If there's one thing that Houston is known for its heat. When June rolls around you can be sure that Houstonians are on the lookout for clever ways to beat the heat. The good news is H-Town is filled with great escapes marked by cooler temps. Whether you're a foodie, an adventure seeker, an arts connoisseur, or a lover of all things H2O, you will find your heat free heaven here in the bayou city. Here are seven things to do in Houston when the summer heat has you running for cover.

Floating

Houston is home to one of coolest hotel features around. A 510-foot-long lazy river in the shape of the great state of Texas. The $10 million park view terrace of the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel hovers 110 feet above the city allowing visitors to cool off with the best view in town. The 140,000 gallon pool will take you all around in the state in 15 minutes and don't worry this attraction isn't just for the kids as evidence by the nearby pool bar that accompanies an added ware feature, the infinity pool. more...

Icing

When it comes to bringing down your body temperature we would all be wise to take a page from the kids’ playbook. Nothing helps you forget the harrowing heat like something icy and delicious. Houston is filled with ice cream and frozen yogurt shops. But if you want to get the job done right, like to the mighty popsicle. Two local favorites are Steel City Pops and Popfancy Pops. Both locations offer vegan goods and a plethora of flavors.

Shopping

In Houston, you can never go wrong if you choose to while away the afternoon by shopping. Whether you're looking for the giant mall experience or small exclusive boutiques, you are guaranteed to find it all here. And although you can shop any time of year, there's nothing quite like escaping to the mall when the temperature tops the charts. more...

Seeking Stage and Screen

There are movies and live theater and ballet and opera and blockbusters at every turn in H-Town. Catch the Houston Ballet and let the thrill of both classic and modern ballet help you to cool your jets. Or take in a movie in the comfiest seats in town at iPic. If theater is more your style, you can take your pick from straights to musicals and from old school to new wave. No matter what you choose to watch, you just might relish the cool, cool air just as much as the magical performances to which you’ll be treated. more...

Dining

Not that you need one, but hot weather is a great excuse for taking your time when you dine. The Bayou City is known for its outstanding culinary scene from steakhouses to Tex Mex to every imaginable genre of food you can think of. If you can take slipping in and out of the AC, consider a dine around. Choose one restaurant for drinks, one for apps, one for dinner, and one for dessert and make an entire evening out of beating the heat and quenching your desire for great eats. more...

Brewing

Ok, you might not actually be able to brew your own beer. But you can certainly check out the brewery scene that Houston is home to. Karbach, 11Below, Buffalo Bayou, and 8th Wonder are just a few of the great places you’ll find that are making a name for themselves right here in Houston. If you like beer, there’s no better way to learn more about the art of crafting it and no better way to cool off while enjoying it. more...

Bowling

Bowling alleys have come a long way baby. Sure, you can still get a beer in a dirty glass alongside a cold slice of pizza while you play on a dirty lane that’s too dim to see all the way to the pins. But these days you definitely don’t have to. Bowling alleys in this city are rife with great food and drink, gorgeous lanes, and the kind of vibe that will make you want to stay and bowl awhile. Lucky Strike, Bowlmor, and Max Bowl are just a few of the offerings when it comes to bowling in the city!