12 Awesome Places to go in Houston at Night

Houston has some amazing nightlife on offer, with many choices of activities in the vast majority of neighborhoods. The city is considered to be extremely safe and boasts low crime rates, making it so great to explore during the night as well as the day.

We have highlighted some of our favorite spots to hang out, create magical memories with the people you love, and maybe even meet new friends along the way, all within the area of Houston.

Notes on what makes these places so great have also been mentioned for your pleasure, including what you can expect to see and do, where it is good to eat near the area, and if there are any activities that can be tied in with your evening’s itinerary close by. Closing times have also been added to help you with planning.

Now, let’s take a look at our top twelve most awesome places to go in Houston at night!

Fun Activities To do at Night for Adults in Houston

Many adult-only activities can be enjoyed in Houston after dark; many of them operate as family-friendly amusements during the daytime but have a cut-off time for children or alternatively have adult-only sessions on specific nights during the week.

Houston has some fantastic clubs, bars, and theaters, but for this guide, we have included just a few really fun places to go that you may not initially consider visiting as an adult group.

1. Topgolf

Topgolf is a fantastic place to head to if you are looking for a fun evening; even if you take golfing seriously, it’ll be hard not to have a laugh here when surrounded by friends.

This all-weather facility is packed with interactive, high tec simulation booths; every golf ball is fitted with a microchip to keep score during the rounds. They have everything you need for a comfortable experience, and if you do prefer to bring your own clubs with you, this is absolutely fine. There is also an area where they can be securely stored if you choose to dine here.

The food served at Topgolf is classic American fare, such as burgers, wings, and big desserts. They have a fun sweet treat called Injectable Donut Holes; the cinnamon sugared mini donuts are served with a choice of fillings which you syringe yourself before eating. Topgolf donates $1 to the Make-A-Wish foundation for every plate of these yummy holes served.

Bonus Read: Incredible Places to Play Mini Golf In Houston

2. The Escape Game Houston

Escape rooms have been a popular source of entertainment for many years now, and if you haven’t yet done one, then this is absolutely something to try while in Houston!

These rooms are fantastic for ages 13 upwards, but there are rooms more specifically aimed at adults. The Escape Game Houston has six incredible rooms to choose from, and there are also rooms that have been designed to be wheelchair accessible.

• The Depths: This is set within an underwater lab, one in which you definitely do not feel alone. Who knows what lies beneath the waves, and will you be the one to discover the mad scientist’s secrets? You have one hour to escape the room, which has a difficulty level of 8/10. This room is suitable for up to eight players.
• Priston Break: This room does what it says on the tin; you are locked in a prison cell and have an hour to escape before meeting a deadly end by a corrupt correctional officer. This game has a difficulty level of 9/10 and is suitable for eight players.
• The Heist: With the guidance of an intelligence agent, can you find a stolen painting hidden within the museum curator’s office before he returns in one hour’s time? This game is suitable for eight players, with a difficulty level of 8/10.
• Playground: This room has undeniable Squid Games vibes! Spend an hour with up to twelve friends searching the giant playground equipment in search of a report card. This game has a difficulty level of 6/10, making it one of the more straightforward rooms to play.
• Special Op’s Mysterious Market: This room is full of dark twists and turns as you explore a derelict market in the dead of night. This thrilling hour-long game has a difficulty level of 8/10 and is suitable for eight players.
• Gold Rush: In this game, the aim is to claim your inheritance from an eccentric distance relative by proving you are the real heir to the throne before the hour runs out. This room is suitable for eight players, with a difficulty level of 7/10.

There is no bar or restaurant in the escape room; however, there are many choices within the surrounding area. We recommend heading over to Bowl and Barrel if you are with a group and want to continue having a fun evening.

Bowl and Barrel have a gorgeous bar menu, craft beers, and bowling alleys; it’s also only a three-minute walk from The Escape Game. If you go here, you have to order the Crab Hushpuppies with Maple Butter!

3. Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Dairy Ashford Roller Rink is a fantastic, energetic, vibrant place to head to with the family during the day or in the evening with friends. They have dedicated adults-only sessions where you can let loose without worrying about crashing into any minors. You can bring your own skates to the rink or hire them on arrival for around $3.00.

The best adults-only slots for an enjoyable skating experience are on Thursdays from 8 pm until 11 pm. This exhilarating skate is paired with an awesome DJ and glistening disco balls for added amusement.

There is a limited selection of food and drink available to purchase on-site. You can grab a slice of pizza and coke, but that’s pretty much it. Outside food and beverages are not permitted to be bought on the premises.

A handful of restaurants and bars are within walking distance of Dairy Ashford Roller Rink, but if you want to head to somewhere more atmospheric, it would be best to head back towards the city center.

Continue Reading: Metro Buses & Other Public Transportation Routes

Romantic Things to do in Houston at Night

Houston is an easy city to fall in love in or keep that long-term relationship thriving. There are some beautiful intimate restaurants, romantic spas, natural beauty spots to watch the sunset, and superb hotels, which can all lead to a wonderfully passionate night.

Such as the adult-only section of this guide, we have tried to include a few of the lesser-known romantic spots in Houston to help you plan a truly special evening.

1. Showboat Drive-in

A drive-in has helped set the perfect romantic scenes in so many movies. Films like Grease, The Cider House Rules, and Brokeback Mountain all have that incredibly memorable scene where the leading actors have (or try to have) a magical, romantic moment.

This inexpensive activity allows you to share a cozy, intimate space with your loved one, watching the latest blockbusters alongside a few classics for good measure.

There are a few food and drink stands located around the parking lot, or you are welcome to bring picnics, blankets, and even a bottle of bubbly (for the passenger) to create a charming evening.

Bonus Read: The Best Movie Theaters in Houston

2. Pinstripes

Address:	3300 Kirby Dr UNIT 3A, Houston, TX 77098
Website:	https://pinstripes.com/houston
Price:	$16.00 - $23.00
Opening Hours:	Monday - Thursday 12 pm - 10 pm, Friday 12 pm - 11 pm, Saturday 10 am - 11 pm, Sunday 10 am - 9 pm
Amenities:	Bowling and Bocce

Pinstripes is an excellent amusement facility. They have bowling lanes, bocce courts, and a beautiful outdoor patio to enjoy dinner and drinks. This is a great place to head to if you are in a new relationship; bowling is one of those great sports that anyone can do and offers some superb ice-breaker moments.

It also allows you to show off your competitive side, which is a really healthy quality to have in a relationship at any phase.

The bar and restaurant area at Pinstripes is fantastic, as are the staff! The food is all cooked on-site, and the bar serves up some incredible hand-crafted cocktails. They also have deals available most days, including Tuesday steak nights, Tuesday beer buckets, whiskey Wednesdays, and Boozy Brunch Weekends.

3. Houston Zoo Night Events

Address:	6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Website:	https://www.houstonzoo.org
Price:	Changes according to the event
Opening Hours:	Events run outside of regular zoo opening hours
Amenities:	Changes according to the event

Houston Zoo is an incredible place to visit during the daytime and is one of the city’s top tourist attractions. The night events held here are just as awe-inspiring as the animals housed here, with light shows, music, and exclusive tours and talks from the knowledgable keepers all being part of these magical evenings.

A handful of the types of events you can expect to enjoy at the zoo include carnival nights, spooky events, and Christmas light shows. One of our favorite events at the zoo is their late-night silent disco evenings. Ticket prices for the silent discos start from around $30.00 per person.

You will be provided with headphones on arrival, with three music channels and a channel exclusively for keeper talks, which you can tune into during certain times during the night.

You can ride the carousel and tour the zoo until 8 pm, when the lawn becomes an outstandingly quirky outdoor club. During the events, there is food and drink available from cash-only kiosks.

See Also: The Best Places to Take Pictures In Houston

Where to Walk at Night in Houston

Houston is a great place to explore during the evening. The buildings are illuminated by colorful spotlights, as are the parks and public spaces. Many of the parks in Houston have 24/7 surveillance for added security.

There are so many suburban areas that in themselves are amazing to visit at night for a gentle stroll, such as Boulevard Oaks, Montrose, and Castle Court. Some Houston suburban neighborhoods have 24hr patrols for the increased safety of their residents.

1. Houston Theater District

Address:	701 Avenida de las Americas Houston, TX 77010
Website:	https://topgolf.com/us/houston-west
Price:	N/A
Opening Hours:	N/A
Amenities:	N/A

Houston Theater District covers seventeen blocks and is one of the most beautiful urban places to walk at night. This area of the city comes to life after dark and is a hot spot for photographers, art enthusiasts, and tourists just wanting to explore.

Houston has the second-largest theater district in the country, offering an astounding thirteen thousand seat capacity across its theaters, where you can enjoy live performances on a daily basis. The area is recognized as having one of the richest cultures in the world when it comes to performing arts, as well as being steeped in history, with many of the buildings being over a hundred years old.

This area has easy to find parking and is also easily accessible via public transport. There are so many diverse, interesting restaurants to stop at in the area to have a quick bite to eat.

One of our favorite dining spots in this area is Hearsay Gastro Lounge in the Hearsay Market Square. They are open until 11 pm and have an excellent laid-back atmosphere. The building was constructed in 1880 and is a masterpiece in itself.

2. Hermann Park

Hermann Park is featured within so many of our guides as there is simply just so much to see and do here! The park is top-rated at all hours and is a superb place to visit during the evening if you are looking for a relaxed, safe area to walk, run, or cycle.

The grasslands surrounding The Miller Outdoor Theater are a great place to walk or take a break during the night. They have live performances here most nights which are great to listen to from a distance should you not want to immerse yourself into the art completely.

Bill Coats Bridge is a lovely place to watch the sunset within the park. The bridge is not lit, so it is not quite as comfortable to walk once the sky is dark; however, you can get some great photo’s here at dusk. The contemporary bridge connects the banks of Brays Bayou in Hermann Park.

You Might Also Like: Amazing Parks & Trails to Run Near Houston

3. Houstons Asian Night Market at Bellaire

Address:	11205 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77072
Website:	https://www.hkcitymall.com
Price:	Free Entry
Opening Hours:	8 am - 10 pm
Amenities:	Authentic Asian food

Chinatown as a whole is a unique cultural experience to visit at night on any given day; however, every couple of months, The Hong Kong Food Market is transformed into a nighttime extravaganza filled with food, fun, and entertainment.

This is a stunning place to walk about, taking in the sights and smells of traditional Asian cooking. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy this experience, though it is hard not to get tempted by the colorful dessert buns, succulent meat skewers, and insane jumbo shrimp.

The only downside to this incredible market is that it’s challenging to forward plan a visit there; even the vendors don’t know it’s happening until the week of the event, and their social media updates leave much to be desired.

The Bếp Teahouse posts updates on the market on their Instagram feed as soon as there is talk of one being set up. So this is a great account to follow when traveling to the area. Bet Teahouse specializes in bubble tea; they also serve mouth-watering kimchi fries!

Keep Reading: The Best Bars & Pubs to Relish in Chinatown

Free Places to go in Houston at Night

Houston is generously packed with some excellent free activities that can be enjoyed during the evening. The activities we have mentioned above in the ‘Where to Walk’ section are free, but here are a handful of more entertaining places to visit if you are looking for a good time on a budget.

1. Kemah Boardwalk

Address:	215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
Website:	https://www.kemahboardwalk.com
Price:	Free
Opening Hours:	12 pm-7 pm Monday to Thursday, 12 pm - 9 pm Friday, 10:30 am - 10 pm Saturday, 10:30 am - 10 pm Sunday.
Amenities:	Rides, Attractions, Walking, Shows, Restaurants, and Shopping

Kemah is about a forty-minute drive from Houston; it is absolutely worth the journey if you want a fantastic, budget-friendly time. The boardwalk is one of the country’s premier boardwalks, with gorgeous views over clear waters and a magnificent backdrop of the amusement rides.

There are a few tour companies who offer transport to the boardwalk, or you can check out the public transport links should you be working towards a budget. If traveling by public transport, you can expect to pay around $28.00 to get here.

Aside from the boardwalk, there are so many paid activities to be enjoyed here, such as the sixteen amusement rides (all of which are reasonably priced at around $6 per person), the arcades, and the sublime waterfront restaurants.

Related: Adventurous Outdoor Activities in Houston

2. Twilight Epiphany Skyspace

Address:	Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, Houston, TX 77005
Website:	https://moody.rice.edu/james-turrell-twilight-epiphany-skyspace
Price:	Free
Opening Hours:	5 am - 10 pm daily, closed on Tuesdays
Amenities:	Scenic Views and stargazing opportunities

The Twilight Epiphany Skyspace is located within the grounds of Rice University. The university campus is a superb place to explore in the evening as a whole; it’s well lit, has some interesting buildings and art to look at, and is well patrolled for its visitors’ safety and security.

There are two options to consider when visiting the Skyspace; you can go indoors and enjoy the panoramic views on offer; alternatively, why not bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy the stars from the ground.

You can also enjoy a free light show at the venue during sunset. Viewing spots can be limited for the popular shows, so if this is something you want to enjoy, you will want to aim to arrive about half an hour before the show starts.

You Might Also Like: The Best Skyline Scenic Views in Houston

3. Stand Up Comedy Night (Choice of venues)

Address:	N/A
Website:	N/A
Price:	N/A
Opening Hours:	N/A
Amenities:	Free comedy performances on selected evenings

Houston has some fantastic stand-up comedy on offer, and you can catch a gig most nights in the various taverns, theaters, and even park pavilions. If you are looking for a cheap night out and some free live entertainment, you can get that at the following five venues:

• PJ’S Sports Bar: Mondays from 8 pm
• Rudyard’s Pub: Mondays from 8 pm
• Houston Improv Comedy Club: Tuesdays from 8 pm
• Darwin’s Pub: Wednesdays from 8 pm
• Taste Bar & Kitchen: Thursdays from 8 pm

There are plenty of cheap comedy nights to be enjoyed within the city as well, with prices starting from as little as $8.00 per person at selected comedy clubs and bars. Some of the venues will allow you to stay and enjoy the comedy for free if you have been drinking or dining in the establishment before the show starts.

To Sum Up …

So, where will you head to for your next evening outing?

We hope that we have helped you to create a shortlist of just some of the best things you might want to consider doing at night in Houston. If you would like to see what other evening activities might interest you in Houston, you might want to check out our guides to The Best Exceptional Karaoke Contests in Houston and Fun Stuff, Things & activities to do in Houston for inspiration.