The 7 Best Outdoor Activities In Houston

Once you’ve had your fill of the city’s superb food and drink scene and finished exploring its cultural hotspots, be sure to dive into some outdoor activities in Houston.

There’s some brilliant things to do outside here, whether you’re into scenic day trips, thrill-seeking tours or family-friendly events. Take note of these seven unmissable activities that are popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Best Outdoor Activities In Houston

1. Wake Nation

What exactly is it? Wake Station Cable Park enables riders to Wakeboard, Wakeskate, Kneeboard or Bodyboard using a 2-tower overhead cable system, no boat required!

How long does it take? You can spend anything from 2 hours to a full day here.

How much does it cost? $25 for 2 hours, $30 for 3 hours, and $35 for a day pass.

2. Get Hooked Charters

What exactly is it? Go fishing in Galveston (1 hour from Houston). Get Hooked Charters specialise in everything from jetty-channel trips, close offshore shark hunting trips, to deep sea and blue water trips.

How long does it take? Trips range from 6 hours fishing to 24-hours overnight trip.

How much does it cost? From $450 for 1-3 people.

3. Cypress Trails Equestrian Center

What exactly is it? This Equestrian Center is a sanctuary for horse lovers of all skill levels. Some of the most scenic and sometimes challenging trails in the region are located right next door to the ranch.

How long does it take? Visitors can ride for an hour or more, up to a full day along Cypress Creek.

How much does it cost? From $60 for a 1 hour trail ride, with longer packages including lunch also available and nighttime rides.

4. Bayou City Adventures

What exactly is it? Kayak along one of Houston’s favorite outdoor spots, Buffalo Bayou, which features miles of beautiful trails, points of interest and wildlife. Get to know Houston like you have never seen before.

How long does it take? About 3 hours, depending on how fast/slow you paddle!

How much does it cost? $30 for single kayak or $40 for double kayak.

5. Lone Star Hiking Trail

What exactly is it? At 130 miles in length, the Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) is the longest wilderness hiking trail in the entire state of Texas.

How long does it take? For a day trip, join in with the Lone Star Hiking Trail Club for a group hike. Hikes are easy to moderate and depending on the schedule normally cover 6 to 8 miles.

How much does it cost? Free!

6. Houston Urban Adventures Tunnel Tour

What exactly is it? Discover Houston’s underground Tunnel System with a local guide, see beautiful Art Deco treasures and sculptures by world-famous artists, and learn how Houston’s 7 miles of pedestrian tunnels came to be.

How long does it take? 2 hours.

How much does it cost? $35.

7. Waugh Drive Bat Colony

What exactly is it? One of Houston’s best-kept secrets is its bat population. An estimated 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from Waugh Bridge at sunset during the summer.

The best bat viewing locations are:

• The viewing platform at the southeast corner of the bayou bank, next to the bridge (along Allen Parkway);
  The northeast bank of the bayou, near the bridge(near Memorial Drive); and
  On the east rail sidewalk of the bridge itself, looking directly down into the bayou channel.

How long does it take? About 1 hour in total – The Houston Area Bat Team gives Friday Night “Bat Chats” down at Waugh Bridge 30 minutes before sunset on Friday nights (starting first Friday in March through last Friday in October).

How much does it cost? Free!