"Escape the Heat at Ice Inside Houston 's biggest shopping destination, the Galleria mall, you'll find an ice skating rink set beneath an impressive glass atrium. It's open seven days a week, year-round, and it's a great place to blow off some steam (and maybe even practice your triple lutz)."

"Have a Picnic at Menil Park This shaded park near the University of St. Thomas is right next to The Menil Collection. The park is very shaded and nestled between streets lined with classic 1920s bungalow houses. This place really captures Houston !"

"Runners flock to Memorial Park to run its 3-mile loop one, two, or five times. But there’s so much more to discover here, like30 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, a swimming pool, and facilities for tennis, softball, croquet, and volleyball. Cyclists will fall in love with the biking trails, which range from beginner to expert levels. Originally opened in 1924, the park, located in Houston’s Memorial neighborhood, spans 1,466 acres, making it one of the largest urban green spaces in the United States."

"Find a Sanctuary in the City at the Arboretum One of the locals' favorite sanctuaries in the city, this 155-acre non-profit urban oasis plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city. Check out the special evening events where you can sign up to spot owls, watch meteors, go for a night hike, or enjoy cheese and wine under the stars."

"Jog or Bike Along the Bayou There's a really cool jogging and biking trail that runs from River Oaks all the way to downtown along the Bayou. This is next to Eleanor Tinsley Park. Check it out for some nice views of the Houston skyline."

"See a Sunday Polo Tournament Put on your Ralph Lauren and enjoy a Sunday afternoon at the Houston Polo Club's 26-acre facility on the edge of Memorial Park. You can get tickets in advance online or at the gate."

"No matter how old you are, you’re bound to find something to do at Hermann Park, which is located near downtown Houston and is bustling with activity any time of day. Pack a picnic or rest a whileon awooden bench to watch the miniature train that chugs through the park. There's also the Japanese Garden, pedal-boat rentals, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The Miller Outdoor Theatre features a variety of shows, from Houston Symphony performances and concerts to plays and musicals, throughout the year. The Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are also located just a short walk away."

"Since opening to the public in April 2008, this 12-acre park has quickly become the heartbeat of downtown. Here you’ll find a playground, a man-made lake, a dog park, and the Grace Event Lawn, which frequently hosts events like yoga classes, concerts, movie screenings, art shows, and farmers' markets. The new adjacent Marriott Marquis Houston even features a lazy river in the shape of Texas! It may look familiar from TV: Discovery Green was one of the main event zones during 2017's Super Bowl LI."

"Visit the Kemah Boardwalk from Houston Kemah Boardwalk is a great day trip from Houston for groups and families. It takes about 45 minutes (20 miles) to drive there from downtown. You'll find amusement park-style entertainment, lots of restaurants and shops, and a seaside resort. It's a bit touristy, but excusable for an excursion to the Texas coast. Don't expect crystal blue water; this is the Gulf, after all. The boardwalk is also a short drive from the Johnson Space Center, so you could plan to do both in one outing. Photo via Flickr user roy.luck"