As Houston starts to heat up for summer, you may start to plan how to spend some extra time with your family and friends. Houston may not have white sand beaches, cabanas and crystalline waters, but it's important to remember that our city still has a lifestyle for everyone! So if you’ve got some time off this summer and are looking for some fun attractions to visit with your family, take a look at our list below. You may wind up surprising yourself by finding a favorite new spot in town!

Houston Museum District

Something new for your family every day, with 19 Museums, 4 Walkable zones and daily inspirations. Your family will enjoy a visit and explore any of the Museums while experiencing everything they have to offer.  http://houmuse.org/

The Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is a wonderful way to enjoy your family time this summer.  The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre zoological park located within Hermann Park in Houston. Don’t let the summer heat keep you away. The Houston Zoo has many indoor exhibits as well as misters throughout the park and also offers a splash pad area in the Children’s Zoo to help you stay cool. 

The Downtown Houston Aquarium

Visit The Downtown Aquarium for an adventurous and immersive experience in dining and activities. A spot for sea life, including touch pools, shark tank & displays of aquatic ecosystems. There are many ways to enjoy your day here from the sea life to outdoor games and rides. 

Galveston Island

Galveston may not have water as blue as the beaches in the Caribbean, but the city still full of fun and exciting ways to explore new grounds. You can visit fun family attractions like Schlitterbahn and the Pleasure Pier. You can explore the grounds at Moody Gardens and experience the rainforest pyramid, rope courses and ziplining, Palm Beach Water Park. Why stop there, you can also visit the 70-block historic downtown full of antique shops, cozy clothing boutiques, art galleries and fabulous restaurants. Most importantly, you can pack a picnic and your swim suits and cool off at any of Galveston's many beach parks!

The Kemah Boardwalk

Fun for the entire family! The Kemah Boardwalk is family-friendly entertainment at its finest. Including retro rides, a wooden roller coaster, two-story carousel, splash area to cool you off and last but definitely not least take a ride on the Boardwalk Beast. Experience an incredible 25 minute thrill ride on Galveston Bay while cruising at speeds up to 40 mph.

Typhoon Texas in Katy, Texas

Typhoon Texas in Katy proves everything is bigger in Texas. It is a State of the art thrilling water park full of fun for all ages. This is great for summer time fun and relief from the Texas sun, where you and your family can cool off with exciting water slides or relax in the lazy river. 

Shopping in and around Houston

The Houston Galleria

Spanning 2.4 million square feet of shopping fun and housing 400 stores and many restaurants puts the Houston Galleria on the top of any shoppers dream. There are many amenities, including a full-size ice rink, a state of the art children’s play area, more than seven beauty salons and much more to serve in any shoppers delight. 

Houston Premium Outlets

Houston Premium outlets offers 145 designer and name-brand outlet stores. Enjoy upscale outlet shopping at a wide range of retailers with 25 to 65 percent off every day. Offering outdoor courtyards and covered walkways allow you to enjoy your shopping experience rain or shine.  

So whether you’re looking for indoor or outdoor family activities this summer Houston has you covered! So get up, get out and enjoy our beautiful city and what it has to offer.