Although many travelers may imaging honky-tonks, cowboy boots, ranchers, rodeos, livestock and gushing oil wells when they think of Houston, there is much more to the city. There are tons of amazing activities around Houston that can save you money while you travel. And the good news is many of them are free!
Table of Contents
1. McGovern Centennial Gardens
2. Dillidiidae By Sharon Engelstein
3. The Commons at Hermann Park
4. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
5. Houston Bean: Cloud Column
6. The Glassell School of Art
7. Houston Museum of Natural Science
8. Houston Zoo
9. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
10. Children's Museum of Houston
11. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
12. Discovery Green
13. John P. McGovern Playground
14. Levy Park
15. Evelyn's Park Conservancy
16. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
17. Moody Center for The Arts - Rice University
18. EaDo
19. Present Company
20. Smither Park
21.McDonald's Apollo Astronaut Statue in Nassau Bay
22. The Kemah Boardwalk
23. Yachty Gras Boat Parade in Kemah
24. Baytown's Umbrella Alley
25. Friendswood Fairy Trail
26. Galveston Island
27. Sam Houston Statue
28. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Trail Rides and Downtown Rodeo Parade
29. Bluebonnets in Houston
30. River Oaks Christmas Lights
1. McGovern Centennial Gardens
Where: Hermann Park, 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Tickets: Always Free
This blooming with crape myrtles alley at McGovern Gardens is what we accidentally came across on our way to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, thanks to the detour we took to find the parking. Crape myrtles start blooming in the spring and continue to flower throughout all summer.
What's more? The eight-acre gardens have way more places to enjoy. Garden rooms are lined up along a central lawn and hold more than 50 species of trees, hedge shrubs, perennial bulbs, and all-time favorite azaleas. Truly, you could spend the best part of the day there and still come back the next. The views are even sweeter if visiting early in the morning when there are fewer people.
2. Dillidiidae By Sharon Engelstein
Where: Hermann Park, 1503 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Tickets: Always free
"Dillidiidae" is an enchanting installation by artist Sharon Engelstein, situated in Hermann Park, a vibrant urban park known for its array of complimentary attractions and activities. The sculpture features quirky, organic forms that capture the imagination and could easily be imagined as part of a whimsical narrative from a Dr. Seuss book. With its playful and colorful design, "Dillidiidae" invites visitors to engage with the artwork. Hermann Park itself offers a blend of gardens, trails, and recreational spaces, making Engelstein's piece a fitting addition that enhances the park’s artistic landscape while encouraging exploration and creativity among all who visit.
3. The Commons at Hermann Park
Where: 6001-6399 Fannin St
Admission: Free
Hours: 6am to 11pm, with the Play Gardens available for use from 9am to 9pm
The Commons at Hermann Park, recently revitalized after a two-year renovation, spans 26 acres and features modern amenities for all ages, including a completely redone playground, a classic carousel, and a splash pad for cooling off in the Houston heat. Families can enjoy themed play areas like the Thicket for younger kids and the Space Adventure zone for older children, while the Central Lawn offers space for relaxation and casual sports, complemented by lounge seating at the Live Oak Terrace. Additional enhancements include an interactive gorilla-themed play zone, picnic areas, and dining options at the Historic Fannin Pavilion, making the Commons a vibrant community hub within Hermann Park.
4. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
Where: 5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Tickets: Always free
An art lover's happy place that displays those larger-than-life installations and provocative exhibits. The place keeps up with the evolution of both the contemporary art and the international artist community while provoking its visitors to ponder, "What makes this work of art to be museum-worthy?"
The installation "Flow" by Jae Ko is one of my all-time favorites. The artist used one ton of recycled paper to recreate the melting glaciers in the Arctic.
5. Houston Bean: Cloud Column
Where: Outside Glassell School of Art in Houston
Tickets: Always Free
Houston has now its own bean made of stainless steel. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston installed the sculpture Cloud Column outside The Glassell School of Art in Houston. The work created by Anish Kapoor is 32 feet tall and weighs 27,000 pounds.
6. The Glassell School of Art
Where: 5101 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
Admission: Check school's Facebook page for information on all workshops and classes
The Glassell School of Art, part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers a range of artistic programs and classes for all ages and skill levels. The new building design for the Glassell School of Art, completed in 2018, features a modern, innovative architectural approach that emphasizes transparency and connection to the surrounding landscape. Designed by Steven Holl Architects, the structure incorporates natural light to create inspiring learning environments while utilizing sustainable materials and practices. The building includes studio spaces, galleries, and communal areas, fostering collaboration among students and faculty. Its unique design also integrates beautifully with the nearby Museum of Fine Arts, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the cultural district.
7. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Where: 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030
Tickets: Free Thursdays, 6–9 p.m.
A perfect place to get lost in the museum’s hallways for hours while appreciating the beauty of the natural world.
“Moon” by Luke Jerram. This stunning 23 feet in diameter installation of the moon suspends from the ceiling in Alfred C. Glassell, Jr. Hall, between the first and second floors. It's so gigantic that it's worth visiting it. Accurate NASA imagery of the moon features 8 miles of the moon’s ground. The installation is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing.
8. Houston Zoo
Where: 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030
Tickets: Free on the first Tuesday of each month, September through May, from noon until closing
Walk across 50-plus acres of the animal kingdom. 8,000 animals of all sorts inhabit the grounds of the Houston Zoo in Hermann Park. Hang out with our animal kin, if only for a day.
Quick tip, if you visit the Houston Zoo during the holidays, you can also enjoy its Christmas displays. Normally, to experience
Zoo Lights you have to purchase a separate entry ticket. But if you enter on a free Tuesday before the zoo closes at 4 p.m., the lights won't be turned on yet, but you still can enjoy the larger-than-life holiday installations.
9. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
Where: 5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030
Tickets: Free Thursdays
Get ready to turn your head from one side to the other for hours on end as you walk through numerous halls and tucked away passageways. The museum's permanent art collection covers more than 6,000 years of history and about 63,000 art works from across the world. It is the perfect antidote to the cowboy culture and country-western scenes Houston and Texas are famous for.
By Ron Mueck
10. Children's Museum of Houston
Where:
1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
Tickets: Free Thursdays
The kids' place has all that every exhausted parent is yearning for: tons of self-engaged activities kids can get busy with for hours on end. For the little ones, up to the age of 3, there's a baby-proof playground on the top floor. With the rainbow-stripe arches on the first floor, you don’t even have to go look for a spot to take a perfect family photo.
11. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Where: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Tickets: Always Free
Simply known as Water Wall, this crescent-shaped towering fountain pours down 11,000 gallons of water per minute, causing a refreshing blanket of mist. In turn it creates the perfect ambiance to not only observe but also breathe in the spectacular view.
Located in the heart of Uptown Houston, this dramatic water display is a must-see in Houston.
12. Discovery Green
Where: 1500 McKinney St.
Tickets: Always Free
This urban park located in the heart of downtown Houston is for people of all ages and walks of life. There is no shortage of things to do: ever-changing art installations, kayak rides, Zumba classes, yoga, flea markets, and lots of other free special events the pubic can always participate in. The options are literally endless! Picnics, lawn chairs, blankets, and dogs are all welcome to the park.
And the beautiful old oaks provide so much desired shade along the promenade on a scorching hot day in Houston.
13. John P. McGovern Playground
Where: 1500 McKinney St.
Located at Discovery Green, this brand-new urban playground deserves its own mention. The play area hosts the coolest play structures, bright colors, and open spaces to just run free. Our favorite thing, though, was a climbing hill that the kids could climb up and roll down from for hours. Happiness is often found in simple things.
Where: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098
Tickets: Always Free
One of the coolest parks in town to visit if traveling with kids. This
green space features a softball field, an interactive playground, a splash pad, tunnels, a community garden, a dog park, a golf course, food trucks, art and game carts, book and magazine stands. A vibrant corner with plenty of special events every day, from free yoga to Zumba to children's Bingo.
15. Evelyn's Park Conservancy
Where: 4400 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77401
There's a new, fully-renovated urban park in town. Located in the heart of Houston, Evelyn's Park is a gorgeous oasis in the city. Bursting with imaginative play spaces, many natural play elements, climbing structures, balancing logs, large mounds, tunnels, hill slides, a splash pad, and a giant bird play sculpture, this park is one of the best places in Houston to make memories with kids.
Where: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
Tickets: Trails and playground are free. Parking is free on Thursdays and $5 per vehicle all other days.
The Houston Arboretum has the best-kept secret in town – a nature-inspired, brand new playground "Nature Playscape." It's an oasis of wild beauty right in the heart of the city's probably busiest area. Every nature and fun-loving family with kids of all ages will have their fair share of adventure there.
A new playground is not your average play space. Unlike a traditional playground, this one was designed to blend into and enhance its environment. Nature play at its best.
Winding trails take you to different play sections from the rope bridge to a variety of sandboxes, to tree stumps, to a bamboo climber, and many others. Plenty of logs to sit on and shaded areas is a nice bonus if visiting in the Houston summer.
Many stations invite kids to make up their own games and explore away the nature around them, dirt-digging, bug hunting, and water pumping included.
17. Moody Center for The Arts - Rice University
Where:
6100 Main Street, MS-480, Houston, TX 77005
Tickets: Always Free
Located
on the campus of Rice University, this newly-built gallery is a work of art in itself. A bold contemporary design, geometric shapes, and ever-changing exhibits make it worth the trip for everyone who appreciates design and architecture. The gallery is focused on experimental artworks, group collaborations, performance, and art exhibitions as well as serves as a teaching platform.
18. EaDo
Where: East Downtown, between 45-N and 59-E, by Downtown Houston
Tickets: Always Free
Houston is full of diversity, culture and Texas-sized murals. EaDo (East Downtown) has some of the insta-worthy murals
that can give Wynwood in Miami a run for its money. Make your way to the
We Love Houston sign (2305
Polk St, Houston, TX 77003) and start exploring.
19. Present Company
Where:
1318 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006
The coolest patio bar in the middle of Montrose with the Palm Spring vibes is a perfect place to take those pictures for the 'gram.
20. Smither Park
Where: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023
Tickets: Always Free
One man's trash is another man's treasure. This cannot be more true for this amazing place. This is not a standard recreational area by any stretch of the imagination. A sprawling urban space in the Houston's Southeast displays elaborate artworks made of mostly recycled materials – broken ceramic, bottle caps, tiles, and seashells. The commitment to recycling is both eco-amazing and powerful. The cherry on top –– each Saturday starting at 10 a.m. you can watch the artists in action!
And yes, you can give your feet a break and relax on these swings.
Where: 1320 E NASA Pkwy, Nassau Bay, TX 77058
Tickets: Pictures with the astronaut are free, regardless of whether or not you are dining at McDonald's.
Houston, we got this well-known landmark, the Apollo Astronaut, back. Located across from the Space Center Houston in front of McDonald's in Nassau Bay, this larger-than-life photo op will make your dining experience out-of-this-world.
22. The Kemah Boardwalk
Where: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
Tickets: There's no entry ticket. You can either pay for individual rides or get the All Day Ride Pass.
A place where you can slow down and stay awhile. A 60-acre theme park in Kemah 20 miles South of Downtown Houston is the best getaway for a weary traveler to unwind, sip a cocktail or two, or test the limit of your vocal cords on one of those gut-wrenching rides. Braving the 73-foot tall looping coaster will stretch one's courage to soaring heights. Scratch that. A 96' tall wooden coaster –– The Boardwalk Bullet is not for the faint of heart. It has the most number of track crossovers ever designed into a wooden coaster – 42 total. The next twist comes before you know it. Unlike the Pleasure Pier in Galveston, the
Kemah Boardwalk doesn't charge to walk around.
23. Yachty Gras Boat Parade in Kemah
Where: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565
Tickets: Free
Yachty Gras is the biggest Mardi Gras boat party in the US that takes place in the days leading up to Lent. Dozens of lavishly decorated boats sail through the Clear Creek channel and down the Kemah Boardwalk, with crews throwing beads to the crowds along the way. The event is free for spectators. But make sure to arrive early to get a parking spot and avoid traffic.
24. Baytown's Umbrella Alley
Where:
124 W Texas Ave, Baytown, TX 77520
Tickets: Always Free
If you are en route to the Space Center Houston or Kemah Boardwalk, you may also stop by this colorful umbrella installation in Baytown. The umbrella street is a nice break on a blazing hot day. Framed by graffiti on both sides, this is an amazing sight to revive those Mary Poppins moments and reach for the camera.
25. Friendswood Fairy Trail
Where: Stevenson Park, 1100 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546
The Friendswood Fairy Trail is a free whimsical outdoor activity for kids and everything you need to bring the magic of the fairies and trolls to life.
The trail has many tiny hidden houses blended into their surroundings throughout Stevenson Park.
Some magical residences are easy to spot while others stretch your imagination (and neck) to locate them but they all are well worth the search.
So what's behind all those beautifully carved tiny doors? Some mighty fairies and trolls. They keep watch over the park and care for the environment. To help you find them, there's a stand with free maps that mark locations of the houses and tell the stories behind each character.
The trail is nothing if not pure fun to help kids enjoy the great outdoors year-round. So grab your family and kids, and go on an adventure.
26. Galveston Island
Okay. Okay. It's not actually in Houston, but the Galveston island is worth a day trip and it's only a 40-minute drive south from Downtown Houston. The island has plenty of free land-based activities for a budget-savvy traveler than its Gulf’s water:
10+ Free Things To Do In Galveston, Texas.
Soak up some sun at the beach, stroll the Strand, strike a pose in front of the picture-perfect Galveston postcard mural, and satisfy your sweet tooth at the old-school La King's Confectionery.
27. Sam Houston Statue
Where: 7600 TX-75, Huntsville, TX 77340
The colossal monument towers above the treetops along Interstate 45 in Huntsville. You can admire the sight while heading I-45 North, the statue can be seen miles ahead, or stop by the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center to learn more about the first president of the Republic of Texas.
28. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Trail Rides and Downtown Rodeo Parade
Rodeo Houston is a signature event that returns to Houston every year in early spring. It can get very costly if attending the carnival grounds or rodeo activities at NRG Stadium, but it doesn't have to be.
In the days leading up to the rodeo, thousands of trail riders on horseback and covered wagons from across Texas and Louisiana surge into Houston to partake in the annual Downtown Rodeo Parade and the following world's largest rodeo.
You can watch the riders along the streets or attend an annual rodeo parade in downtown Houston at no cost. Just be ready to brave the traffic and crowds. Everything to know about the Trail Rides and Downtown Rodeo Parade is here.
29. Bluebonnets in Houston
The beautiful state flower blooms every Spring in Texas. The greatest views are along Texas highways, but there are some good displays in and around Houston too. Buffalo Bayou, Memorial Park, and Hermann Park have bluebonnet patches across their property as well as other family-friendly activities to enjoy the great outdoors while hunting for the Texas native wildflower.
Where: Along River Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77019
Tickets: Free
If you're visiting Houston around the best time of year, you won't be disappointed to walk around River Oaks, an affluent neighborhood that goes all out with its Christmas displays. Larger-than-life holiday installations adorn the front yards of lavish mansions, and millions of twinkling lights drip from the majestic oaks. River Oaks Christmas displays are one for the books. To beat the rush for available parking and avoid the traffic, plan on traveling out there in the early part of the evening
Here's a helpful source: River Oaks Christmas Lights
Also check out 12 Free Things to Do Near Space Center Houston During The Holidays.
Have you been to Houston before? What did you enjoy most?
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