It’s said that everything’s bigger in Texas. And that goes double for the biggest city (population-wise) in the Lone Star State. But even in a city as big as Houston in a state known for doing things big, there are still plenty of activities for even the smallest of budgets. Finding things to do that are free is easy in a city as diverse as Houston.
Parks
Take advantage of Houston’s many parks and green spaces. Within the downtown Houston area, the Buffalo Bayou is a popular outdoor recreation destination. Biking, kayaking and boating are just a few of the activities available along the 52-mile, slow-moving waterway. Also in the downtown area is Discovery Green, a 2-acre park that has huge lawns, a children's playground, a large lake and even an outdoor ice skating rink. In the Museum District, Hermann Park has a Japanese garden, lake and playground to explore.
Beaches and Waterways
Just south of Houston is Galveston Island. In addition to enjoying the white sandy beaches, visitors can learn to surf, fish off the pier or play a volleyball game or two. The Port of Houston Authority offers a 90-minute round-trip cruise along the Houston Ship Channel. While the tour is free, reservations are required.
Walking Tours
Go underground and explore Houston’s downtown tunnels. Enter the seven-mile tunnel from any of the buildings connected to the tunnel, including Wells Fargo, the Visitors Bureau and One Shell Plaza. Download a free audio tour and map from Downtown Houston. Three walking tours are available, ranging in distance from 0.6 miles to two miles, that will take you through downtown Houston, the Museum District and Discovery Green.
Jogging
Enjoy people-watching while jogging the three-mile loop in Memorial Park close to downtown Houston. The trail circles the golf course and is busy at most times. The Paul Carr jogging trail is shorter at just 1.5 miles, but does require joggers to cross streets. On the plus side, the majority of the trail is in the shade, and it does meander along the picturesque Heights Boulevard esplanade.
Hiking
For a view of the downtown skyline while hiking, head to the trails at Bayou Park on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. Hiking the two-mile trail around the Houston Arboretum, you will see plenty of nature, while the nine-mile Upper Bank hike trail along the Brays Bayou should prove challenging enough for even seasoned hikers.
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