It's time for the Houston summer fun guide!
Here are all the events for June, July and August, places to keep cool and how to have fun for not too much money around Houston.
Things to Do Any Day
Find the current events on the calendar or things you can do any day in Houston!
Play in the Water
Cool off this summer. Houston has pools, splashpads and beaches... and many of them are free. (Find the latest on City of Houston pools, HERE.)
- Splashway Waterpark & Campgrounds Promo Code
- Noah's Ark Pool and Playground at Quillian Center
- Galveston Island Beaches Guide
- Surfside Beach Texas... An Alternative to Galveston!
- Sylvan Beach Pier and Park... Play, fish and picnic
- Moody Gardens Water Park... Palm Beach
- FREE City Of Houston Public Splashpads
- Houston Pools Open All Summer… For FREE
See more splashpads → See more pools →
See more beaches → See more waterparks →
Air Conditioned Venues
Cheap, Free or Discounted Things to Do
Staycations
Get away, without going too far! Here are vacation ideas... close to Houston!
- Get on the Lake... You can Rent Watercraft at Margaritaville Lake Conroe!
- Marriott Marquis Houston -Downtown Houston Hotel!
- Things to do in Galveston, with kids!
- Surfside Beach Texas Rental: ROCK HOUSE
- Splashway Waterpark & Campgrounds Promo Code
- Things to do in Port Aransas, with kids!
- Things to do in Beaumont with Kids!
- Things to do in San Antonio, with kids (without visiting theme parks)!
- Higgins Hotel in the Arts District... The Official Hotel of the National WWII Museum
- Things to do in Louisiana with kids... Roadtrip along I10
- Best road trips from Houston... Find them here!
- Where to stop between Houston and Pensacola Beach
See more family travel ideas →
Summer Camps
Send the kids to camp! Here are parent recommended camps and some free or cheap options.
Christine M Wilkerling says
Hi Jill, thanks again for all you do for those searching for play options in Houston and surrounding areas. I love the summer site but when I click on the splash pad site it goes straight to the water parks site. Splash pads are so special here in Houston for that under ,4 age groups or for those caregivers that aren't allowed venturing to pools with their littles. I know there might still be some restrictions on splash pads opening (covid) but I would like to find a list so I'm ready when they are. Thanks again. Christine
Jill Jarvis says
Ahhh! I just saw this. Let me make sure it works now.
Aisha Sadiq says
Thank you so much for the information and great ideas.
Wishing you and your family a very blessed summer break!
Jill Jarvis says
Thanks Aisha!
Candyce Thompson Beneke says
Thank you for all the resources you put out for us. Do you have a listing of all the best water parks in Houston? I know there are a few older ones but there's some big new ones on the outskirts of town. I have a couple of 19-year-olds to entertain and they would love to go to a big fun waterpark! Thank you!
Jill Jarvis says
Candyce -
Thank you for the kind words!
I do not have a summary of water parks... just this laundry list: https://www.jillbjarvis.com/category/things-to-do-2/waterparks/
My favorite is Splashway in Sheridan because it has several big slides, but is a little smaller and the lines are generally a lot shorter than other parks. I also like to stay in the cabins and let the kids enjoy the freedom of evenings in the park/outdoor movie/laser tag/live music. (I have kids 4 to 19 now... so I am trying to please everyone... and not go crazy myself. ; ) )
If you want something closer to Houston... and want the big water park atmosphere (which maybe your 19 year olds are looking for), we have Typhoon Texas, Splashtown, Schlitterbahn. All are good and we've had good times at all of them... I just like the smaller crowds and smaller parks.