Discover some fun Free Things to do in Houston perfect to entertain the whole family! BIG Texas fun awaits!
Houston, we don't have a problem!
Texas doesn't do anything by halves, but when it comes to BIG family fun in the Lonestar State, that doesn't mean it needs to leave a BIG gap in your wallet!
In fact, in the vibrant, exciting and very family friendly Space City, you can actually enjoy a host of Free Things to do in Houston to ensure you just have to focus on the fun, and not your budget!
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Free Outdoors!
One of the things that we love about Texas is the weather, which means outdoor activities are a great way to enjoy a budget friendly day out with the little ones!
One favorite is the Miller Outdoor Theatre - located in Hermann Park - which runs from March to November. This is the perfect place to grab a picnic blanket and settle in for the show under the big Texan sky!
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Another fun thing to do in Houston are the Farmers Markets. Urban Harvest Farmers Market is a great option for any Saturday morning, where you can stroll the stalls of local vendors. Don't miss some of the free samples!
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Exploring Market Square Park is another great way to spend the day. Found in Houston's Historic District, this popular park is actually on the site of the original City Hall and is great for dining, entertainment, and some impressive art!
For more park fun, also check out Memorial Park (also known as "the largest urban park in Texas" as well as Discovery Green, a 12-acre park located in Downtown.
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One of our personal favorites at Family Days Out is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Found on the western edge of Memorial Park, you can actually stroll the five miles of trails at no cost.
Art & Culture!
If it's art and culture you love, then Houston has you covered - especially if you are watching your budget!
A standout in Houston has to be the Menil Collection. Here, you can immerse yourselves in over 16,000 works that date back as far as the prehistoric period!
Offering free admission, the Menil Collection is a wonderful way for kids to really experience cultures and traditions from all around the world - AND throughout history!
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The Moody Center for The Arts is another free admission experience, as is the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.
The Blaffer Art Museum is also not only free admission but free docent led tours are available too! The perfect place to discover the works of emerging and unrepresented artists.
What is wonderful about these organizations is that the whole family can really enjoy immersive, expansive, inspiring and often hands-on and interactive experiences that will help shape children as they learn and grow.
FAQ: Free Things to do in Houston
Have more questions? Let's try and help!
Houston can get HOT, so best months to visit are February to April, then September to November.
No! The capital of Texas is actually Austin, but Houston is the largest city in Texas AND the fourth largest in the USA±
Museum Free Days!
One thing that is wonderful about museums across the US, is that museums offer "free days" to really accommodate all families who want to give their kids that incredible learning experience that can only come from a museum.
Houston is no different, and there are some amazing museums across the city that offer free days, ensuring your list of Free Things to do in Houston keeps going!
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On Thursdays, the below offer free admission during select hours:
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum - offering free admission between 1pm and 5pm.
Children's Museum of Houston - offering free admission 5pm - 8pm
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The Health Museum - 2pm - 7pm is when that free admission can be enjoyed
Holocaust Museum Houston - head on over between 2pm and 5pm
Houston Museum of Natural Science - 2pm - 5pm is the time to visit, except during summer and holidays then it's 3pm - 6pm.
Museum of Fine Arts - enjoy free admission ALL DAY on Thursdays!
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Our Planning Tip!
With so many free experiences awaiting, why not grab your annual calendar, and mark off all the free events, free museum days and free activities, so you can have all your Free Things to do in Houston ready at your fingertips? Then all you have to do is decide what you want to enjoy!
