Summer in Houston is bursting with exciting opportunities for kids and families to grow, learn and play. Whether your child loves art, sports, science, or simply wants to splash in the water, there’s something for everyone. We’ve rounded up some of the best summer activities, camps and local spots to help you make the most of Summer 2025.
Summer Camps
Houston Parks Summer Enrichment
Affordable, city-run day camps with sports, swimming and games.
Visit houstontx.gov/parks/summerenrichment.html
YMCA Summer Camps
Day and specialty camps across Houston focusing on sports, arts and character building.
Visit https://ymcahouston.org/programs/childcare-and-camps/summer-camp
Houston Museum of Natural Science Camps
STEM camps covering dinosaurs, space and science fun.
Visit hmns.org/education/summer-camp
The Ensemble Theatre Young Performers Program
A six-week youth theater camp ending with a live performance.
Visit ensemblehouston.com/young-performers-program
iD Tech Camps, Rice University
Hands-on robotics, coding and game development for tech-loving kids.
Visit idtech.com
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Summer Camp
Children ages 4–12 can enjoy week-long nature camps packed with hands-on activities, guided hikes and wildlife encounters. Extended care options are available for busy families.
Visit houstonarboretum.og
Camp Zoofari at Houston Zoo
For kids ages 6–12, this interactive animal-themed camp offers behind-the-scenes experiences and fun learning about wildlife conservation. Houstonzoo.com
Houston Gymnastics Academy
Starting at age 3, kids can attend week-long gymnastics camps that include skills training, games and themed activities.
Family-friendly destinations
Galveston Beach & Pleasure Pier
Spend the day enjoying the sand or exploring amusement rides and boardwalk fun. Add fishing, golf, shopping, or live shows to the mix for a full family experience.
Visit galveston.com
Moody Gardens, Galveston
Explore the Aquarium Pyramid, the Discovery Museum, or catch a film at the MG 3D Theater. Don’t miss a cruise on the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat!
Visit moodygardens.com
Kemah Boardwalk
This coastal gem offers rides, dining, and a 35-acre carnival atmosphere, perfect for a day of thrills.
Visit kemahboardwalk.com
Crocodile Encounter, Angleton
See Nile crocodiles up close and learn what it’s like to care for the largest croc collection in the U.S.
Visit crocodileencounter.com
Space Center Houston
Kids can experience astronaut training, rocket building and space science activities. Book the exclusive Level Nine Tour for a behind-the-scenes NASA look.
Visit spacecenter.org
Entertainment & Arts
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Pack a picnic for free outdoor shows, including Thee Phantom & The Illharmonic Orchestra, an amazing combination of raw energy and passion of Hip-Hop, with the beautiful sounds of orchestral accompaniment. Visit milleroutdoortheatre.com
UpStage Theatre
Family-friendly and affordable community theater, with shows for all ages.
Visit upstagetheatre.org
The Ensemble
See world-class musical theater and enroll kids in youth workshops.
Visit EnsembleTheater.com
Houston Symphony at the Pavilion
Free outdoor concerts include Jaws-In Concert (June 7), Star-Spangled Salute (July 3) and Hocus Pocus Pops(October 12).
Visit woodlandscenter.org
Educational fun
Rienzi Summer Storytime Tours
Interactive art and literature activities every Wednesday for kids ages 3+, plus a garden picnic.
Visit mfah.org/visit/rienzi
Read with Pawsitive Pups at Levy Park
Kids practice reading to therapy dogs on the 2nd Sunday of each month.
Visit levyparkhouston.org
Discovery Center Nature Story Time
Wednesdays at 4 p.m. with live animals, crafts and nature walks.
Visit naturediscoverycenter.org
Houston Public Library Summer Reading Program
Visit neighborhood branches for storytimes, crafts and free reading challenges.
Visit houstonlibrary.org
Museums & Cultural Spots
Children’s Museum of Houston
Interactive bilingual exhibits and free family nights every Thursday.
Visit cmhouston.org
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Visit the butterfly center, planetarium, or permanent exhibits (free on Thursdays!).
Visit hmns.org
Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC)
Exhibits, film series and lectures celebrating Black history and art.
Visit hmaac.org
Project Row Houses
Explore local art and history in Houston’s historic Third Ward.
Visit projectrowhouses.org
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Preserving the stories of African American soldiers from the Revolutionary War to today.
Visit buffalosoldiermuseum.com
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
155 acres of walking trails, meadows and wetlands to explore.
Visit houstonarboretum.org
Splash into Water Fun
Wet ‘n’ Wild Splashtown
The area’s biggest waterpark, with thrill slides and a lazy river. Save money by visiting Mon–Fri.
Visit wetnwildsplashtown.com
Typhoon Texas, Katy
A state-of-the-art waterpark packed with slides, family zones and wave pools.
Visit typhoontexas.com
Schlitterbahn Galveston
Climate-controlled rivers and slides make this a year-round hit. Free parking and life jackets included.
Visit schlitterbahn.com/galveston
Recreation & Outdoor Play
Houston Parks & Recreation
With 370 parks, splash pads, and sports facilities, you’ll never run out of places to play.
Visit houstontx.gov/parks
Memorial Park
One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., offering golf, tennis, cycling and picnic areas.
Visit memorialparkconservancy.org
Discovery Green
Enjoy concerts, films, splash pads, and Thursday-night music events all summer.
Visit discoverygreen.com
