What to do in Houston today while house and pet sitting

If you're at a loose end about what to do in Houston today, we've got the inspiration you need. From grabbing a bite at the best Mexican restaurant to trying out some pet-friendly activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Houston.

Houston attractions to visit today

If you're wondering what to do in Houston today, these attractions are sure to keep you occupied for a few hours. 

1. Houston Museum District: You could easily spend a few days exploring the 19 venues that make up Houston's Museum District. There's something for every mood and interest. Art lovers can spend their afternoon at The Museum of Fine Arts. One of the ten largest museums in the USA, it covers a range of styles dating from antiquity to the present day. Afterwards, you can learn about the African American experience at The Houston Museum of African American Culture, or get hands-on with interactive exhibits at The Children's Museum Houston. 

2. Holocaust Museum Houston: If you're looking for a profound experience today, head to Houston's Holocaust museum. This memorial aims to educate people about the dangers of prejudice and hatred. As well as permanent exhibitions with witness stories about Nazi Germany, the museum also hosts guest exhibits with a human rights focus. Recent examples include "Blacklist: The Hollywood Red Scare", "Speaking Up! Confronting Hate Speech" and an exhibition dedicated to the life and times of late supreme court judge Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

3. The Galleria: Enjoy some retail therapy – or just window shopping – at Texas' largest mall. It has more than 375 shops to pop into, including luxury brands like Chanel, Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton. You'll also find large department stores here: including two Macy's, a Saks Fifth Avenue and a Nordstrom. If your legs aren't worn out after all that shopping, head to the full-size ice rink on the mall's lowest level. Now that you've worked up an appetite, you can choose from over 30 restaurants – serving everything from Chinese dumplings to slap-up steak dinners.

Free things to do in Houston today

You don't need to spend a lot of money to enjoy your stay in Houston. These free activities will help you stick to your budget.

1. Hermann Park: If the weather is nice in Houston today, head to Hermann Park. This downtown green space offers plenty of variety. If you're in a playful mood, take a ride on the miniature train or hire a pedal boat and potter about on McGovern Lake. The scenic trails and urban forest of Bayou Parkland makes it a peaceful escape for a wander, while the oak-shaded path of the Marvin Taylor Trail is ideal for a jog or dog walk.  

2.  Buffalo Bayou: Enjoy the great outdoors in Houston today with a visit to the city's slow-moving waterway, Buffalo Bayou. Stroll or run alongside the water and enjoy the sweeping views of Houston's skyline. As you wander along, look out for the local wildlife who call the bayou home. Birds like herons can be seen waddling in the shallows, while rabbits scurry through the undergrowth. Peer into the murky waters and you might even see turtles – and the occasional alligator. 

3. The Menil Collection: One of Houston's most impressive museums is the Menil Collection. This "neighbourhood of art" spans five buildings, and is dedicated to making art accessible for everyone – so it's completely free to enter. Each gallery is laid out carefully, with the aim of making sure everyone gets to enjoy a "personal encounter" with the art. Each piece on display is part of the personal collection built from the 40s to the 90s by the founders, John and Dominique De Menil. You'll find a wide range of styles here, from African antiquities to surrealist sculptures.   

Fun things to do in Houston today

If you're looking for something fun to do in Houston today, we've got the answer. From downtown tunnels to science museums, these activities will keep you entertained. 

1. The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art: This quirky destination for outsider art is the creation of Houston postman Jeff McKissack, who named it after his favourite fruit. This chaotic and colourful monument sits in the heart of the East end suburbs, where McKissack used found objects and building materials to transform his lot into a maze of mosaic-clad walkways, decks and balconies. As you stroll through the experiential artwork you'll stumble upon features like a wishing well, a stage and an oasis. Statuettes, mannequins and tractor seats are sprinkled throughout – each one hand-placed and hand-painted by McKissack, who passed away in 1980.

2. Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston: Home to NASA's Mission Control, the Johnson Space Center – and its visitor centre, Space Center Houston – is a must-visit for any aspiring astronaut. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into NASA as you watch astronauts training for their missions. Many of the exhibits are interactive. You can touch a real moon rock, walk underneath the SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets or step inside the shuttle replica, Independence. 

3. Downtown Tunnels: Connecting 95 city blocks in Downtown Houston, this subterranean network of tunnels is one of the largest in the USA. The underground network of climate-controlled walkways is used by office workers, with openings directly into some of Houston's biggest office buildings. The 7.5 mile long network even has its own shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Lots of local companies offer walking tours of the tunnels where you can learn a bit more about their interesting history.

What to do in Houston today with pets

One of the best things about pet sitting is the chance to spend time with your new four-legged friends. All of these things to do in Houston today are totally pet-friendly, so you can bring them along for the adventure.

1. Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park: For walkies with a difference, head down to this popular Houston dog park. It has plenty of space for dogs to run and play, with separate areas for large and small dogs. They can splash around in the filtered, bone-shaped ponds or leap and play on the agility obstacles. Or you can simply enjoy a walk around the dog park's shaded trails together. If things get muddy, there are plenty of wash stations to clean up.

2. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: This 155-acre wildlife sanctuary has five miles of walking trails that you and your four-legged buddy can enjoy together, provided you keep them on a leash. Stroll through meadows, forests and wetlands on a self-guided Habitat Hike. Dogs will enjoy all the unique sights and smells as you pass ponds teeming with wildlife. 

3. Henderson Heights: Lots of restaurants and bars in Houston have dog-friendly patios, and Henderson Heights is one of the best places to go for a bite together. You can order drinks and food from the outdoor bar window, and staff will gladly hand you a water bowl and treats for your canine companion. There's plenty for human visitors, too, with a menu of tasty bar bites and craft cocktails. 

Best restaurants in Houston: Food and drink

If you're not sure where to eat in Houston today, these are some of the city's best restaurants. From Mexican fare to home-style Italian trattorias, they're well worth checking out. 

1. Paulie's: Known as one of Houston's best Italian restaurants, Paulie's is a mom 'n' pop style joint known for its range of classic dishes. The simple but delicious menu includes Italian-American staples like rigatoni bolognese and fettucini Alfredo, as well as hearty hoagie sandwiches. Save some space for dessert. The restaurant's beautifully decorated shortbread cookies are a must-try.  

2. Xochi: Choosing the best Mexican restaurant in Houston is tricky, because there are so many incredible options. However, Chef Hugo Ortega's Xochi is definitely up there. The creative menu is inspired by the flavours of Oaxaca and features a tongue-tingling array of house-made moles – complex sauces that take days to create. Try the tlayudas – thin tortillas topped with ingredients like skirt steak, shredded chicken or roasted mushroom.

3. The Original Ninfa's on Navigation: While in Texas, you have to try Tex-Mex – the unique fusion of Mexican and southern flavours. One of the best places to do it is The Original Ninfa's – where fajitas were invented by "Mama" Ninfa Laurenzo in 1973. As well as fajitas, today's menu is packed with classic dishes like braised pork tamales, ground beef enchiladas and tacos al pastor. Visit during happy hour for deals on margaritas and tacos.

House and pet sitting in Houston

Hopefully this has given you some inspiration on what to do in Houston today. And, if you're looking for some four-legged friends to explore the city with, why not have a browse of our available house and pet sits in Houston?