Fun Things To Do in Houston, Texas in Summer

School’s out and it’s summertime! Looking for fun things to do in Houston? Check out this action-packed lineup of cool things to do in the sizzling Space City heat. Then share this post and tag the person you’d most like to explore the city with this summer!

Discovery Green: Houston’s Summertime Destination

Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a wonderland of 12 acres of green space and dozens of fun things to do – almost all of them free – for people of all ages. Specifically, a lake, performance spots, room for romping and two dog runs offer ample space to enjoy tons of fun events all summer long, including:

• Thursday Concerts and Party on the Plaza – Get your groove on with Houston bands and musical acts on Thursday and Friday nights. Here, genres include pop, rock, electronic, funk, rockabilly, Latin, country and other toe-tapping sounds.
• Fitness and Wellness Classes – Pump it up and stretch it out with Zumba, parkour, kayaking, circus arts, yoga and meditation. The park offers many options for getting fit in the great outdoors.
• Flea Market – Unearth bargain treasures at the monthly flea market. Grab deals on furniture, artsy kitsch, vintage items, recycled wares and collectibles.

Hermann Park: The Perfect Summer Day Trip in Houston

Oilman and philanthropist George H. Hermann donated the land for the historic Hermann Park to the City of Houston in 1914. Now, these 445 emerald acres are home to many beloved cultural gems and endless fun things to do, including:

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre – Check out one of the most diverse seasons of professional entertainment of any performance venue in the city. Indeed, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is the largest free program of its kind in the country and you can find it right in Hermann Park. Here, you can unwind on the hillside and enjoy classical music, jazz, ballet, Shakespeare, musical theatre, classical films and more. Admission: Free

Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo – See lions, tigers, bears and hundreds more animal species in their natural habitats at the Houston Zoo. This 55-acre zoological park is also located in Hermann Park and houses more than 6,000 animals as part of more than 900 species. As a result, the Houston Zoo is the second-most visited zoo in the United States, attracting 2.55 million visitors each year. Its mission is to connect communities with animals and inspire action to save wildlife. Admission: Free–$18, with online-only discounts offered in summer.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science – Why are we here? What is the universe made of? What’s at the bottom of the ocean? Moreover, is time travel possible? Ponder these and other big questions as you absorb intricate displays of the wonders of Earth and beyond. Home to the Burke Baker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre and Cockrell Butterfly Center, the Houston Museum of Natural Science features fascinating permanent exhibitions. Here, explore the mysteries of astronomy, Native American culture, chemistry, gems and minerals, Texas wildlife and more. Admission: Free–$25

Hermann Park Gardens

Hermann Park Gardens –A delight for all the senses, the Hermann Park Gardens are the perfect place to relax, enjoy a serene walk or even get a good workout. For instance, stroll along lush pathways, admire cherry trees and Japanese maples, and visit the quaint teahouse in the Japanese Garden. On the other hand, you could relax and bird-watch, take a pedal boat ride or meander around the beautiful promenades surrounding McGovern Lake. Next, stop to smell the roses and explore numerous wonders in McGovern Centennial Gardens. Or perhaps you’d rather take a brisk walk or run in the shade of live oaks along the Marvin Taylor Trail. Finally, wind down the afternoon in the well-equipped picnic area. Admission: Free

Summer Concerts: Houston’s Music Scene Comes Alive

You’re never far from a pulsing Houston music venue. Indeed, from cozy dives to intimate listening rooms and mega-arenas, you’ll find sounds of every size. A few popular concert spots are:

Arena Theatre –This legendary concert hall features a unique theater-in-the-round design. Here, no seat is more than 60 feet from the revolving stage, so you can bask in the starlight of your favorite entertainers. Without a doubt, the recently upgraded sound and lighting systems, stylish décor and comfortable seating ensure a magical experience. Admission: Tickets start at $25.

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion –On the other hand, you could grab a blanket and a gaggle of friends and head to the Woodlands Pavilion lawn for a fantastic summer concert under the stars. Admission: Tickets start at $20.

House of Blues

House of Blues – Jam to local and national live entertainment in this multi-level music hall. In addition, savor Southern-inspired dishes and take in the hand-painted interiors and hundreds of pieces of folk art. Admission: Tickets start at $20.

White Oak Music Hall – Indeed, you don’t have to go far to take in a great music show. Near the buzz of the city just north of downtown, White Oak Music Hall each year hosts hundreds of music acts from every genre. The five-acre complex features one outdoor and two indoor stages. Tickets start at $12.

Summer Sports: Astros, Dynamo, Dash and More

Minute Maid Park, Home to Houston Astros

Join throngs of cheering fans in celebrating America’s favorite pastime, baseball. Without a doubt, summer is the perfect time to catch the excitement of a Houston Astros game, and the fun things to do go well beyond the game. The sun, the hot dogs, the cold drinks, the wave, the fly balls you might be lucky enough to catch – what more could you ask from a fun summer day in H-Town? Meanwhile, soccer fans can grab a friend and catch the action of a Houston Dynamo (men’s) or Dash (women’s) match. Admission: Tickets start at $7.

Houston Dynamo

Houston Dash

Cultural Offerings in the Bayou City

Houston Center for Photography –In contrast, if you’re looking for an immersive cultural experience, take a class at the Houston Center for Photography. These classes run all summer long for photographers of all levels from beginner to advanced. Shoot sharp and your work could be featured in an exhibition!

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Nature lovers will delight in exploring the 155-acre Arboretum & Nature Center. Certainly, with more than five miles of nature trails featuring forest, pond, wetland and meadow habitats, the Arboretum is a favorite place for Houstonians to wander.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Museum of Fine Arts – One of the largest museums in the U.S., the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston boasts more than 60,000 pieces of fine art to inspire you. In addition, it’s a wonderful place to check out edifying art, music and foreign film gems you won’t find in mainstream theaters.

In summary, this guide provides highlights of cool attractions, but start exploring and you’ll find treasures at every turn. No doubt, fun things to do in Houston are everywhere! For free activities, check out 7 Things To Do in Houston For Free | Houston for the Budget-Conscious.

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