7 Ideas for Summer Break to Use Your Time Wisely
Are you a young adult in Houston in need of ideas for summer break? Find seven ideas of how to explore our amazing city, Houston!
Houston, known for its rich cultural diversity, impressive culinary scene, and bountiful arts opportunities, offers some of its best activities during the summer months. As a young adult seeking thrilling and maybe even "Instagrammable" experiences, you'll find various options in this bustling Texan metropolis during summer vacation.
Houston has something for everyone, from exploring world-class museums and immersing yourself in nature to attending live concerts and indulging in mouthwatering cuisine. If you consider leaving Houston after high school, now is the time to soak it all in and explore your city!
Create a bucket list of things to do and places to see to make your summer memorable and full of adventure. Need help to figure out where to start? Read on to find some ideas for summer break!
Creative Ideas for Summer Break in Houston
Ready to get creative filling your summer with memorable experiences? Don’t worry about the warm weather. You can find the perfect time and have a lot of fun with the right summer activities. Take a look at our guide to help you get out and see everything our city has to offer!
1. Explore the Museum District
Houston's Museum District is a haven for art enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious minds alike. The district boasts 19 museums, including The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Spend your summer days immersed in art, science, and culture as you wander through the various exhibits, collections, and galleries.
Plan your day around museums that are close to each other. Some might take up multiple hours, while others might only interest you briefly. Check out each museum's website for special ticket prices for students or young adults. Additionally, the district hosts events such as outdoor movie screenings and live performances, providing a unique blend of entertainment and education.
Consider using a bike share like Houston BCycle to hop from museum to museum to save on gas, parking, and time! You can find many BCycle stations near Houston museums.
2. Embrace Nature at a Houston Park
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by immersing yourself in an oasis of one of Houston's parks! Most local parks offer a variety of outdoor activities. Rent a bike or kayak to explore the park's trails and waterways, or take a stroll while enjoying scenic skyline views.
Look online to see what parks host free yoga and fitness classes, making it an ideal spot for rejuvenation and relaxation amidst nature. Some top parks to visit, spanning all walks of the city, include:
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- Memorial Park
- Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
- Discovery Green
- McGovern Centennial Gardens
- Terry Hershey Park
- Levy Park
- Eleanor Tinsley Park
- Johnny Steele Dog Park
3. Experience Houston's Culinary Delights
Houston is a culinary mecca, boasting a diverse range of restaurants, food trucks, and eateries. The city offers a delightful gastronomic adventure from Tex-Mex and barbecue to international cuisines. Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Montrose and Midtown, known for their eclectic dining scenes. Taste authentic Vietnamese pho, savor mouthwatering tacos, or indulge in succulent Texas-style barbecue.
Many current and alumnae students of St. Agnes Academy can attest to the incredible flavors found in Houston's Asia Town. If you are too busy during the school year to explore what is in this school's backyard, take the summer to research and try new foods found on Bellaire Boulevard!
Houston's food festivals, such as the Houston Restaurant Weeks (beginning August 1), also provide excellent opportunities to sample a wide array of dishes from the city's top chefs and restaurants while giving back to the community.
4. Enjoy Outdoor Concerts and Festivals
Houston comes alive with various outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer. Take a trip to a nearby venue to experience the thrill of community gatherings.
- Experience the energy of live music at the White Oak Music Hall.
- Catch a show at the iconic Miller Outdoor Theatre, where performances range from classical ballet to contemporary theater.
- Grab some friends and pack a picnic. (Don’t forget the ice cream!)
- The hill at Miller Outdoor Theatre is perfect for a summer picnic. Look online to see if you can make it to a performance that concludes with fireworks!
The city also hosts renowned music festivals, including the Free Press Summer Fest and the Houston Jazz Festival, which bring together local and international artists for unforgettable experiences. Groove to the beats of your favorite musicians and embrace the lively atmosphere of Houston's summer music scene.
5. Visit Space Center Houston
Did you take a field trip to Space Center Houston as a child? Now is your time to explore Space Center Houston again as a young adult! Houston has a deep connection to space exploration, and a visit to the Space Center Houston is a must for any space enthusiast.
Discover the universe's wonders through interactive exhibits, astronaut training simulations, and behind-the-scenes tours. Experience the thrill of walking through a replica of the International Space Station, or witness authentic artifacts from space missions.
The Space Center also offers the opportunity to meet astronauts and hear their captivating stories. Whether you're an aspiring astronaut or curious about space, the Space Center Houston promises an out-of-this-world adventure.
6. Explore the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is a fantastic destination for animal lovers in Hermann Park. Home to over 6,000 animals from around the world, the zoo offers an immersive experience.
As you explore the various exhibits, you have the opportunity to encounter majestic lions, playful primates, and graceful giraffes. Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures during interactive animal encounters, or enjoy educational presentations and feeding sessions.
The zoo also hosts special events like evening safaris and zoo campouts, adding excitement to your visit. Embark on a wildlife adventure at the Houston Zoo and create lasting memories.
7. Attend a Performance from Houston's Performing Arts
While many companies are on holiday during the summer, plenty of traveling performances make their way into Houston. As such a large metropolis, Houston is blessed with some of the top shows on tour nationwide. Ticket prices vary for each performance, date, and time so look online to see what suits you best. Some performing arts organizations to explore include:
- Houston Symphony
- Houston Ballet
- Houston Grand Opera
- Stages
- Theatre Under the Stars
- The Hobby Center for Performing Arts
Explore Your City this Summer!
Whether you visit the above attractions as eight or 18, there is always time to explore your city. Houston provides an exhilarating summer experience for young adults, offering diverse activities that cater to various interests.
From immersing yourself in the cultural treasures of the Museum District to exploring the city's culinary delights and embracing nature at Buffalo Bayou Park, there is something for everyone in this dynamic Texan metropolis.
Many high school clubs or affinity groups direct students to public events in the school's city. For example, St. Agnes's Middle Eastern Club might gather a group at the Greek Festival, or Campus Ministry might tour various temples or churches in Houston.
Whether you're seeking educational enrichment, thrilling adventures, or a good time, Houston's vibrant art scene, culinary landscape, live music, and performing arts ensure an unforgettable summer filled with exploration and excitement. Embrace the possibilities and create lasting memories in the captivating city of Houston.
Before leaving town for college, please take advantage of all Houston has to offer. We're sure you will be grateful you took advantage of our ideas for summer break!
