With the rising prices of gasoline, food and other necessities of vacationing, it is nice to know that there are activities and attractions that are free of charge. Houston, Texas offers a wide variety of places that are free to enjoy. Some attractions are free on specific days, so be sure to check their website before arriving.
Museum of Fine Arts in Houston
On Thursdays, the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston offers free admission. Self-guided tours are allowed, but also provided is a guided tour. The guided tours allow an inside look to all the pieces of art displayed.
Also included with your museum visit is access to four buildings, each with unique art work. The Beck and Law Buildings include global works of art. The Cullen Sculpture Garden features local and international artists. The Rienzi and Bayou Bend features works of Europe and Colonial America.
Houston's Museum of Fine Arts displays children involved in hands-on art experiences, families exploring exhibitions, and educators leading discussions on displayed works.
There are two options for parking. Free parking is available, as is covered preferred parking for $3.
Museum of Fine Arts
1001 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX
713-639-7300
713-639-7300
hmfah.org/home.asp
Children's Museum of Houston
While the Children's Museum of Houston does charge to get in, it does offer a free family evening on Thursdays. The free evening runs from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.
The Children's Museum consists of 15 exhibits, ranging from "How Does it Work" to a "Building Zone." Your child can explore, learn and laugh throughout the museum. Other exhibits include "Dragons and Fairies," "Cyberchase" and "Invention Convention."
Children's Museum of Houston
1500 Binz
Houston, TX, 77004
713-522-1138
cmhouston.org
Sam Houston Park
The Sam Houston Park consists of both the museum and the historic house. The museum is always free, while the tours of the historic house do charge. The hours of the museum are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, while the park is open from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m
Exhibits within the museum change often, and it is recommended to check the calendar of events on the website before arriving. This will allow proper planning and an inside look as to the events planned during your planned vacation.
If a tour of the historic church, buildings and houses are something you want to add to your visit, tours can be taken six days a week. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Hours on Sunday is 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The tours and museum are closed on Mondays. Pricing is $10 for adults, and children 18 and under are free. Seniors, 65 and older, pay $8.
Sam Houston Park
1100 Bagby
Houston, TX, 77002
713-655-1912
heritagesociety.org
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a free activity for the whole family, with exhibits, such as magic, exploration summer camps and an Imax 3-D movie theater. Hours for free admission are on Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission prices are required for additional exhibits.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Hermann Circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030-1749
713-639-4629
hmns.org
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
At the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, admission is always free. The park is open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., seven days a week. There are children's classes for all different age groups, adult classes and camps.
The nature center has a discovery room and two special gardens, the hummingbird and butterfly island and the Carol Tatkon sensory garden. There are general guidelines that must be followed the entire length of each visit. Signs are posted around the entrance of the park.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, TX 77024-7708
713-681.8433
houstonarboretum.org
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