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Blast off into summer adventure at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a must-see destination for all things space exploration. This immersive experience offers out-of-this-world exhibits, astronaut encounters, and hands-on fun for all ages.
Don’t miss special summer events, including a celebration of Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman to live and work in space, on June 21. The event will honor the trailblazing astronaut with a day full of activities marking the 41st anniversary of her historic mission. Then on Saturday, August 30, turn your family getaway into a galactic experience with the Family Overnight program—camp out under a flown Falcon 9 rocket or inside Independence Plaza beneath a NASA shuttle carrier and replica orbiter.
The Houston Downtown Aquarium is a fun, family-friendly spot featuring marine life exhibits, rides, and dining. Cool off this summer with over 200 aquatic species, the Shark Voyage train ride, and special events like live music and free salsa lessons every Friday until August 15. Plus, don’t miss World Rainforest Day on June 22 and Shark Day on July 14 for games, crafts, animal encounters, and more!
Kemah Boardwalk is a lively waterfront destination just outside Houston, perfect for summer fun with its thrilling amusement rides, waterfront dining, and charming coastal atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and anyone looking to soak up some sun and entertainment by the bay.
Kemah is full of fun events for the summer and they’re kicking it off with a bang! On June 6 catch a firework show to celebrate the start of the season. There’s also free live music every Thursday night. Celebrate Independence Day with live music and a patriotic fireworks show on July 4, and wrap up the heat with a dazzling End of Summer Fireworks display on August 31.
Discovery Green, the vibrant 12-acre park nestled in the heart of downtown Houston, is the ultimate spot for summer fun. From colorful celebrations to outdoor movie nights, there’s always something happening on the green.
Mark your calendar for Rainbow on the Green® on Friday, June 27, when the park turns into an '80s-themed Pride party, complete with dazzling performances by Pride Chorus Houston and a dance floor open to all. Catch classic films under the stars with Bank of America’s Screen on the Green series, including a “Grease” sing-along on Saturday, May 24, and the moving documentary Summer of Soul on Saturday, June 14.
Where to Stay
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Ready for its first summer in Houston, Hotel Saint Augustine blends modern elegance with laid-back charm—an ideal home base for a staycation. Whether you're exploring the Menil or dining at the hotel’s restaurant Perseid, this boutique retreat offers a peaceful escape from the everyday.
This summer, book their staycation package, available through September, and enjoy special perks including the best available rate, daily American breakfast for two, complimentary parking, and a 2 PM late check-out. Spend your days unwinding poolside and your evenings hanging out in the oh-so-cool lounge—then linger just a little longer. (Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Saint Augustine)
La Colombe d’Or, a chic and storied boutique hotel in Houston’s Museum District, offers a refined summer retreat where art, luxury, and hospitality seamlessly intertwine. With its elegant suites and curated collection of over 425 works of art and sculpture, every stay feels like a cultural getaway.
Book the Sips and Bites Staycation package and enjoy a welcome spread of charcuterie and cheese paired with a bottle of sparkling wine, a $100 hotel credit, complimentary overnight parking and a 4 PM late check-out. Use your late check-out to explore the nearby Museum of Fine Arts, Menil Collection, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, or all four!
Hotel ZaZa’s Museum District location may be iconic, but this summer, venture west to Memorial City for a fresh take on luxe lounging and dining. Hotel ZaZa Memorial City offers the same signature glam in a sleek, modern setting—perfect for a staycation that feels like a resort escape.
Book the Cabana Package and enjoy overnight accommodations, your own private poolside cabana, a pitcher of your favorite cocktail, a lavish fruit and cheese platter, and four bottles of coconut water to keep things cool. While you're in the area, explore standout dining nearby—from smoky flavors at The Pit Room to open-fire cuisine at Credence and cocktails at its speakeasy, Sidebar. Grab coffee at Blacksmith or Common Bond, then indulge in retail therapy at Memorial City Mall.
Where to Eat
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The Marigold Club in Montrose brings a bold, stylish twist to the Houston dining scene, blending Southern comfort with London sophistication in a moody, art-filled space. This summer, Sunday nights get a luxurious upgrade with Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays. Indulge in a shareable dinner featuring farm-raised fried chicken, whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and decadent sauces—plus half-off champagne bottles and optional caviar service. It’s the perfect way to turn your Sunday scaries into something sparkling.
A storied Houston fine dining institution, Tony’s is known for its elegant cuisine and timeless service—but over the summer, this iconic restaurant lets its hair down with a lineup of playful events and indulgent specials. If you’ve never experienced Tony’s, now’s the time to see why it’s both a classic and a current hotspot.
All season long, sip in style during the Champagne Campaign, with rotating champagnes offered at half-price by the bottle, special by-the-glass pricing, and a complimentary pair of rose-colored glasses with every experience. June brings the cheeky “Adult Day Care” special—half off any bottle of wine and complimentary snack mix—while Roaring 20’s Night on June 28 promises vintage glam with modern flair. Looking ahead, grab festive bites from the Fourth of July To-Go Menu or dress all in white for the Mykonos White Out Weekend, July 11–12.
Mutiny in the Heights, formerly Mutiny Wine Room, has rebranded to reflect its shift from a wine bar to a family-friendly neighborhood restaurant in the heart of the Heights. Launching Memorial Day and intended to be a fresh summer hangout, the thoughtful evolution embraces a more accessible dining experience while staying true to the restaurant’s roots in bold flavors and exceptional wine. Chef Eduardo Alcayaga’s summer menu features shareable plates and neighborhood-inspired dishes, complemented by an expanded beverage selection.
Food Halls
Beat the heat this summer by checking out the new offerings at Downtown food halls POST Houston and The Finn. At POST, explore global flavors from over 30 vendors, including newcomers like East Side King and Thai Kun, which was named one of Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants in America in 2014.
At The Finn, the energy is elevated with new culinary concepts like HiFi. Tucked into the mezzanine level, HiFi is an immersive craft cocktail and record-listening lounge that blends mixology with the warm tones of vinyl. Or, try out just-opened Proper: A Burger Spot for smash burgers, crispy tenders, and perfectly golden fries.
Where to Be Inspired
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This summer, ARTECHOUSE Houston presents two immersive exhibitions—Rolling Stone Presents: AMPLIFIED, an electrifying journey through the history of rock ‘n’ roll, and BLOOMING WONDERS (photo), a vibrant digital art experience celebrating nature through cutting-edge technology. Spread across 26,000 square feet, the galleries offer interactive installations featuring AI-driven visuals, sound-responsive spaces, and mesmerizing projections that invite visitors to engage with art in innovative ways. The Extended Reality (XR) Bar enhances the experience with themed cocktails that come to life via AR technology.
This summer, Art Club at POST Houston is revolutionizing art and nightlife. During the day, families can explore immersive exhibitions by 13 award-winning international artists, featuring innovative works that use lasers, video, and sound to create unforgettable experiences. When night falls this summer Art Club transforms into a vibrant nightclub for 21+ where world-renowned DJs like Mall Grab, DJ Python, and Neon Indian bring hypnotic visuals and beats to life. Art Club offers a unique fusion of cutting-edge art and electrifying music, making it a must-visit destination in Houston’s summer scene.
This summer, Avant-Art Gallery celebrates its move to a spacious new location on Historic Gallery Row, doubling its footprint to showcase larger, more ambitious contemporary art. The gallery debuts a monumental stainless steel sculpture by J.L. Meyer, a striking landmark piece embodying minimalist industrial elegance. Visitors can also explore serene abstract paintings by Houston native David James Strain, alongside bold mixed-media works by nationally recognized artist J. Lyons, whose textured creations challenge and captivate. With soaring ceilings and abundant natural light, the new space offers a fresh, inspiring setting to experience Houston’s vibrant and evolving art scene.
Miller Outdoor Theatre is back this summer with its cherished tradition of free, family-friendly performances that make Houston nights magical. The Houston Symphony takes center stage for four July evenings, sweeping audiences away with timeless classics from Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, and Dvořák—alongside fresh, modern compositions that celebrate the rich diversity of symphonic music. At the end of July, the Houston Shakespeare Festival brings drama and delight with spirited productions of Henry V and As You Like It, perfect for lovers of bardic brilliance under the stars. And for those ready to defy gravity without a broomstick, catch the Wicked movie screening on July 5—because sometimes it’s more fun to let the “wicked” side take the spotlight!
