Quicklinks:
Every CityPASS includes Space Center Houston! This is your chance to peek behind the curtain at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and get closer than ever to the past, present, and future of space exploration. From the twice-flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (yes, it actually went to space—twice!) to Independence Plaza, where you can climb aboard a real NASA shuttle carrier aircraft with a full-size shuttle replica perched on top, it’s a playground for curious minds of all ages.
The Houston Zoo is always buzzing with life—literally. One minute you’re feeding giraffes in the African Forest, the next you’re eye-to-eye with a curious gorilla or checking in on the elephant herd (yes, there are new little ones in the family). Don’t miss the still new Galápagos Islands exhibit—the first major showcase of its kind in the world and winner of the 2024 Association of Zoos and Aquariums exhibit of the year. Guests are transported into the landscapes and ocean habitats of the legendary archipelago where you’ll see wildlife found nowhere else on Earth.
Free Event with CITYPass!On Tuesday, October 7, families are invited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a free performance of The Essence of Mexico by Mixteco Ballet Folklorico, featuring lively polkas, intricate zapateados, and the classic Mexican Hat Dance.
Step inside the Downtown Aquarium, a 500,000-gallon aquatic playground where seahorses, stingrays, and saltwater fish share the spotlight with some unexpected stars: the Bengal tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple. Wander through exhibits like the hull of a 17th century ship, the lush rainforest room, and the eerie Sunken Temple. CityPASS holders can upgrade for just $6 to enjoy unlimited rides on the Ferris wheel, carousel, and the Shark Voyage train. Pro tip: check the daily feeding schedule to catch staff feeding the animals—or even see the tigers at play.
Free Event with CITYPass! On October 17, CityPASS guests can dive into Sawfish Spotlight Day, with crafts, trivia, sawfish swag and a Shark Voyage ride highlighting this fascinating endangered species.
Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) always brings the “wow” factor! With four full floors of exhibits, it’s a deep dive into everything from towering dinosaurs to dazzling gems and minerals, plus wildlife halls that span from Texas to Africa. The Morian Hall of Paleontology—one of the largest in the U.S.—brings prehistoric creatures to life in action-packed scenes, while the recently opened Wiess Energy Hall delivers a one-of-a-kind look at the past, present, and future of energy. This 30,000-square-foot exhibit takes guests onto a 21st-century offshore drilling rig, inside the jaws of a 12-foot tricone rotary drill bit, and even down a virtual plunge through the earth with the Geovator. Wiess Energy Hall is a true showcase of Houston’s innovation.
Free Events with CITYPass! The HMNS Farmers Market takes over the Sundial Plaza on August 24, September 14, October 19, and November 9. Stargazers can join Tuesday Rooftop Astronomy sessions on the 7th floor of the parking garage, with themes like The Andromeda Legend (September 2), Exploring the Supermoon (October 7), Halloween Spooky Moon (October 28), and Searching for Uranus (December 2). And for seasonal moments, the museum’s Sundial Celebrations mark the Fall Equinox on September 22 and the Winter Solstice on December 20.
Just 30 miles south of Houston, Kemah Boardwalk is a quick getaway with all the classics—roller coasters, fried shrimp, live music, and waterfront views. Thrill seekers can take on the Boardwalk Bullet, a wooden coaster that hits 51 mph, or hop aboard the Boardwalk Beast, a 70-foot speedboat that blasts across Galveston Bay at 40 mph. For families, there’s the Double Decker Carousel, Ferris wheel, arcade, and the Aquarium’s Stingray Reef, where kids can touch and feed live stingrays.
Free Events with CITYPass! August 31 ends summer with a bang at the Fireworks Show, complete with live music from Shake Down Band and Rapture Band before the 9:30 p.m. finale. On September 28, Latin Beats transforms the waterfront into a giant dance floor with DJs and live bands from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Witches Night Out on October 11 invites guests to dress up, shop, dance, and join in a witch-and-wizard costume contest. And on November 1, the Day of the Dead Celebration brings mariachi, folklórico dancers, kids’ crafts, stilt walkers, and live music into a vibrant evening capped with fire spinners and a Selena tribute.
A “Playground for Your Mind,” Children’s Museum Houston is a maze of pure kid-powered fun. The whimsical building houses 13 galleries that spark curiosity across science, technology, culture, art, and social studies. The museum’s trophy case is just as impressive—winner of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, multiple Good Housekeeping “Best Family Travel Awards,” and voted Houston’s Best Museum two years running.
Free Events with CITYPass! August kicks off with No Monkey Business – Let’s Respect All Life workshop (Aug. 23), featuring storytime, yoga, and crafts tied to the Hindu festival of Janmastami. From Aug. 21–31 , kids can make Rice Maracas for Ganesh Chaturthi or write-and-fly paper airplanes as part of Paryusana , a Jain holiday focused on forgiveness. On Sept. 6, little makers can build their own working pinball machines in the Kids’ Hall Alcove. Hispanic Heritage Month gets a big spotlight on Sept. 13 with Ojo de Dios weaving, a reenactment of Mexico’s historic Grito de Dolores, Aztec dancing, mariachi, ballet folklórico, and a flamenco performance. Then on Oct. 10 , the annual Mid-Autumn Festival lights up the museum with lion dances, lantern-making, storytelling, and performances!
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest cultural institutions in the country, with collections that span six continents and over 6,000 years of creativity. Step inside and you’ll find everything from ancient artifacts to Renaissance paintings to thought-provoking contemporary installations. Highlights include the new permanent Art of the Islamic Worlds galleries and the still-new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, dedicated entirely to international modern and contemporary art. The Kinder Building houses bold works addressing environmental, social, and political themes, with surrounding plazas, gardens, and outdoor commissions that blur the line between museum and cityscape. Before you leave, take a stroll through the outdoor sculpture garden!
Free Events with CITYPass! On August 24 Black Man Project + Black Woman Project host a free meditation session on the Glassell School’s roof garden. September 5 brings Tango Night with drinks, late gallery hours, and a 30-minute intro to tango followed by open social dancing. On October 2, Art Encounters offers a hands-on experience inspired by the MFAH’s modern and contemporary collections, with supplies provided for all ages. And on December 7, families can drop by the Family Zone for kid-friendly activities, coloring sheets, and staff-led insights into the art on view.
