Top Free Family Activities in Houston

Miller Outdoor Theatre

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Miller Outdoor Theatre is a cherished Houston destination for outdoor entertainment. Guests can relax in stadium seats or on the expansive hill that overlooks the amphitheater while enjoying free plays, musicals, children’s performances, and dance productions. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs, along with their favorite snacks and drinks, including adult beverages (note that glass containers are prohibited).

Details

6000 Hermann Park Dr.
Houston, Texas 77030
281-373-3386

Discovery Green Park

This large urban green space located in the heart of Downtown Houston is the city’s most recent and largest park addition. With over 12 acres of land, Discovery Green offers numerous ways to entertain the entire family. State-of-the-art playgrounds, a model boat basin, an interactive splash pad, and a lively summer concert series are sure to please visitors. Best of all, it’s all completely free.

Details

1500 McKinney
Houston, Texas 77010
713-400-7336

The Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo has gained attention recently with the unveiling of its much-anticipated Africa exhibit. Along with this visual spectacle, the zoo is home to over 4,500 animals across more than 55 acres of land. Limited-time exhibits often feature animatronic creatures, such as giant bugs or dinosaurs, that are crowd favorites. Additionally, admission is complimentary on the first Tuesday of each month, from September through May, starting at noon until closing.

Details

6200 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
713-533-6500

Woodlands Town Center

The Woodlands Town Center spans a thousand acres in the heart of the suburb of The Woodlands. Visitors can stroll along Market Street, an open-air shopping paradise featuring a variety of vendors including Sur La Table, Anthropologie, and J. Crew. Additionally, the central park area often hosts free live musical performances, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind.

Details

9595 Six Pines Drive
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
281-419-4774

Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is a beloved outdoor haven for many Houstonians, stretching from Katy, Texas, through Terry Hershey Park, Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum, and the charming neighborhood of River Oaks. This park features 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, kayaking opportunities, and guided kayak tours, providing fun for the entire family.

Details

1113 Vine Street Suite 200
Houston, Texas 77002
713-223-3500

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science stands as one of the nation’s premier museums. Featuring a four-story building filled with thirteen permanent exhibits ranging from paleontology to space science and archaeology, it promises an enriching experience. Notable attractions include the Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, George Observatory, and an IMAX Theater. The museum offers free admission for permanent exhibits every Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Details

One Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, Texas 77030
713-639-4629

The Children’s Museum

In 2011, Parents magazine named The Children’s Museum of Houston as the best children’s museum in the country. The venue features 14 gallery exhibits providing hands-on learning experiences for children aged birth to 12 years. Even adults are likely to find engaging exhibits. The museum offers free admission every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Details

1500 Binz Street
Houston, Texas 77004
713-535-7264

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Situated within Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center encompasses 155 acres of natural beauty. Visitors can explore nature on 5 miles of trails free of charge. Additionally, children can participate in week-long Discovery Classes during the summer, fostering a love for the natural world. Admission to the Houston Arboretum is free.

Details

4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
713-681-8433

Jamail Skatepark

Jamail Skatepark, a recently established public skatepark near downtown Houston, spans 30,000 square feet of excitement. Skaters of all skill levels are welcome to practice their tricks or learn to maintain balance. During the summer months, free skateboard classes are offered for kids aged 6-17. Safety gear, including helmets, is mandatory.

Details

103 Sabine Street
Houston, Texas 77007
713-222-5500

Art Car Museum

Houston’s Art Car Museum is an eclectic and innovative collection of uniquely transformed vehicles, showcasing creativity and fun. While visitors may have missed the famous Art Car Parade in the spring, they can still admire a diverse array of art throughout the museum. Open from Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., admission is always free, along with various other museums in Houston.

Details

140 Heights Boulevard
Houston, Texas 77007
713-926-6368

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