Top Summer Activities Across Houston
Houston’s warm months give people plenty of ways to spend time both indoors and outdoors, from water parks and pools to seasonal festivals and cultural spots. This guide gathers must try summer activities in Houston so readers can easily find places that match their plans, whether they want something active, calm, or indoors to avoid the heat. Each section lists real locations and annual events that operate during the summer season, making it easier to choose where to go next.
Summer Events & Annual Festivals
Houston Shakespeare Festival
This festival presents productions in an outdoor setting each summer. Visitors sit on the lawn and watch live performances in an open, relaxed environment.
- Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
- Time: August
- Website: https://www.uh.edu/shakespeare
Freedom Over Texas
A yearly citywide event featuring performances and activity zones across the celebration area. People gather throughout the site to enjoy the holiday program in a large outdoor environment.
- Location: Eleanor Tinsley Park (18-3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston) & Sam Houston Park (1000 Bagby St, Houston)
- Time: July
- Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/july4
Japan Festival Houston
This annual event features cultural demonstrations, vendor booths, and activity zones arranged throughout the festival grounds. Visitors walk between performance areas, exhibits, and stalls at their own pace during the summer program.
- Location: Hermann park (Japanese Garden) 6100 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
- Time: September
- Website: https://www.houstonjapanfest.org
Bayou City Art Festival
The summer arts series includes booths, displays, and public art zones arranged in open outdoor layouts. Visitors browse areas at their own pace.
- Location: Memorial Park, 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston
- Time: October
- Website: https://www.bayoucityartfestival.com
Original Greek Festival Houston
This annual event includes cultural displays, vendor areas, and designated sections for food, music, and crafts. Visitors move between the courtyard, indoor halls, and outdoor booths throughout the festival layout.
- Location: 3511 Yoakum Blvd, Houston
- Time: October
- Website: https://www.greekfestival.org
Splash Parks, Pools & Water Activities
Typhoon Texas Waterpark Houston
A large waterpark with slides, pools, and family activity zones. Visitors use the shaded seating and relaxed areas between rides.
- Location: 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd, Katy
- Website: https://www.typhoontexas.com/houston
Hermann Park Lake Pedal Boats
Pedal boats offer a slow outdoor activity for visitors wanting a short summer outing on the water. People move around the lake at an easy pace.
- Location: 6102 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
- Website: https://hermannpark.org/visit/train-pedal-boats
T.C. Jester Park Pool
An outdoor pool with designated swim zones. It provides a straightforward place for families to cool off during summer.
- Location: 4201 T C Jester Blvd, Houston
Emancipation Park Aquatics Center
A community pool offering open swim periods in a calm neighborhood setting. Visitors use it as an accessible summer water activity.
- Location: 3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston
- Website: https://epconservancy.org
Memorial Park Aquatics Center
A seasonal public pool used for quick swims during warm days. People often stop by after walking nearby trails.
- Location: 6502 Arnot St, Houston
- Website: https://www.fitmac.com/aquatic-center
Strawberry Water Park
This community water park includes slides, splash zones, and open pool areas suited for warm-weather visits. Families often stop by for a short swim or to let children play in the shaded activity sections.
- Location: 1114 Parkside Dr, Pasadena
- Website: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/209/Aquatics
The Club at Riverstone
Includes a large waterpark-style pool, slides, and open recreational areas. Visitors use the space for relaxed summer swimming or brief outdoor activities within the neighborhood setting.
- Location: 18353 University Blvd, Sugar Land
- Website: https://www.riverstone.com/the-club-at-riverstone
Indoor Attractions & Recreational Spots
Houston Museum of Natural Science
This museum includes halls on science, dinosaurs, chemistry, and astronomy. Indoor spaces provide a cool environment during hot weather.
- Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
- Website: https://www.hmns.org
The Health Museum
A hands-on science museum with exhibits about the human body and health education. It provides a cool indoor environment during hot summer periods.
- Location: 1515 Hermann Dr., Houston
- Website: https://thehealthmuseum.org
Downtown Aquarium
This multi-level attraction includes aquatic displays, themed exhibits, and walk-through viewing areas.
- Location: 410 Bagby St, Houston
- Website: https://www.downtownaquariumhouston.com
The Escape Game Houston
This indoor activity center offers themed puzzle rooms designed for small groups. Participants work through clues and tasks as they move between sections of the space.
- Location: 794 Sorella Ct Suite 127, Houston
- Website: https://theescapegame.com/houston
Houston Zoo
This zoo features habitats arranged across outdoor and indoor sections, letting visitors walk between animal exhibits at a steady pace. Paths are organized into clear routes, making it simple to explore different areas during a summer visit.
- Location: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
- Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org
More…
- https://www.visithoustontexas.com/blog/post/summer-bucket-list
- https://couriertexas.com/htx/2025/06/06/cool-activities-houston-summer-bucket-list
- https://www.overherehouston.com/your-guide-to-things-to-do-in-houston-all-year-round
- https://365thingsinhouston.com/75-ways-to-keep-kids-busy-curious-amp-cool-all-summer-long-in-houston
