99 Fun Things Kids Can Do During the Summer in Houston

Summer is a time for kids to enjoy the sunshine, explore new adventures, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, learning opportunities, or family-friendly fun, Houston offers a wide range of options for kids of all ages. From exploring nature trails and visiting museums to hosting game nights and attending summer camps, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are 99 fun things kids can do during the summer in Houston:

Outdoor Adventures

1. Visit the Houston Zoo: Explore the zoo and see a variety of animals from around the world.
2. Go to the Beach: Spend a day at the beach, swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying the sun.
3. Visit a Water Park: Cool off at a water park and enjoy slides and pools.
4. Go Camping: Experience the outdoors with a camping trip.
5. Visit a State Park: Explore nature trails, go hiking, and have a picnic at a state park.
6. Go Fishing: Spend a day fishing at a local pond or lake.
7. Go Bird Watching: Explore nature and observe different bird species.
8. Visit a Farmers Market: Check out local farmers markets and learn about fresh produce.
9. Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors.
10. Host a DIY Craft Party: Get creative with friends and make crafts together.

Fun and Games

11. Have a Movie Marathon: Watch your favorite movies or have a themed movie marathon with friends.
12. Host a Game Night: Invite friends over for board games, card games, or video games.
13. Visit an Amusement Park: Spend a day riding roller coasters and enjoying theme park attractions. Consider visiting Moody Gardens in Galveston for a unique theme park experience.
14. Have a DIY Spa Day: Create your own spa day at home with facials, manicures, and massages.
15. Host a Talent Show: Showcase your talents or put on a show with friends and family.
16. Have a Backyard Campout: Set up a tent in the backyard and have a camping adventure.
17. Host a BBQ: Invite friends and family over for a summer BBQ.
18. Have a Water Balloon Fight: Cool off with a fun water balloon fight.
19. Host a Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues and prizes.
20. Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal outdoors.
21. Host a DIY Craft Party: Get creative with friends and make crafts together.
22. Play Capture the Flag: Organize a game of capture the flag with friends.
23. Have a Karaoke Night: Sing your favorite songs with friends and family. Consider venues like Be More Pacific and Axelrad for karaoke for kids.
24. Host a Sports Tournament: Organize a tournament for sports like soccer, basketball, or volleyball.
25. Play Outdoor Games: Play games like tag, hide and seek, or kickball outdoors.

Learning and Skill Development

26. Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to cook a new dish or improve cooking skills. Consider joining Danjoy’s Homemade Summer Camps for their Pasta Summer Camps or Paella Parties.
27. Learn a New Language: Start learning a new language with online resources or apps. Consider local business Spoken Learning for kids to learn Spanish this summer.
28. Learn a Musical Instrument: Start learning to play a musical instrument like the piano, guitar, or drums. Try Music Fun Studio and Alecia Stringer for piano lessons, starting with basic chords, scales, and exercises.
29. Take a Coding Class: Learn the basics of coding and create your own programs.
30. Learn Basic First Aid: Learn basic first aid skills like CPR and how to treat minor injuries.
31. Take a Gardening Class: Learn how to plant and maintain a garden.
32. Learn to Sew: Learn basic sewing skills and create your own projects.
33. Take a Dance Class: Learn a new dance style like ballet, hip hop, or salsa.
34. Learn to Swim: Take swimming lessons to learn how to swim or improve swimming skills.
35. Take a Creative Writing Class: Improve writing skills and learn how to write stories.
36. Learn to Skateboard: Learn how to skateboard and practice tricks at a local skate park.
37. Take a Martial Arts Class: Learn self-defense and discipline through martial arts classes.
38. Learn to Paint: Take a painting class and learn different painting techniques.
39. Learn to Knit or Crochet: Learn how to knit or crochet and create your own projects.
40. Take a Pottery Class: Learn how to make pottery and create your own clay creations.
41. Attend a Cookie Decorating Class: Learn how to decorate cookies creatively. Consider local cookie artists such as Sugarberry Cookie Shoppe, Sweet Occasions Cookie Co, Gimme Some Sugar Cookies, or Cookie Gram TX.

Family Fun

42. Have a Family Game Night: Play board games or card games with the whole family.
43. Visit a Theme Park: Spend a day at a nearby theme park enjoying rides and attractions.
44. Go on a Family Road Trip: Take a road trip to a nearby destination and explore new places.
45. Have a Movie Marathon: Watch movies together as a family and enjoy some popcorn.
46. Go on a Nature Hike: Explore nature trails and enjoy the outdoors as a family.
47. Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal together in the park.
48. Visit a Museum: Explore a museum together and learn something new.
49. Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt and search for items together as a family.

Nature and Wildlife

50. Visit the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: Explore the trails and learn about native plants and wildlife.
51. Explore the Houston Botanic Garden: Visit the different gardens and learn about plant species from around the world.
52. Visit the Houston Audubon Society: Learn about birds and birdwatch at local birding spots.

Hiking and Nature Trails

53. Explore Peach Creek Trail: Located 33 miles from Houston in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, offering scenic views and a peaceful hiking experience.
54. Hike Karankawa Trail: Located at Armand Bayou Nature Center, 26 miles from Houston, immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.
55. Hike Mercer Arboretum Loop: Discover the beauty of Mercer Arboretum Loop, located 25 miles from Houston, and enjoy a peaceful walk among the trees and gardens.

Museums and Cultural Centers

56. Visit the Children’s Museum of Houston: Explore interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages.
57. Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science: Features exhibits on dinosaurs, gems and minerals, and more, as well as a butterfly center and planetarium.
58. Visit The Health Museum: Offers interactive exhibits and programs that promote health and wellness.
59. Explore the Houston Museum of African American Culture: Focuses on the history and culture of African Americans through exhibits and programs.
60. Visit the Holocaust Museum Houston: Educates visitors about the Holocaust through exhibits and survivor testimonies.
61. Explore the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft: Showcases contemporary craft and offers workshops and programs for all ages.
62. Visit the Houston Center for Photography: Features exhibitions of photography and offers classes and workshops for photographers of all levels.
63. Explore The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Offers a variety of exhibitions

Family Fun

42. Have a Family Game Night: Play board games or card games with the whole family.
43. Visit a Theme Park: Spend a day at a nearby theme park enjoying rides and attractions.
44. Go on a Family Road Trip: Take a road trip to a nearby destination and explore new places.
45. Have a Movie Marathon: Watch movies together as a family and enjoy some popcorn.
46. Go on a Nature Hike: Explore nature trails and enjoy the outdoors as a family.
47. Have a Picnic in the Park: Pack a picnic and enjoy a meal together in the park.
48. Visit a Museum: Explore a museum together and learn something new.
49. Go on a Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt and search for items together as a family.

Nature and Wildlife

50. Visit the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: Explore the trails and learn about native plants and wildlife.
51. Explore the Houston Botanic Garden: Visit the different gardens and learn about plant species from around the world.
52. Visit the Houston Audubon Society: Learn about birds and birdwatch at local birding spots.

Hiking and Nature Trails

53. Explore Peach Creek Trail: Located 33 miles from Houston in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, offering scenic views and a peaceful hiking experience.
54. Hike Karankawa Trail: Located at Armand Bayou Nature Center, 26 miles from Houston, immerse yourself in nature and wildlife.
55. Hike Mercer Arboretum Loop: Discover the beauty of Mercer Arboretum Loop, located 25 miles from Houston, and enjoy a peaceful walk among the trees and gardens.

Museums and Cultural Centers

56. Visit the Children’s Museum of Houston: Explore interactive exhibits and activities for children of all ages.
57. Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science: Features exhibits on dinosaurs, gems and minerals, and more, as well as a butterfly center and planetarium.
58. Visit The Health Museum: Offers interactive exhibits and programs that promote health and wellness.
59. Explore the Houston Museum of African American Culture: Focuses on the history and culture of African Americans through exhibits and programs.
60. Visit the Holocaust Museum Houston: Educates visitors about the Holocaust through exhibits and survivor testimonies.
61. Explore the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft: Showcases contemporary craft and offers workshops and programs for all ages.
62. Visit the Houston Center for Photography: Features exhibitions of photography and offers classes and workshops for photographers of all levels.
63. Explore The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Offers a variety of exhibitions and programs for all ages, including family-friendly events and activities.

Fun and Games

64. Visit Urban Air Adventure Park: Enjoy trampolines, obstacle courses, and more at this indoor adventure park.
65. Play Mini Golf: Have a fun round of mini-golf at a local course.
66. Visit an Escape Room: Work together to solve puzzles and escape the room in a fun and challenging experience.
67. Go Bowling: Spend a day bowling with friends and family.
68. Visit a Trampoline Park: Bounce and jump to your heart’s content at a trampoline park.
69. Have a DIY Science Experiment Day: Conduct fun and educational science experiments at home.
70. Visit a Petting Zoo: Get up close and personal with animals at a local petting zoo.
71. Go Horseback Riding: Enjoy a horseback riding adventure at a nearby stable.
72. Visit a Waterfall: Explore a local waterfall and enjoy the beauty of nature.
73. Go Ziplining: Experience the thrill of ziplining at a nearby adventure park.
74. Have a Beach Day: Spend a day at the beach swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles.
75. Visit a Skate Park: Show off your skateboarding skills at a local skate park.
76. Have a DIY Tie-Dye Party: Create colorful tie-dye creations with friends and family.
77. Go to a Drive-In Movie: Watch a movie under the stars at a drive-in theater.
78. Visit a Science Museum: Explore interactive exhibits and learn about science at a science museum.
79. Go Roller Skating: Enjoy a day of roller skating at a local rink.
80. Visit a Wildlife Park: Learn about wildlife and conservation at a local wildlife park.
81. Go Go-Karting: Race against friends and family at a go-kart track.
82. Visit a Planetarium: Learn about space and astronomy at a planetarium.
83. Have a DIY Art Day: Get creative with art projects at home.
84. Visit a Local Farm: Learn about farming and agriculture at a local farm.
85. Go Indoor Rock Climbing: Challenge yourself with indoor rock climbing.
86. Have a DIY Movie Theater Night: Create a movie theater experience at home with popcorn and snacks.
87. Visit a Butterfly Garden: Explore a butterfly garden and see beautiful butterflies up close.
88. Go Bird Watching: Explore nature and observe different bird species.
89. Visit a Local Market: Check out a local market and support local vendors.
90. Have a DIY Sports Day: Play a variety of sports and games outdoors.
91. Go Geocaching: Try geocaching and search for hidden treasures in your area.
92. Visit a Historic Site: Learn about history by visiting a local historic site.
93. Have a DIY Music Concert: Put on a music concert at home with friends and family.
94. Visit a Science Center: Explore hands-on exhibits and learn about science at a science center.
95. Go Fruit Picking: Visit a local farm and pick fresh fruits.
96. Have a DIY Fashion Show: Create and model your own fashion designs.
97. Visit a Fire Station: Learn about firefighting and see a fire truck up close.
98. Go Stargazing: Spend a night under the stars and observe the night sky.
99. Have a DIY Summer Camp: Create your own summer camp with different themed days and activities.

Summer in Houston offers a multitude of opportunities for kids to have fun, learn, and explore. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, visiting museums, or trying new activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, make the most of the summer months and create lasting memories with these 99 fun things to do in Houston!