FREE Activities to Stay Cool in Houston

 
The Sam Houston Boat Tour has indoor air-conditioned seating. Photo courtesy of the Sam Houston Boat Tour

1. Visit a Museum — For Free

Many of Houston’s major museums offer free admission during specific hours or days. Some are always free. It's a great way to keep kids engaged and learning while staying out of the heat. Tip: Check out our full list of free museums and their current hours.

2. Play Indoors

When it’s too hot for the playground, take advantage of Houston’s many free indoor play spaces. One must-visit spot is the Indoor Playground at The Woodlands Church — the largest indoor play structure in Texas. Yes, it’s completely free. Watch our visit video to see what it’s like.

3. Discover Nature Indoors

Nature centers like the Houston Arboretum and the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire have indoor discovery rooms with hands-on exhibits and educational displays. It’s a great way to explore nature without stepping outside.

4. Go to Storytime at the Library

Houston’s public libraries offer free storytimes for babies, toddlers, and older kids, along with crafts, STEM events, and other activities. Bonus: We’ve rounded up additional free storytimes happening around the city.

5. Explore the Downtown Tunnels

Houston has over six miles of underground tunnels in the downtown area. They’re open during weekday business hours and offer a fun, air-conditioned way to explore stores, restaurants, and the city’s unique underground layout. Check out our video exploring the tunnels here. 

6. Swim for Free

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department operates public swimming pools across the city, many of which are free during the summer. Bring your swimsuits and enjoy some splash time without the cost.

7. Visit the Beach

Galveston is just a short drive away and offers several beaches and pocket parks with free entry. Spend the day swimming, playing in the sand, or doing one of our other Top Things To Do in Galveston.

8. Cool Off at a Splash Pad

Splash pads are perfect for toddlers and young kids looking for water fun without the need for swimming. One of our top picks is Splash Cove, a new feature in Hermann Park that you can read about here, which features water-launching spires, interactive elements like dams and pumps, and a sandy play area for digging. We also have a list of splashpads all around the Houston area, so you don't have to go far to beat the heat. 

9. Volunteer as a Family

Kids as young as six can volunteer at the Houston Food Bank’s Portwall Warehouse. It’s a meaningful way to spend time together, give back to the community, and stay out of the heat. We’ve documented our experience to help you know what to expect.

10. Eat Out Where Kids Eat Free

Skip heating up the kitchen and head to a local restaurant offering free kids’ meals. Many places let kids eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée on specific days. We’ve put together a list to help you plan your next meal out without overspending.

 
Try a storytime at a local bookstore. Photo courtesy of the Blue Willow Bookshop 

Paid Venues to Beat the Heat in Houston

 
The Galleria offers summer ice skating lessons. Photo courtesy of Ice at the Galleria

1. Visit a Waterpark

Nothing says summer fun like a day at a waterpark. Houston’s waterparks offer something for everyone — from thrilling slides and wave pools to lazy rivers and splash zones for younger kids.
Check out our guide to the best waterparks in the Houston area.

2. Jump Around at a Trampoline Park

Need to burn off some serious energy? Trampoline parks are a great way for kids to bounce, flip, and play — all in refreshing air conditioning. We’ve rounded up the best trampoline parks around Houston that are worth jumping into.

3. Catch a Movie

The movie theater is a classic way to escape the heat. Many local theaters offer summer specials, like the Kids Summer Movie Series at Star Cinema Grill — with tickets starting at just $3.

4. Try a Ninja Gym

For something different, take the kids to a ninja gym. These indoor obstacle courses are great for building strength, confidence, and coordination — and they’re a ton of fun. We’ve put together a list of ninja gyms in the Houston area to check out.

5. Go Roller Skating

Roller rinks are cool in every sense of the word. One of our favorite spots is Skateworld Deer Park Roller Rink — a retro classic that’s absolutely worth the drive for a fun family outing. Skating is a great indoor activity that’s both nostalgic and active.

6. Let the Kids Play Indoors

Indoor play areas are a lifesaver during Houston summers. They’re designed for maximum kid fun and parent comfort — think padded climbing structures, toddler zones, on-site cafes, free Wi-Fi, and lounge seating. Browse our list of top indoor play spaces around town.

7. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream

The sweetest way to cool down? A trip to one of Houston’s many local ice cream shops. Whether you're into soft serve, rolled ice cream, or classic scoops, we’ve got a list of our favorite spots to try.

8. Visit a Museum (With A/C!)

Make a visit to Children’s Museum Houston or the Houston Museum of Natural Science part of your summer bucket list. Both are family favorites with plenty of interactive exhibits to keep kids engaged. We’ve also compiled a list of the best kid-friendly museums in the city for even more options.

9. Get a Hotel Day Pass

Want pool access without booking an overnight stay? Many local hotels and resorts offer day passes that let you enjoy their pools and amenities without the cost of a full stay. A great way to feel like you're on vacation — just for the day.

10. Use Our Summer Deals

From Meow Wolf Houston to Space Center Houston, we’ve gathered exclusive summer discounts on top attractions, waterparks, museums, and indoor play zones. Don’t miss these limited-time deals — they’re perfect for planning affordable summer fun.

Stay cool in Lone Star Flight Museum's air conditioned facility. Photo courtesy of the Lone Star Flight Museum.

 
Water parks are the ultimate way to stay cool in Houston. Photo courtesy of Coconut Bay at Hurricane Harbor