Summer Fun in North Houston & Beyond
Activities:
Galveston Island Getaway: Take a day trip to Galveston Island, just south of Houston. Enjoy the beach, explore the historic Strand district with its shops and restaurants, or visit Moody Gardens, a theme park with aquariums, rainforests, and more. It’s about an hour drive from Houston depending on traffic.
Splash into Summer at a Waterpark: Beat the heat at one of Houston’s many waterparks. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown boasts thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, while Typhoon Texas offers a similar mix of rides and relaxation. Both are within an hour’s drive of Houston.
Hit the Trails at George Bush Park: Immerse yourself in nature at George Bush Park, a sprawling park with over 7,800 acres of forests, lakes, and prairies. Hike or bike along the trails, go for a paddle on the lake, or visit the centerpiece of the park, the 183-foot San Jacinto Monument. This park is about 30 minutes from downtown Houston.
Cool off at the Houston Museum of Natural Science: Explore the wonders of science and nature at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the largest museums in the southern United States. See dinosaur skeletons, learn about ancient Egypt, or catch a show at the Burke Baker Planetarium. This museum is located right in the heart of Houston.
Catch a Concert or Show: Houston offers a vibrant live music scene. Catch a show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater, or see a Broadway musical at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Check out upcoming events to find something that interests you! These venues are located within Houston proper or very close by.
Parks:
Here are some great parks to visit within a 2-hour drive of Houston, Texas, perfect for a summer day trip:
Huntsville State Park: Located just north of Houston near Huntsville, this park offers a variety of activities for all ages. Hike or bike on over 20 miles of trails, go for a swim in the scenic Musick Pond, or rent a paddleboat and explore the lake. The park also has a historic gristmill and an interpretive center where you can learn about the area’s history.
Address: 500 Park Rd 40, Huntsville, TX 77340 www.thetexastrailhead.com
Cost: Entry fees vary depending on the day and type of vehicle. Check their website for current rates.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway: This park located about an hour and a half west of Houston is a popular spot for water recreation. Go fishing on the 11,400-acre reservoir, take a boat out for a cruise, or relax on the sandy beach. The park also has campsites, cabins, and a network of hiking and biking trails.
Address: 38 Park Rd 21, Somerville, TX 77873 www.thetexastrailhead.com
Lake Somerville State Park & Trailway, Texas
Cost: Entry fees vary depending on the day and type of vehicle. Check their website for current rates.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Stephen F. Austin State Park: Located about an hour west of Houston, this park is known for its beautiful scenery and historical significance. Hike or bike along the scenic trails that wind through the Lost Pines Forest, or visit the park’s historic gristmill and sawmill. The park also has a swimming pool, a playground, and a boat ramp.
Address: Park Rd 16, San Felipe, TX 77473
www.tshaonline.org
Stephen F. Austin State Park, Texas
Cost: Entry fees vary depending on the day and type of vehicle. Check their website for current rates.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Brazos Bend State Park: This park located about an hour southwest of Houston is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Hike or bike along the trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and prairies. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and birds.
Address: 21900 FM 762, Needville, TX 77461
www.visithoustontexas.com
Brazos Bend State Park, Texas
Cost: Entry fees vary depending on the day and type of vehicle. Check their website for current rates.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center: This park located about 45 minutes east of Houston is a great place to learn about the ecology of the Texas Gulf Coast. Hike or bike along the trails that wind through forests and wetlands, or visit the park’s environmental learning center to learn about the plants and animals that live in the area. The park also has a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Address: 14122 FM 1405, Houston, TX 77034
texashistory.unt.edu
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center, Texas
Cost: Entry fees vary depending on the day and type of vehicle. Check their website for current rates.
Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Waterin’ Holes:
Bear Branch Splash Pad & Pool
Address: 5200 Research Forest Dr., The Woodlands, Texas 77381
Description: Sprayground Hours: Open daily, March 1 until October 31
When the pool is closed, the sprayground is open to the public, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Please enter from the park side gates, pool pass is not required.
When the pool is open, the sprayground is open to the pool, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Please enter through the pool gates only, admission fees will apply.
https://thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/2
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown
Address: 21300 Interstate 45 N, Spring, Texas 77373
Description: With so many choices, where do you begin? Right here. Take a look at all the amazing things to do while at Hurricane Harbor Splashtown—from pulse-pounding speed slides to gentler options for tots. Catch a bite at one of our restaurants and don’t forget to pick up your souvenirs so you can remember the day!
https://www.sixflags.com/splashtown/things-to-do
Magnolia Unity Park Water Tower
Address: 19450 Unity Park Dr., Magnolia, Texas 77355
Description: Award-winning Unity Park in Magnolia offers an Amphitheatre, Skateboard Park, Volleyball & Tennis Courts, Horseshoe Pit, Walking Trails, Splash Pad, Kid-friendly playground equipment, picnic areas, and wetlands with wildlife. Have a party in the covered pavilions. Y’all come!
https://www.cityofmagnolia.com/parks/pages/unity-park
Candy Cane Park/CK Rec Center Pool & Splash Pad
Address: 1203 Candy Cane Lane, Conroe, Texas 77301
Description: Amenities at this park include playgrounds, picnic pavilions, tennis courts & Conroe Aquatic Center.
https://www.visitconroe.com/listing/candy-cane-park/483/
MORE:
Huntsville State Park: Located about an hour north of Houston, Huntsville State Park offers a designated swimming area at scenic Musick Pond. The park also boasts over 20 miles of trails for hiking or biking, making it a great place to spend a day outdoors.
Blue Lagoon: Located just outside of Huntsville, Texas, Blue Lagoon is a popular swimming hole with a unique feature: crystal clear blue water. The water is fed by natural springs, and the lagoon is surrounded by lush vegetation. There is an entrance fee to access this privately owned swimming hole.
Guadalupe River: A bit further out at about a 2.5-hour drive, the Guadalupe River is a popular tubing destination. Rent a tube and float down the scenic river, cool off on a hot summer day, and enjoy the beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery.
New Braunfels: Also located along the Guadalupe River, New Braunfels is a popular summer destination town. Here you can enjoy tubing, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming in the river. There are also a variety of shops, restaurants, and other attractions in town. New Braunfels is about a 2.5-hour drive from Houston.
Barton Creek Greenbelt (Austin): This popular spot is a bit further out at about a 3-hour drive, but it may be worth it for the unique and refreshing experience. Barton Creek Greenbelt is a series of natural pools along Barton Creek, perfect for swimming, wading, or sunbathing. Keep in mind that this spot can get crowded, especially on weekends.
Important note: Always be aware of risks and dangers when swimming in natural bodies of water. Check for currents, water depth, and any potential hazards before entering the water. Swimming in unfamiliar territory is best done with a buddy or group.