7 Free Things to Do in Houston, Texas

Houston, synonymous with oil derricks and space exploration, is the largest city in Texas. Along with the city’s urban sprawl, Houston is full of diversity, and there is always something interesting to do. Don’t break the bank on your visit to Houston by checking out these seven free things to do in the city.

Photo: Katie Haugland

Learn about Houston with Houston Greeters

Experience Houston with a local through Houston Greeters. Local volunteers act as hosts to visit the destination or activity of your choice. Pick from a range of activities from wandering the streets for good food to taking in a baseball game and experiencing it with someone who can give you a local’s perspective.

Experience Art Differently at the Art Car Museum

Photo: elaine

Step into the weird and wacky world of art cars where anything can happen. The museum features imaginative, elaborate, and artfully constructed cars decorated with items that reflect the car artist’s own aesthetics. Developed in response to the sameness of cars today, each art car is unique and makes for a fun activity.

Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

140 Heights Blvd.
Houston, Texas 77007
Website

Escape the City at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

Escape the busyness of the city by retreating to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center located on the western side of Memorial Park. With five miles of trails, a wildlife garden and a discovery room with interactive displays, the park provides education about the environment in the area.

4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, Texas 77024
Website

Explore the Museum District

Photo: Paul Cooper

Houston is home to 17 museums on a variety of topics within a 1.7-mile radius. Thursdays are best, as a number of them offer free admission. Wander the Houston Museum of Natural Science or explore the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Houston Zoo is also free to the public on the first Tuesday of every month. Keep up to date on all times and museums available on the Houston Museum District website.

Sam Houston Boat Tours

See Houston from the water with the Sam Houston Boat Tours. Organized by the Port of Houston Authority, enjoy a 90-minute boat ride along the Houston Ship Channel. See cargo ships up close and watch the operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal. While the tour is free, be sure to reserve your seats ahead of time and remember to bring ID!

7300 Clinton Drive
Houston, Texas 77020
Website

See the Waugh Drive Bat Colony

See the bats fly at the Waugh Drive Bridge, which is home to over 25,000 Mexican free-tailed bats. Watch them emerge every evening at sunset from under the bridge. Find out more about the bats by attending a Bat Chat, which is held on the first and third Friday night of each month.

Waugh Drive Bridge between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway
Bat Watching Tips & Website

Watch a Show at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Photo: Adam Baker

If you’re visiting Houston between March and October, stop by the Miller Outdoor Theatre for fantastic entertainment all for free! Enjoy professional productions of music, dance, plays, and movies in the great outdoors. Go early to get your seats, as it is first-come, first serve seating.

6000 Hermann Park Drive in Hermann Park
Website

This post was written as a part of the #HipmunkCityLove project.

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