Summer in Houston: The Ultimate Guide

Let’s get this out of the way: Summer in Houston is hot. Yet, with so much to see, do, and taste, you won’t mind a little sweat. If you’re looking for things to do this summer while you stay in furnished apartments in Houston, you’ve come to the right place.

Whether you want to be indoors in the AC or out under the wide Texas skies, we’ve prepared the ultimate guide for Houston attractions, events, and activities.

Fun Things to Do in Houston This Summer

Summer is a great time to be in Houston. There’s always something going on, and you can find something that suits your interests whether you want a casual day outside or an upscale night out on the town.

Sports

Sports fans visiting in the summer should catch an Astros game at Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston. You can watch the World Series champs play ball in the comfort of an air-conditioned stadium, thanks to Minute Maid’s retractable roof.

If you arrive early, you can catch the Astros’ batting practice and try to snag an autograph from your favorite player. That still leaves you with time to grab a local beer and some Torchy’s Tacos before the game starts.

Culture

Houston’s thriving Museum District is home to 19 museums in four distinct walkable zones. If you don’t have time to explore them all, check out these local favorites:

• The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• Houston Museum of Natural Science
• Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
• The Menil Collection
• Rothko Chapel

You can always conclude your visit with a meal at a nearby restaurant or bar.

Outdoor Entertainment

You don’t have to catch a major festival to enjoy outdoor entertainment in Houston.

Head to the Miller Outdoor Theater for a variety of performances, including Shakespeare, children’s concerts, movie screenings, and even nights with the Houston Symphony.

Houston Attractions

Houston has numerous destinations that any family or solo traveler should visit. If you’re short on time, consider these your essential stops:

• Houston Zoo: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Zoo houses over 6,000 animals.
• Discovery Green: This public park is just outside of downtown and features live music venues, gardens, two dog runs, a putting green, and plenty of other attractions for the whole family.
• Space Center: Located halfway between Houston and Galveston, this is a must-see attraction for any trip to Houston. The Space Center offers a museum of artifacts, behind-the-scenes tram tours of the NASA Johnson Space Center, film screenings, and a restaurant. Arrive early in the day to beat the summer crowds.

Places to Eat

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and with that comes a wide variety of restaurants and cuisines.

While pho, curry, and menudo may be satisfying choices in the winter, you’ll want to cool off with some lighter meals, outdoor eats, and frozen treats in the summer.

1. Check out Houston’s vibrant food truck scene, which has you covered whether you want ribs or vegan food. Locals can’t get enough of Oh My Gogi!, The Waffle Bus, and Coreanos.
2. Do a DIY meal by stopping at one of Houston’s many local-only farmer’s markets. In the summer, you can feast on fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and cheese. You might even find yourself taking an impromptu picnic with your goodies!
3. Why settle for froyo when Houston has so much more to offer? Cool off with one of Houston’s unique frozen treats like ribbon ice cream, paletas, raspas, or even a Hong Kong egg waffle with ice cream.
4. Take a brewery tour and enjoy a cold pint at Karbach, Saint Arnold, or Buffalo Bayou Brewery.
5. Partake in the patio brunch scene at Grace’s, Empire Cafe, or Down House. With a seat in the shade and a cold mimosa, you’ll forget all about the summer heat.

Things to Do for Weekend Warriors

If you want an action-packed weekend in Houston, it’s best to head outdoors. Houston has plenty of local parks and greenways to entertain you, but don’t rule out a day trip to the beach for even more summer fun.

On the Water

Sign up for a guided kayaking tour of the Buffalo Bayou. In beginner-friendly waters, you can explore several different parks from the comfort of your kayak and even take in a one-of-a-kind view of the Houston skyline.

In the Water

Houston has plenty of pools, fountains, and splash pads to keep you and your family cool in the summer, but if you really want to maximize your time in the water, take a day trip to Galveston Beach. In addition to beautiful beaches, Galveston has family-friendly restaurants, water sports, bird watching, and two theme parks: Pleasure Pier and Moody Gardens.

If you’ve already explored the coast, you can visit one of the nearby lakes like Lake Livingston for fishing and swimming or Lake Conroe for golfing and water sports.

On Dry Land

If you can handle the heat, there’s plenty of ways to get your heart pumping in Houston. Here are our top outdoor picks for summer:

• Play a round of golf at Memorial Park Golf Course.
• Hop on the Brays Bayou Greenway for a sunset run.
• Grab your bike and check out over 30 miles of trails at Memorial Park.

Things to Do in Houston With Kids

You’ve probably already spotted some destinations that your kids would love, like a trip to the zoo, the Space Center, or Discovery Green, but, if you want even more kid-friendly activities this summer, here are our top suggestions.

Splash Pads

Because Houston is infamously hot, there are plenty of splash pads in all parts of town where your kids can cool off.  Think of them as free or cheap alternatives to pricey water parks.

Sit back and relax as your kids run around in the water at Jaycee Park, Levy Park, Nottingham Park, or many other splash pads across Houston.

Indoor Fun

When it’s time for a break from the sun, head inside to cool off. The Children’s Museum of Houston is always a safe bet for kids of all ages.

If your kids have energy to burn, take them to an indoor play spot like Monkey Joe’s, Sky High Sports, or Wonderwild.

You and your younger kids might enjoy taking advantage of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s “Summer Kids Camp.” All summer long, your family can enjoy kid-friendly movies for just $1. The kids camp screenings take place daily at 10:30 a.m. and proceeds benefit local charities.

Teenagers can cool off all afternoon inside The Galleria, the largest mall in Texas. With over 375 stores, the entire family will find something to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Houston

If you want a truly unique experience with luxury amenities in Houston, consider renting a corporate retreat. For less than the price of a hotel room, you can rent a fully furnished one-bedroom apartment. Of course, if you’re bringing the whole family, we also have two- and three-bedroom apartments available.

When you’ve got all the comforts of home right in your rental, you’ll be able to live like a local and enjoy all that Houston has to offer. Whether you’re planning to stay in Houston for a long weekend or all summer long, contact Corporate Retreats International today.