While the showers are pouring down and getting it all out of their system, you can turn a cloudy day into an opportunity to try something new in Houston. And there’s still plenty of excellent things to do in the city even with a little rainfall. You can have a bite at an 80’s themed diner and bar or visit a fascinating exhibition. Read on to discover our list of things to do on a rainy day in Space City.
1. Hole away in a dive bar
Houston thankfully has plenty of places to take shelter in a flurry of rain: whether to escape the weather, shoot a round of pool, grab a cheap beer, or to play a song on a jukebox, consult this list to discover where to go.
2. Go to a themed bar
While Houston is home to many sports bars, Irish pubs, and Southern-inspired establishments, the real fun is in the nuance of a themed bar. Get a look at our list of our 9 favorite Houston themed bars and restaurants to plan your next cosplay night out.
3. Put your taste buds to the test
Dining in the Dark’s blindfolded dinners will get you to completely forget about the grim rainy weather. By taking away the sense of sight, you can only focus on taste and smell to discern the complex flavors and textures of a scrumptious three-course meal. Taking place at two top restaurants in Houston, namely Mastrantos and Weights + Measures, it’s a playful gastronomic experience that promises lots of laughs and amazingly good food.
4. Check out an exhibit
Keep your mind stimulated by using stormy weather to check out a vibrant mix of ongoing exhibits throughout the city. You can enjoy an afternoon at the impressive Lone Star Flight Museum viewing the aircraft on display. Choose between the Children’s Museum, Space Center, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s Contemporary Arts Museum, and many more.
5. Explore your artistic side
These vibrant sip and paint art workshops will boost your energy if the horrible weather has got you down. At Neon Brush in Houston, you can play around with neon colors and embrace your artistic nature. After all, everything’s more fun with UV lights. There’s also a selection of drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available on site to get your creative juices flowing.
6. Get your fix of comfort food
A row of rainy days can take a toll on the spirit, one sure-fire way to get your spirits back up is by noshing on good eats.
- Hungry Like The Wolf ’80s Diner: Sink your teeth into 1980’s nostalgia at this Houston diner and bar complete with 80s-themed cocktails, dishes, and vibes.
- Best Kolaches in Town: Like breakfast tacos, kolaches are synonymous with breakfast in Texas. Savory, comfortable, portable – perfect for an on-the-go breakfast, or bought-by-the-dozen hangover cure.
- Brunch Like You Mean It: If Benadryl isn’t doing the trick on your allergies, you can see how the mimosas fare at one of our top 10 favorite brunch spots in Houston!
- Fuku: David Chang’s Fuku specializes in seasoned chicken sandwiches and waffle fries.
- Get Your Hands Dirty On Some Crawfish: Yeah, we love the holidays, but when it comes to food it’s really hard to beat peak crawfish season in the Bayou City.
7. Curl up in a coffeeshop
Need a pick-me-up? Houston has plenty of coffee houses scattered about the city for residents to take refuge, re-energize, and maybe eat a scone or two.
- Wolfsmiths is in fact a fully operating motorcycle repair shop – one that happens to wheel out top notch tacos and coffee.
- In addition to their siphon-made coffee, Siphon Coffee offers a crafted assortment of other brewed and espresso-based beverages.
8. Enjoy an innovative ballet show
‘We Call It Ballet’ is a modern reimagining of the beloved art form. This unique performance blends energetic music, innovative choreography, and LED-illuminated costumes, making ballet super accessible to everyone with a narrator. Set to take place at the historic Resurrection MCC, the show breathes new life into The Sleeping Beauty. As Princess Aurora falls under the curse of the evil Fairy Carabosse, the ballerinas’ costumes shift to hues of blue, gray, and purple, symbolizing her fate.
9. Game on
Escape into the carefree virtual world of gaming this week at East Downtown’s greatest hangout. Cidercade offers a ton of games, ciders on tap, and 18,000 square feet of fun to be had. And whether your idea of gaming is Pacman, shooting hoops, ping-pong, or drinking cocktails over a game of cards, Houston’s speakeasy, FAO HTX, has got you covered.
- Rip it up on go-karts at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
- Pickleball, laser-tag, and trampolines at Tex Fun & Social
10. Catch a sensual dance show
Tango is a dance of passion, intimacy and desire. And at We Call It Tango, two professional dancers tell tales of love, longing and heartbreak through over three acts and thirteen tangos, straight from Argentina. Be transported to Buenos Aires salons of the early 20th century as you hear the moving melodies of the bandoneon and piano, accompanied by intricate choreography.
11. Play Mini-Golf
As big as golf is in the city it only makes how big (or small) mini-golf in Houston is. Tee up on cocktail and techy putt-putt at The Puttery or Puttshack. This April, you can revel in nostalgia at the coming ’80s/’90s-themed Holey Moley mini-golf course and karaoke bar.
12. Escape the rain at Water Drop Teahouse
Look out on the Chan garden view while sipping on a comforting cup of tea. The peaceful environment at the Water Drop Teahouse creates an ideal atmosphere if trying to unwind during a surprise downpour. From chilli soup to pot-stickers, this charming spot in Houston provides the perfect solution to an unavoidable problem.
13. Indulge in some French cuisine
If you feel you haven’t familiarized yourself enough with French dishes, then why not book a table at one of Houston’s finest French restaurants. From the slow-cooked braised beef at Brasserie Du Parc tole canon d’agneau poêlé at Artisans, you won’t regret hiding from the rain inside an elegant eatery guided by French traditions.
14. Order 99-cent espresso martinis at Citizens of Montrose
Sip on a delicious espresso martini while taking advantage of a fantastic deal. If the unexpected rainfall has messed up a weekday for you, fear not, Citizens of Montrose, a local neighborhood cafe, serves up this cocktail concoction of British bartending guru Dick Bradsell for only 99 cents a pop!