100 Fun Things To Do This Summer

 

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark is a family-owned, family-friendly park offering FREE parking, FREE tubes, FREE lifejackets, and allows guests to bring their own picnic lunches. Experience daring speed slides, endless rivers, uphill water coasters, waves for surfing, splashing and relaxing, plus kid-friendly water playgrounds. http://www.schlitterbahn.com/gal/



 

Join camp alumni, families and fans of the force in an exclusive Star Wars celebration at Space Center Houston. Meet and mingle with your favorite Star Wars characters from the 501st and Rebel Legion! Participate in authentic lightsaber training. Bootcampers will receive their own glowing lightsaber FREE with enrollment! It's one day only, Friday July 3 - so sign up today! Web site -- http://www.spacecenter.org/summerbash.html


 

Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardian’s of China’s First Emperor presents the largest display of terra cotta warriors and tomb artifacts ever to travel to the United States. Now until October 2009. http://www.hmns.org/


 

Dive into adventure just like the famous action explorer! Learn the survival skills of the wild and see real live snakes! Catch an adrenaline rush as you run and jump through the Temple of Doom Obstacle Course and put your physical limits to the test from high above the ground as you attempt to make it across the Indiana Jones Mayan Ropes Adventure! Don't miss out on this one-day only family fun event. http://www.spacecenter.org/summerbash.html



 

Every Thursday night there is a new band that covers a variety of music for everyone to enjoy. Come out and enjoy the view and sights at Kemah Boardwalk – now until August 27 from 6:30 pm – 10:10 pm.  www.kemahboardwalk.com  (281-334-9880)



 

Get out to the Houston Zoo for fun, food and bowling at this year's annual Bowling for Rhinos! Join Zoo Staff as they bowl the night away to raise funds to save this wonderful endangered species! The Houston Zoo is located at 1513 N Macgregor and their phone number is 713-284-8300. !  www.houstonzoo.com


 

 

Spice up the summer and explore the exhibit Dinosaurs Alive! Go on a journey back to see the prehistoric stomping ground and make your way through the Jurassic jungle amidst over 20 life-like animatronic dinosaurs that move and sound as they were truly alive!
www.moodygardens.com


 

8.  Visit the Children’s Museum of Houston.

There is something new to do everyday! Plan on checking out the museum any day of the week for a day full of fun and excitement! The Children's Museum of Houston is located at 1500 Binz in the Museum District and may be reached at 713.522.1138. Tuesday through Saturday:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday: noon to 5 p.m.  Mondays:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Admission is $7. http://www.cmhouston.org/


 

9.  Sign up for the Sea Safari camp at the Downtown Aquarium.

Experience underwater fun at the Downtown Aquarium. Explore different habitats on the planet and learn all about the animals in a hands on atmosphere with fun games, rides and more!  Located at 410 Bagby St. at Memorial Drive.  For details, call (713) 223-FISH (3474) or visit www.downtownaquarium.com


 

This 2,000-acre park in Clear Lake features an environmental trail system complete with educational materials on the forest, marsh, and prairie areas of the center.  Call 281-414-2551 for more info on the park.  Located at 5600 Bay Area Blvd in Clear Lake, Tx. http://www.abnc.org/  



 

Take a break from the heat and create your own itinerary from the hefty list of activities listed on www.mfah.org/chill for a personalized day of fun!



 

Discover Diamonds, one of the most comprehensive exhibits on this fascinating gem, the museum of Natural Science. Gaze at the rarest and most dazzling gems from collections throughout the world as the exhibit explores the human fascination with diamonds and provides an in-depth look at them as a natural substance. http://www.hmns.org/

 

Discover a whole new side of Houston in the underground Tunnel System and Trolley Tour this summer.  Don’t forget to stop in for some serious shopping in the underground mall, and grab a bite to eat at the food court. Call 713-222-9255 for more information.

14.  Go birding at the Houston Audubon Societies Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary.

Be sure to visit Bolivar Flats, a unique area combining salt marsh, mud flats and beach, each habitat quite different from the other. Every year hundreds of thousands of birds discover that Bolivar Flats is a special place. www.houstonaudubon.org

 

Cruise around town on Houston’s old-fashioned trolleys.  Tours start at 10 am and 1:30 pm every Tuesday and Thursday from the Visitors Center at 901 Bagby.   For more information call 713-222-9255.

 

Beat the heat this summer by gliding on the ice at the Aerodome @ Willowbrook in Houston.  Offering the finest in public skating, the rink offers skating lessons, hockey classes, camps, and private parties. The Aerodrome is located at 8220 Willow Place Drive North 77070. Call
281-84-SKATE for prices and skating schedule. 

 

Moody Gardens invites guests to dive into four oceans of the world.  Explore the complex beauty and seemingly endless species of marine life in the North Pacific, South pacific, South Atlantic and Caribbean at the Aquarium at Moody Gardens. And now check out the new Sharks in Depth exhibit! Large touch tanks and jewel tanks will in the vivid beauty of the ocean world and provide underwater classrooms and learning opportunities for people of all ages. www.moodygardens.com  For more information call (800) 582-4673

 

Experience the elegance and romance of the paddlewheel from a bygone era aboard the COLONEL, a triple deck sternwheeler. Her 750-passenger capacity makes her one of the largest paddle wheelers that has ever cruised the Houston area. Plush carpeting, elegant draperies, colorful lighting, and uniformed staff members guarantee that your cruise will be a special adventure.  Please visit http://www.galveston.com/colonel for tour schedules and prices. 

 

Hang ten at Houston’s biggest Water Park with over 50 water slides and attractions.  Located minutes north of downtown, be sure to keep cool this summer at the hottest place around.   Open daily.  General Admission: $29.99 per person. Splashtown Water Park
21300 IH 45 N. in Spring, TX.  Call (281) 355-3300 for more information.  

Explore the decks of this floating historic landmark.  Walk ELISSA’s decks and imagine the days when daring sailors challenged the world’s oceans. In the adjacent museum and theater, witness the story of ELISSA’s dramatic rescue from the scrap yard and her meticulous restoration.  Open daily 10am- 5pm.  Adults $7, Children $4.  http://www.tsm-elissa.org/elissa-main.htm

21.  Visit the George Ranch Historical Park and step back in time to experience more than 100 years of Texas history.

Get a blast from the past with living history demonstrations, take a historical house tour, and learn about ranching and lifestyles from 1830-1930 at the George Ranch Historical Park.  30 miles southwest of downtown Houston off Hwy. 59.  For more info go to http://www.georgeranch.org/ or call at 281-343-0218.

22.  Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and see a stunning, living exhibit that showcases hundreds of live butterflies in a naturalistic rainforest setting.

Housed in a three-story glass structured rain forest that is home to exotic live butterflies, insects and plants.  Butterflies flutter among — and occasionally land on — the visitors. During a typical visit, one can expect to see approximately 50 or so of the world’s largest and most colorful butterfly species.  Center is open daily.  Adult:  $8.00   Child:  $7   

23.  Explore the new Genghis Khan exhibit at The Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Discover the Spectacular innovation, the technological mastery, the engineering marvels, and the cultural sophistication of the world’s greatest conqueror – Genghis Khan – in this spectacular and uniquely interactive exhibition. http://www.hmns.org/

Sprint downtown to Houston’s one and only Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros.  Take a tour of the facilities during the afternoon, and then stick around for a night game to see Roy Oswalt strike out the bad guys!   www.astros.com  

Galveston Historical Foundation invites you to discover Galveston Island’s enchanting and stately heritage. The 30th anniversary GALVESTON HISTORIC HOMES TOUR is proud to showcase Galveston’s nationally acclaimed architectural heritage and the lives of the past and present occupants of these splendid homes.  Please visit http://www.galveston.com/historichomes/

The Center’s Discovery Rooms, open free of charge, are full of intriguing exhibits and hands-on activities that invite children and adults to explore, and have fun learning.  The Nature Discovery Center is located in Russ Pitman Park at 7112 Newcastle in Bellaire, just inside the West 610 Loop.  Open Tuesday through Sunday noon – 5:30 pm.  www.naturediscoverycenter.org

Spend the day at the world’s largest pari-mutuel greyhound racing complex.  Open Tuesday- Sunday, rain or shine.  For directions or more information, call 409-986-9500.  http://www.gulfgreyhound.com/

28.  Enjoy nature trail, bird watching, wildlife and forests at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. 

Calm your senses with a leisurely stroll through their 155-acre nature sanctuary with 5 miles of beautiful hiking.  Located just 4 miles west of Downtown Houston. (713-681-8433.) http://www.houstonarboretum.org/

29.  Check out your neighborhood library for story hours, arts and crafts and special visitors. 

Get bit by the book bug this summer!  There’s always something going on at your neighborhood library, from story hours to arts and crafts.  Stop by to get your kids their very own library card for stacks of summer reading!  Visit www.hpl.lib.tx.us to find the library closest to you.

30.  Take flight at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston, home to one of the finest collections of restored aircraft and aviation exhibits in the nation.

The Lone Star Flight Museum is an educational museum, dedicated to the men and women who developed aviation to the science it is today; and, to the memory and spirit of those who flew in the defense of our country and freedom throughout the world. Call (409) 740-7722  or visit www.lsfm.org for more details.

Explore a  “non-collecting” museum featuring rotating exhibits on contemporary art.  Always interactive and interesting!  Admission is free.  Located at 5216 Montrose, 713-284-8250.  www.cmah.org  

32.  Visit the Museum of Printing History and see how written communication has influenced the course of history.

Budding writers will find this tour of the history of the printed word absolutely fascinating, and admission is FREE for walk-in visitors.  1324 W Clay,  713-522-4652, www.printingmusuem.org

33.  Tour one of the world busiest ports aboard the Port of Houston Authorities’ public tour boat.

Get ready for an unforgettably spectacular waterborne tour of one of the busiest ports in the world aboard the Port of Houston Authority's public charter tour boat!  The M/V Sam Houston offers leisurely 90-minute round-trip cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Embarking from the port's Sam Houston Pavilion, visiting sightseers can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and operations at the port's Turning Basin Terminal. Reservations are required in advance at 713-670-2400.

Soft white sand and crystal-clear fresh water lagoons and waterfalls surrounded by lush, exotic landscaping. Relax in the soothing waters of Texas-sized spas, ride the paddleboats or enjoy a game of volleyball on our regulation white sand volleyball courts.  Open daily during the summer 9am-6pm. http://moodygardens.org/seasonal_fun/palm_beach/

35.  Tour the Battleship Texas.

The TEXAS is the last of the battleships, patterned after HMS Dreadnought, that participated in World War I and II.   When the USS TEXAS was commissioned on March 12, 1914, she was the most powerful weapon in the world.  The Battleship TEXAS became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. 3523 Battleground Road, LaPorte TX 77571, 281-479-2431. Admission is $10. http://www.usstexasbb35.com/

Look out over Houston’s famous skyline on the Ferris Wheel at the new Downtown Aquarium, and don’t forget to stop inside for an amazing dining experience.    Located at 410 Bagby St. at Memorial Drive.  For details, call (713) 223-FISH (3474) or visit www.downtownaquarium.com

This wacky museum highlighting custom made cars with crazy themes is a must-see for anyone visiting the nation’s Art Car Capital of the World.  Race over to the Heights and pick out your favorite car!  140 Heights Blvd, 713-861-5526. http://www.artcarmuseum.com/

38.  Enjoy a family picnic at one of Houston’s parks.

Pack a picnic lunch and head out to one of Houston’s 314 beautiful parks.  Stroll amongst the trees or watch the kids play on the swing set.  Either way, it’s sure to be a wonderful summer afternoon.  To find a park near you, visit http://www.ci.houston.tx.us/pr/

39.  Enjoy modern art at the Menil Collection.

Visit the striking collection of modern art assembled by John and Dominique de Menil.  The permanent exhibits range from prehistoric art to modern times, including surrealism and tribal art, and while the hushed environment is best suited for older children and adults, the beautiful surrounding park and Rothko chapel are ideal spots for summer picnics and playing.    Free to the public. www.menil.org  

Enjoy dinner and a movie at the MFAH and receive a special discount. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday film night, purchase your movie tickets at the box office starting at 5:30 p.m. and receive a voucher for 10% off an individual meal that weekend at the museum location of Cafe Express. www.mfah.org  (713-639-7300)

 

 

Wild Wink overnights offers those 7 and older, a unique opportunity to spend the night at the Houston Zoo. Fee includes interactive activities, touchable animals, dinner, continental breakfast and admission to the Zoo after the program is over on the second day. Members $70 per person
Non-members $80 per person. 1513 N Macgregor, 713-284-8300. www.houstonzoo.com

 

43.  Visit the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. 

Check out a free exhibit of contemporary crafts, gifts, classes, and other events at the Houston Center for Contemporary Crafts.  www.Crafthouston.org  4848 Main Street, 713-529-4848 

44.  Visit the San Jacinto Monument and Museum, on the spot where Texas won its independence.

The famous Battle of San Jacinto that brought Texas its independence was fought on this site. The primary purpose of the 1,200-acre site is to commemorate the Battle and to preserve the Battleground on which Texan troops under General Sam Houston defeated the Mexican Army led by General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna on April 21, 1836. 3523 Battleground Road, La Porte TX 77571, 281-479-2431. Admission is FREE. http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/

45.  Explore the medical marvels of the body at the Museum of Health and Medical Science.

Test your knowledge at this hands-on museum for visitors of all ages.   You can even take a walk through the human body!  Conveniently located in the Museum District in Houston, this is an educational adventure for all.  1515 Herman Drive 713-521-1515.  http://www.mhms.org/

Take a day trip to Bear Creek Park and enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.  3535 War Memorial Dr.
Hours: 7:00 am until 10:00 pm.  Must call (281) 496-2177 to reserve a Pavilion. http://www.co.harris.tx.us/Pct3/parks/bearcreekpioneers.aspx

 

Visit the only place in the world where you can personally experience the thrill of launching into space like a real astronaut. It's not just a movie; it's the thrill of personally feeling the launch into space -- from the rocket boosters to the billowing exhaust. What have visitors said about their trips? "It's like IMAX in 10D!" www.spacecenter.org/BlastOffTheater.html

Bayou Bend, the magnificent home of Miss Ima Hogg, is the extraordinary legacy of a remarkable woman. Best known for her superb collection of American decorative arts, Miss Hogg was also largely responsible for Bayou Bend's innovative architecture and breathtaking gardens.   Located at 1 Westcott Street in Houston.   For information call
713-639-7750. http://www.mfah.org/bayoubend/home.asp?par1=1&par2=1&par3=1&par4=1&par5=1&par6=1&par7=&currentPage=

Explore Galveston County’s rich heritage and delight in the sparkle of the lens from the historic South Jetty Lighthouse.  Immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the first inhabitants of Galveston County.  Open daily at 2219 Market Street In Galveston, TX.  (409)766-2340  FREE Admission

The Houston Fire Museum, nestled in the heart of Midtown, at 2403 Milam Street, is one of the most significant organizations in the city of Houston.  Founded in 1982, the Houston Fire Museum was established to educate the public about the importance of fire and life safety and to pay tribute to the professional and volunteer firefighters.  The Houston Fire Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Admission is $3.00 for adults and $2.00 for kids, students and seniors. Visit http://www.houstonfiremuseum.org/ for more information.

51.  Visit the George Observatory in Brazos Bend State Park to check out the sky with their telescopes.

The drive out to Brazos Bend State Park is worth the effort just to check out the heavens on the gigantic 36-inch research telescope, but be sure to call for reservations ahead of time.  21901 FM 762 in Needville TX.  409-553-3400. http://www.hmns.org/see_do/george_observatory.asp

The world’s first domed stadium, Reliant Park is known for “the 8^th Wonder of the World.”  It is now home to the Houston Texans, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, and many other special events.  Tours given daily.  Call to schedule at 713-799-9500.  Located at 8400 Kirby at Loop 610. www.reliantpark.com

Located in the Northern part of the city and reminiscent of East Texas’ Big Thicket, this arboretum features a resource library and public meeting space.  Located at 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, north of FM 1960.  Call 281-443-8731 for info. http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/

Check out this crazy private residence in the Heights, completely covered in beer cans and dangling pull tabs. http://www.hottowncoolcity.org/view/site/detail/168/

Located just 10 minutes from the Astrodome, The 20 acre Reef offers fun for the whole family. With swimming, scuba diving, fishing, sunbathing, picnicking, and BBQ-ing there will never be a dull moment.   Call 281-597-2970 for more information. http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/texas-swamp-divers/7081-scuba-park-reef-houston.html  

 

 

How People Make Things tells the story by linking familiar childhood objects to a process of manufacturing that combines people, ideas, and technology! This “hands-on” factory is great for children who like to have fun while learning! 713-522-1138. http://www.cmhouston.org/

This outdoor 3,000 square foot monument is maze like in design and includes an oasis, a wishing well, a pond, a stage, a museum, a gift shop, and several upper decks.  Programs including hands-on workshops, music, storytelling, and performance for both children and adults.  Stop by to pay homage to - what else - the orange!  2402 Munger Street, 713-926-6368.  Admission: Adults $1.  Children under 12 free. www.orangeshow.org

 

A wonderful place for any out of town guest or even a native Houstonian who loves nature, Brazos Bend State park offers numerous trails for hiking, camping, and fishing.  Perfect for a day trip or a weekend of fun!  Located one hour SW of Houston .  Call for camping reservations at 512-389-8900. http://www.brazosbend.org/

59.  Get a great view of the sky at The George Observatory.

The George Observatory is open for public viewing on Saturday evenings, and is available by reservation on Friday nights for groups of 30 or more. The Observatory houses a Challenger Learning Center for Space Science Education, which takes participants on simulated space missions, complete with a mission control center and a spacecraft simulator. http://www.challenger.org/

Exotic but friendly animals flock to visitors on the open-air tram at this  86-acre park.  Come meet Ralph the Giraffe, Tony the Llama, Sebastian the Camel, and Suzanne Sommers the White Elk.  Open daily 10am- 4:00pm.  http://www.bayouwildlifepark.com/ 281-337-6376.

You can’t catch catfish any fresher than at the Fishing Hole in Tomball!  10,000 to 15,000 lbs of fish are delivered to fill these huge ponds.  You buy what you catch.  Open Wednesday through Sunday 8 am – 6pm. http://www.tomballfishinghole.com/ 713.557.4860.

Pull on your jeans and head out to Moorhead’s BlueBerry Farm in Conroe.  15 Acres of blueberries, ripe for both picking and eating!  You might want to leave early so you can get in a few hours of picking before the sun comes out.  Located at 19531 Moorhead Road in Conroe.  Open daily sunrise to sunset.  Call 281-572-1265. http://www.moorheadsblueberryfarm.com/

63.  Learn about the South at the Museum of Southern History in Sugar Land

Visitors can peruse cases and dioramas, viewing clothing, fine furnishings, uniforms, tools, and weapons that help convey a sense of who settled the region and how they altered their world to make it a prosperous area, and developed their unique social values. Call 281.269.7171 or visit http://www.museumofsouthernhistory.org for details.  Located at 14080 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX, USA

Y’all come out to the Oil Ranch and become a cowpoke for the day.  There are tons of fun activities for kids of all ages including pony rides, petting zoos, cow milking, hayrides, and swimming.  Call for reservations during the summer.  281-859-1616. http://www.oilranch.com/

Forbidden Gardens is a fascinating outdoor museum replicating some of China's major historic scenes. Guided tours take you back to the third century BC to view the first Emperor's amazing 6,000-piece terra-cotta army replicated in 1/3 scale. The tour continues to the intricately detailed miniatures of the famous Forbidden City in Beijing that served as palaces for nearly 500 years of Imperial rule. Come and experience the mystery and magic of Imperial China.  Open Friday- Sunday only.  Please call 281-347-8000 before visiting.  Adults $10, Students, $5. http://www.forbidden-gardens.com/

 

The museum features three floors of models and interactive displays illustrating the story of offshore oil and gas from seismic technology to exploration and production. Following a leisurely tour inside the museum, visitors can take the skywalk out onto the drill floor of the rig, or visit the exhibits on the pipe deck from the first floor of the museum. Open daily 10am-6pm.  Adults $8, Students $5.  409-766-STAR http://www.oceanstaroec.com/

Visit this non –profit education and research facility dedicated to the study of marine weather, weather safety, and general meteorology.  The Weather Museum, Weather Camp, and tours are current projects.  http://www.wxresearch.com/wrc.htm

68.  Tour the Heritage Society Museum of Texas History in Sam Houston Park

Nestled below great skyscrapers are some of Houston’s oldest structures: historical homes, restored and furnished in the fashion of their day.   Open daily from 10am-4pm.  Tours begin every hour. 1100 Bagby,  713-655-1912. http://www.heritagesociety.org/

Check out Kemah’s Stingray Reef where you can touch and feed live stingrays! Also, take a look at the new exhibits with piranhas, snakes, scorpions, tarantulas, turtles and tons more! www.kemahboardwalk.com

Get eye to eye with a prairie dog, see an eagle’s nest and watch a river otter play underwater at our Children’s Zoo.  Forty exhibits take visitors through the six ecosystems of Texas: the city, Gulf Coast, desert, forest, prairie and the farm. http://www.houstonzoo.org/McGovern/ 

Don’t miss the Greatest Show On Earth this summer.   The circus is coming to town July 15 - July 26 and will be held at Reliant Stadium.  To purchase tickets now call (713) 629-3700, or log onto www.ticketmaster.com. 

 

 

Fireworks will fly and tunes will fill the air at Houston’s star-spangled Fourth of July celebration, Freedom Over Texas with Fireworks Presented by Shell. This year’s event, saluting Houston’s military heroes and honoring the 40th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo XI Lunar Landing, will feature the largest land-based fireworks show in the nation, unbeatable entertainment and a lively outdoor festival. Texas-native Clay Walker will take the Freedom Stage at 8:00 p.m. to perform a selection of his chart-topping hits. When the concert comes to a close at 9:30 p.m., eyes will turn skyward for an extraordinary fireworks spectacular perfectly set to a selection of America’s favorite tunes, from patriotic songs to rock ‘n’ roll hits to classic bestsellers. For more information, call 832.393.0868.www.freedomovertexas.org or www.houstonspecialevents.org.

 

Two murders and a treasure of jewels lead to a blood oath and an uncanny mystery that the master detective must solve before more fall victim. Amid fog-shrouded London, Holmes and Watson confront danger and an ingenious villain intent on making a curse come true. This exotic and thrilling mystery driven by greed, deceit and murder is recommended for teens and adults. At the Alley Theater. For tickets or more information visit www.alleytheatre.org or call 713.220.5700.

 

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s international award-winning phenomenon directed by Harold Prince has woven its magical spell over standing room audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide. The Phantom of the Opera, the longest running show in Broadway history, now comes/returns to Houston to take your breath away. It’s a timeless story of seduction and despair and the one show The London Sunday Times called “God’s gift to the musical theatre.” For more information please visit www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/Houston

 

Houston’s only free writing workshop for young writers is taught by professional writers and educators from Writers in the Schools. Young minds at work! HPL Express (located at the back end of the Lake House Café) 832-393-1375. Saturday, Jul 4^th  @ 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

 

Enjoy watching over 50 sailboats in 5 different classes compete for prizes in exciting races around challenging courses.  Every Wednesday, April through October.  Free to the public.  For info call 281-334-4252. Bystanders are invited to vote on the public’s favorite award. For more information visit http://www.clearlakeracing.com/

 

Play the first few notes of the original Star Trek™ theme and fans immediately see the Starship Enterprise, zooming across space. In this concert, Associate Conductor Robert Franz and the Houston Symphony take the audience from that original television theme to music from this year’s film Star Trek™. Also featured will be music from other sci-fi favorites including 2001: A Space Odyssey and Battlestar Galactica. Call 713-238-1476 or visit our website at www.houstonsymphony.org

 

Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits! Come to the House of Blues and experience our popular Sunday Gospel Brunch, featuring inspiring gospel performances and an amazing buffet to feed the body and the soul. Replenish on Sunday at the House of Blues Gospel Brunch! Call the Box Office to purchase tickets or for more information (888) 402–5837. www.hob.com

 

Classic, hot rod, muscle, rat rod and special interest cars and trucks welcome. Featuring world-renowned hot rod and automotive designer/fabricator Chip Foose, the event's Grand Marshall. Spectators are $5, free to children under 12. http://pasadenacenter.com/

 

Come on! ¡Vámonos! Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer returns to the stage in DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! Everyone's favorite Latina heroine stars in her own live adventure in "Search for the City of Lost Toys." Dora, along with Boots, Swiper and all her friends, needs the help of the audience to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles to find her lost teddy bear. Come sing along and learn a little Spanish too! It's an exciting musical for the whole family! http://www.houstontx.gov/worthamcenter/index.htm

 

Hear David Allan Coe at the new House of Blues in Downtown Houston. Ticket prices range from $20-$40. Call the Box Office to purchase tickets or for more information (888) 402–5837. www.hob.com

 

Seafood lovers will love the specials and fresh Crawfish Boil & Zydeco music in the plaza! Now until August 27^th 6:30 – 10:15 pm. www.hob.com

 

Sing along with Jamie Foxx at Reliant Arena during his Fourth of July Tour. Concert starts at 8:00 pm. For ticketing information go to www.ticketmaster.com. http://www.reliantpark.com/ 

 

Traders Village in Houston opened in 1989 and covers more than 105 acres, with 1,000 dealers, every weekend. More than one million people browse, buy & trade in this open-air bargain hunters' paradise each year.  The Market is open Every Saturday & Sunday 7:00 a.m. - DuskThe line-up has been set for the annual Green Mountain Energy Summer Concert Series at Houston’s Traders Village.  Traders Village is located at 7979 N Eldridge Road.  For directions log on to www.tradersvillage.com

 

85.  Check out the Dog Show at Reliant Park July 16 – 19

Pick your own “Best in Show” at the Dog Show at North America's largest and most versatile campus of event venues, Reliant Park.  Reliant Park is located within the Inner Loop of the southern portion of Interstate Loop 610 between Kirby Street and Fannin Street.  Call 832.667.1400 for ticket information and directions.  www.reliantpark.com

 

Check out Disney Pop sensation, Demi Lovato at Reliant Arena. For ticket information log on to www.ticketmaster.com  

 

Join Matt Schaub and the rest of the Houston Texans as they brave the heat this summer and endure 5 weeks of grueling Football drills. The Houston Texans 2009 Season kicks off this summer as the Texans players report to the training facility at Reliant Park for training. www.houstontexans.com

 

Sing along with New Kids on the Block on July 18^th. The popular group as reunited again for a second tour through Houston. The Pavilion is located at 2005 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands, Texas.  For ticket information, call any Ticketmaster location, or log onto www.woodlandscenter.com .

 

July 17, 8:30 pm at the Miller Outdoor Theater. “Stayin’ Alive – A Nite of the Bee Gees” is the largest musical production in the world recreating the look and sound of the Bee Gees. This all Canadian cast from Toronto has been touring for the past seven years, from Disney World to Russia, bringing the music alive for fans throughout the world.

 

 

Don’t miss this great concert this summer at the Pavilion! For over three decades, Aerosmith have been one of rock's most revered and wildly popular bands, crafting timeless songs full of raw guitars and fiercely energetic vocals. www.ticketmaster.com

 

The Gold Cup™ is the biennial nation’s championship for North and Central America and the Caribbean, and is the confederation's premier event. The tournament features the best soccer players from the region, and between 1996- 2005 included guest teams from South America, Africa and Asia. July 9, 2009. www.ticketmaster.com

 

 

Before the football season starts, join the Texans Cheerleaders, TORO the mascot, Texans Ambassadors and the Bull Pen Pep Band for a spirited football kickoff! Everyone can enjoy the interactive games, win prizes and get autographs. Other activities and live entertainment as well. For more details visit www.kemahboardwalk.com

FlowWorksis an interactive exhibit, which requires kids to “dip” their hands into it to make it work!  Dive into the forces and properties of water through waves, vortices and rapids, exploring the fascinating concept of hydropower! http://www.cmhouston.org/flowworks/

94.  Free Family Movie Matinees

                  Jesse H. Jones Park features 300 acres of natural parkland with a variety of micro-habitats, including natural white sand beaches along Spring Creek, with large numbers of native species of flora and fauna. Over six miles of paved, all-weather, handicapped-accessible (and stroller-friendly) hiking trails are available. For an event schedule go to http://www.hcp4.net/jones/ or call 281.446.8588.

96. Check out the new exhibit “Literally Figurative” at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft now until July 3.

                  This exhibit focuses on the many aspects of the human figure as depicted by craft artists through works made from ceramic, fiber, glass, metal, wood or mixed media at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. For more information go to www.crafthouston.org or call 713/529-4848.

97. Go see the play, “You Can’t Take it with You” July 3 – August 30

                  A.D. Players, a non profit organization in Houston that puts on fabulous shows at several Houston Theaters. Alice seems to have escaped the mild insanity that presides over her family's eccentric household, and wants her new beau to get acquainted with her family in small doses. But, no one bargained for the hilarious ensuing eruption when his parents unexpectedly come to call. For ticketing information go to www.adplayers.org.

98. Go to Waugh Street Bridge for “Bats on the Bayou” July 10

                  Have you ever wondered how a bat sleeps? How much food a bat can eat in one hour? Or how a bat contributes to the ecosystem? Beginning at dusk, learn the answers to these questions as you board the Bayou Breeze Pontoon Boat and observe the emergence of approximately 250,000 bats from Waugh Street Bridge. The 90-minute guided tour featuring Houston's colony of Mexican Free-Tailed bats is guaranteed to be both mesmerizing and informative. Meet at Allen's Landing. For more information go to www.buffalobayou.org or call 713/752-0314.

99. Check out the “Hunter’s Extravaganza” at Reliant Center July 31 – August 2

                  Explore more than 100,000 square feet of gear, guides, outfitters and more. Includes the Lone Star Bow Hunters Association Your Archery Range, rock climbing wall and Kidfish Pond for kids. Meet the Outdoor Channel's Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, Pat Reeve and Nicole Jones, and James Kroll, PhD. Hours are 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 210/523-8500, www.ttha.com/

100. See George Strait in Concert August 8

                  Grammy award winning country music star and the Academy of Country Music's "Artist of the Decade" brings his 2009 tour to Reliant Stadium. Sugarland, Blake Shelton, and Julianne Hough will perform as opening acts. For ticketing information go to www.ticketmaster.com