Raising kids can be an expensive endeavor, especially in a bustling metropolitan city like Houston. But fret not, because there are plenty of free activities in Houston that will keep your kids entertained without breaking the bank. From outdoor adventures to museums and parks, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s dive into the 50 free and fun things to do with kids in Houston!
Anytime Activities
1. Explore Houston’s Museum District: Every Thursday, the Houston Museum District offers free admission to its most popular museums, including the Children’s Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Natural Science, and the Health Museum.
2. Visit the Houston Zoo: On the first Tuesday afternoon of each month during the school year, the Houston Zoo opens its gates to the public for free. Get there early to beat the crowds and grab your tickets online ahead of time.
3. Witness the Bat Colony: Head to the busy bridge crossing Buffalo Bayou to watch over 200,000 bats emerge at dusk and fly towards the Downtown skyline.
4. Take a Boat Ride: Enjoy a free boat ride from Galveston to Bolivar and back, or take a tour of the Houston Ship Channel. Just make sure to make a reservation in advance for the ship channel tour.
5. Explore Art Cars: Houston is known as the Art Car capital of the world. Visit the Art Car Museum in the Heights to see these unique and creative cars all year round.
6. Visit the Houston Police Department Stables: Pay a visit to the Houston Police Department stables and bring carrots, apples, and peppermints to feed the police horses.
7. Tour the Houston Police Department Headquarters: Stop by the Houston Police Department headquarters in Downtown Houston, visit the Police Museum, and see the old police car, motorcycle, and helicopter.
8. Visit your Local Fire Station: Show appreciation to firefighters by bringing them cookies or treats and thanking them for their service. If you’re lucky, you might even get to sit in a fire truck!
9. Attend a Glass Blowing Demo: Head to Glassblowing Houston in Tomball on the first Saturday of the month for a free glass blowing demonstration and narration from artists.
10. Explore the Local Library: Find a book, attend storytime, or participate in various family-friendly activities at your local library.
11. Visit Smither Park: Pack a picnic and head to Smither Park on Saturdays to witness artists in action as they cover the park’s surfaces with beautiful mosaics.
12. Discover Houston Arboretum: Take a walk through nature at the Houston Arboretum and enjoy the unique nature playground with a rope bridge, sand, and tunnels.
13. Explore Discovery Green: Visit Discovery Green, the center of activity in Downtown Houston, which offers a mist tree, splash pad, playground, and a calendar full of free events.
14. Enjoy Hermann Park: Explore Hermann Park, where you can walk the trail, play at the playground, splash in the water, and feed the ducks. You can also indulge in non-free activities like riding the train, pedal boats, or visiting the zoo.
15. Visit Farmers’ Markets: Explore the numerous farmers’ markets around the city, such as City Hall on Wednesdays and Eastside on Saturdays and Sundays.
16. Explore Art Destinations: Let your kids practice their art museum voices at free art destinations like The Menil Collection, Cy Twombly Gallery, Dan Flavin Installation, Blaffer Art Museum, and The Moody Center.
17. Ride the METRORail: While not entirely free, kids five and under can ride the METRORail for free, and everyone else can enjoy a ride for only $1.25. Explore different destinations along the route, such as NRG Stadium, Downtown Houston, and East End.
18. Experience Twilight Epiphany: Witness the mesmerizing James Turrell light show/installation, Twilight Epiphany, on the Rice University campus. Reserve your spot in advance and bring something for your kids to color on while you take in the subtle changes.
19. Enjoy The Square at Memorial City: Check out The Square at Memorial City, which hosts a variety of free events. You can also find the mall’s two-story carousel, Frolic’s Castle indoor playspace, and an NHL-sized ice rink nearby.
20. Discover CityCentre: Explore CityCentre, Houston’s new shopping and dining district, which offers free concerts, fitness classes, and community events.
21. Attend Story Time at Bookstores: Visit local bookstores like Blue Willow Bookshop or Brazos Bookstore for free story time events throughout the week.
22. Explore Armand Bayou Nature Center: While not entirely free, the Armand Bayou Nature Center offers free admission for kids under three. Explore the outdoors and learn about nature through various programs.
23. Visit Market Square Park: Enjoy the historic atmosphere of Market Square Park in Downtown Houston. Have a snack, play on the grass, and cool off in the fountain. The park also hosts scheduled events like blanket bingo, concerts, movies, and festivals.
24. Explore Buffalo Bayou Park: Rent bikes, kayaks, or canoes, and enjoy the Nature Play Area in Buffalo Bayou Park. Don’t forget to visit Eleanor Tinsley Park for a stunning view of the city skyline.
25. First Saturday Arts Market: Head to 19th Street in the Heights on the first Saturday of the month for the First Saturday Arts Market. Stroll through tents filled with handmade goodies, enjoy live music, and savor treats from local food trucks.
26. Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank: Teach your kids the importance of giving back by volunteering at the Houston Food Bank. Families with kids as young as six can lend a helping hand.
27. Nature Discovery Center: Visit the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire, where kids can play in the indoor Discovery Rooms and explore Russ Pitman Park and its nature playground.
28. Central Green at La Centerra: Enjoy the free activities offered at Central Green at La Centerra in Cinco Ranch. Check the calendar for movie nights and other family-friendly events.
29. Alice in Wonderland Sculpture Hunt: Read or watch Alice in Wonderland and visit Evelyn’s Park to see the sculpture dedicated to Lewis Carroll’s story. Join the Mad Hatter’s tea party and go on a treasure hunt for hidden tidbits from the book.
30. Explore Gallery Furniture: Visit Gallery Furniture’s North Freeway location for more than just furniture shopping. They have an indoor playscape, a Texas-sized mattress for jumping, and even exotic birds to see.
31. Visit the San Jacinto Monument: Explore Texas history at the San Jacinto Monument and museum, where admission is always free. Additional attractions, such as the observation deck, may require a fee.
32. Gerald D. Hines Water Wall: Take a break from shopping at the Galleria and visit the Gerald D. Hines Water Wall. Capture some Instagram-worthy photos and enjoy the grassy park surrounding it.
33. Reflect at the Rothko Chapel: Introduce older kids to reflection and meditation at the Rothko Chapel. Admission is free, and meditation programs specifically tailored for children are occasionally offered.
34. Conquer the Challenge Course: Kids obsessed with American Ninja Warriors can try the free challenge course at Tom Bass Park and compete against each other to see who can finish it the fastest.
35. Enjoy a Houston Greeter Tour: Discover a new aspect of the city or get a fresh perspective on familiar sights with a free Houston Greeter tour. Perfect for hosting out-of-towners or those new to Houston.
36. Visit BAPS Mandir Temple: Explore the beautiful BAPS Shir Swaminarayan Mandir Temple and learn about Hinduism. Entry is free, but remember to dress modestly with your legs and shoulders covered.
Spring & Summer Activities
37. Capture Bluebonnet Photos: Take part in the Texan tradition of driving around town for the perfect bluebonnet photos. Make a day trip to Brenham or explore local spots within the city.
38. Explore the Downtown Tunnels: Under Downtown Houston, you’ll find seven miles of climate-controlled tunnels. Take a stroll through these tunnels, which link various buildings, restaurants, and stores.
39. Enjoy a Day at Galveston: Pack snacks, water, and beach gear for a cost-free day trip to Galveston. With its beautiful beaches and attractions, Galveston offers a fun-filled adventure for the whole family.
40. Visit Skate Parks: If your kids love skateboarding or biking, head to Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark or the North Houston Skatepark. These parks offer free entry, but don’t forget the helmets!
41. Participate in Houston Parks & Rec Programs: Keep your kids entertained during the summer with free programs offered by Houston Parks & Rec, such as tennis lessons, skateboarding lessons, adaptive tennis, and SwimWise swim lessons.
42. Attend Community Events: Enjoy free summer events at Sugar Land Town Square, Pearland Town Square, and The Depot in Tomball. These events offer outdoor fun for families outside the city.
43. Miller Outdoor Theatre: Watch plays, concerts, and movies for free at Hermann Park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre. All shows are free, and you can choose to sit under the roof or on the lawn.
44. Cool Off at Splash Pads: Beat the summer heat at one of Houston’s 27 free splash pads. Let your kids splash and play in the safe and shallow water areas.
45. Dive into Free Pools: Take advantage of Houston’s free pools that are open from June to September. These pools are a great way to cool off and have fun during the hot summer days.
Fall & Winter Activities
46. Enjoy Walks and Hikes: With milder temperatures, fall and winter are perfect for exploring Houston’s trails. Take your stroller-aged kids on a scenic walk or go hiking with older kids at places like the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center or Brazos Bend State Park.
47. Bike Rides along Bayous: Take a bike ride along Houston’s bayous and enjoy scenic views. It’s a great way to stay active and explore the city from a different perspective.
48. Discover Houston’s Murals: Winter is an excellent time to go mural hunting and capture unique photos throughout the city. Explore well-known murals and discover new ones that pop up during events like the HUE Mural Fest.
49. Indoor Playtime: When it’s chilly and rainy outside, head indoors for playtime at free spots like Sugar Creek Baptist Church and Frolic’s Castle in Memorial City Mall.
50. Cheer at the Houston Marathon: Support and cheer for runners participating in the annual Chevron Houston Marathon. After the race, join the celebration at RunFest in Discovery Green.
FAQs
Q: Are these activities suitable for children of all ages?
A: Yes, many of these activities are suitable for children of all ages. However, it’s always a good idea to check specific age recommendations or safety guidelines for each activity.
Q: Are there any free activities during the holidays?
A: Yes, Houston offers various free activities during the holidays, such as tree lighting ceremonies, holiday markets, and festive performances. Check local event calendars for specific dates and details.
Q: Can I visit these places on weekends?
A: Absolutely! Most of these activities can be enjoyed on weekends or during weekdays, depending on your schedule and availability.
Q: Are there any admission fees for the non-free activities mentioned?
A: Yes, some activities mentioned may have additional fees for certain attractions or services. However, the majority of the listed activities are entirely free.
Conclusion
Houston is a city filled with free and fun activities for kids. From exploring museums and parks to enjoying outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of entertainment options that won’t cost a dime. So, grab your family and get ready for a memorable time exploring Houston’s diverse offerings.