You’ve heard of Houston, Texas, but have you ever visited? There are plenty of ways to stay to visit this beautiful city on a budget. Every city has free things to do, but this city has a whole lot more than the average. Whether you are one person or a whole family, you’ll love taking advantage of these free things to do in Houston Tx.
Travel Tips
With rentals available all over the world, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay. Airbnb has something for everyone. Plus, with prices that are often much cheaper than traditional hotels, you’ll be able to stretch your vacation budget even further.
If you can not find an Airbnb that fits your needs a second option is VRBO. Find an amazing vacation home for your family.
Make sure to check out our travel deals page for any deals or sales on your next trip no matter where it is!
Depending on what you are planning to do it could be very beneficial for you to purchase a pass that bundles attraction for one low price. Here are the best ones for Texas:
- Dallas City Pass
- GoCity San Antonio Pass
- Texas Guided Tours and Day Trips
- South Central Texas Pogo Pass
Each one has its own perks and rates for attractions so be sure to check each one for the best possible bundle for your vacation.
53 Free Things to do In Houston TX
While traveling be sure you bring change so you can take advantage of any pressed penny machines you come across. These make great souvenirs.
If you are visiting the state for any length of time make sure to take in these other 145+ Top Free Things to do in Texas.
Also, we shared our Top 51 Things to do in Texas & Other Tips for Your Texas Vacation
Discovery Green a park that’s 12 acres big with plenty of room to explore. Can you imagine what awaits
Market Square Park is such a fun place for families to hang out. Pack a picnic and head here for the day, you’ll love sitting in the sunshine and seeing all there is to see.
The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
If you liked the bats in Austin then make sure to check out the Waugh Drive Bat Colony is a very free and interesting activity to participate in.
Related: 29 Free Things to Do in Austin Texas for the Whole Family
Don’t forget to stop by and check out everything that is “art” at the Moody Center for the Arts.
Make sure to visit the San Jacinto Monument and get your Junior Ranger Badge.
Another art scene to get up close and personal within Houston is called the Lawndale Art Center.
Take a stroll and visit the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark. It may surprise you who is skating and what types of tricks they’re doing. Such a cool place to visit.
Sometimes you just a place to sit down and chill, while visiting Houston, Texas. One of the best places to do this is at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
Related: 19 Must-See Free Things to do in San Antonio Texas
Get out the bikes and spend the afternoon biking down Buffalo Bayou. A cool way to see Houston up close and personal.
Skip the paid guided tour and walk alongside the Heritage Society for free. It’s an outdoor history museum and park.
Another great art location to check out is the Blaffer Art Museum.
Did you know there are over 20 Splash pads in Houston? These are free and a great way to cool down!
Get a closer look at the artists in Houston by dropping by the Project Row Houses.
When we’re in Houston, you’ll catch us visiting the Menil Collection. This is a really cool part of “history” of Houston. The collections you’ll see here are historical and absolutely a must see.
Urban Harvest Farmers Market is a place you must check out to help you get a better idea of all the talent available in Houston. You’ll see everything from produce to fresh eggs available here.
Related: Pogo Pass: Year-Round Benefits
My kids love visiting the Water Wall in Houston. You have to see it to understand it, but it sure is beautiful!
Last, but not least, check out the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center! This is where it’s at when you want to get a closer look at nature in Houston.
You better believe that the next time we’re in Houston, we’ll be hitting up Hermann Park. They have everything from a jogging track to endless places you can walk. Of course, the natural beauty and human-built architecture is a plus.
Miller Outdoor Theatre – For 8 month out fo the year this theatre is packed with free outdoor performances.
Giant We Love Houston Sign – This is a great photo opp.
Houston Zoo – The first Tuesday of every month you can get into the zoo for free from 2 pm until closing.
Related: Fun Facts About Traveling Through The State of Texas
Bolivar Flats Shorebird Sanctuary
Beer Can House – Worth a drive by! This house is covered in beer cans! You can go in and look around for a $5 fee as well.
Downtown Tunnel System – This is an airconditioned area of stores and places to eat along with a trolley tour.
Kemah Boardwalk – Walking the boardwalk and taking it all in is free, but you can use the Houston CityPASS to get a huge discount on ride tickets!
JP Morgan Chase Tower – There is a free observation deck to take in the city at the top. Open Monday – Friday from 8am – 5pm.
Related: 15 Free Things to do in El Paso Texas
Public Park is Burned Bethel Baptist Church – Make sure to download the Roadside America App for more details!
Mount Rush Hour – These rotating presidents heads were put in to help ease rush house traffic but can be seen any time of day.
36 Foot Tall Statue of the Beatles
Related: 19 of the Best Free Things to Do in Dallas Texas
NASA Themed McDonalds – This McDonalds is near the NASA space center (which is included in your Houston CityPASS) and is all space themed.
Space Station Themed Electronics Store – I think everything over by NASA is space themed but this is another one you should take in the theme of the store!
Boy in the Plastic Bubble Museum
Check out the endless amounts of beaches in or close to Houston, Texas.
- Stewart Beach in Galveston, Texas
- Sylvan Beach Park in LaPorte, Texas
- Galveston Island State Park in Galveston, Texas
- East Beach in Galveston, Texas
- Crystal Beach, Texas
So now I want to know what are your favorite free things to do in Houston Tx? Let me know in the comments below!