Houston Educational Tours & School Trips

Houston is one of the top STEM destinations in the country. Students can explore space exploration past and present through hands-on exhibits, scientific demonstrations, and real world innovations. Houston’s space related attractions offer learning experiences that connect science and discovery with classroom concepts. See popular STEM options below:

NASA’s Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Students can step inside the home of NASA’s human spaceflight program and learn how astronauts train, how missions are planned, and how teams on the ground support crews in orbit.

Space Center Houston
This leading science and space museum features interactive exhibits, real spacecraft, robotics displays, and immersive experiences that bring STEM learning to life. Groups can explore astronaut gear, touch a moon rock, and discover how engineers solve complex challenges.

NASA Tram Tour of Johnson Space Center
Take an exclusive behind the scenes tour to see Mission Control, astronaut training facilities, and historic areas used throughout the space program. This experience gives students a firsthand look at how science, engineering, and teamwork power every mission.

STEM Learning at Kemah Boardwalk and Downtown Aquarium
Both destinations offer opportunities to dive into environmental science, marine biology, physics, and engineering concepts in fun and engaging ways.

These top attractions offer engaging, immersive exhibits, and memorable experiences for students of all ages.

• Museum of Fine Arts Houston – One of the largest museums in the country, featuring an extensive collection of art from around the world. Students can explore painting, sculpture, photography, and more.
• Houston Museum of Natural Science – Home to exhibits on paleontology, energy, physics, gems and minerals, and natural history.
• Houston Zoo – A leader in conservation efforts with hundreds of species to explore through immersive exhibits.
• Hermann Park – A beautiful green space in the heart of the city, home to gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.
• Kemah Boardwalk – A waterfront entertainment district featuring rides, dining, and an outdoor performance space.
• Houston Downtown Aquarium – Part zoo, part aquarium, and part entertainment venue, this location offers an engaging learning experience for students of all ages.
• Daikin Park, Home of the Houston Astros – Take a guided tour of this state-of-the-art stadium and learn about the history of Houston’s Major League Baseball team.
• Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park – A striking architectural landmark and a perfect stop for group photos.

Student groups can take the stage in some of Houston’s most respected performing arts venues:

• Miller Outdoor Theatre – A spacious outdoor stage in Hermann Park that hosts free cultural performances throughout the year.
• Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – A modern, state of the art performance complex featuring beautiful theaters ideal for student showcases.
• Kemah Boardwalk outdoor stage – A lively waterfront stage that gives student groups the chance to perform in a fun, high energy environment.

These locations provide memorable opportunities for ensembles to showcase their talents in professional, acoustically rich environments.

Houston offers exceptional learning experiences led by respected artists, educators, and university faculty. These opportunities allow students to refine their skills, build confidence, and learn directly from professionals in their fields.

Orchestra Clinic at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University
Student musicians can develop ensemble skills, improve technique, and receive personalized feedback from world class faculty in this immersive educational clinic.

Choral and Vocal Workshops
Student choir groups can work with experienced vocal coaches to improve tone, blend, diction, and stage presence. Sessions can be tailored to the needs of middle school and high school ensembles.

Theater Masterclasses
Students can be coached on material they are already working on in class by Houston professionals or they can explore performance fundamentals, stage combat, improv, choreography, or ensemble singing in an acting or musical theatre workshop. Interactive workshops are led by local theater professionals and educators.

Dance Workshops
Visiting performing arts groups can take class in styles such as ballet, contemporary, jazz, or musical theater.. Instruction is provided by Houston dance educators and studio instructors.

Houston is home to some of the most respected performing arts organizations in the country, giving student groups the chance to experience professional productions that inspire creativity and deepen appreciation for the arts.

Enjoy world class performances by:

• The Houston Symphony – A renowned orchestra performing classical and contemporary works at the highest artistic level.
• Houston Ballet – One of the nation’s leading ballet companies, known for exceptional dancers and visually stunning productions.
• Houston Grand Opera – An award winning opera company that brings powerful stories to life through world class vocal performances.
• Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – Broadway Touring Productions bring the big apple to Houston. Students can see some of the most recent Broadway shows on tour. 

Additional live theater experiences are available at:

• Wortham Theater Center – A premier venue offering opera, ballet, and special theatrical events.
• Alley Theatre – A celebrated regional theater known for innovative plays and engaging productions.
• Performing Arts Houston – Hosts a wide range of touring artists, cultural programs, and educational performances.

Enrichment Opportunities
Student groups can attend performances, participate in cast or crew talkbacks when available, or take and gain a deeper understanding of the performing arts and the work that goes into every production.

Houston hosts a variety of celebrated festivals and music events that can add memorable performance and learning opportunities to your trip. These experiences allow students to connect with local culture, perform alongside other talented groups, and enjoy immersive enrichment activities.

Texas Renaissance Festival
One of the largest Renaissance festivals in the country, featuring themed villages, live entertainment, artisan demonstrations, and student friendly performance opportunities.

A Celebration of Excellence Choral Festival
A respected festival that brings school choirs together for clinics, adjudicated performances, and inspiring mass choir experiences led by accomplished choral directors.

Texas Music Festival at University of Houston
An annual music event that showcases emerging musicians and offers students the chance to attend concerts, observe rehearsals, or participate in select educational activities depending on the program schedule.

These events provide unique chances for student groups to perform, grow artistically, and experience Houston’s vibrant cultural scene.