A Houston Mom’s Guide to July 2016

Whew! People! It’s JULY. How are you dealing with this sauna?!? I can tell you that I am guzzling water and staying super close to that AC vent. Thankfully, we have plenty of ways in this month’s event guide to keep this crazy heat at bay, Houston-style. However, before we dive into everything that July has to offer, we are so excited to share some fun facts and ways to beat the heat with our awesome partners at Reliant. For instance, did you know their new Free Month plan gives customers a head-start on summer by covering the first month of electricity? It’s true! Even J.J. Watt is getting in on the action! {Although J.J. doesn’t necessarily keep the heat away if you know what I mean — wink, wink!}

P.S. – Your fun fact for the day :: {In fact, I did a science fair project on this very thing circa 1990. Anddddd, now I just aged myself.} Did you know that simply changing the direction of your ceiling fan to counter-clockwise in the summer can make you feel cooler, or that a programmable thermostat can help save 10 percent a year on cooling and heating costs? Reliant has many useful home energy efficiency tips perfect for the summer, not to mention moving tips and green living tips too! They know that moms lead busy lives, especially during the summer. From keeping the kids busy throughout the week to planning the annual summer family vacation, Reliant knows it can be challenging to keep your phones and devices charged while on the go. That’s why Reliant offers a one-of-a-kind power plan that comes with a FREE portable solar-powered charging kit {how cool is that?!}, a great way to keep your devices charged wherever life takes you!

Speaking of which, ready for those July events? Let’s rock and roll!

Houston Mom's Guide to July

July 1st – 31st | Tues – Sun {times vary} :: Reliant’s Power Star Energy Challenge at the Children’s Museum of Houston

All month long, don’t miss Reliant’s exhibit when you’re visiting our friends CMH at this summer! The exhibit features Reliant’s Power Star Energy Challenge game, a fun and interactive experience that teaches kids easy ways to save energy around the house – which we all know will come in handy this summer as home energy usage spikes.

July 1st & 2nd | 7:30pm :: Raiders of the Lost Ark Performed by the Houston Symphony

Hard to believe that this epic movie turns 35 years old this year, and the Houston Symphony is celebrating in a BIG way. Join them as you watch the movie live on the big screen in Jones Hall, while the instrumentalists play the score in its entirety. Definitely the way to kick off a great July!

July 1st | 8:30pm :: Movies at Miller – Jurassic World

It’s the summer of the dinosaur! Park yourself at Miller Outdoor Theatre for this exciting installment of the Jurassic Park Series. Note :: Rated PG13, so better suited for older kiddos and the young at heart!

***July 4th | ALL DAY :: 4th of July  Fireworks & Festivities Around Houston***

Be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to everything red, white, and blue in and around our great city!

July 5th – 7th | Tues {10am, 1pm}; Weds {10am, 7pm}, Thurs {10am} :: Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical at Lone Star College

Based on the books by Julianne Moore, Lone Star College – Cy Fair brings to life Freckleface Strawberry, an inspirational tale of how being different is special. Tickets are $7 and is a perfect show for all ages.

July 8th | 5pm – 10pm :: Dinomite at the Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo brings back their ever-popular DINOSAURS exhibit this summer. Venture back in time when these amazing creatures walked the earth. Bonus :: take in a late-night screening of Jurassic Park on a huge movie screen!

July 8th | 7pm – 11pm :: Katy Summer Nights

Katy Parks and Rec continues their family-friendly movie series with a showing of Back to the Future. Come early to enjoy games and popcorn, plus free photo props and opps with characters. Bonus points if you dress as your favorite one!

July 9th | Noon – 9:30pm :: 4th Annual Free Day of Music

This is the perfect family-friendly event to expose your kiddos to all sorts of music ranging from blues, classical, jazz, salsa, and more! Oh, did we mention it’s FREE?!? Head out to Jones Hall for this day of fun, complete with an instrument petting zoo, a flurry of food trucks, harmonica clinics, and salsa lessons.

July 10th | 8pm ::  Top Golf Drive ‘N Movies: Inside Out

Bring back a family pastime with this modern twist on the drive in movie! Enjoy knocking some golf balls, eating a delicious dinner while enjoying the hit movie, Inside Out, on your bay TV. Or park yourself on the rooftop terrace for a movie night under the stars! {Visit the Webster website for their info too.}

June 11th – 13th :: Houston Symphony’s Free Summer Concert Series

Check out their website for all location and time information. They will have selections from Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, and Pirates of the Caribbean to name a few. You won’t want to miss their breathtaking performances. Don’t forget to bring the kids early on select days for an “instrument petting zoo” as well!

July 13th | 6pm – 9pm :: Houstonia’s 3rd Annual Burger Bash

Yummy!!! 16 of Houston’s best restaurants will battle it out for a chance to win top honors at this delicious event. Two winners will be crowned – one by the judges and one by the public. Who’s going to have your favorite?  And besides the obligatory burgers, they will also offer wine, desserts, live music, and more!

July 13th | 8pm :: Moonlight Movies for Kids at CITYCENTRE

Presented by Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus and Sewell Cadillac, CITYCENTRE will host their July movie, Minions on their central green. Complimentary popcorn feasting begins at 8pm, followed by showtime at 9pm. Don’t forget to grab a quick bite from one of the fabulous eateries in the area or even take it to go for a family picnic!

July 14th – 31st | Time varies :: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus Xtreme

Take the fam bam out to the greatest show on earth! Sure to delight kids of all ages. They will have never before seen spectacles, X-traordinary circus artists, and amazing X-Otic animals. Buy your tickets online here through Ticketmaster and get ready for a family experience you won’t soon forget.

July 15th | 5pm – 10pm :: Teddy Bear Bash at the Houston Zoo

We know Houston kiddos love Teddy Bear clinics, so this is one not to miss! Have your child bring their fave stuffed toy for a clean bill of health and then enjoy a kid-friendly parade with music. Don’t forget to check out the real live bears too, of course!

July 15th | 7pm – 10pm :: Mixers & Elixirs at Houston Museum of Natural Science

Okay, moms and dads, this event is for you! Make plans for a sitter and head out for this super fun event at the gorgeous HMNS. Live music will be provided by Groupo Ka-Che, and of course food trucks and a cash bar will be on hand to keep the party going. Hey, sometimes we need a break from all things summer, amiright?

July 15th – 16th | 5pm – 11:30 pm {Friday}; 8:30am – 11:30pm {Saturday} :: Hempstead Watermelon Festival

Just a quick hour drive from Houston, pack the family up for some wholesome fun at the good ole’ fashioned Hempstead Watermelon Festival. The usual suspects will all be present :: BBQ cook-off, food vendors, carnival rides, a quilt show, and of course, the star of the show – watermelon. Nothing screams summer more!

July 16th | 8am – 5pm :: MasterChef Junior Talent Search

Have a budding chef in your house, ages 8 to 13? Then head out to the Four Seasons in Houston and have them try their hand at landing a spot on this hit show! They are looking for little chefs from all types of backgrounds and cooking styles – the only requirement is a passion to cook. Could your child be the next Gordon Ramsay? Go find out! More information about casting and auditions may be found on their website.

July 16th | 10am – 6pm :: Star Wars Intergalactica with Children’s Museum of Houston

Does it get any hotter than appearances by Darth Vader, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca? We think not! Dress up your little ones {and yourself too, why not?!?} and enjoy a special themed day with Children’s Museum of Houston celebrating all things Star Wars. Kids will be able to craft their very own light sabers at the Science Station, plus watch a live duel at 2pm.

July 16th | 7:30pm :: H-E-B Movie Night at Discovery Green

Grab your blanket and lawn chairs and come catch a free movie under the stars, Tortilla Soup. Make sure to arrive early to participate in tortilla tossing/rolling competitions, along with chips and salsa eating contests. Winners will walk away with full bellies and gift certificates to HEB.

July 19th – 22nd | 11am – Noon :: Children’s Hilltop Festivals at Miller Outdoor Theatre

This super cute and free week of mini festivals will include childhood favorites such as The Emperor’s New Shoes and culminate with a Rockin’ Santa for Christmas in July. The hour time frame is perfect for little ones, and then we highly recommend hitting up one of the many food trucks in the area before heading back for nap time!

July 20th – 24th | 8am – 7pm :: Houston World Series of Dog Shows

Dog lovers, you won’t want to miss out on the world class dog show held at our very own NRG Stadium. Take in all the high-flying action, breeding contests, and best in show judging during this 5 day event. Tickets are $15 for adults, and children 12 and under are free!

July 21st | All Day :: James Coney Island $.93 Special

Is all that swimming making you hungry? Head to James Coney Island every 3rd Thursday of the month to grab their 93 CENT original coney dogs. Celebrating 93 years of service to the Houston area, this is a fabulous deal for our families. In case you were wondering, the original coney includes mustard, onions, and their top secret “coney sauce.” Yummy!

July 23rd & 24th | All day :: Tiger Weekend with the Houston Aquarium

Celebrate the international Day of the Tiger while taking in all the sights and sounds of the Houston Aquarium. They will have special conservation messaging, crafts for the kids, shows, and more.

July 24th | 2pm – 5pm :: Christmas in July with Caring4Katy

Zip lines, sandy beaches, fishing, water trampolines – nothing says Christmas more, right?!? Join the non-profit Caring4Katy at Faith West Academy for this unique and fun event. We hear the jolly guy himself will make an appearance as well for photo opps. Hopefully, he wears his summer wardrobe for his trip down to hot Houston!

July 30th | 11am – 4pm :: Free Helmet Giveaway

The Justice 4 Children Foundation will equip teens and children with free bicycle helmets at The Sloan Firm’s law office in downtown Houston. All who would like to participate must pre-register by July 25th and children must be present on the 30th to be custom-fitted with their new helmet.

July 30th | 7:30 – 9:30pm :: Free Movie Night at Pearland Town Center

Grab a bite to eat and then roll out those blankets for a free showing of the classic movie, Cinderella. Seating available under the Memorial Hermann Pavillion.

Ongoing Activities in July…

July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th | 9:30am – Noon :: Summer History Fridays with Fort Bend Museum

Combine fun with education this summer, every Friday, at the Fort Bend Museum in Richmond. Walk through Texas History, all the way from the Pioneer days through World War II.  Tickets are just $4 for members, $6 for non-members. Recommended for ages 5-12 although younger are certainly welcome.

July 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26th :: Two for Tuesdays at the Houston Aquarium

Enjoy half-price access to everything at the Aquarium – simply print the coupon from the website for every 4 people in your group. {Offer valid through August 2016!}

Now through September 5th :: Summer of Spies, S.E.C.R.E.T. with the Children’s Museum of Houston

Engage your mind with this espionage-themed exhibit this summer. Kids 6 and up can register at headquarters to be official spies and take down the R.I.V.A.L.!

July 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th | 11am – 2pm :: Summer Art Explorers at Museum of Fine Arts Houston

Free Thursdays in July at MFAH! Explore your inner artist and try your hand at the various techniques shown in the museum.

July 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th | 2pm – 7pm :: Free Family Thursday at The Health Museum

Check out Houston’s most interactive learning center about the human body, health, and medical science for free every Thursday this month.

Now – September 18th :: Kusuma: At the End of the Universe Exhibit, Museum of Fine Arts Houston

For audiences of all ages! Experience the sights, sounds, and feelings of this amazing installation.

Want more? Check out these helpful resources…

2016 Guide to Houston 4th of July Fireworks & Festivities

2016 Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps In & Around Houston

2016 Houston VBS Guide

Guide to Summer Reading Programs for Kids

60 Family-Friendly Houston Restaurants

And before we sign off, we are just going to leave this super helpful guide from Reliant right here for you too.  You’re welcome…

Reliant Stay Cool Guide*Click to enlarge and read all the great tips.*

Previous articleWhy Cancelling My Son’s Birthday Party Was the Best Decision Ever
Next articleMommy, Can We Just Stay Home?
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