14 Adventurous Things To Do in Houston, TX

Take a look at our guide to 14 Adventurous things to do in Houston if you are looking for a thrilling outdoor activity but can’t quite decide what to do.

Houston is wonderfully vibrant and packed with activities, and it is also just a stone’s throw away from some incredible towns, beaches, nature trails, and lakes all waiting to be explored.

14 Things to Do in Houston Outdoors

I highlighted our top picks in Houston for adventurous outdoor activities, including where is great for families and also where is more suitable for just adults.

I have noted the facilities available at each activity and what else can be enjoyed within the area, along with a few prices (prices may increase during the high season)

Fun Activities in Houston for Adults

Let’s take a look at our top 14 picks for adventurous things to do outdoors in Houston!

1. Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access

If you want to incorporate great food, fantastic company, and incredible sites, then the Astroville Food Tour of Downtown Houston with Tunnel Access is absolutely something you need to check out.

On the tour, you will visit seven uniquely individual restaurants, with a delicious treat waiting for you at each of them. The guides are amazing at what they do. They have a vast knowledge of the city and each individual spot that you will visit.

You will also be given access to the magnificent underground world of the Houston Tunnel System. Constructed in the 1930s, these tunnels have an intriguing history waiting to be explored. There are also bars, restaurants, and shops to be enjoyed 20ft below Houston’s bustling Downtown.

2. Skydiving Houston, Rosharon

If you are willing and able to drive approximately 40 minutes outside of Houston to the small town of Rosharon, a thrilling airborne adventure awaits.

The family-owned experience has been in operation since 2000 and is one of the world’s busiest skydiving centers. The 134-acre private airfield allows for an exhilarating free-fall affair. For beginners, you will be able to enjoy a tandem skydive, assisted by an experienced instructor. Each dive lasts approximately five minutes.

There is a viewing platform on-site, alongside a small cafe.

3. Tour De Brewery

If you are comfortable cycling while under the influence, Tour De Brewery is a must-do activity for you in Houston. This adults-only tour allows you to cycle around some of the city’s most iconic landmarks while taking a few breaks at several fantastic bars.

Of course, Tour De Brewery does not condone drunk cycling; that’s why each bar serves their favorite suggestions on beer flights, so you can sample a small amount and decide if you want to return later by taxi or on foot.

The team at Tour De Brewery are all avid cyclists. They are aware that not every person booking these tours shares their enthusiasm; therefore, the tour cycling speed can be tailored to suit you. There is a minimum requirement of two people per tour, with a maximum of ten.

Things to do in Houston for Couples

Find out things couples can do in Houston from this list of adventurous places.

1. Miller Outdoor Theatre

Located within the magnificent Hermann Park is the incredible Miller Outdoor Theatre. This mesmerizing outdoor venue has live performances most evenings, with a few shows during the daytime on selected days of the month. There is an incredible range of shows, including live pop music, full orchestras, and dance shows.

Tickets are available to book 24hrs in advance. The shows are popular, and the seated audience space is limited, so it is recommended to pre-book; however, you can show up on the night and hope for availability. Alternatively, you can set up with a romantic picnic blanket and enjoy the show in the distance from the hillside under the stars.

There are refreshment stands set up around the theatre area, and you are also able to bring your own food and drink – alcohol is permitted.

You Might Also Like: Top 8 Spots for a Picnic Outing in Houston

2. Guided Houston Tour and Kemah Boardwalk

The Guided Houston Tour and Kemah Boardwalk is an excellent option for anyone wanting to see as much of the city as possible while enjoying the gorgeous sunshine who does not wish to walk or cycle. This Houston section of the tour takes place atop a stunning double-decker bus before hopping aboard a luxury coach heading to Kemah Boardwalk.

The drive from Houston to Kemah Boardwalk takes just under an hour. Once there, you will be left to enjoy this vibrant area for a few hours before being taken back to Houston. While at the boardwalk, there is plenty to keep you entertained, including a thrilling amusement park, enticing restaurants, and quaint souvenir shops.

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, giving you plenty of quality time exploring with that special someone.

3. Trellis Spa at The Things to do in North Houstonustonian Hotel

What could make for a more romantic, relaxing experience than visiting one of the best spas in Houston? Trellis Spa at the Houstonian Hotel is the perfect setting to indulge in a thorough pamper session. They offer tranquil couples massages for $380.00 – $760.00 within their dedicated couple’s suite. Trellis Spa also provides an intimate treat for couples for $600.00, including sparkling wine, truffles, and a private area to enjoy quality time together after your massage.

The spa also has soaking pools, a beautiful garden, and delicious food options, allowing for a full day of treats.

See Also: 6 Best Houston Spas & 6 Romantic Getaways Near Houston on a Budget

Things to do in North Houston

Here is the list of adventurous places and things you can do in North Houston.

1. Rockstar Energy Bike Park

Spanning 20-acres, Rockstar Energy Bike Park is the largest bike park in Houston, including an extensive BMX track; it is also the second-largest track of its kind in the world. The park is suitable for all abilities, with more straightforward tracks for beginners to practice their skills. It’s a great place to hang out, enjoy time with your family, and watch some cool entertainment, maybe even having a go yourself.

Rockstar Energy Bike Park is proud to host the annual Lone Star Nationals. This is a fantastic family-friendly event where professionals compete within a selection of challenges. Tickets are available for $15.00 per person, plus $10.00 – $25.00 for parking.

See Also: The 7 Best Houston Bike Trails

2. IDA Gaye Gardens

IDA Gaye Gardens is a great park that is comfortably compact within 3.5 acres of land. The park has some lovely places to relax, enjoy picnics, and play. There is also exercise equipment here for visitors to use free of charge.

The park has raised gardens tended to by a community of volunteers. They love it when people show an interest in what they are doing and encourage you to join in with the activity. This is especially fun and educational for little ones. There is also a pretty pond here and places to capture some beautiful pictures of butterflies.

3. Sam Houston Race Park

If you are looking for a fun, reasonably inexpensive activity in North Houston that the whole family can get involved with, you might want to take a look at Sam Houston Race Track. They have daily races which can be watched from the stands. They are also licensed to take bets for visitors over the age of 21.

Many of the races take place between 5 pm and 6.45 pm. There are also three dining options at Sam Houston Race Park so that you can enjoy an entire evening here. There is a private member’s dining area, a concession stand serving fast food, and a restaurant with fantastic views over the finish line.

Free Things to do in Houston

This is the list of places where you can do different activities and guess what, you don’t have to pay for it.

1. Hermann Park

Hermann Park has already been included in this guide to highlight their amazing Miller Outdoor Theatre. However, the park has so much more to offer, and best of all, most of it is free! We just have to tell you what else is available to do in this vast wonderland to save you from missing out when you get there.

The park has two glorious gardens. The Rose Garden has free entry, while the stunning Japanese Garden has an entry fee of $12.00. The general gardens and spaces within the park are all free and have just as much natural beauty as these specially planted gardens. There are plenty of picnic spots, areas to relax by the lake, and children’s playgrounds.

There is a delightful golf course at Hermann Park. Though this is not one of their free activities, you can enjoy the activity for a great price if you book in advance. They have twilight sessions available too, which are even cheaper; if you are open to playing in the evening, you can do the course for as little as $20.00.

Another cost-effective activity to enjoy here is the Cockrell Butterly Exhibit set within the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This can be experienced for $12.00 per adult, with children’s tickets being $10.00.

2. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

A not-for-profit organization runs Houston Arboretum and Nature Centre, and although they do graciously accept donations, they do not charge an entry fee. The sanctuary has been built to allow the native plants and wildlife to thrive while educating visitors on the importance of undisturbed habitats. There are five miles of glorious space to hike through.

There is a discovery building located here with exhibits for visitors to peruse for free. There are also interactive activities to keep the little ones entertained. Another area to keep children happy is the newly renovated nature playscape. This state-of-the-art feature was added to the center in 2020.

They have a great little shop at Houston Arboretum & Nature Centre, which stocks unique souvenirs. What we love most about this place are its events. They host events suitable for all ages, including food and wine tasting sessions, tykes hikes for kids, family night walks, and summer camps. You can also hire this location for a wedding or special event.

For More Event Spaces, Check-Out: Unique Wedding Venues in and Near Houston

Things to do Outside Houston

There are various fun activities you could do outside Houston, so we have curated this list for you to explore these places.

1. Six Flags Hurricane Harbour

There is nothing better than having an extraordinary water-filled adventure in the hot Texan sunshine. Six Flags Hurricane Harbour is one of the best and closest water parks to Houston.

The park has some incredible water coasters and giant slides, alongside more relaxing areas like Coconut Bay and Paradise Bay’s Lazy River.

There are seven places to get drinks and snacks at Six Flags Hurricane Harbour; one of them offers a full restaurant service. Every area of the water park is clean and well maintained, with friendly staff and trained lifeguards located at every pool.

Related: 10 Amazing Water Parks in & Near Houston

2. Cypress Trails Equestrian Center

If you are looking for a genuine, authentic Texan experience near Houston, Cypress Trails Equestrian Center is a wonderful ranch to spend a day at. They offer guided rides through a magnificent woodland, with ponies available for smaller riders to share the experience.

The guides here are incredibly friendly. They are happy to take pictures of you during your adventure, and they also show genuine kindness to the horses; nothing is too much trouble.

One of the best experiences to enjoy at Cypress Trails Equestrian Center is one of their lunch/picnic trails. The trails range from one-and-a-half hours to seven hours. They include a delicious, fresh, homemade lunch with a good choice of options. This activity is available for riders aged six upwards.

3. Geronimo Adventure Park

Geronimo Adventure park is probably one of the most thrilling days out you can enjoy within an hour’s drive from Houston. There is so much packed into this place to excite, entice, and delight visitors. It is a place you can return to again and find something new and exhilarating to experience each time.

The park has three zip-line adventure courses for you to try, all with their own unique elements and obstacles to keep your mind as active as your body. There are also rock walls to hone your climbing skills and Axe throwing arenas, which are an incredible way to let off some steam. All of the areas are well maintained, highly organized, and safe, run by a knowledgeable team of passionate thrill-seekers.

Summary

Which outdoor adventure will you decide to go for?

We hope that we have helped you to create a shortlist of thrilling activities to consider for your next unique day in the outdoors. For more outdoor activities in Houston, you might want to take a look at our top picks for Kayaking, Golfing, and Fishing.