On-Campus Activities

Self-guided Campus Tours

Moody Center for the Arts | Visitor Information
Rice Public Art | Walking Tour App
The Betty and Jacob Friedman Holistic Garden | Visitor Information

Off-Campus Activities

If you are looking to explore the area while you are in town for the Rice University Commencement activities, there is always plenty to do and see (and eat!). The Rice University campus is centrally located – just down the road from Rice Village, Hermann Park and the Museum District, and convenient to countless dining options, shopping areas and attractions in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Rice Village

Adjacent to Rice’s campus, Rice Village is walkable from campus (or via the Rice Shuttle) and offers a wide variety of options for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re in search of a cup of coffee or quick lunch spot, sweet treat from one of the several bakeries, boutique shopping, or simply a leisurely stroll, Rice Village is a convenient, charming spot to visit. Visit rice-village.com to view the shopping and dining directory.

Arts & Entertainment

Houston is home to many world-class institutions in the arts and entertainment industries. From the nineteen different museums and collections in the Museum District adjacent to Rice’s campus to the Theater District in downtown, including the symphony, opera, and performing arts, there’s something for everyone. Learn more about Houston’s Arts & Culture points of interest.

Houston Mural Map – various locations around Houston

Miller Outdoor Theatre – 0.6 miles from campus

Museum District – 0.5 miles from campus

Theater District – 4 miles from campus

Dining and Shopping

A vibrant culinary destination, Houston’s restaurant scene and bustling shopping centers offer a wide variety of options. Explore Rice Village or the Houston Galleria for any shopping needs, or for some inspiration on local eateries, check out the sampling below of Rice alumni owned spots nearby (within a 5 mile radius). Or if you’re looking to decide for yourself who makes the best breakfast tacos, kolaches, Tex-Mex or barbecue in town, there are no shortage of options to choose from. Check out Houston’s food scene.

burger-chan – 5 miles from campus

ChopnBlok – 5 miles from campus

Kiran’s – 2.5 miles from campus

Lemond Kitchen – closest location on campus at the Moody Center for the Arts

Merida Mexican Restaurant – 5 miles from campus

Saint Arnold Brewing Company – 5 miles from campus

Southern Yankee Craft House – 2 miles from campus

Treebeards – 4 miles from campus

Family Fun

Plenty of activities around town are open to all ages and offer memorable experiences for the family to explore together. A few well known and loved places are noted below, or peruse other upcoming family activities around town while you’re here.

Children’s Museum – 0.9 miles from campus

Downtown Aquarium – 4.5 miles from campus

Houston Sports – various locations across Houston

Houston Zoo – 0.7 miles from campus

Museum of Natural Science – 0.5 miles from campus

NASA’s Johnson Space Center – 30 miles from campus

Outdoor Activities

For those who enjoy exploring the sites more by foot or bicycle, get outside and visit some of the greenspaces, waterways, and parks throughout the Houston neighborhoods. Check out Walkable Houston routes, and be sure to bring water along to stay hydrated.

Buffalo Bayou Park – 3.5 miles from campus

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park – 4.5 miles from campus

Hermann Park – 0.4 miles from campus

Houston Botanic Garden – 12 miles from campus

Japanese Garden – 0.4 miles from campus