From axe throwing to indoor skydiving: The best things to do with teens in Houston

Looking for meaningful ways to connect with your teen in Houston? Skip the screen time and plan experiences they’ll remember.

Here are six top-tier outings dads and teens will love, covering everything from outdoor adventures to brain-bending puzzles.

Paddle or kayak along Buffalo Bayou

Enjoy a peaceful paddle along Buffalo Bayou as the Houston skyline stands in the background. Buffalo Bayou Kayak Tours offers a range of guided and self-guided kayak excursions, including their popular sunset and bat tours. Tours come with paddles, life vests, and expert guides—typically running around $55 per person—making it an easy, all-in-one adventure. It’s a perfect way to connect with your teen away from screens, share a conversation, and soak up beautiful views.

• Website: https://buffalobayoukayak.com/
• Location: 1019 Commerce St., Houston, TX 77002
• Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily

Escape Rooms at The Escape Game Houston

Step into a real-life adventure with The Escape Game Houston, where escape rooms like Gold Rush or Prison Break pit you and your teen against puzzles, clues, and collaborative challenges. Tickets are ~$30 per person and provide an immersive, timed experience that highlights critical thinking, calm under pressure, and teamwork. Perfect for dads and teens who crave an adrenaline rush.

• Website: https://theescapegame.com/houston/
• Location: CityCentre (794 Sorella Ct., Suite 127) & Galleria (5015 Westheimer Rd., Suite A1178)
• Hours: 8 a.m.-12 a.m. daily (rooms vary)

Discovery Green Adventures

Discovery Green is a downtown playground offering something for everyone: kayak rentals, a rock climbing wall, giant chess boards, public art installations, and rotating events. Kayaking costs about $10/hour for on-site rentals, and climbing events typically run on weekends with small fees. It’s a flexible, low-commitment way to mix physical activity, creativity, and chill time with your teen, all without leaving the city center.

• Website: discoverygreen.com
• Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010
• Hours: Park opens 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; check events page for activity hours

Buffalo Bayou Park Bike & Trail Adventure

Grab BCycle rentals (about $8/hour with membership) or bring your own bike to explore Buffalo Bayou Park’s scenic trails, pump tracks, skate zones, and creekside paths. The park is peppered with art installations and quiet spots perfect for pause-and-talk moments. Evening rides are best: cooler air, glowing skyline, and fewer crowds, making it prime for father–teen bonding.

• Website: https://www.bcycle.com/
• Location: Stations along Buffalo Bayou Park (6001 Memorial Dr to 1121 Eastside St)
• Hours: Park and BCycle rentals open 24/7

Axe Throwing & Escape Rooms at Escape It

Get your adrenaline pumping with Escape It Houston, combining brain-bending escape rooms (~$26) and axe-throwing lanes (prices vary by package). Teens love the thrill of hitting targets safely and solving puzzles as a team. It’s an action-packed combo of mental challenge and energetic release, all under one roof.

• Website: https://escapeithouston.com/
• Location: 7620 Katy Fwy. #110, Houston, TX 77024
• Hours: 3:30-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m. Sunday

iFLY Indoor Skydiving & Indoor Adventures

Experience the sensation of skydiving—without jumping from a plane—at iFLY Houston. Flights start around $60–70, which includes all gear and coaching. Pair that with a visit to Momentum Climbing or a VR gaming lounge for diverse thrills in one day. Ideal for dads and teens who love high-energy, immersive experiences.

• Website: https://www.iflyworld.com/houston-memorial
• Location: 9540 Katy Fwy., Houston, TX 77055
• Hours: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Planning tips for a seamless day out

• Reserve ahead: Popular activities like kayak tours, escape rooms, and iFLY have limited slots.
• Beat the summer heat: Always aim for morning or late-afternoon for outdoor outings.
• Bring essentials: Sunscreen, water bottles, and casual clothes are a must.