Top 5 Free Family Activities in the Houston Area

Have a family? On a budget? Live in or near the Houston area? Houstonians are fortunate because we have so many free or deeply discounted activities available in our area. From extensive museums to beautiful outdoor parks, Houston offers something for everyone... even those on a budget.

Have you visited the Menil Collection? If not, now is a good time to go! Admission to the museum itself, as well as the grounds, is always free, thanks to the Menil Foundation. The museum houses permanent as well as traveling exhibits that are usually appropriate for ages 8+. Near the main Menil Collection building are the Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum as well as the Rothko Chapel, which are free and might interest older children and adults. The grounds around the Collection are beautiful, well-manicured, and shady! Bring a picnic and a blanket for a nice mid-day retreat in the middle of the summer.

Another museum worth a look for people of all ages is Houston's Contemporary Arts Museum. The Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden is housed outside and is definitely a place to visit.

If you're looking for a low-cost daytrip, try Galveston . To maximize play time on the beach (and minimize cost), pack lots of water, meals, and an umbrella. The beaches are varied, so find one that suits your taste and needs. Parking on the Seawall can be hard to find and the meters can be expensive, but be creative and you'll find some free or very low-cost parking.

Parks are always a great place to go with a family, and with the variety that are available in Houston , one will definitely fit your needs! Hermann Park is a perennial favorite because of it's sheer size and scope of activities. Younger children will enjoy the mini railroad, and older kids will love the Japanese Gardens . Also consider spending some time along the Buffalo Bayou trails. Stretching from downtown all the way to the west side of town, there is a plethora of space to run, bike, rollerblade, or even kayak down the bayou. Other area parks worth a look: Memorial Park and George Bush Park.

Most weekday afternoons and weekend days and evenings feature free performances and activities at the Miller Outdoor Theater. During the week, programming is more geared toward younger children, while night-time entertainment usually features adolescent or adult programming, including Houston Grand Opera performances. Check the schedule ahead of time to see what is playing that is age appropriate for your family.

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Houston in the Summer: Heat and Budget Friendly Things to Do