Credit: Houston Zoo
Looking for something fun to do this summer? Well, look no more! Houston offers up a variety of summer activities for the whole family… and you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time. Check out these suggestions, and get ready to have a blast in the Bayou City.
Market Square Park
Grab a blanket and your best buds for any number of fun (and free) activities at Market Square Park. Located in the center of downtown Houston’s Historic District, the park features a play area for kids, performance area for events, and event a picturesque garden with seasonal flowers and a water fountain. And don’t leave Fido at home. The park also has a dog run with a water feature for your furry best friend. Regular free events include movie screenings, yoga sessions and even a little blanket bingo.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Whether you’re into classical music, Shakespeare or Hip Hop, you can find it all and then some at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Free, professional performances are offered from March through November at this beloved venue. You can cop a seat or go picnic style on the lawn while you relax and enjoy music, theater and movies. What makes it even more fun? You’re allowed to bring your own food and drinks.
Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Get your fresh fruits and vegetables with a side of entertainment and education at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market. Besides selecting your favorite squash or bushel of herbs, you and the kids can also take classes to learn about the many aspects of gardening. And if you’re really gung-ho, you can sign up for one of the certificate courses. Meat, coffee and other culinary products are also for sale. Check out the Urban Harvest calendar for their variety of event listings including live music and food demonstrations.
Houston Zoo Value Pass
Summer is always a great time to visit the Houston Zoo, and what better way to explore than with the Houston Zoo Value Pass. Save money on general admission and take the kids on an adventure they won’t forget as you trek through the DINOSAURS and Texas Wetlands exhibits. The pass grants unlimited carousel rides and a souvenir bracelet and is valid until September 2. Children 1 and under are free.
Butterfly Center & Planetarium
Adults and children alike love to experience the flutter of one of nature’s most beautiful creatures. The Houston Museum of Natural Science Butterfly Center & Planetarium provides an up close and personal look at over 60 species of the world’s largest and most colorful butterflies. You can stroll through a living butterfly habitat and learn about the various specimen through interactive games and quizzes. Take a walk on the wild side by visiting the tarantula collection or check out the stunning rainforest conservatory. Get a discount by purchasing tickets through the Visit Houston Marketplace.
Buffalo Bayou Boat Tours
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a relaxing ride along the Buffalo Bayou with a boat tour. The 30-minute ride takes you along a journey through downtown Houston in a canoe or pontoon boat, where you’ll get a glimpse of jumping fish and possibly even an alligator. The rides are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The costs are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 – 12.
Project Row Houses
Travel to one of the city’s oldest African-American neighborhoods to take in the art of Project Row Houses. Located in Northern Third Ward, Project Row Houses includes six blocks of 40 shotgun-style homes adorned with art, photography and literary projects. Visitors can learn about the history of the area and enjoy food from local vendors at its daily Project Food Trucks throughout the summer.
Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
If you enjoy being active and adventure is on your to-do list, check out the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark. Located in Eleanor Tinsley Park, the state-of-the-art venue is the first world-class, in-ground skatepark in the region. Whether you’re a novice or you’re ready to go pro, the public 30,000 square-foot area is perfect for beginning, intermediate and advanced skateboard classes for learners ages 6 to 17.
