Thinking of cooling off with some water activities this summer? Houston has plenty to offer—from beaches and water parks to pools and even ice rinks. But one major drawback? The Houston sun! Most of these attractions are outdoors, and if you're not a fan of sunscreen, are concerned about the heat, or simply want to protect your skin, this blog is for you! This blog is your guide to the best indoor and covered water-themed destinations in and around Houston—perfect for beating the heat while still having a splashing good time!
Playing with water? Let’s explore some covered Water parks
1. Great Wolf Lodge – Webster, TX
📍 1000 Great Wolf Way, Webster, TX 77598
One of the newest attractions in the Houston area, Great Wolf Lodge opened its doors in 2024 and is quickly becoming a local favorite. Located about 40 minutes from Rice University, halfway between Houston and Galveston, the brand-new Great Wolf Lodge is home to a 92,000-square-foot indoor water park. Fully air-conditioned and weatherproof, it’s a fantastic place to enjoy water fun all year round.
The park features attractions for all ages and energy levels, categorized as mild, moderate, and high intensity. Mild options like the lazy river and water basketball are great for relaxing, while thrill-seekers can enjoy water slides and raft rides.
⭐ Must-Try: The Texas Twirler is a high-adrenaline group raft ride where you and up to four friends can twist, turn, and glide through a massive enclosed slide. It’s fast, fun, and the highlight of my visit!
💡 Insider Tip: You can purchase a day pass without booking a hotel stay. Be sure to check their website for available slots and special deals.
(Can you spot me on the water slide?)
2. Kalahari Indoor Water Park – Round Rock, TX
📍 3001 Kalahari Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665
If you're up for a mini road trip (3 hours from Houston), Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock is Texas’s largest indoor water park and one of the biggest in the country.
With 223,000 square feet of indoor water fun, this park is perfect for a weekend getaway. It features:
- A massive wave pool
- Surf simulators for the adventurous
- Multilevel play structures with water cannons and slides
- Private cabanas and spa options for adults needing a break
🎯 Why Go: Kalahari combines water thrills with resort comfort. In addition to the park, the resort has restaurants, an arcade, escape rooms, and even a safari-themed adventure park—all indoors!
Lap Swimming: Stay Fit and Cool Indoors
Swim Houston Aquatic Center
📍 8454 W Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77071
Looking for a serious swim without all the crowds and slides? Swim Houston Aquatic Center is the place to go. This facility is focused purely on swimming and offers an indoor lap pool that’s open to the public.
Whether you’re training for a competition, maintaining a workout routine, or just want a peaceful swim, this is an excellent option.
💲 Pricing:
- Single swim: $5
- 10-swim pass: $45
💡 Insider Tip: Call ahead or check their website for updated hours and lane availability, as they sometimes host classes or team practices.
Frozen Water Fun: Ice Skating in Houston
The Ice at the Galleria
📍 5015 Westheimer Rd #1260, Houston, TX 77056
If you're looking to cool down in a totally different way, why not swap water slides for ice skates?
Located in the center of Houston’s iconic Galleria shopping mall, The Ice is a full-size indoor ice rink. Open year-round, it's a popular spot for both beginner and experienced skaters.
💲 Pricing:
- General admission: $17.50
- Additional fees for skate rental and lockers
🎓 Learn to Skate: The rink offers group and private lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to competitive skaters. They also host themed skating events.
🛍️ Bonus: After skating, you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping—all without stepping outside!
Final Thoughts: Stay Cool, Stay Covered
Houston’s summer sun doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying all the fun that water can bring. Whether you're looking to relax in a lazy river, ride thrilling slides, glide on ice, or just swim a few peaceful laps, these indoor and covered options offer fun without the sun.
So, pack your swimsuit—or skates—and check out one (or all!) of these spots!
About the author:
Bohan Zhang is a Ph.D. Candidate in History. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Tsinghua University and holds two master’s degrees from Oxford and UChicago, respectively. Read more.
Further Reading:
What is your Favorite Way to Deal with the Summer Heat?