Attractions

One of the best places to visit in Houston – if not all of Texas – is right in Pasadena’s backyard. Space Center Houston welcomes nearly 1.3 million visitors annually, to its 250,000 square-foot complex. View and interact with more than 400 artifacts, exhibits, and experiences during your visit. You can also upgrade your visit with additional tours and events. 

People travel from around the world every September to attend the Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo. The event includes BBQ cook-offs, livestock showcases, rodeo demonstrations, and great music! It is a wonderful family-friendly event, and an opportunity to learn about the local agriculture industry.

Enjoy a piece of the World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake, with 60,000 new friends! The Pasadena Strawberry Festival is held every May and includes local vendors, rides, and dozens of contests and events. This is a can’t-miss event in Pasadena.

This city-run waterpark is open from May through July. Families can float down the lazy river, breeze down the slides, and cool off in the summer heat. There are safe splash zones for young kids who are just learning how to swim. 

Bowling is a great indoor activity for cooling off from the heat or escaping the rain. Armadilla Lanes offers family-friendly fun and childcare options. It also stays open until midnight on Fridays.

This attraction is located just outside of Pasadena and is a great museum for families or aviation fans. Explore various permanent and temporary exhibits and attend seasonal events. Be amazed at the engineering feats of humans who harnessed the power of flight. 

Plan your vacation to Pasadena in October to attend the Wings over Houston Airshow. This event has been a staple of the region for more than 40 years, and features unique aircraft each time. Don’t miss one of the top air shows in the United States.

See where Texas won its independence, and learn about American history at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield. There are van tours, arms demonstrations, and crafting opportunities for young kids and adults alike. This is a great place to connect with history and learn what makes Texas unique. 

Enjoy quality community theater in Pasadena! This organization showcases plays for adults and opportunities for young actors. See what’s on stage when you visit. 

See what’s on stage at the Red Door Theatre! Along with entertaining performances, there are karaoke nights, private events, and opportunities to express your creativity. Connect with the Pasadena art community here.

Fans of live orchestral performances will appreciate the music performed by the Pasadena Philharmonic. Check their calendar for upcoming performances, which can be found across town. The orchestra does a wonderful job of bringing music into the community.

Pasadena, Texas, is home to more than 3,000 acres of parks. It’s an ideal place to immerse yourself in nature and exercise outdoors. Visit the Parks & Recreation Department website to see which parks have trails, playgrounds, exercise stations, and other amenities.

This municipal golf course is a par 72 on 160 acres. The city recently debuted a new driving range to enhance your golf experience. Rental clubs and carts are available. 

Rates start at $17 for walking, and $43 for a single cart.

Houston is one of the busiest ports in the world, and these boat tours showcase just how impressive its operations are. The Port Houston Boat Tours are educational and entertaining for all ages. These tours are free, but reservations need to be made in advance. 

Enjoy the scenic views of this beautiful beach that stretches around four and a half acres. Enjoy a picnic in the park, while the waves lap gently on the shore. The beach is free for residents to visit and $10 for adult visitors ($5 for children).

Reconnect with nature at this beautiful preserve that is packed with things to do! Sign up for a kayak tour, or watch the alligators basking in the sun. There are bat and firefly hikes, kids programs, and opportunities to pair nature with art. Armand Bayou Nature Center is a must-see in Pasadena.

This cemetery was established in 1906 near Vince's Bayou. Visitors can explore this peaceful cemetery and read gravestones that span more than a century. It is free to visit and open daily from dawn until dusk. 

The American military destroyed this bridge on April 21, 1836, in an effort to block the escape of Mexican soldiers, and the Mexican President Santa Anna. This is a good site for history fans to visit.

Pasadena started as a small agricultural outpost, and quickly grew into Texas’ 20th largest city. Learn about the humble beginnings of this city and how it shaped history with the capture of Santa Anna, and the rise of local strawberry crops. The museum hosts events and education workshops, so check the calendar before you go. 

Pasadena started as a small agricultural outpost, and quickly grew into Texas’ 20th largest city. Learn about the humble beginnings of this city and how it shaped history with the capture of Santa Anna, and the rise of local strawberry crops. The museum hosts events and education workshops, so check the calendar before you go.

This is another great venue to connect with live music in Pasadena! See who’s performing and enjoy a fun night out.