Things to Do During the Summer in Houston, Texas

I'm a proud Houstonian, born and raised in the biggest city in the Lone Star State. Summer has always been a magical time for Texans, as we try to beat the heat and find entertainment for kids and adults alike. We have our fair share of 'touristy' things to do, but the best kept Houston summer secrets are generally reserved for natives. So if you're headed for Houston in the summer, pack your sunscreen and shorts and get ready to have a great time!

A visitor to Houston during the summer is likely to want to hit Splashtown, a large exciting water park on the north side, as well as catch a ball game in the downtown Minute Maid Park. The shopping at the Westside Galleria is also not to be missed. But when you grow weary of these slightly cliché summer outings, it may be time to check out the artistic side of a Houston summer.

Houston Museum District

Houston has some of the best museums in the country. The Museum of Modern Art, Fine Arts, the Children's' Museum, and the Holocaust museum are all within walking distance of each other in our beautiful tree-lined museum district. These museums offer a fun and emotionally moving experience with stunning exhibits, as well as activities for the kids. (The museums are also kept frigid during the dog days of summer, so they're a great place to beat the heat!)

Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre

Not far from the museum district, Hermann Park offers a sprawling oasis of shade and greenery with fountains, sculpture gardens, and a fully authentic Japanese garden. These tranquil spaces offer a perfect stop for a picnic or romantic stroll. As night sets is, make your way to the Miller Outdoor Theatre, found in the heart of Hermann Park for an unforgettable performance. The Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, the Houston Symphony, and local theatre and choral troupes all make use of the unique outdoor Miller arena for free summer night performances. Nearly every weekend there is something new to see. So whether you're a dance enthusiast, a music lover, or an all-around performing arts lover, head for the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Theatre District

Nestled in downtown Houston, the theatre district houses Jones Hall, the Wortham Center, the Hobby Center, and the Alley Theatre. While Jones Hall and the Hobby Center generally host traveling theatrical troupes, the Wortham Center is used primarily for the Houston Ballet. During the summer, the Houston Ballet often presents new and experimental dance performances that will delight anyone of any age. This year, for example, they presented a new, re-written version of the classic fairytale Cinderella, complete with a very surprise ending. The Alley Theatre offers the most fun summer theatre in Houston, with its 'Summer night chills and thrills' series. They present classic Agatha Christie murder mysteries as well as other suspenseful productions in their Tony Award winning theatre in the heart of the district. Their fine veteran actors make this summer play series a not-to-be-missed stop on a summer trek to Houston.

These are only a few of the amazing artistically thrilling sights to be seen in Houston during the summer. Houstonians know how to survive a sweltering summer night with class and style, and we always welcome visitors to share our city with us!