Many families today are looking for fun and, when possible, free activities to enjoy. So if you’re in Houston, TX, and seeking the same, read on! iStorage has a list of 11 fantastic, fun, and free things to do in Houston, TX, below! It’s the perfect list for anyone wanting to have fun in the Houston sun without breaking their budget!
1. Escape the Heat at the Water Wall
Before we get started with activities, we have to acknowledge that Houston gets hot as blazes some days! One great way to avoid the heat is to visit the 64-foot tall Water Wall in Waterwall Park. And this awesome waterwall is free! Located a few short blocks from the Houston Galleria, the Water Wall is a distinctive (and massive) U-shaped fountain. You can step inside of it, too, and let the mist cool you off while you take a selfie!
2. Go Batty at Waugh Drive Bridge
Bats, those amazing nocturnal creatures, love Texas, and Houston is loaded with them! If watching them emerge by the thousands sounds amazing, the Waugh Drive Bridge at dusk is the place to be! Every day at dusk, the air fills with bats as they go out on their nightly foraging rounds. So simply find a spot close by, bring a folding chair, and watch this free spectacle of nature unfold!
3. Walk or Bike along the Buffalo Bayou
The Buffalo Bayou flows slowly through Houston, TX, and is a popular place for walkers, joggers, and bikers. Also, the Buffalo Bayou Trail offers 15 miles of fully paved trails to enjoy, and enjoy them people do! In fact, inline skaters, walking clubs, joggers, and bike enthusiasts can be found here at all hours of the day! It’s an urban oasis that’s 100% free to enjoy!
Tip: The best place to access the trail is near its west end.
4. Free Cultural Events in Houston, TX
It’s not often you can see a free concert or movie, let alone in one of the country’s best cities! In Houston, however, you can do exactly that at Miller Outdoor Theatre! They sponsor a wide variety of free events all year, from movie screenings to outdoor plays, concerts, and more. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a blanket or folding chairs and some snacks, and enjoy all sorts of fun affairs!
5. Get Social at Discovery Green
A 12-acre urban park in Houston’s downtown area, Discovery Green has something for everyone. Seriously, there’s so much to do here, all free, that you’ll find yourself going back constantly! The free things to do at Discovery Green in Houston, TX include:
- Unique Listening Vessels, stone sculptures that throw your voice an amazing 70 feet away!
- Screen on the Green, the park’s free movie nights.
- Thursday Night Concerts.
- Labyrinth, which is the park’s newest incredible art installation.
- Toddler Tuesdays with fun activities for your little ones.
- A beautiful dog park for your furry friends.
6. Get Artsy in the Houston, TX Museum District
Houston is a haven for artists of every stripe, and the Houston Museum District is world-class! For example, there are several museums to choose from featuring a wide array of styles and artists. And best of all, the museums are free (or almost free) and well worth a visit if you’re a patron of the arts. They include:
- Contemporary Arts Museum.: Local, regional, and international artists are on display.
- Houston Museum of Fine Arts: Special and spectacular exhibitions throughout the year.
- The Menil Collection: Byzantine and Medieval art are the focus here.
- Blaffer Art Museum: Contemporary artists on the University of Houston campus.
7. Enjoy the Outdoors in the Heart of Houston at Memorial Park
Memorial Park, located just west of downtown, offers all sorts of free activities! To start, there are over 6 miles of bike trails to enjoy. There’s also a 3-mile walking trail and the challenging Memorial Park Municipal Golf Course. Several tennis courts are available as well as a fitness center and swimming pool. (Perfect for hot Houston days!) Memorial Park is practically perfect if “free things to do in Houston, TX” is on your to-do list!
8. Take a Free Boat Tour Around Houston, TX
Boat tours around most major cities usually cost a pretty penny, but not in Houston! The Sam Houston Boat Tour is 100% free and a fun time for all! Amazingly, they even offer free drinks during the 90-minute tour! It takes you through the Houston Ship Channel’s international cargo port, which, while not scenic, is still fascinating. Worried about the heat? Don’t be, as the tour offers an indoor, air-conditioned seating area. Similarly, for more adventurous folks, the outdoor sundeck is the perfect place to see everything!
Tip: You need to reserve your boat tour at least 24 hours in advance.
9. Explore the Rice University Campus
Joggers love the 3-mile trail through Rice University’s campus as magnificent oak trees almost completely shade it! The campus also features a variety of buildings with unique architecture. A self-guided tour is 100% free, and they even provide a tour map to help!
10. Enjoy Nature at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
One of the loveliest places in all of Houston, TX, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is stunningly beautiful. In addition to over 155 acres of natural wonders, there are also 5+ miles of walking trails. So for fans of Mother Nature’s best, it’s a must-see, free Houston, TX attraction.
Tip: In addition to the gorgeous paths, there’s a free guided nature hike every Saturday!
Tip: The Arboretum hosts special classes. For example, they offer classes about edible plants, photography, gardening, and cooking. So check out their calendar for more info!
11. See Unique Cars at the Art Car Museum
Lastly, we have a uniquely Houston museum on our list. The Art Car Museum is a blast! Known affectionately as the “Garage-Mahal,” they have cars that have been turned into works of art. (Hence the unique name.)
Tip: In April, the museum hosts the fantastic Art Car Parade!
Free Things to Do in Houston, TX Brought to You by iStorage
Here at iStorage, we love living in Houston! If you’re moving to our lively city, we recommend reserving a storage unit in Houston, TX, before you arrive. It will be ready when you get here so that you can start your search for the perfect Houston neighborhood!
iStorage has 10 self-storage centers in Houston featuring safe, clean storage units. All of our Houston self-storage centers also have 24/7 video cameras and on-site managers for added security.
Lastly, if you have questions about renting a storage unit in Houston, we can help. If so, you have two choices; chat with us online or visit the iStorage location near you. Either choice will get you the answers you seek! Until then, enjoy all the fantastic, fun, and frivolous free things to do in Houston, Texas!