulf with Port Houston Boat Tour
Another cheap activity to choose from on the weekend is visiting the port and taking a boat tour along the Houston Ship Channel. The Sam Houston has been operating as Port Houston’s public tour vessel since its first voyage on July 30, 1958. This free service offers a leisurely, 90-minute round-trip, educational tour along the Houston Ship Channel. The 95-ft. vessel holds up to 100 passengers and features air-conditioned lounge seating, along with standing room outside on the boat’s deck.
Although this tour is completely free, reservations are required to get on board.
Stroll Through Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston Park offers a lovely, lush respite from the hustle and bustle of downtown Houston. Sam Houston Park is another free activity whose hours of operation are sunrise to sunset and is home to several works of civic art. For a relaxing, site-seeing experience, visit Sam Houston Park to not only get great views, but learn more about the history of Houston.
Visit Space Center Houston
If you’d like to learn more about the history of space travel in the United States, Space Center Houston is the place to be! Space Center Houston is a science museum that serves as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston. It was designated a Smithsonian Affiliate museum in 2014. The cornerstone of its education mission is Space Center Houston, a leading science and space exploration learning center. It is one of Houston’s top attractions, the area’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors, the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, and a Smithsonian Affiliate.
The center features more than 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, exhibits and experiences, and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program – all for one admission price. The experience is designed to engage adults and children alike.
The many different activities and events the Space Center Houston puts on come with a variety of prices. There are general mission tickets for daily visits; if you find yourself coming back in the future, become a member and reserve tickets, and view some of their membership packages available.
Catch a Performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Another completely free activity you can do to kill some time is catching a show or performance at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Since 1923, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most beloved cultural treasures, a gathering place for the community, and the site of thousands of memorable free performances.
From daytime programs for young children to family-friendly evening performances of classical music, jazz, dance, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theater, popular concert artists, films, and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value. Another great benefit of seeing a show at Miller Theatre is you don’t have to worry about a dress code! This theater offers a relaxed atmosphere allowing you to enjoy performances and the company of others.
Attend a Houston Astros Baseball Game
If you’re tired of the museums and scenic walks, ditch the parks and come out to Minute Maid Park and catch your favorite MLB team, the Houston Astros in action. Home to the 2022 World Series Champions, Minute Maid Park has loads of entertainment to offer than just a baseball game. When you’re not watching the Astros in action, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the park with many different packages to choose from. The Astros are in action rain or shine due to their retractable roof attached to their stadium.
Buy your tickets today and kick back and relax in one of the many luxury suites or the thousands of club-level seats.
Store Your Belongings at Metro Self Storage in Houston, TX
Whether you’re just passing through, in town for the weekend, or new to the area, there are activities for everyone throughout Houston, TX.
If you’re in the midst of a big move and need somewhere to store your items while you’re killing time out on the town, Metro Self Storage in Houston, TX, is the place for you. With convenient locations on 43rd Street, Gessner Road, Bissonnet Street, and Veterans Memorial Drive, we have affordable space for you and all your belongings. Rent online today!
