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Free Outdoor Fun for Kids in Houston

1. Memorial Park – Memorial

This massive park offers trails, playgrounds, and wide-open green space for all ages. It’s easy to pair a visit with a picnic or bike ride.

2. Nature Discovery Center – Bellaire

The Nature Discovery Center combines indoor discovery rooms with an outdoor playscape and trails. It’s especially great for kids who love bugs, birds, and getting a little dirty. 

 
Photo courtesy of the Houston Arboretum.

3. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Memorial Park

Miles of easy trails and a kid-friendly Discovery Center make this feel like a nature getaway in the city. Go early for cooler temps and fewer crowds, especially on weekends. The Nature Playscape is a great hit with elementary school kids.

4. Sea Center Texas – Lake Jackson

Visit Sea Center Texas, a marine aquarium, fish hatchery, and education center located on 75 acres. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the tanks, trails, and educational exhibits.

5. Mercer Botanic Gardens – Humble

The 60 acres of Mercer Botanic Gardens feel peaceful and uncrowded, even on weekends. It’s stroller-friendly and perfect for a slow afternoon walk. 

 
Photo courtesy of Levy Park.

6. Levy Park – Upper Kirby

Levy Park is one of Houston’s best playgrounds, with splash pads and free programming. Weekends are busy, so mornings are your best bet.

7. Evelyn's Park – Bellaire

Evelyn's Park has beautifully designed play areas and wide lawns, making this a favorite with families. Free concerts and kids’ events add to the appeal.

8. Woodchase Park – Westchase

Explore the modern playground and participate in free programming at Woodchase Park. It’s especially nice for school-age kids, and is a great alternative to some of the busier, well-known parks.

9. Discovery Green – Downtown

Visit Discovery Green, a 12-acre park and one of our favorite Things to Do in Downtown Houston. It features a playground, art, and green space with many free events, so be sure to check out the calendar before you go.

10. Japanese Garden – Museum District

Waterfalls, bridges, and winding paths make this a calming escape. It’s best for quieter kids and stroller walks.

11. Miller Outdoor Theater – Museum District

See a family-friendly performance at Miller Outdoor Theater. Bring a blanket and arrive early for good views.

RELATED: Kids Eat Free: 35 Houston Restaurants with Free Meal Deals for Families

12. Alief Neighborhood Center and Park – Alief

Play tennis, skateboard, explore the playground, and more at the Alief Neighborhood Center and Park. It’s a solid choice for mixed-age siblings.

13. POST Skylawn – Downtown

Enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends at Post Skylawn, a rooftop park with downtown skyline views. It’s great for sunset visits and casual family hangouts.

14. Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve – Northwest Houston

Hike, fish, and picnic at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve. It’s great for nature-loving families.

15. Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center – Humble

Nature trails, a playground, and free educational programs make this a full-day destination. It’s well worth the drive for outdoorsy families.

 
Frolic near the Galveston Seawall. Photo by DiAnn L Roy, via Flickr.

16. Seawall – Galveston

Families with energetic kids will love the sand and waves at the Seawall on Galveston Island. 

17. Buffalo Bayou Park – Downtown

Enjoy beautiful gardens and native landscaping, hike and bike trails, or frolic in the play area at Buffalo Bayou Park. Weekdays are calmer for little kids.

18. Sheldon Lake State Park – Northeast Houston

Explore Sheldon Lake State Park with a lake, ponds, wetlands, woods, prairie, and an 82-foot observation tower. It feels like a field trip without leaving the city.

19. Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah

Walk the Kemah Boardwalk and enjoy window shopping, water views, and free entertainment. Free only for kids who can enjoy the atmosphere without going on rides!

20. McGovern Centennial Gardens – Museum District

Enjoy a variety of themed gardens, including an educational family garden, at McGovern Centennial Gardens. Spring and fall offer the best weather and blooms. 

21. Terry Hershey Park – Memorial

22. Exploration Park – Katy 

Swing and play at Exploration Park, an immersive public playground. This playground is designed for kids of all abilities.

23. The George Mitchell Nature Preserve – The Woodlands

Miles of trails wind through forested areas ideal for hiking and biking. Kids who love adventure will appreciate this nature preserve.

24. Surfside Beach – Brazoria County

Play in the sand and waves on the pedestrian side of Surfside Beach. This quieter beach offers space to spread out and play. Go early for easier parking.

25. Sylvan Beach Park – La Porte

A family-friendly beach with playgrounds and picnic areas. It’s calmer than Galveston.

26. Mary Jo Peckham Park – Katy

Fish and play at Mary Jo Peckham Park, which features a playground, a fishing lake, and a miniature golf course. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon here.

Free Indoor Things To Do in Houston

27. Frolic's Castle – Memorial City

Easily one of Houston's Best Indoor Playspaces for Babies and Toddlers, this free indoor play area is the largest within a shopping center, and features a castle, slide, soft play, and more. 

27. Disney Junior Play Zone – Katy

Play with your favorite Disney Junior friends through interactive digital displays and climbable playsets at the Disney Junior Play Zone at Katy Mills Mall.

28. Houston Police Department Museum – Downtown

Visit the Houston Police Department's downtown headquarters to see the Houston Police Museum. Elementary-age kids who love uniforms, vehicles, and true stories will be especially interested.

29. Downtown Tunnels – Downtown

Head underground to a system of Downtown Tunnels 20 feet below Houston's Downtown streets and more than 6 miles long. Weekdays during business hours are best, since many shops close on weekends.

31. Houston Food Bank – East Houston

Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, which welcomes volunteers as young as 6, or check out other Houston volunteering opportunities. 

33. North Houston Skate Park – North Houston

Skateboard at the largest skate park in North America, the North Houston Skate Park, or one of Houston's other Kid-Friendly Skate Parks. 

 
The Galleria is a year-round destination. Photo courtesy of the Houston Galleria 

Free Events, Fairs, and Festivals in Houston

36. Houston Farmers Market – The Heights

Stroll the city’s oldest and largest farmers market at the Houston Farmers Market, one of the Best Things To Do in The Heights with Kids. 

31. Houston Area Live Steamers – Hockley

Go on a train ride every third Saturday of the month from March to November by the Houston Area Live Steamers at Zube Park.

 
Enjoy free shows at the Woodlands. Photo courtesy of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion

25. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands

Take advantage of free Performing Arts shows throughout the season at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Houston Symphony orchestra performs free, high-quality shows.

Free Arts, Culture, and Learning Activities

53. Free Family Night Children's Museum Houston – Museum District

Free Family Night is every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Children's Museum Houston. Expect crowds, but the energy is part of the fun.

54. Free Admission Hours at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – Museum District

Explore the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum for free every Thursday from 1-5 pm, and children under 5 are always free. 

55. Free Family Thursday at The Health Museum – Museum District

Does your kid like playing at being a doctor? Learn about medical science and the human body at The Health Museum during free general admission from 2-7 pm on Thursdays.

57. Free Admission Hours at the Houston Museum of Natural Science – Museum District

See dinosaurs at the Houston Museum of Natural Science during free admission to the permanent exhibit halls every Tuesday from 5-8 pm. Arrive early to avoid long lines at this popular and modern museum.

58. Free First Tuesday at the Houston Zoo – Museum District

Enjoy seeing the animals for free with a reservation on the first Tuesday of each month at the Houston Zoo. Spots fill quickly, so plan ahead.

59. Free Thursdays at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston – Museum District

View the world-class art galleries at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston for free every Thursday. Children 12 and under are always free. 

10. Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts – Spring

See the exhibitions at the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts and enjoy an active schedule of programs and services, including those for children. It's a calmer environment that some of the downtown museums.

8. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft – Museum District

View art made primarily from craft materials during a rotation of artist exhibitions, or enjoy regular programming of free craft-making activity led by local guilds and artists for all ages at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Check out the events schedule before you go.

RELATED: Fun Houston Storytimes Found Outside the Library

12. Project Row Houses – Historic Third Ward

Go see Project Row Houses, a highly acclaimed art and cultural community center consisting of renovated shotgun-style homes. 

13. The Menil Collection – Montrose

View paintings and sculptures at The Menil Collection Museum. 

14. Contemporary Arts Museum Houston – Museum District

See works of the best and most exciting international, national, and regional art of our time at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston.

15. Lawndale Art Center – Museum District

Participate in programs or view art exhibitions that explore the aesthetic, critical, and social issues of our time at the Lawndale Art Center.

16. James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace – Rice University

Experience the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace art installations' light sequences that occur daily at sunrise and sunset.

17. Houston Museum of African American Culture – Museum District

Enjoy the exhibits, programs, and demonstrations focused on educating and preserving African-American culture at the Houston Museum of African American Culture.

18. Houston Center for Photography – Montrose

View works of modern photography at the Houston Center for Photography.

39. Smither Park – East End

Explore a creative urban space filled with mosaic installations at Smither Park.

40. Cullen Sculpture Garden – Museum District

Walk through a tranquil oasis of art and nature at Cullen Sculpture Garden.

60. Free Admission Hours at the Czech Center Museum Houston – Museum District

Celebrate Czech and Slovak culture during free admission hours at Czech Center Museum Houston every Thursday from 2-5pm.

47. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary – Memorial 

See the only log home within Houston that still stands where it was originally built and hike surrounding trails at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary.

87. Sawyer Yards – Arts District

Meet artists and explore the open studios during Second Saturdays at Sawyer Yards. 

 
Visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple. Photo by Katie Haugland Bowen via Flickr

42. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Stafford

Visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a gorgeous traditional Hindu temple open to all faiths and backgrounds.

72. 19th Street – The Heights

Explore the eclectic collection of shops that decorate historic 19th Street in Houston Heights.

76. The Strand – Galveston 

Stroll The Strand in Galveston, with historic architecture, family attractions, locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. While you're there, check out all the other Things To Do in Galveston with Kids. 

91. Free Thursdays at Asia Society Texas – Museum District

Visit Asia Society Texas for free every Thursday from noon– 7pm.

Free Seasonal Fun in Houston

68. Japan Festival Houston – Museum District

Experience Japan Festival Houston, an annual celebration of Japanese culture held in Houston’s Hermann Park in the springtime.

Giddyup to the Rodeo Houston Parade. Photo courtesy of Rodeo Houston

89. Rodeo Houston Parade – Downtown

Watch thousands of men and women on horseback fill the streets with marching bands and decorative floats at the Rodeo Houston Parade. And while the Rodeo itself isn't free, we have a Houston Rodeo Guide to help you navigate it. 

65. Art Car Parade – Downtown

Held every year in the spring, the Art Car Parade is Houston's largest free cultural event and one of its most iconic celebrations.

 
Hermann Park Kite Festival is free every spring. Photo courtesy of Hermann Park

70. Hermann Park Kite Festival – Museum District

Fly a kite at the Hermann Park Kite Festival held every spring. 

85. Run Fest at Discovery Green – Downtown

Have fun at Run Fest, a festival held the weekend of the Houston Marathon that includes activities for everyone in the family.

Top Free Things To Do with Toddlers vs. Tweens and Teens

45. Gallery Furniture North Freeway – North Houston

Play at the indoor playground and see exotic birds around the store at Gallery Furniture.

46. Living Spaces – Multiple Locations

Get some energy out at the indoor playground in the furniture store Living Spaces. 

41. Donovan Park – The Heights

Play at the wooden, train-themed playground at Donovan Park.

RELATED: Free Things to Do in Houston with Kids Guide

50. Bear Creek Pioneers Park – Northwest Houston

Check out an aviary and wildlife habitat, play at the playground, and enjoy the Bear Creek Pioneers Park trails.

 
Gorilla Forest at The Commons. Photo Courtesy of Johnny Than Photography

61. Hermann Park The Commons – Museum District

Have a picnic and play at the beautiful new section of Hermann Park. 

73. Pumpkin Park – River Oaks

Play at the shaded, pumpkin-themed Pumpkin Park.

94. Hedwig Park – Memorial Villages

Play at Hedwig Park, one of Houston's most shaded playgrounds. 

95. Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area – Downtown

Explore Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area, a nature-based play area with downtown views. 

96. The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve – Greater Heights

Take a walk at the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve, a beautiful pocket wilderness park.

98. Emancipation Park – Third Ward

Play at the oldest park in Texas, Emancipation Park. 

99. Storytime at Houston Botanic Garden – Southeast Houston

On the third Friday of each month, register for storytime at Houston Botanic Garden and receive free admission. 

100. The Hill at Miller Outdoor Theater – Museum District

All Houstonians know that one big hill in Hermann Park at Miller Outdoor Theater, and it's a Houstonian rite of passage to roll down it at least once as a kiddo. 

Top Free Things To Do with Tweens and Teens

26. Rockstar Energy Bike Park – North Houston

Bike or scooter at Rockstar Energy Bike Park, the largest BMX park in the USA.

56. Free Admission Hours at Holocaust Museum Houston – Museum District

Visit the Holocaust Museum Houston for free on Thursday from 2-5 pm. Kids ages 18 and under are always free. 

32. Tom Bass Park – Southeast Houston

Challenge yourself on a ninja-style course at Tom Bass Park, one of Pearland's Things to Do with Kids. Older kids and teens especially love this park.

27. The Pump Track – Sugar Land

Ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter at the playgrounds and training facilities at The Pump Track.

69. Sugar Land Town Square – Sugar Land

Window shop and enjoy free programming at the vibrant Sugar Land Town Square. 

90. Urban Harvest Farmers Market – Upper Kirby

Check out local vendors at Urban Harvest Farmers Market, one of Texas’ largest farmers markets.

Catch some air at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark. Photo courtesy of the Houston Parks Board

49. Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark – Downtown

Skateboard at Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark, a 30,000-square-foot in-ground public facility that holds one of the largest cradles in the nation.

7. Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center – Spring

Check out the indoor center with more than 60 species of wildlife on exhibit or explore the many trails around Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center.

48. Rothko Chapel – Montrose

Meditate and reflect in the renowned sacred art space of the Rothko Chapel and grounds. 

74. Traders Village – Northwest Houston

Amble around Traders Village and check out local vendors. 

81. Citycentre – Memorial

Enjoy live music and other events at the shopping destination CityCentre, or check out other Things To Do in Memorial.

88. First Saturday Arts Market – Houston Heights

Browse art by local artists and enjoy music at the family-friendly First Saturday Arts Market. 

Hidden Gems and Weird Free Things To Do

9. Beer Can House – Rice Military

Take a peek inside the Beer Can House, an iconic Houston landmark that's owned and operated by The Orange Show.

34. Sam Houston Boat Tour – East Houston

Ride along and enjoy a leisurely, 90-minute round-trip, educational tour along the Houston Ship Channel on the Sam Houston Boat Tour.

37. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park – Galleria Area

Visit one of Houston’s most beloved, iconic landmarks at Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.

38. Waugh Drive Bridge Bat Colony – Downtown 

See an estimated 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at sunset from the Waugh Drive Bridge Bat Colony.

77. Heights Hike and Bike Trail – The Heights

Enjoy downtown views on a bike ride along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. 

67. Old Town Spring – Spring

Window shop and roam the historic streets of Old Town Spring.

71. Houston Murals – Multiple Locations

Take a self-guided tour to see the many wonderful Houston murals and street-art installations. 

75. Port Bolivar Ferry – Galveston

Spot dolphins and seagulls on the Port Bolivar Ferry that takes travelers between Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula.

80. Tomball Railroad Depot – Tomball

See all things trains at the Tomball Railroad Depot including train memorabilia and two highly detailed model railroads during free tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

92. George Bush Intercontinental Airport Observation Lot – North Houston

Watch planes take off and land from the only official Airport Observation Lot at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.