Houston is a big city that offers many free activities for little people. The city is home to NASA, The Houston Zoo and the largest rodeo on the planet. Kids can ice skate outside, kayak down a river through downtown or learn how to skateboard--all at no charge.
Go to the Park
Houston's Hermann Park is located at 6201-A Hermann Park Drive. The Houston Zoo is located here and kids can also hike the park's trails and go fishing. The Marvin Taylor Exercise Trail through Hermann Park is approximately two miles in length and features special tasks for children.
Kids will like the colorful trains that are replicas of the old west and take passengers to various locations within the park. Small children ride free and it's $3 for grown-ups.
Children fish for free at Bob's Fishing Pier in the park and "catch and release" of fish that kids catch is encouraged. Only kids 12 and under may fish off of the pier.
Kids Run
The city of Houston hosts an annual run each summer through the historic neighborhood of Houston Heights. Adults who participate can do the 5K walk or 5K run. There's a 1K "fun run" for children and the run for all ends in Marmion Park.
There's a festive event right after the race in the park and kids get free food samples from sponsoring vendors. Awards are given to winners in various age categories, including under age 14.
Kayaking
The Buffalo Bayou is a waterway that goes right through downtown Houston. The Buffalo Bayou offers kids for a day filled with free family events and hands-on projects. Kids get free boat and supervised kayak rides on the bayou.
There's also free educational guided tours for kids along the nature trails where they are greeted by players from the Houston Texans professional football team.
The completely free day also features martial arts lessons for kids.
Ice Skating
Kids can watch free professional ice-skating shows outdoors in downtown Houston at the Ice at Discovery Green. The Houston area's best figure skaters and ice-show performers provide the entertainment.
There's also ice-carving shows where artists sculpt works of art before the children's eyes. From Thanksgiving through January 14th, kids can see free holiday movies at Discovery Green and skate with Santa every Saturday in December. There is a small charge for ice-skate rentals.
Skating
The Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is a huge public facility for skateboarders, rollerbladers and roller skaters. The park is adjacent to downtown Houston off of the Sabine Street Bridge in Eleanor Tinsley Park. This state-of-the-art skatepark was designed for skaters by skaters and has activities for every skill level.
Classes from skate professionals are taught from March through August that teach kids all of the skating basics, including skating safety. Helmets are required in the park at all times and adults must accompany children under age 10.
Entrance to the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark as well as skating lessons are absolutely free.
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