Can't Miss Things To Do in Houston Before School Starts

1. Lean into the Labubu Craze

If you’re wondering what a Labubu is — don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. It’s the must-have collectible of the summer and totally taking over the toy scene. Now through the end of summer, you can experience the craze in person at Lucky Box Cafe — a pop-up, blind box-themed café packed with all things Labubu.  Want a peek before you go? Check out our visit here.

 
Family movie night photo courtesy of Levy Park

2. Enjoy a FREE outdoor movie

Houston has plenty of free, family-friendly outdoor movies all summer long—perfect for a fun night under the stars. Pack a picnic blanket, bring some chairs, and enjoy your favorite films on the big screen without spending a dime. Check out our top picks for the best outdoor movie nights happening around the city.

3. Take the kids out to the ballgame

Catch a Houston Astros game with the Family Sundays package—4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 sodas included. Or check out a Sugar Land Space Cowboys game, it's the perfect setup for families – where kids can enjoy the playground and splash pad while parents watch the game.

4. Party All Summer Long at The Children's Museum Houston

 The Children's Museum Houston is turning 45, and they’re celebrating with a non-stop summer bash! Through August 10, join the fun with their “Party All Summer Long” theme—packed with high-energy activities, hands-on exhibits, and birthday fun for the whole family. To keep the celebration going, the museum has extended hours just for the summer—open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5. Splash into Summer Fun at a Splash Pad

With nearly 30 FREE splash pads making our favorites list around Houston, there is no shortage of spray parks to run, jump, and cool off at before summer's end.

6. Summer Break at MFAH

Head to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston every Thursday through August 7th to create fun summer memories and join teaching artists to experiment with new materials, tools, and processes to create art. Coloring sheets, colored pencils, and knowledgeable educators help spark discovery about the world of art at this free event. While there, don't miss their summer immersive exhibit; check out our video of it here. 

 
The Commons Water Features. Photo Courtesy of Johnny Than Photography

7. Explore the Health Museum

If you haven’t visited the Health Museum yet, it’s a great family-friendly stop in Houston’s Museum District. Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays make learning about the human body fun for all ages. Don’t miss the Body Worlds 101 exhibit, on display through October. It’s an eye-opening look at anatomy, health, and how our bodies work.

8. Take a spin in a Bumper Boat

Discovery Green is home to one of our favorite playgrounds in Houston—and this summer, it’s even more fun. You can cool off with Bumper Boats in the boat basin and enjoy a ride in glowing LED-lit kayaks on Kinder Lake. It’s a unique and refreshing way to beat the heat downtown. Curious what it’s like? Check out our video from when we went!

9. Check out the other Houston Museum of Natural Science

HMNS Sugar Land may be smaller than its Museum District counterpart, but it’s full of big fun for families. Kids can explore hands-on science exhibits, get up close to towering dinosaurs, and enjoy seasonal experiences that rotate throughout the year. This summer, don’t miss Ciao Bambini—a limited-time immersive exhibit that whisks families away to Italy through art, culture, and kid-friendly exploration. You can see a video of our recent visit here. 

 
AIA Sandcastle Competition, East Beach. Photo courtesy of Visit Galveston

10. Day Trip to Galveston

Nothing feels like summer more than a day at the beach. Head to Galveston for summer fun and make sure to check out our favorite beach in Galveston for families. 

11. Getaway for the Weekend

The summer is a perfect time for a long weekend getaway. Escape to a swimming hole in the hill country or explore a nearby city like San Antonio.

12. Spend the day at a Theme Park or Water Park

Kids and adults alike can have fun at a theme park or water park, and our Houston Theme Park and Water Park Guide has the best places to go with teens, school-age kids, and even toddlers and preschoolers. Save on your next waterpark adventure with our exclusive discounts to two local favorites—Typhoon Texas and Splashway.

13. Take a Dip in a Pool

Whether you're looking to book a day pass to one of Houston's fancy resort pools or explore the tons of free local swimming pools around greater Houston, you can't find a better way to beat the heat than with a nice dunk in a pool. Set out to splash and, in some cases, slide into a refreshing pool and make those fleeting summer moments count.

14. Take advantage of our Exclusive Summer Deals

Whether you're planning indoor play, splash-filled water adventures, or interactive museum visits, these special offers make it easier to enjoy Houston’s top family-friendly spots without stretching your budget.