It’s no secret that Houston is in the midst of a heat wave. The mercury is off the charts, with experts wondering how much hotter it will get in the city. The UV index appears extreme, humidity is in the upper 50%, and thunderstorms threaten to hit at any time… For your health (and sanity), staying indoors sounds like the move. Luckily you can still check things off your summer bucket list!
Here are 10 indoor experiences where you can enjoy the season away from the heat.
1. Unleash your inner space explorer
Houston is Space City for a reason! There’s no shortage of space-themed adventures in the area, but none come close to the immersive Space Explorers: THE INFINITE. Take in mind-blowing views of our planet and feel the immensity of the great ether through state-of-the-art technology.
It’s the first-ever spacewalk captured in virtual reality that transports you to the ISS, documenting the epic adventures of stationed astronauts. You’ll get to witness the launch of the Artemis rocket, experience Ryoji Ikeda’s audiovisual art installation and take in footage from the Emmy-Award winning series Space Explorers: The ISS Experience. The adventure awaits at the heart of air-conditioned Silver Street Studios. Grab your tickets!
Fourth of July promo:get up to 50% off on your tickets to Space Explorers: THE INFINITE through July 5!
2. Boost your creativity at a sip & paint workshop… in the dark
If creating a masterpiece is on your summer bucket list, you’ll love Neon Brush at Resurrection MCC! The sip-and-paint workshop takes place at the heart of the Metropolitan Community Church, splashed in bright neon hues. A drink in one hand, a brush in the other, and it’s time to unleash your inner artist. Neon Brush provides all equipment, and an artist will help you along the way, so no need for any previous experience or tools! Of course, once the evening is over, you can take your masterpiece home with you. The next workshop is on July 18 — Book your spot!
3. Educate yourself at the city’s many museums
The Museum of Fine Arts has various activations every month, like a showing of The Boy and the Heron from Studio Ghibli, Summer Nights at the MFAH that feature a cocktail and live music and a Shop Trunk fashion show highlighting the Kimono Zulu collection by Tina Zulu. It could also be the opportunity to (re)experience the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s permanent collection and planetarium!
4. Enjoy some ice cream
While most ice cream parlors solely focus on takeaway, there are some in Houston where you can enjoy the creamy delight indoors. milk + sugar offer plenty of creative flavors, specializing in hand-spun mix-ins. One of their star orders is the Butter Pecan Streusel, a mix of delicious home-made pecan streusel mixed with brown butter and brown sugar. Flower & Cream’s artisan ice cream parlor also offers seating, and they have lots of vegan options. Honey Roasted Strawberry, Creme Brulee, Raspberry Tres Leches… each flavor is as unique as the next!
5. Put life on pause at a spa
When life gets too hectic (or when the weather is unbearable), a spa is the perfect place to be. Houston lucked out with multiple spa locations, including the breathtaking Trellis Spa, one of Forbes Travel Guide approved spa programs. The 17,000 square feet Mediterranean-style retreat has all the curated treatments you could think of. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, milk + honey also offers quality services at the heart of a cozy atmosphere — for a fraction of the price.
6. Cool off at the pool
Spending a day at the pool is also in the cards for all budgets — and what better to cool off than to take a dip in the water? When it comes to indoor pools, you’ll find them at athletic clubs (Memorial Athletic Club has an indoor pool maintained with chlorine-based products and a UV purification system) and hotels. If you’re looking for a luxury experience, definitely check out Hilton Americas’ 75 ft. indoor pool with skyline views of the city.
7. Plan a date with that special someone
Whether you’re in the mood to visit the latest fancy restaurant or more of a coffee date type of person, the city’s got loads of indoor spots where you can get to know someone. You can also check out some of the best speakeasies in Houston if you’re looking for a more intimate experience or opt for an air-conditioned rooftop. Either way, it’s a great way to spend those heat-scorched days!
8. Watch a movie at one of Houston’s historical theaters
One of Houston’s oldest theaters is the River Oaks Theatre. Even now, its art-deco architecture and avant-garde film selection makes this spot the perfect place for cinephiles and curious attendees alike! The place had to close its doors after the pandemic, but in 2022, it was acquired by Star Cinema Grill who intend to preserve its legacy. Historically, drive-ins have also been a Houston obsession, and you can still check them out during the summer months (just make sure to turn on that A.C!)
9. Get your game on at an arcade bar
Arcade, go-karting, laser tag… if at least one of those isn’t on your summer bucket list, you’re missing out. Houston’s got plenty of barcades to choose from, including Cidercade where you can pay $10 for unlimited gaming or $15 for the entire month. Some of these arcade spots in the city even feature comic books, movie nights and video game tournaments as well as karaoke. Check out our list of action-packed arcade bars in Houston to pick your fighter!
10. Indulge in retail therapy
Strolling around the city can be exhausting once the heat takes over, but you can still get those steps in by doing some shopping in one of Houston’s malls. The sprawling Galleria has a ton of options, where you can also grab a drink or a bite to eat on top of polishing your summer wardrobe. And if you’re more of a foodie, why not stop by the POST food court and get all the options you could ever think of? A little plus: there’s a stunning view of the city from the rooftop.