Nothing could have prepared us for the scorching, relentless, record-breaking summer of 2023. Last year we jumped in pools and handheld-fanned ourselves to no avail. So this year, we’ve learned our lesson. Say it with us: thanks for the invite, but I’m staying inside. An indoor summer doesn’t necessarily mean less fun, though. In this insider’s guide (literally!), we’ve compiled plenty of cool ideas for every type of person.

For the Foodies

Summer days are perfect for branching out and exploring Houston’s diverse culinary scene. To escape the heat, travel to Asiatown’s Hong Kong City Mall. Upon walking in, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped foot in another country. The mall has more than 20 restaurants and cafes (many that are mom-and-pops) along with a multitude of shops, including the huge grocery store anchoring the development, where you can find Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese snacks as well as great produce.

If you want to stay within the loop, take a stroll in downtown Houston’s tunnels. The underground system is located 20 feet below the streets of downtown and stretches more than six miles long. According to Downtown Houston’s website, the network was once used to connect two movie theaters in the 1930s, but today it connects 95 city blocks and is filled with delicious dishes from various beloved spots, whether you’re craving a burrito, a burger, kolaches, pasta, pastries, coffee, or a smoothie. Direct street access can be found only at Wells Fargo Plaza and McKinney Garage on Main Street. —Sofia Gonzalez

For the Artsy Folks

While summer is an ideal time to get your art on by starting a new hobby, it’s always best to know what you’re getting yourself into first. Signing up for a hobby art class is a great way to figure out if a particular activity is right for you before draining your bank account on a supply run. The last thing you want is to spend your summer watching a bunch of crafting gear collect dust in a corner because you’ve realized you’d much rather love macramé from afar than actually make it yourself. Fortunately, Houston is home to a wide variety of such classes, and most of them take place indoors—meaning you can take advantage of some sweet, sweet air-conditioning while trying to discover your inner Kapoor or Kusama.

Try your hand at pottery by signing up for a class at McCheek’s Studio. If painting is more your style, you can coax your inner watercolor artist out through some classes at Honey Art Cafe. Prefer a touch of science with your crafting? Spend a day making candles, perfume, or soap at Love & Make. An incense-making workshop at Amano might just do the trick, too.

If you’re the type of person who would much rather gaze at art than attempt to make it yourself, then you can’t do better than a day spent at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The buildings of the massive, climate-controlled museum are connected through underground tunnels, meaning you can spend an entire day there—meals and all—safe from the mugginess outside. Look at some art. Eat lunch at Café Leonelli. Watch a film. Look at more art. Eat dinner at Le Jardinier. You have more than 300,000 square feet of well-curated and meticulously air-conditioned space at your disposal. —Daniel Renfrow

For the Shopaholics

With no crazy holidays and plenty of relaxed vibes, summer is the perfect season for spending extra money—and maybe splurging a bit, too. If you happen to be in the Upper Kirby area, stop by lifestyle and design store Kuhl-Linscomb. This shop spans five buildings and takes over two city blocks. In building one, find all types of furniture, lighting, patio furnishings, bed linens, beds, and clearance items. In building two the linen section is expanded with additional options for the bath, plus garden and floral. Meanwhile, buildings three through five are connected and boast children’s toys, women’s fashion, a men’s shop, books, housewares, and apothecary. One could say Kuhl-Linscomb is an “everything store.”

If shopping local is your thing, another great spot to check out is Ironworks. Located in the popular, growing East End neighborhood, Ironworks is in a 60,000-square-foot industrial building that was previously the home of oil field manufacturing company Cameron Iron Works. Find vintage stores, a CBD lab, a tattoo shop, even a spot to spoil your fur babies with custom accessories and clothing: Furrever Doggies. —SG

For the Sporty People

The Texas sun is relentless, but that doesn’t mean your summer fitness routine needs to suffer. Houston offers a surprising variety of indoor activities that cater to the athletic soul, so you can ditch the sweat-drenched workouts and get active inside. If you’re looking for a full-body workout that engages multiple muscles, opt for climbing. Texas Rock Gym in Spring Branch and Momentum Indoor Climbing in Sawyer Yards and Katy have towering walls with routes designed to test your strength and agility. Both gyms also offer other fitness classes like yoga, too, if you want to switch it up.

Craving the crack of a bat? Head to Home Run Dugout in Katy. Whether you’re a seasoned baseball player or just starting, the indoor batting cages offer a chance to perfect your swing without battling the heat. With adjustable pitching speeds and instant feedback on your hits, you can fine-tune your technique and unleash your inner MVP in a comfortable, cool setting. Home Run Dugout also has an on-site restaurant offering burgers, tacos, sandwiches, chicken wings, and other classics.

Don’t forget about Houston’s growing sporting trend, pickleball. Texas Elite Pickleball Club welcomes players of all levels to join in on the fun in the city’s first fully indoor facility. Pickleball is a low-impact yet high-energy activity that’s perfect for staying active. Guest court rates begin at $40, and there is equipment available for sale or rent if needed. —Uvie Bikomo

For the Adventure Seekers

With the summer comes the drive to unleash our inner daredevil, but Houston’s scorching temperatures can quickly cramp our style. Houston Funplex beckons with its array of attractions that promise an adrenaline rush like no other. Bowl a strike, master the newest arcade games, or push your limits on the go-kart track—there’s something for every thrill-seeker, from friendly competition to heart-pounding races.

For those craving a more cathartic release, BreakLife Houston provides an outlet for channeling your inner rock star—with a sledgehammer, that is. Put on some protective gear and apply your pent-up rage to a designated room overflowing with destructible objects. Smash plates, demolish furniture, and scream your heart out. Boy, do we need to blow off some steam when temps hit triple digits.

For the thrill of a waterslide, look no further than Slick City Adventure Park. Interestingly, this park has no water. This fun zone instead boasts more than a dozen sky-high dry slides that mimic the twists and turns of a waterslide experience—minus the getting-soaked part—so you can enjoy the exhilaration of a high-speed descent without ruining your hairstyle. The ultimate adventurer seeking variety can head to AGR Sports for an all-encompassing experience. ​​This expansive facility offers a wide variety of options, including paintball,  “mini ball” (like paintball but with little gel balls), ax throwing, and laser tag. When you need a break from the action, indulge at the location’s arcade, where classic games and modern favorites await. —UB