Things to Do in Houston with a Large Group

Houston is one of the largest cities in the United States, with major museums, a huge food scene, major league sports and the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. For a family or group, the challenge is less finding things to do and more planning around a city that is very spread out. Here are the best options and how to fit them together.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. Exhibits include spacecraft, astronaut stories and, on tram tours, views of working NASA facilities. Plan most of a day. Our Space Center Houston group guide covers tickets and timing.

The Museum District

The Museum District, near Hermann Park, has close to twenty museums. Highlights for groups include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the Children's Museum Houston. Some museums offer free admission at certain times; check their websites before you go.

Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo

Hermann Park sits next to the Museum District, with gardens, a lake with pedal boats and a miniature train. The Houston Zoo is inside the park. Combining the park, zoo and one museum makes a full day without much driving.

Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park runs along the bayou west of downtown, with walking and cycling paths, gardens and city views. It is a good place for an early morning walk before the day warms up.

Sports and events

Houston has major league teams in baseball, football, basketball and soccer, and NRG Park hosts Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo each year in late winter. Our guide to staying in Houston for a game at NRG Stadium covers planning around a big event.

Food

Houston is known for its range: Tex-Mex, barbecue, Vietnamese food in Bellaire Boulevard's Asiatown area, Gulf seafood and much more. For a large group, book ahead or split into smaller tables. On other nights, a big kitchen at the house makes an easy family dinner.

Day trip to Galveston

Galveston, on the Gulf Coast, is roughly an hour's drive south depending on where you start. It has beaches, the historic Strand district and Moody Gardens. Kemah Boardwalk is on the way.

Planning tips for groups

• Group by area. Pair the Museum District with Hermann Park, or Space Center Houston with Kemah.
• Avoid rush hour. Houston traffic is heavy at commute times.
• Plan for heat. From late spring to early fall, schedule outdoor time early and late.
• Leave a home day. A pool afternoon or a long lunch at the house gives everyone a break.

Where to stay

Our five-bedroom Houston House keeps the whole group together. See the Houston destination page and our family reunions page for more.

Frequently asked questions