Ways to Escape the Houston Heat

With record-breaking heat this summer, it might seem impossible to find a way to cool off. Here are a few ideas on how you can still have fun this summer while escaping the heat!

Head to Galveston for a day trip

Driving down to Galveston might seem like a bit of a hassle, but with the ever-improving quality of its beachfront (and occasional glimpses of blue water recently) it’s worth the drive! Sterling Rosenthal, a recent Emery/Weiner grad and incoming freshman at the University of Texas, went on a day trip with his family to Galveston this summer. Rosenthal spent most of his time walking around, shopping, and enjoying the fresh air. During their day trip, the Rosenthal family walked along Seawall Boulevard, enjoyed the view of the gulf from the historic Murdoch's Bathhouse, and had an excellent dinner at The Spot. If you’re looking for some cool sea breeze to alleviate the heat you might want to give Galveston a try!

Splash around in the pools

A staple of the summer season, going for a swim is an excellent way to cool off! See this list of pools to enjoy around Houston. Plus, see this Buzz Baby article for a listing of splash pads that can keep younger kids entertained and cooled off for hours.   

Seawall Boulevard at sunset. (Photo: Sterling Rosenthal)

Grab a refreshing snack

Sometimes the simplest solutions work the best. There are tons of places around Houston where you can pick up a refreshing snack to cool off. From ice cream to popsicles, or smoothies and slushies, there are a ton of options to keep you cool while outside! See this Chef’s Corner all about cool sweet treats for ideas!  

Watch a movie

As integral to the summer experience as spending the day poolside, going to the movies is a great way to get out of the sun. Not only do you get the opportunity to dive into the latest summer blockbusters, but you get to experience everything that comes with it! Refreshing concessions, comfortable seats and complimentary air conditioning! Incoming freshman at Babson University and Buzz resident Nick Wizig had one of his best summer experiences at the movies. When discussing the horror smash hit Hereditary Wizig was left extremely impressed by the film’s well-written dialogue and its tendency to scare through building dread rather than “jump scares.” Some newer releases you could go see include Mission Impossible- Fallout, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation!

You could also dive into the same level of escapism by watching a movie in the comfort of your own home. Netflix, Amazon Prime and HBO GO are equipped with a vast variety of classic films and new releases to keep you endlessly entertained without having to confront Houston’s trademark heat and humidity.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

An interesting, lesser-known Houston attraction, keep cool and explore the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, which details the exciting history of our city’s waterways. In addition, artist Carlos Cruz-Diez installed an enthralling installation down in the Cistern that is well worth a visit.  Buzz interns Abby Cohan and Jack Avedisian explored the exhibit; see their article for photos and details. 

Ice Skating

Another fun activity that one might not initially think of as a summer activity is ice skating at the Galleria. Spending a few hours cooling off on the ice will be sure to push the summer heat far out of your mind. Plus, once you’re finished you can spend a few hours shopping at the Galleria and forget all about Houston weather! Open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and 7:15-10 p.m.

Bowling

An often-forgotten indoor pastime that’d be perfect to escape the heat is bowling! With a group of friends or family a visit to Lucky Strike or Bowl & Barrel would be the perfect way to kill some time while also staying out of the sun. Lucky Strike’s hours range from 11 a.m.-12 a.m. from Sunday to Thursday, and from 11 a.m.- 2 a.m. on weekends. Bowl & Barrel in CityCentre is open the same hours, so make sure to find a time to bowl!

However you choose to spend your time for the remainder of the summer, make sure to drink a lot of water and stay safe!