A Houston Mom’s Guide to July

Well, HELLO to July in Houston. There’s no doubt you’ve made your presence known, as my electricity bill can fully attest. We hope all of you are enjoying some downtime with your fam bams, perhaps some vacations, rainy movie days, and more. What I absolutely love about Houston is that even in these hot, hot, hot temps, the fun doesn’t stop. Take a look below at everything that’s happening around town this month, including our fully comprehensive guide to 4th of July Fun & Festivities. Cheers to celebrating around our great city and soaking up this last full month of summer fun. May your house be cool, your pool time plentiful, and both your adult/kiddo beverages overflowing!

A Houston Mom's Guide to July 2017 | Houston Moms Blog

July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th | 11am & 2pm :: The Wizard of Oz at Main Street Theater

There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. Travel down the yellow brick road with Dorothy and friends as she tries to find her way home. This musical production will reaffirm the life lessons of friendship, love, and courage. Buy your tickets here. {Please Note :: these performances are recommended for Kindergarten age and up; no children under 3, including babies are permitted in the theatre.}

July 1st | 8:30pm :: Symphony Summer Nights at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Presented by ExxonMobil and featuring Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, these family-friendly performances will delight the young and old alike. Free tickets are available on the day of the performance from 10am – 1pm for covered seating. The box office will re-open at 7:30pm for the remainder of the tickets, but open seating is always available on the hill.

July 1st – August 11th | Open until 8:30pm :: 2017 Cool Nights at the Houston Zoo

It may be steamy outside, but it’s COOL inside the Houston Zoo. 2017 Cool Nights returns this year with additional fun, family-friendly activities, and music, all of which is included with regular zoo admission. Save the date for July 7th and make a splash at the Zoo while learning all about their marine animals and how you can keep them and their ocean homes healthy. This night only, the Kathrine McGovern Water Play Park will stay open late! Plus, stay even later for a showing of the iconic movie Sandlot on their giant outdoor screen!

July 2nd | 1pm – 4pm :: Sunday Family Zone at Museum Fine Arts Houston

Come explore July’s theme of “The Basics of Balance: Exploring the Abstract in America” at MFAH with the entire family. Events are free with general admission and include activities, games, storytelling, and mini gallery tours. Mom Tip :: Children under 12 are always free and there is new underground parking available at 5101 Montrose.

Happy Independence Day, America!
July 4th :: Check out our comprehensive guide to Houston’s 4th of July Fireworks & Festivities here!

July 5th | 10 – 11:30am :: Kidtastic at the Square at Memorial City

Moms with kiddos ages 1 – 10, head out to the beautiful square located near Maggiano’s at Memorial City Mall for a morning of fun with Playworks. After their fun and interactive activities, hang around for balloon art and special appearances by Frolic and friends. Bonus, this event is FREE!

July 6th | 9am – 2pm :: Texas Bound at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center

Do your kids, ages 7 – 12, have what it takes to survive a journey to Texas? Find out on Thursday, July 6th for this fun, one day camp! Campers will have the opportunity to build a homestead and experience the hardships of earlier times through games, props, and activities. Registration is now open.

July 7th | 10 – 11am :: Children’s Story Hour

Bring your kiddos out to The Family Garden in the McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park for a special hour of storytelling. After the story, hang around for activities like coloring or planting a seed to take home.

July 7th | 5 – 10pm :: Taste of New Orleans

This epic event celebrating all things Crescent City was postponed due to inclement weather in June. But never fear, it will be here bigger and better than ever on July 7th with Big Freedia and DJ Jubilee rocking the house at Jones Plaza. Experience the food {can you say jambalaya and gumbo?!?}, music, art, and more. Get yo’ legs ready to dance and grab tickets here.

July 7th | 7 – 9pm :: Margarita Night at Cane Island – Katy

Check into the Summer of Fun with Cane Island, conveniently located off I-10 in Katy. Nothing screams summer more than margaritas and live Latin music, are we right? This completely free event is open to the public. While you’re at it, check out this stunning resort-style development with homes and amenities not to be believed.

July 8th {2pm & 7pm}; July 9th {3pm} :: Harlem Globetrotters

The Original Harlem Globetrotters dribble into the Houston Area for 3 games this summer! A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. New this season, the Globetrotters will debut basketball’s first 4-point line. The 4-point line will be located 30 feet from the basket – 6 feet, 3 inches beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point line. You won’t want your family to miss the world famous Harlem Globetrotters at NRG Arena on Saturday, July 8th at 2pm & 7pm and Berry Center on Sunday, July 9th at 3pm. Grab your tickets here!

July 8th – 29th | 10:30 – 11:30am :: Garbage Island at The Rec Room

Beat the heat with the coolest show in town! GARBAGE ISLAND is the only original live sketch comedy show in Houston for children ages 2 –6 {with plenty of laughs for Mom and Dad too!}. The all new 3rd installment opens on July 8th and will run every Saturday through July 29th, featuring some of the same characters from the original show finding themselves in even sillier garbage-themed scenarios, as well as new characters and new actors, engaging in earth-friendly, summer-themed fun! The show is more interactive than ever before, and kids in the audience will have a chance to be in the show! Tickets are $10 general admission for ages 2 and above. Each ticket comes with a free drink {mimosa, coffee, juicebox, soda}.

July 8th | Noon – 4pm :: FotoFun – Free Family Fun Day

Celebrate diversity with FotoFest! This year’s event will occur in Silver Street Studios during FotoFest’s exhibition refugee. FotoFun provides a day of crafts, dance / musical entertainment, and refreshments. Join them as they create, move, explore, and read with non-profit partner organizations such as Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Brazilian Arts Foundation, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees Houston, Young Audiences Houston, and others. All ages are welcome!

July 8th | 8 – 10pm :: Trolls at Discovery Green

Bank of America partners with Discovery Green for a showing of this hit movie from last summer. Admission is completely FREE. Snag a seat on the hill and don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets. Food, wine, and beer will be available for purchase from the Lake House.

July 11th, 18th, & 25th | 11:30am :: Hustletown Hoopers Live at Levy Park

Come out to this newly renovated and gorgeous park for a FREE hula hoop class led by the acclaimed Hustletown Hoopers. Your kiddos will be amazed at the artistry and great exercise this sport provides. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

July 14th | 10am – 8pm :: Dive-In Movie at Wet ‘n Wild Splash Town

Jet out to the second dive in movie of the season, Secret Life of Pets, at Wet ‘n Wild Splash Town. The movie will be projected over the wave pool so you can enjoy the flick while floating around with family and friends.

July 14th | 7:30pm :: Video Games Live with the Houston Symphony

This multimedia concert experience will return to the Houston Symphony for the fifth time this July at the acclaimed Jones Hall. A brand-new show, the entertaining spectacle will be led by guest conductor Emmanuel Fratianni. The concert will include live orchestral music, solo performers, and exclusive video footage on three giant screens with synchronized lighting and live action.

July 15th | 10am – 4pm :: Houstonia’s Summer Pop Up Shop

Ladies! You have parented your tails off this summer, and now it’s time to spoil yourselves a little bit. Head out to Silver Street for this one time occurrence. Sip, stroll, and shop a curated collection of boutiques and local vendors. Houstonia’s event staples including live music, food, and drinks will help keep you avid spenders entertained while you experience a proper retail therapy session.

July 15th | 11am – 6pm :: Meet Rocky from Paw Patrol

Who doesn’t love Rocky from Paw Patrol? For just this special day, he will move from Adventure Bay to the Tilt Studios at Katy Mills Mall and is ready to meet you! Appearances will be from 11am – Noon, 2 – 3pm, and 5 – 6pm. Bring your camera for this special and FREE photo op and greeting!

July 18th | 11am :: Freedom Train at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Produced by Express Children’s Theatre, enjoy this inspiring daytime performance chronicling a mother and son’s escape and journey to freedom along the Underground Railroad. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis, and no tickets are necessary for the daytime shows.

July 15th | 7:30 – 10pm :: The Music of Prince with the Houston Symphony

After all of these kid-friendly events, we agree that YOU need a date night. And what better way to celebrate your halfway point of summertime than with the music stylings of Prince? One of our most iconic artists will have his music brought to life with an exceptional night. Purple Rain, anyone? Let’s Go Crazy and party like it’s 1999. Tickets here!

July 19th – 23rd | {check website for times} :: Houston World Series of Dog Shows

Calling all dog enthusiasts! Known as one of the finest dog shows in the nation, you will not be disappointed with the breed judging, obstacle courses, flyball teams, and frisbee catching. Beyond the antics, learn from the masters regarding pet health, education, grooming, and more. Multiple ticket passes available here.

July 20th | 5 – 9pm :: 19th Street Third Thursdays Sip ‘n Social

Well, we always love 19th Street’s 3rd Thursdays, but this one in July is potentially our fave! In honor of the <ahem> scorching heat, it’s a good ole fashioned Ice Cream Social Night. Yum, yum! Stroll all of the eclectic shops {with a/c} while you indulge on a tasty, cool treat. Careful with those sugar highs, though. You may just bring home an extra treat or five.

June 20th | 6 – 9pm :: Blanket Bingo at Market Square Park

This park favorite is back and better than ever! Enjoy music, prizes, and of course, BINGO in the lovely downtown Market Square Park. Admission is $10 and includes one bingo packet, good for 9 games. Additional games may be purchased for $1. Proceeds benefit the Buffalo Bayou and Market Square Park partnership.

July 21st | 8 – 10pm :: Movie Night @ The Square at Memorial City – Beauty & the Beast

We all love the new version of Beauty and the Beast, but you just can’t beat the Disney classic on a big screen. Head out to The Square for a movie night with the fam bam under the stars. And we personally love that you can grab a great bite to eat beforehand from Maggiano’s or The Cheesecake Factory. Check out their event schedule all summer long as they feature all of your favorite flicks from the 90’s, including Jumanji {July 7th}, Space Jam {July 14th}, and Jurassic Park {July 28th}.

July 22nd | 1 – 9pm :: Houston Fajita Festival

Celebrate Mexican culture with the 2nd annual Houston Fajita Fest, including tons of delish fajitas, a beer and spirit garden with margaritas and Micheladas {yes, please!}, plus live entertainment for all ages. Cool off in the “Chill Zone” or watch your kids clamber about in “The Playground.” General admission tickets are $10 with kiddos ages 5 through 12 just $5. Snag your tickets here.

July 22nd | 7:30 – 9pm :: Lyrics and Lawn Games at Sugar Land Town Square

Kick it back old school with lawn games at the always festive Sugar Land Town Square. Think horseshoes and washers, y’all. What a great time to teach the young ones about games not involving electronics, right? Plus, Jupiter Restaurant will be on hand serving up beer and wine for just $5 a pop, with the Will Carter band in the background bringin’ the tunes.

July 30th | 7:30 – 10pm :: I Love the 90’s Tour

Are we seeing a theme, y’all? Everyone seems to be wanting to go back in time this summer. And we are totally game for this line up ::  TLC, Naughty By Nature, Blackstreet, Biz Markie, C&C Music Factory, and Snap will all make an appearance at NRG to wrap up our month. This is How We Do It, #amirightHtown? Hip, Hop Hooray here to grab your tickets, I Swear!


Looking for more summer fun? Don’t miss Your ULTIMATE Guide to Summer in Houston below!


Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them.  And if you know of any other events happening this month, include them in the comments to keep the list going!

Previous articleHow to Engage a Partially Present Co-Parent, Husband, or Spouse
Next articleThe One Thing I Wish Every Working Mom Had
Meagan Clanahan
Meagan is a Dallas native who has lived in the Katy area for over a decade. She kicked a soccer ball all the way to Louisiana to attend college at her family’s alma mater of LSU, where she promptly fell in love with a Texas Aggie in Baton Rouge for an internship. After swimming back to Texas following Hurricane Katrina, Matt and Meagan fell in love with the Houston area and now couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Following several years of infertility, their miracle twins Ryan and Quinn were born in June of 2010. She believes there is nothing better than a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio, a large Sonic Diet Coke, sushi take-out, Girls Nights Out, and a mindless book to curl up with. Besides playing chauffeur and catering to the whims of her children, Meagan also is the Co-Owner of Houston Moms Blog. You can keep up with Meagan at The Clanahan Fam and on Instagram @meaganclanahan!

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here