Things to Do

Downtown Houston is an Outdoor Lovers Dream

Love spending time outside? No matter the season, Downtown Houston is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts of any kind. From sports and fitness to arts and leisure, there’s more to do downtown than you ever imagined. Check out these five outdoor things to do in Downtown Houston.

1. HEAD TO A BALL GAME

501 Crawford

If your inner sports fan is screaming “take me out to the ball game,” then Downtown has you covered. Home of the Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park is just a hop, skip and jump away. With a giant retractable roof (the first of its kind), you can enjoy the game no matter the weather. So grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and head out for some good old fashioned fun. After you cheer on the home team, there’s no reason to go straight home. With lots of food and drink options nearby, you can add a nightcap at one of the local bars or enjoy a meal at an outdoor café.

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2. STROLL ALONG AVENIDA HOUSTON

1001 Avenida de las Americas

Avenida Houston is the city’s newest dining, entertainment and arts district. With regular programming, such as dance classes, Party on the Plaza and the Blues at the Brown concert series, there’s always something to see or do. There’s definitely no shortage of restaurant options in the area either with nearly two dozen establishments from end to end, including familiar names like Pappadeaux and Grotto, or international concepts like authentic Mexican restaurant, Xochi, or the Parisian-inspired Brasserie du Parc. So, whether you come for the entertainment, the dining scene, or both, you’re in for a real treat!

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3. EXPLORE DISCOVERY GREEN

1500 McKinney

Discovery Green makes a day at the park truly extraordinary. Play a game at the putting green or bocce ball court. Make a splash at the Gateway Fountain. Expand your mind by exploring one of the many art installations or taking an outdoor yoga class. Enjoy a performance on the Anheuser-Busch Stage. Or grab a bite to eat at one of the many adjacent restaurants. The list goes on and on! That’s because Discovery Green is always full of life. And with year-round activities and exciting special events, it’s easy to find something cool to do.

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4. CRUISE DOWN THE BAYOU

If you’ve been in Houston for more than a minute, you’re probably familiar with the network of bayous that spans the city. But did you know that Buffalo Bayou provides Downtown with more than just a spectacular skyline view? With hike and bike trails, exercise stations, canoeing and kayaking, playgrounds, and more, the bayou is perfect for those wanting to stay active. And with cool, innovative lighting, you can get in a workout even after the sun goes down. For even more fun on the high seas (at least in your imagination), you can take a private pontoon boat tour through the heart of Downtown. Need we say more?

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5. KICK BACK IN MARKET SQUARE

301 Milam

As the bustling center of Downtown Houston’s historic district, Market Square Park is always an exciting place to be. Boasting events like free outdoor movie screenings and blanket bingo, it’s truly a neighborhood space where people from all over Houston come together for food and fun. Keep your furry friends active at the dog park, take a lap around the walking path, or grab a snack at Niko Niko’s. Whether you’re looking for low-key fun or lively entertainment, Historic Market Square is the place to be.

Now that you know all the amazing outdoor activities available downtown, it’s time to get out there and explore! Need help getting around? There are more options than ever. Check out our interactive parking map to find the best parking options in the area, hop on a BCycle, or catch a ride on Greenlink- a free and convenient downtown transportation option, now running evenings and weekends.

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