Did you know Marvida is located less than 30 minutes from downtown Houston? That means you can spend every weekend having fun in the big city! On a budget? Not to worry, there are plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do that are absolutely free. Here are 10 of them:
Twenty museums make up the Houston Museum District and most offer free admission on certain days or times, usually Thursdays. Some popular choices include the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Menil Collection and Contemporary Arts Museum are free every day.
This expansive park offers various free attractions, including walking trails, playgrounds and a Japanese garden. Don’t miss the McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Hermann Park Railroad (small fee for train rides).
Located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green hosts numerous free events throughout the year, including concerts, movie nights and fitness classes. The park also features playgrounds, interactive water features and art installations.
Explore this beautiful urban park with walking and biking trails, picnic areas and scenic views of downtown Houston. Keep an eye out for free events and activities hosted by the Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
You don’t need a library card to enjoy the story hours hosted by branches of the Houston Public Library. Some branches also off Maker Spaces where you can use 3D printers, kid-friendly tablets, video editing, a music studio and more.
Waterwall Park
One of Houston’s most beloved, iconic landmarks, the stunning Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park features a 64-foot semi-circular architectural fountain. It’s a great spot for photos and picnics.
Enjoy free performances including concerts, plays and dance productions at this outdoor amphitheater located in Hermann Park. Tickets are often required for covered seating, but lawn seating is free.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Admission is free at this 155-acre urban nature sanctuary (parking is $6). There are miles of trails to walk, a Discovery Room with interactive exhibits and activities and a nature playscape.
Port Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip, educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. The boat carries a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing room on the boat’s rear deck.
Located near the Shepherd School of Music on the Rice University campus, James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace art installation is a great place to watch the sun rise and set. The pyramidal structure has an LED light sequence that projects onto the ceiling of the 72-foot square roof daily at sunrise and sunset. The light sequences begin 40 minutes before sunrise and 10 minutes before sunset daily every night except Tuesdays.
