1. Kemah Boardwalk

Ride roller coasters, play games, and eat funnel cake by the water. It’s a mini amusement park with waterfront views, perfect for younger teens. Here are our top things to do on the Boardwalk.

 
Schlitterbahn Galveston photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

2. Schlitterbahn Galveston

Spend the day at one of Texas’s best waterparks with slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. In fact, there are so many water parks in and around Houston that you could visit one every week of the summer!

3. Space Center Houston

Teens 11-14 can sign up for Space Center University and learn more about NASA and space science. Check out our tips for visiting NASA. 

4. Escape Rooms

Gather a group and try to break out of a themed room in under an hour at one of our favorite escape rooms. A fun activity with family or other teens.

5. Trampoline Parks

Jump into summer fun at places like Urban Air, Altitude, or one of our other favorite trampoline parks. Great for group hangs and burning off energy indoors. Houston offers teens numerous great options for indoor fun.

6. Galveston Beach Day

Pack snacks and boogie boards and head to the coast for sun, sand, and surf. Stewart Beach and East Beach are teen-friendly spots, or hit one of our other top things to do in Galveston. 

7. The Water Wall at the Galleria

Snap photos in front of Houston’s most iconic fountain. It’s a short walk from great shopping and food options.

8. The Galleria

This massive mall has everything - shops, food courts, and even an indoor ice rink. A perfect place to hang out with friends.

9. CityCentre (Memorial) or LaCenterra (Katy)

These outdoor shopping centers feature green lawns, a variety of events, and teen-friendly restaurants. Great for weekend afternoons hanging out with friends. When your teens get bored, look up some other great activities in Memorial and Katy.

10. Cars & Coffee Meetups

See exotic and vintage cars up close at local meetups, such as the one at POST Houston, held on the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

11. Vintage Shopping on Westheimer

Dig through racks at quirky thrift and resale stores in Montrose. It’s a treasure hunt with cool fashion finds.

12. Ice Cream Crawl

Try a few different local shops from our list of favorites and make it a mini foodie adventure with friends. 

13. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)

A Texas public library cardholder, age 18 or younger and visiting on a Saturday or Sunday, gets in free to one of the best art museums in the country. Thursdays are free for everyone! Check out their teen-focused tours and summer exhibits and our other favorite things to do at MFAH. 

 
Houston Museum of Natural Science photo by Alexander Hatley, via Flickr 2.0

14. Houston Museum of Natural Science

See dinosaur skeletons, giant geodes, and live butterflies all in one place. Read our tips and plan an indoor visit on a hot day. If your teen is into science, there are other great science museums in Houston.

15. Color Factory or Seismique

These interactive art museums are made for selfies and social sharing. Walk through colorful, immersive rooms that are anything but boring.

16. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Always free and always thought-provoking. This smaller museum, located near the MFAH, often features teen-friendly, edgy exhibits.

17. Houston Street-Art Tour

Explore murals and graffiti walls in neighborhoods like The Heights. Take photos or just soak in the color. Look up the Houston Mural Map for inspiration.

18. Main Event or Dave & Buster’s

Play arcade games, bowl, and grab food all in one place. Great for family weekend outings.

19. Speedy’s Fast Track

Try go-karts, laser tag, and mini golf at this indoor-outdoor activity center. It’s a classic Houston teen destination that also has arcade machines.

20. Houston Skate Parks

Check out Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark or one of our other favorite Houston skate parks. Bring a board or just hang out and watch.

21. Bowling

Keep teens active and entertained at one of Houston's best bowling alleys. Even non-sporty teens will enjoy going bowling.

22. Downtown Aquarium

Read our review, then ride the Shark Voyage train, see stingrays, and explore aquatic exhibits. It’s fun, educational, and air-conditioned.

23. Outdoor Movies

Watch movies under the stars at Market Square Park or Rooftop Cinema Club. Market Square Park is just one of Houston's free outdoor movie venues.

24. Houston Astros Game

Catch a game at Daikin Park and root for the home team. Friday night games in the summer end with fireworks. If your kids are inspired, take them to some batting cages in Houston another day!

25. Post HTX Skylawn

This downtown rooftop offers amazing views, photo opportunities, and ample space to hang out. Check their calendar for free events and performances.

26. Miller Outdoor Theatre

Musicals, concerts, and movies—all for free. Bring a blanket and a picnic for a night under the stars at the park. There are so many great free summer activities in Houston.

27. Houston Symphony Summer Shows

Some concerts are free to the public, and 10-18 year olds can attend paid concerts for free with a paying adult. It’s a fantastic way for teens to experience live music.

28. Houston Public Library Teen Summer Challenge

Reading is for all ages! Join a reading challenge and win prizes. Check out free events, book clubs, and craft sessions just for teens.

29. Apple and Microsoft Store Workshops

Learn coding, design, or video editing at in-store teen workshops. Most sessions are free, but registration is required.

30. Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank

Spend a few hours packing meals or helping out. Your teen will earn service hours and make a difference.

31. Brazos Bend State Park

Take a hike, look for gators, and stargaze at the George Observatory. It’s a day trip just outside Houston that feels like an adventure. Read about our favorite features of the park here.

32. Roller Skating

Roller skating never goes out of fashion, so take your teen to one of the great roller skating spots in Houston.

 
Photo courtesy of Texas Rock Gym

33. Climbing Walls

Indoor climbing walls are a popular destination for teens to hang out in the summer, and many venues offer lessons to improve skills. See our favorites here.