So long 2015, it is time to usher in 2016. At the start of every year we all decide to take on new resolutions, try new things and look for opportunities to better ourselves. In that spirit, we want to tackle Houston in 2016 and try all the things we haven’t done yet and want to do. Houston is a huge city with a lot to see, do and explore. That’s why we have created our 2016 bucket list: 10 things to do around Houston this year. We’re bringing you the best things to do around Houston that you shouldn’t wait another year to try. Check out and try for yourself!
1. Go to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in March
Every Spring, Houston bucks up and gets rowdy at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. This year, head to NRG Park from March 1-20, 2016 for a good time. Events include Horse shows, a Downtown Parade, a carnival, children’s activities, and rodeo fun. The Livestock Show & Rodeo is a Texas tradition and we won’t consider ourselves true Texans until we go!
2. Order the oysters at Gilhooley’s Restaurant
Gilhooley’s is a small dive that is serving up some of the best oysters around town. What makes there oysters different? They are wood smoked, some come with shrimp and there are even parmesan topped oysters. To satisfy the traditionalist, an order of the raw oysters will make your belly happy. A notable seafood dive, we are ready to grub on the incredible seafood at Gilhooleys.
Gilhooley’s Restaurant: 22 9th St, Dickinson, TX 77539
3. See a performance by The Houston Ballet
The Houston Ballet is a major player in the arts and culture scene in Houston. The dancers are incredibly talented and the company puts on over 75 shows per year! That means there are over 75 opportunities to catch a show. Performances are at the Wortham Theater Center.
Wortham Theater Center: 501 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002
4. Fill up on Vietnamese crawfish at Crawfish & Noodles in Chinatown
One of our favorite things to do around Houston happens to be eating. Deemed one of the “most important restaurants in Houston” by Thrillist, Crawfish & Noodles in Chinatown is the place to go for Vietnamese crawfish. The garlic-butter-soaked crawfish here are the spicy house speciality. Plus you can get other delicious dishes like whole-fried Dungeness crab served with a spicy tamarind sauce. Crawfish & Noodles has a menu of Vietnamese staples and dishes that we need to eat.
Crawfish & Noodles: 11360 Bellaire Blvd #990, Houston, TX 77072
5. Ride the Hermann Park Train
Kids and adults alike love the Hermann Park Train and we want to take a ride. Take a two mile journey through Hermann Park and take a picnic afterwards. It is a fun way to experience the park with friends and family. The train departs from Kinder Station every 25 – 30 minutes.
Hermann Park Railroad: 6102 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
6. Be bold and try out trampoline dodgeball
Trampoline Dodgeball is one of the craziest things we have ever heard of but we while we are still young and relatively agile, we want to try it, at least once. Sports Monkey has trampoline dodgeball leagues that you can join with friends, or as an individual. You’re playing dodgeball on trampolines and bouncing around the court. It sounds crazy, it looks crazy and we’re interested.
7. Take our pooch to Johnny Steele Dog Park
In Buffalo Bayou Park, Johnny Steele Dog Park is one of the coolest dog parks in Houston. It covers two-acres and includes ponds for both large and small dogs, shade structures, water play features, dog washing areas, benches, and drinking fountains complete with spigots for dogs. Take your dog there – they’ll love it!
Johnny Steele Dog Park: 2929 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
8. See the bats take flight from Waugh Bat Bridge
Near Buffalo Bayou, a large colony of bats lives under the Waugh Drive Bridge (now often called the Waugh Bat Bridge). These Mexican free-tailed bats, fly out from underneath the bridge every night to feed on insects. While other bat colonies in Texas only stick around during the Winter months, these bats are special. They remain in Houston throughout the year so you can see them any season during the year.
9. Bet on a turtle at Little Woodrow’s
Every Thursday at 8pm the Little Woodrow’s Midtown holds turtle racing. It is goofy and fun to grab a drink and bet on the slow moving turtles. It is a younger crowd and not a family event, but if you’re already going out for happy hour, extend it a little bit and check out the turtle races.
Little Woodrow’s Midtown: 2306 Brazos St, Houston, TX 77006
10. Enjoy an outdoor picnic during a performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Miller Outdoor Theatre is located in Hermann park and offers free performances throughout the year. Enjoy classical music, jazz, dance, ballet, Shakespear, musical theatre, classic films and so much more. There is a covered seating area but we are all about a picnic on the open hillside. This is a family friendly space and so are the performances. Spring and summer are the perfect time to sit as the sun sets and enjoy a great performance for FREE!
Miller Outdoor Theatre: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
There you have it! This is our 2016 bucket list: 10 things to do around Houston this year! We are excited to take on 2016 and find amazing new things to do around Houston.
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