With the kids back in school and routine setting in, you may be in need of some relaxing “me time.” Whether that means heading to a spa for a massage or spending some much needed quiet time contemplating your beautiful surroundings at Houston’s beautiful parks, we’ve compiled a guide of relaxing, peaceful activities that you’re sure to enjoy.

Time is running out to take advantage of the Houston Summer Spactacular, a special offer where you can enjoy select treatments at some of Houston’s most luxurious hotel spas at a discounted price. Offer expires Aug. 31, so act fast. Don’t worry if this tight time frame doesn’t work for you, Houston has an incredible array of spa options where treatments at various price points will make you forget the stress of getting back into the grind of packing lunches and driving kids to school.

Some to try include Milk + Honey in River Oaks, where you’ll get to decompress and enjoy treatments with natural and organic ingredients in an unhurried environment. At The Trellis Spa, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to the Mediterranean while you enjoy your massage or facial treatment at the hands of top-tier professionals. In downtown, The Spa at The Four Seasons is the perfect place to decompress and get pampered.

Need some quiet reflection and solitude? Head to the Rothko Chapel in Montrose, a non-denominational sanctuary where art, architecture and religion intersect. The solemn space is home to fourteen Mark Rothko murals, which you can take in while you quiet your mind and soul. The nearby Menil Campus with its oak trees, green spaces and tranquil galleries is also a good spot to relax.

Research has shown that spending time in nature is nourishing for the mind, soul and spirit. The good news is that Houston happens to have more than 50,000 acres of park space that you can enjoy. A recent facelift has given this urban nature center a more zen-like feel than it had before. 

For a relaxing, peaceful time, start with the Houston Arboretum. This 155-acre space on the edge of Memorial Park is an oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Houston. Explore native plants and animals as you get lost in its various wooded trails.

Now that schools are back in session, a morning visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston may be just what you need to refresh your mind. Grab a seat inside one of its gorgeous galleries and reflect on the artworks at hand. The museum’s campus also features the Cullen Sculpture Garden, a tranquil outdoor space that showcases 20th and 21st-century sculpture masterpieces. Bring a book, notepad or sketchbook and get inspired. Make sure to check out the museum’s Spotify list while you explore its outdoor spaces.

Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston but not in its main campus. The old residence of Houston philanthropist Ina Hogg has beautiful gardens where you can escape the day-to-day grind. If you’re feeling up for it, tour the home to take in the museum’s impressive collection of American decorative arts. 

Hermann Park, at the heart of Houston’s Museum District, has acres of green space where you’ll surely find a quiet place to sit or walk around. The park’s serene Japanese Garden and McGovern Centennial Gardens are good options to tune out the stressful demands of your day. 

What better way to relax than with some yoga? If you don’t want to commit to a studio, Houston has many free classes to choose from. You’ll find free weekly classes at Levy Park and Discovery Green. Also, check out local groups like Breakfast Yoga Club and Yoga and Hops for events around Houston.