With the oppressive Texas heat and humidity already setting in for the summer, the On The Town Houston team has come up with a list of ten things people can do to cool off around The Woodlands, Tomball, Cypress and Katy. Whether you're looking for a place to swim, skate or just enjoy a frozen treat, this list has something for you.

 

1) Woodlands Dive-In Movies

 

As parents are searching for kid-friendly activities this summer, The Woodlands offers several dive-in movie experiences once a month for families to enjoy. The Rob Fleming Aquatic Center hosts two movie nights, including a June 22 “Thunderstruck” event and Aug. 3 “Escape From Planet Earth” showcase. A “Madagascar 3” event is also presented July 13 at the Cranebrook Pool. Pools open at 8 p.m. to the public with featured presentations beginning at 8:30 p.m. All events are $5 per person, and children ages 3 and under are free.

 

2) Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe

 

If you are craving something cool, this locally owned ice cream parlour offers a variety of treats, and even takes flavor suggestions from customers. Its standard flavors are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, sweet cream and signature flavor Cinnamon Toast. Other menu items include fruit smoothies, cakes, various types of cheesecake, popsicles and cookies.

1251 Pin Oak Road, Katy • 281-391-5423

 

3) Nonnie’s Soda Fountain

 

With a wide selection of homemade ice cream, milkshakes and floats, Nonnie’s Soda Fountain combines the 50s style diner atmosphere with classic treats for anyone. Customers can also pair their cold treat with other homemade lunch choices including sandwiches, soups and chili dogs. The business also offers customers a waiter service, take out and outdoor seating.

102 Market Street, Tomball • 281-576-1942

 

4) Houston Aerodrome

 

The Aerodrome offers skating classes, as well as figure skating and power skating classes. The venue also features ice hockey leagues and camps and public skating opportunities. The Aerodrome offers group events and can accommodate birthday parties.

8220 Willow Place Drive, Houston • 281-847-5283

 

5) Splashtown Houston

 

Splashtown Houston is one of Texas’ largest water parks, featuring more than a dozen rides and water attractions, including the Lazy River and a wave pool. New for this season is the Brain Drain, which features a 7-story, 333-foot vertical slide. The park offers group discounts and amenities for birthday parties.

21300 I-45, Spring • 281-355-3300

 

6) Sea Sports Swim Family Nights

 

Every month, either Friday or Saturday, swim-lesson facility Sea Sports Swim opens its doors to families for a swim party. Snacks and refreshments are provided, and reservations are required. Check the organization’s online calendar for exact dates and times this summer. $15 per family.

2004 S. Mason Road, Katy • 281-606-4332

 

7) Shivers Shaved Ice

 

Located on Main Street in Tomball, the family-owned and operated gourmet shaved ice company sells soft shaved ice mixed with flavored syrups and 100 percent real cane sugar. Customers can choose from organic syrups, as well as flavors that are dye free. Shivers also offers an artisan cold brew coffee in a variety of flavors mixed with homemade syrup. There are more than 30 flavors, which include banana, bubble gum and pina colada.

425 W. Main St., Ste. A, Tomball

 

8) Memorial City Mall Ice Skating Rink

 

Located inside the Memorial City Mall off I-10, the NHL-sized ice rink offers skating lessons and hosts hockey games, competition events and birthday parties. Summer camps, which last through Aug. 16, include skating lessons, free skate, games and arts and crafts.

303 Memorial City Way, Ste. 902, Houston • 713-463-9296

 

9) Woodlands Pools

 

With 13 pools to choose from, The Woodlands offers a way for families to cool down throughout the summer. Residents can celebrate the 4th of July with a free Splash Day themed event at each of the pools, including cruise ship, Willy Wonka and rainforest themes at the Alden Bridge, Bear Branch and Cranebrook locations. The Splash Day event includes free activities and limited refreshments provided noon–4 p.m. Each of the pools are open six days a week, and regular pool hours vary throughout the week during the summer season.

 

10) Jerry Matheson Park

 

This 10 acre city park features a large, interactive playground, baseball field, tennis courts and Tomball’s city pool, which is run by the Magnolia/Tomball YMCA. In addition to taking a dip to cool down from the summer heat, residents can take swim lessons in five sessions offered throughout the summer season or participate in other aquatics programs. The facility also includes restrooms, water fountains and showers. The pool has a daily entry fee and summer passes available with special pricing for Tomball residents.

1240 Ulrich Road, Tomball • 281-356-4077