19 Fun Things to do in Houston for Teens [2023 UPDATED]

As a former teen, I remember how hard it was to find exciting things to do on the weekends or when I had free time after school. Houston is a great city with so many fun options for teens, but it can be overwhelming to figure out where to go and what to do. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the top fun things for teens to do in Houston. From outdoor adventures to indoor entertainment, these activities are sure to cure any boredom.

Houston has a vibrant mix of museums, parks, attractions, and more that will appeal to teenagers. The great thing is many of these places are affordable or offer student discounts, so you don’t have to break the bank to have an amazing time. Whether you’re a local Houston teen or visiting on a family trip, this guide has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the best of what Houston has to offer for teens!

See Also:

• Things to do in Houston for Adults
• Things to do in Houston for Kids
• Areas to Avoid in Houston

 

1. NASA Johnson Space Center

No trip to Houston is complete without a stop at NASA’s famous Johnson Space Center. This working hub of the American space program is sure to inspire budding astronauts and engineers. Take the tram tour through the Space Center to see the historic Mission Control room and get an inside look at real moon rocks you can touch. Teens will love seeing massive rockets and the Space Shuttle Independence replica up close at Rocket Park too. Don’t miss trying the space flight simulator for an out-of-this-world ride. Going behind the scenes at such an iconic place is easily one of the most fun things for teens to do in Houston.

 

2. Buffalo Bayou Park

Stretching across downtown Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park offers countless ways for teens to enjoy the outdoors. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to cruise along the bayou for unique city views. Jogging trails, a skate park, and bike rental stations provide options for active teens. When you need a break, check out the park’s art installations and sculptures or cool off at the Waugh Bat Colony Bridge. Every first Saturday of the month, Buffalo Studios hosts free all-ages art classes too. With so much to see and do along the bayou, this urban green space is a must-visit Houston attraction for teens.

 

3. Discovery Green

Right in the heart of downtown lies Discovery Green, an action-packed 12-acre park. Teens will love exploring this lively public space with recreational activities. Test your skills at the Gateway Fountain with “dancing” water jets shooting up from the ground. Show off your moves at Dance on the Green events or outdoor concert series. Grab a corndog and catch a family-friendly flick at Discovery Green’s outdoor movie nights. Learn something new through the park’s STEM-focused workshops. When you need a chill break, picnic under the shady trees or people watch from the grassy lawns. Discovery Green makes for an awesome free day of fun for Houston teens.

 

4. Museum of Fine Arts

Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts houses an incredible collection spanning cultures and time periods that art-loving teens will appreciate. Wander through ornate hallways and take in over 65,000 works covering everything from ancient Roman sculptures to dazzling Faberge eggs to contemporary American art. Don’t miss experiencing the tranquil zen garden and lush Cullinan Oak Allée. Teens can flex their creative skills through the museum’s regular classes, workshops, and film screenings too. With free admission on Thursdays, this world-class museum is a must-see on any Houston teen’s bucket list.

 

5. Houston Zoo

For a wild day, head to the 55-acre Houston Zoo in Hermann Park. It’s home to over 6,000 exotic animals from 900 different species. Teens will have a blast getting up close views of playful gorillas, massive elephants, regal lions, and more. Don’t miss visiting the new Galápagos-themed sea lion habitat and touching vibrant marine life at the Stingray Reef. Go on an adventure through the realistic African Forest exhibit with gorillas swinging overhead on vines above walking paths. Interactive feeding demonstrations and creature encounters really let teens engage with the zoo’s amazing animals. The Houston Zoo makes for an unforgettable experience for animal-loving teens.

 

6. Topgolf Houston

Combine friendly competition with tasty food and music at Topgolf Houston. Teens will have a blast hitting golf balls equipped with microchips to track distance and accuracy across the 3-level driving range. Challenge friends to target games on the high-tech screens in comfy climate-controlled hitting bays. Between turns, refuel on chef-driven bites and desserts served right to your bay. With live DJs, music videos, and fun social energy, Topgolf is so much more than golf. Teens can’t go wrong spending time at this high-tech driving range.

 

7. iFly Indoor Skydiving

Looking for a truly unforgettable experience in Houston for teens? Head to iFly Houston for an adrenaline-pumping indoor skydiving adventure. Teens can safely float and fly on a smooth column of air just like real skydivers in the thrilling wind tunnel. Houston has awesome indoor thrills like this that make it easy and fun for teens to learn the basics of body flight with help from expert instructors during the 2 one-minute flights. Share those hilarious mid-air photos and videos with friends afterward to remember the exhilaration. Defying gravity at this amazing attraction is easily one of the most fun things to do in Houston for teens during their time in Houston.

 

8. The Escape Game Houston

Gather a group of friends for 60 minutes of mystery, puzzles, and adrenaline rushes at The Escape Game. Teens can pick from exciting themed rooms and work together to find hidden clues and crack codes to escape in time. With settings like a vintage library, jail cell, and space station, each room presents an immersive new adventure. The fast-paced challenges will put your critical thinking, observation skills, and teamwork to the test. Escape games are perfect for a fun group outing or even a birthday celebration. Just be sure to escape before the time is up!

 

9. Speedy’s Fast Track

Experience the thrill of racing go-karts at Speedy’s Fast Track. Their slick European-style track lets teens reach speeds over 45 miles per hour as they zip around curves and straightaways. Speed demons will love competing with friends in sprint races on the technical course. Even first-timers can get behind the wheel for safe, supervised fun at one of Houston’s top go-karting tracks. The facility also has fun options like bumper cars, mini golf, and arcade games when you need a break from racing. Teens can enjoy heart-pumping action at Speedy’s Fast Track all day long.

 

10. Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Bounce the day away at Houston’s massive Sky Zone trampoline park conveniently located right off the Katy Freeway. The huge interconnected trampolines form one giant bounce arena perfect for teens. Show off your flips into the foam pits or challenge friends to trampoline dodgeball and basketball games. Test your balance maneuvering through the Ninja Warrior obstacle course. When you need a break, chill in the lounge area with free wifi. Sky Zone also hosts fun Glow Nights with neon lights and live DJs. With endless trampoline fun, it’s easy to spend hours at this prime indoor hangout spot.

 

11. Urban War Zone Paintball

Experience an adrenaline rush playing paintball at Urban War Zone in northwest Houston. This intense battlefield spans across a 20-acre wooded area filled with diverse terrain. Bunkers, towers, catwalks, and more make up the complex playing field. Grab your friends and strategize to capture the flag or accomplish different mission objectives. Teens love the immersive combat action of charging through the battlefield and dodging paintballs flying by. With both indoor and outdoor playing arenas, this prime paintball spot provides hours of competitive thrills for Houston teens.

 

12. Battlefield Houston (Laser Tag)

When Houston teens are looking for fast-paced indoor fun, a prime option is heading to Battlefield Houston for epic laser tag battles. This massive arena feels just like an immersive combat zone with fog, lighting effects, and props that provide hours of fun. Teens can team up with friends for an unforgettable laser tag experience taking down opponents with advanced phaser gear that tracks hits and statistics. With different challenging missions requiring strategy and cooperation, Battlefield Houston offers an incredible option for techy teens seeking adventurous fun things to do in Houston for teens during their time in Houston.

 

13. Ice at The Galleria

Cool off from Houston’s heat at the Ice Rink at The Galleria shopping mall. This one-of-a-kind ice skating rink sits right in the center of the iconic Galleria’s giant atrium. Teens will have a blast lacing up rental skates to effortlessly glide and perfect spin moves with friends. Cheer on brave first-timers or join free skating lessons. With its festive lights and music, the rink creates memorable moments. After working up an appetite for skating, grab a snack at the fully-stocked Cafe Ice. The rink transforms into an otherworldly experience during themed events like Cosmic Skate glow parties too. Ice skating in the middle of a mall makes for a truly unique Houston teen experience.

 

14. Bowlmor Houston

Roll an unforgettable night of bowling with friends at Bowlmor Houston. Neon lights give this upscale bowling alley an energetic vibe perfect for teens. Huge video screens play music videos above each of the 60 bowling lanes. Test your skills in games like cosmic bowling and blacklight bowling where the lanes glow under neon blacklights. When you need some fuel, order elevated pub fare like wings, burgers and shareable appetizers right to your lane. Reserve a VIP bowling lane with plush couches and your own server for extra fun. With its lively atmosphere and modern luxuries, Bowlmor Bowlmor creates a one-of-a-kind bowling experience Houston teens will love.

 

15. AMC Houston 8

Catch blockbuster movies on the big screen at AMC’s premier Houston 8 theatre. This modern megaplex located downtown has eight huge screens showing the latest Hollywood films. Reserve your ticket online and relax in extra-comfy power recliners as you enjoy the premium sight and sound technology. Teens will love conveniences like reserved seating and table service delivering food and drinks right to your seat. With wall-to-wall screens and booming Dolby surround sound, the IMAX theatre takes movie-watching to the next level. AMC Houston 8 offers teens an incredible cinematic experience perfect for date nights or groups.

 

16. The Galleria (Shopping Mall)

Spend a day shopping til you drop at the gigantic Galleria shopping mall. With its iconic glass atriums and over 375 stores and restaurants, it’s Texas’ biggest mall. Shopaholic teens can browse major retailers like Forever21, Urban Outfitters, PacSun, and Journeys for the latest styles. Trendy food court eats will refuel you for more shopping. Catch a movie at the mall’s ultra-modern cinema or go ice skating year-round at the one-and-only ice rink. From designer fashions to entertainment, the Galleria is a shopper’s paradise for Houston teens.

 

17. Galveston Beach

Spend a day soaking up sun and fun at Galveston Beach just an hour’s drive from Houston. Stretching for miles, the beach has plenty of space to spread out and relax oceanside. Teens can go swimming, build sandcastles, play beach volleyball, or toss a frisbee. Rent a surfboard or kayak and ride the waves in the Gulf of Mexico. Sunbathe and people watch along the bustling Seawall Boulevard lined with restaurants and shops. End the day watching a stunning sunset over the water. With its beautiful coastline, Galveston Beach offers an amazing beach getaway perfect for Houston teens.

 

18. Terry Hershey Park

For Houston teens looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Terry Hershey Park is a perfect nature retreat right in the city. Hike or bike for miles on scenic wooded trails, go fishing in the peaceful bayou, have a picnic, or wade in shallow creeks. With its diversity of recreational activities plus gorgeous natural scenery, this massive 500-acre greenspace lets teens easily escape the city to unwind out in nature. Terry Hershey Park is one of those special places that provides a peaceful outdoor experience that’s just plain fun things to do in Houston for teens seeking a change of pace during their time in the city.

 

19. Wet & Wild SplashTown

Make a splash at Wet ‘n’ Wild SplashTown water park! Teens will have a blast on thrilling water slides like The Black Hole vortex funnel and Skycoaster that swings you out over a massive pool. Challenge friends to a race down slide complex Python Plummet with four high-speed tubes. Jam out floating along a river through rainbow arches and waterfalls. When you’re ready for a break, grab a slice at the park’s pizzeria. With over 20 water slides, pools, and theme river rides spread across 23 acres, Wet ‘n’ Wild SplashTown delivers nonstop aquatic fun for Houston teens.

 

Conclusion

Houston really shines when it comes to fun options for teens to enjoy their free time. From thrilling indoor adventures to outdoor spaces buzzing with activities, there are so many cool attractions to explore. Teens can geek out at NASA, get their adrenaline fix at Topgolf or Sky Zone Trampoline Park, and explore world-class museums. The variety of recreational opportunities right in Houston makes it easy to plan an amazing day. Next time boredom strikes, refer to this list of the most fun things for teens to do in Houston.