Things to Do in Houston this Summer

Theatre Under the Stars presents free performances of shows such as James and the Giant Peach and Million Dollar Quartet. Although the event is free, you have to pick up a ticket at the box office the day of the performance if you want to sit in the covered section. Visitors are also welcome to bring a blanket and watch the show from the hill.

This urban oasis is the perfect spot to keep cool during the hottest days of summer. If you want to have a picnic but don’t want to toast, sit under the refreshing mist of the Waterwall Fountain. This landmark is also one of the best photo ops in Houston.

The pedal boats at Hermann Park are perfect for a daytime date or a group of friends. Up to four people can ride a single boat at a time and they are shaded to keep you covered from the sun. It’s a bit of a workout, but there are some great restaurants in the area where you can recover afterwards.

The summer blockbusters are coming, and you can watch them all without breaking the bank. Several movie theaters in Houston are showing free and discounted movies throughout the summer. A ticket to any movie at Alamo Drafthouse is only $8.50 before 2pm any day of the week. Regal Cinemas and Studio Movie Grill also have summer specials for adults and kids.

Spend a night under the stars watching Hollywood greats at a free outdoor movie screening. Discovery Green and Miller Outdoor Theatre are just some of the locations screening family-friendly hit movies throughout the summer. Some screenings have pre-show entertainment and snacks available for purchase. Many locations will allow you to bring a picnic.

The summer months are some of the best to watch the bats of Waugh Drive Bridge take flight. The bat colony usually emerges around sunset, but show up 30 minutes early because the bats don’t stick to an exact schedule.

It’s a well-known fact that Texas summer sunsets are beautiful sights to behold. They become a true work of art when viewed at James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. Reservations are required for sunset light sequences, and spots go quickly, so be sure to book a spot well in advance.

Free Museum Day is a good idea any time of the year. If you’re vacationing in Houston, this is the best way to explore Houston’s Museum District. Every Thursday, several museums offer free admission at different times of the day. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and Children’s Museum of Houston are some locations that participate in the program.

You may need your shades for this one. Beer Can House shines brilliantly in the summer sun because it’s made of, well, beer cans. Beer Can House was created by John Milkovisch who covered his entire house with an estimated 50,000 beer cans over an 18-year period. He didn’t intend for the project to be a work of art, but it is now a permanent exhibit of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. The house is open Saturday and Sunday, and admission is $5 per person.

If you’re itching to get out of the city, Galveston is only a short drive away. Delicious seafood and a fresh ocean breeze will greet you when you arrive. Be sure to check out Galveston Island Pleasure Pier, Galveston Railroad Museum, Bryan Museum, and the Strand. If you want to spend the night, Hotel Galvez is beautiful and rumored to be haunted.

Enjoy the bay at Kemah Boardwalk. Located just outside of Houston, the popular family attraction has rides, restaurants, shops and events. On Friday nights, visitors can watch firework shows from the boardwalk. Sunday night is salsa night featuring live salsa bands.

Hermann Park is the center of several Houston attractions including museums, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Japanese Garden and McGovern Centennial Gardens. Houston B-cycle bike rental program is a great way to get around the park and see everything the area has to offer. The bikes come with locks so you can secure your bike while exploring.

Spend a day strolling through the beautiful Bayou Bend Gardens. Begin at the house of philanthropist Ima Hogg for a trip back in time. The house features an impressive collection of antique furniture, ceramics and art that Hogg carefully curated over her lifetime. Then discover the statues, fountains and plants nestled away in the 14 acres (5.6ha) surrounding the house.

The Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail at Memorial Park is perfect for walking or jogging. The trail is a well-maintained, 3mi (4.8km) loop with exercise stations spread throughout. There isn’t a lot of shade on the trail, so consider visiting in the cooler late afternoon. Memorial Park also features a playground, 30mi (48km) of hiking trails, tennis courts, volleyball nets and sports fields.

Escape into nature without leaving the city. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center features 155 acres (63ha) of plants and wildlife native to Texas. The Arboretum has several trails to explore, each focusing on different types of plants and trees. While traversing, visitors will find wooden pathways, bridges, ponds and benches. The center hosts several educational and fundraising events throughout the year geared towards adults and children.

For the outdoorsy folks, Sam Houston National Forest is a great spot for hiking and camping. The forest contains 163,037 acres (65,978ha) of land stretched between three counties. The park is located 50mi (80km) north of Houston, just south of Huntsville. The park has several trails varying in length from 9.2mi (14.8km) 128mi (206km). There are several designated campsites and primitive camping is allowed off the trail except during November and December.

Houston has several year-round farmers markets offering fresh produce from local vendors. The markets happen throughout the week so that you can find one convenient to your schedule. City Hall Farmers Market happens every Wednesday. The Rice University Farmers Market is every Tuesday. Be sure to pick up some peaches, watermelons or tomatoes, as they are in season in Texas during the summer.

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