About 30 minutes from the heart of Houston, SplashTown is the coolest way to love the heat. Big kids and little ones alike can find a way to splash around, starting with tamer attractions like the Leaky Pipes, Crocodile Isle, and the Lazy River tube. But big attractions at SplashTown are for those kids over 48 inches tall. Here, you’re in for some dramatic whitewater action. The newest thrill is the Stingray Racer, where daredevils simultaneously charge headfirst on foam mats down parallel five-story-high, high-speed slides. Tornado, RipQirl, and Big Spin are all designed to thrill visitors, while Texas Freefall might be imagined as a training prerequisite to skydiving.

Regulars recommend season’s passes or group coordination to save money, and packed lunches in the parking lot. Or maybe you’d prefer renting a cabana. Whatever your style, be sure to familiarize yourself with the Park’s rules and the map with the park layout before you rush over. Look for special events and coupons too.

SplashTown
21300 I-45 North
Spring, TX 77373
(281) 355-3300
www.splashtownpark.com

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/Lee Edwin Coursey

Immerse yourself in the natural habitat of butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center housed within The Houston Museum of Natural Science. The distinctive sanctuary is made up of three fascinating levels for your enjoyment and education.

The Rainforest Conservatory encases a 50-foot waterfall within a manmade tropical paradise filled with thousands of imported exotic butterflies, plants, and unique arthropods from around the world. In Chrysalis Corner, watch the transformation of butterflies as they develop and grow. On the lower level, explore an entomologist's lab and investigate a number of insects up close. Before you go, grab a treat from the Insect Vending Machine featuring snacks made from insects that are popular in many cultures around the world. The museum also has a fun, interactive playground for the younger set with an insect area, a giant beehive and puzzles.

Cockrell Butterfly Center
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 639-4629
www.hmns.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=56&Itemid=8
www.yelp.com/biz/cockrell-butterfly-center-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/likeaduck

A Houston eatery serving sandwiches with a Mediterranean twist, Alwadi isn't your typical deli. Here, sandwiches boast marinated chicken, beef, or lamb, all of which arrive sliced, grilled, and wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, pickles, and garlic sauce. Regulars recommend the gyro sandwich, which features a blend of lamb and beef stuffed inside a pita and drizzled with tzatziki sauce. Vegans and vegetarians can enjoy the falafel sandwich, made with fried chickpea and parsley.

If you aren’t in the mood for a sandwich, the restaurant serves a number of platters featuring shrimp kabobs, chicken shawarma, or falafel patties. Alwadi serves each platter with a side of hummus, cucumber salad, pita bread, garlic sauce, and your choice or fries. For even more options, check out the appetizers, which include stuffed grape leaves, cracked wheat pies stuffed with ground beef and pine nuts, and fried potatoes mixed with garlic and chopped cilantro.

Alwadi Mediterranean Sandwiches
4551 Cypress Creek Parkway
Houston, TX 77069
(832) 249-1500
www.alwadigrill.com
www.yelp.com/biz/alwadi-mediterranean-sandwiches-houston

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/kuchenkainternetowa