Looking for exciting things to do in Houston for young adults? You’ve come to the right place.
Whether you're over 21 and looking for a night on the town, or under 21 and seeking day-time thrills, this guide has you covered with the top activities that showcase the best of what Houston has to offer.
To make it a little easier for you, we’ve divided the list into two main sections: things to do in Houston for young adults who have turned 21 already, and the other half covers stuff you can do that doesn’t involve alcohol. Obviously, age is no indicator of your lifestyle or habits, so take a look around and see what appeals to you. You do you, after all!
And just so you know, nobody pays us to be featured on this list. They’re just experiences we’ve tried or activities we’ve done that we enjoyed. No affiliate links, just personal recommendations so you can find the best things to do in Houston!
Best Things to Do in Houston for Young Adults
Go on a Scavenger Hunt Together
Location: 📍Various
First up on our list of things to do in Houston for young adults, an activity that works if you’re by yourself, with just one other person or if you’ve got your entire friendship group by your side.
Scavenger hunts like these unleash your inner detective and they include a little something for everybody: sightseeing, puzzles, a dash of competition, photo opportunities, optional bar and cafe stops…the list goes on.
It’s also a unique way to explore Houston, perfect for groups of friends looking for an adventurous day out. All the clues, puzzles and riddles get sent to your phones and it’ll be your job to work together and solve ‘em. Once you do, you’ll uncover hidden gems, quirky spots and interesting places you would otherwise never have visited.
Practical information: Hunts are self-guided and can be booked online. Prices start at $15 per person, and you can participate any day of the week, whenever YOU want (they’re totally self-guided).
Check Out Houston’s Unusual Museums
Location: 📍Various
I get it, you might not be the kind of person who thinks walking around a bunch of old stuff qualifies as fun, but I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong.
Museums get a bad rap because we went there on school field trips or on vacation with our families, and maybe the museums you’ve been to before didn’t quite hit the spot for you. But I’m a firm believer that there’s a museum out there for everybody. You just haven’t found it yet.
Whatever your interests are, here are the museums I’d recommend visiting (and no, they’re not all history-based!). Oh, and if you’re gonna visit museums in Houston, do it on a Thursday (many of ‘em are free that day).
Hang Out at Discovery Green
Location: 📍Discovery Green
If you’re looking for things to do in Houston for young adults that help you save some cash, this is where to go.
For those who don’t know, Discovery Park is a super popular park in Houston, and it’s conveniently located right next to the Central Business District. It’s also where a bunch of free
events like yoga and dance classes, concerts, and festivals are held, so definitely check the website out before you visit.
If there’s nothing that takes your fancy, there’s also a pond where you can get kayak rentals and plenty of space just to hang out with friends and enjoy the outdoors.
Practical information: Open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Most events are free, with some requiring registration.
Hit Up Cidercade
Location: 📍2320 Canal St, Houston, TX
Prove that you’re the champ among your friends by hitting up Cidercade!
Like the name suggests, Cidercade is an arcade with over 275 games and a bar that serves local ciders. All you’ve got to do is pay one flat fee and you’ll have access to hours of unlimited gaming, plus a whole range of craft ciders (if you’re over 21).
If you’re under 21, you’re still welcome to play, but if you’re under 18, you’ll have to leave before 9pm. It’s an awesome place though, especially if you’re into retro games.
Practical information: Open daily from 10 AM to midnight. Admission is $12 for unlimited play.
Things To Do in Houston For Young Adults (For Over 21s)
Attend a Comedy Show
Locations: 📍The Secret Group, 📍Houston Improv, 📍Riot at Rudyards
Honestly, what better way is there to get acquainted with a place than finding out what makes the locals laugh?
I probably don’t need to tell you why going to comedy shows is one of the best things to do in Houston for young adults, but you might need some pointers about where to go.
You can catch stand-up acts or improv shows most nights of the week, just be warned that big names sell out fast so be sure to book ahead.
Practical information: Showtimes and ticket prices vary, but expect to pay around $10-$30 depending on the act.
Explore the Brewery Scene
Location: 📍Saint Arnold Brewing Company or 📍Karbach Brewing Co
Houston’s craft beer scene is booming, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting some of its top breweries.
Take a brewery tour, sample seasonal brews, and chill in laid-back beer gardens with friends. Both serve some phenomenal food as well, so, arrive hungry (and thirsty, obviously!).
Practical information: Tours and tastings are available most days, with prices generally ranging from $20+ per person.
Sip on Craft Cocktails
Location: 📍Various
If you’re looking for something more sophisticated than a beer, we’ve gotcha.
There’s nothing wrong with appreciating a well-made drink (heck, it’s an art form if you ask me), and luckily, there’s plenty of craft cocktail bars around Houston for you to try out.
Here are a few of my top recommendations:
- 📍Julep: Incredible cocktails and their menu categorizes them by spirit, so if you’re a vodka, gin, rum, whisky or agave drinker, you’ll find something for sure.
- 📍Lei Low: An amazing tiki bar that specializes in rum-based drinks.
- 📍Preamble Cocktail Lounge: The drinks here look almost too good to drink, but they’re absolutely amazing so take a pic and then drink up!
Practical information: Bars are typically open late, with cocktails ranging from $12 and up.
Visit Houston's Theater District
Location: 📍Houston Theater District
Looking for things to do in Houston for young adults that come with a side of culture? Get on over to the Theater District.
Houston’s Theater District is a cultural hub, and it’s where you’ll find many of the top performances in the city offering everything from Broadway shows to avant-garde plays, magic shows and beyond.
Get tickets early to avoid disappointment!
Practical information: Ticket prices vary widely depending on the performance, with discounts often available for students.
Put Your Brain Power to Good Use at a Trivia Night
Location: 📍R Bar,📍Flying Saucer, 📍Ladybird’s Bar
Test your knowledge and win some prizes at Houston’s popular trivia nights!
Gather your friends, form a team, and head to local bars for a fun evening of questions and quips.
Practical information: Trivia nights typically start around 7-8 p.m. on weekdays. Participation is often free, but be sure to arrive early to snag a good spot.
Attend a Wine & Paint Night
Location:📍Painting with a Twist, 📍Pinot’s Palette
Get creative with a glass of wine in hand at a wine and paint night!
If you’ve never done a sip and paint night before, now’s the time to give it a chance. Like the title suggests, it’s where you and your friends get to sit down to create your own masterpieces accompanied by a beverage of your choice.
You don’t need to be “good” at art to enjoy it (the instructor will talk you through the steps if you’re unsure) and, hey, it’s a pretty cool souvenir to take home with you at the end of the night.
Practical information: Sessions typically cost around $37-$50 each, and reservations are recommended. Most events are BYOB.
Let Loose at Some Karaoke Bars
Location: 📍Spotlight Karaoke, 📍Glitter Karaoke
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned performer or a shower singer, karaoke is an easy, fun, and relatively inexpensive way to hang out with friends and have an absolute blast.
Whether you take to the open stage or hire private rooms is up to you, but as always, the quality of your performance isn’t nearly as important as your song choice. In other words, even if your singing voice isn’t…let’s say, the best, if you pick a song the crowd will vibe with, it’ll be awesome no matter what.
Practical information: Most karaoke bars are open until 2 a.m., with room rentals or per-song charges depending on the venue.
Check Out Houston’s More “Unusual” Bar Scene
Location: Various
As you probably already know, it’s not the venue that makes a great night out but the people you’re with. But as you’re looking for things to do in Houston for young adults that are a little outside of the box, hitting up some unique bars could be a good option.
Here’s where I recommend:
Fun Things To Do in Houston For Young Adults (For Under 21s & Alcohol-Free)
Say Hello to The Animals at Houston Zoo
Location: 📍Hermann Park, Houston
Spend a day exploring the Houston Zoo, where you can encounter over 6,000 animals from around the world. From big cats to aquatic wonders, it’s a wild adventure perfect for animal lovers. Nestled within Hermann Park, the zoo offers a full day of fun with plenty of chances to learn about conservation and wildlife.
Practical information: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $22.95 for adults.
Make a Splash at Buffalo Bayou Park
Location: 📍Along the Buffalo Bayou, Houston
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, get on over to Buffalo Bayou Park.
This is the best place in Houston to try out watersports (like kayaking or paddle boarding), or cycling or walking the park’s extensive trails.
You also get an incredible view of Houston’s skyline from here, so it’s a great place to relax by the water or combine exercise with getting some of the best urban scenery in the city.
Practical information: Kayak rentals start at $20 per hour; the park is open daily and free to enter.
Check Out the Houston Space Center
Location: 📍1601 E NASA Parkway, Houston
Houston, we have a problem: Space Center Houston is almost too cool to describe.
Blast off to Space Center Houston for a journey through the history and future of space exploration. This is where you get to see real spacecraft, touch a moon rock, and learn about NASA’s legendary missions. I’ll be impressed if you leave not wishing you were an astronaut!
Practical information: Open daily, with ticket prices starting at $29.95 for adults.
Chase Thrills at Houston Grand Prix
Location: 📍13901 Northwest Freeway, Houston
Get your adrenaline pumping at Houston Grand Prix with go-kart racing and arcade games!
If you’re looking for action-packed high speed thrills, this is where you’ll get it. Basically a one-stop shop for all things entertainment, Houston Grand Prix is an awesome place to hang out and race against your friends or family.
Practical information: Open daily, with wristbands for unlimited regular car rides starting at $30 (adults).
Update Your Instagram After Visiting Graffiti Park
Location:📍 2102 Leeland Street, Houston
You know those pictures of Houston’s street art you’ve seen all over Instagram and TikTok? Yeah, those shots were taken here.
Graffiti Park is an ever-changing canvas of murals and graffiti art and it’s absolutely worth a look. I feel like it captures Houston’s creative spirit and, like I said, it’s a top spot for Instagram-worthy photos.
Practical information: Open 24/7 and free to visit. It can be a little sketchy around here so be careful with yourself and your belongings.
Let The Good Times Roll with Roller Skating
Location: 📍Dairy Ashford Roller Rink, Houston
Roll back in time at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink!
If you’ve never been to a roller disco before, boy oh boy do you have a surprise in store. The concept’s easy enough to understand: you roller skate to your favorite tunes under disco lights.
Whether you’re a pro or just learning, roller skating is a fun, maybe even nostalgic way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.
Practical information: Open most days with admission around $12, excluding skate rental (around $4 extra).
Visit Kemah Boardwalk
Location: 📍215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah
A short drive from Houston, Kemah Boardwalk offers amusement rides, waterfront dining, and beautiful views–in other words, a perfect day out. Whether you’re there for the roller coasters or just the fresh sea air, it’s a charming destination for a day trip (and it’s free to get in).
Practical information: Open daily, with free entry. Ride tickets and dining are priced separately.
Go to Nearby Galveston
Location: 📍Galveston, Texas
Speaking of Galveston Bay, Galveston is actually the perfect beach escape from the city.
Spend the day lounging on the sandy shores, explore the historic Strand district, or visit the attractions at Moody Gardens. It’s a diverse destination with something for everyone.
Practical information: About an hour’s drive from Houston. Beaches are free to visit, with other attractions priced individually.
Find More Things to Do in Houston with CityDays
So there you have it, tons of ideas of things to do in Houston for young adults.
Remember that no matter what you decide to do on your morning, afternoon or evening out with your partner, friends, family, or coworkers, there’s nothing like teamwork to make the dream work.
That’s why we at CityDays create fun, interesting and challenging trails around the world to help you immerse yourself in a city’s culture, history and curios.
Want to find out more?
Check out all our available activities in Texas here and embark on an adventure in the city you’ll never forget: CityDays awaits!