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100 Free Fun Things to Do in Houston with Kids

1. Frolic's Castle – Memorial

Play at Frolic's Castle at Memorial City Mall, the world’s largest indoor soft play area in a shopping center. 

2. The Little Galleria – Uptown

Explore a miniature version of the Galleria with foam slides and play structures at The Little Galleria.

3. 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.

4. Nature Discovery Center – Bellaire

Explore the indoor Discovery Rooms or head outside to the nature park and playscape at Nature Discovery Center.

5. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center – Memorial Park

Hike one of the many trails or check out the indoor Discovery Center at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.

6. Sea Center Texas – Lake Jackson

Visit Sea Center Texas, a marine aquarium, fish hatchery, and education center located on 75 acres.

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.

8. Houston Center for Contemporary Craft – Museum District

View art made primarily from craft materials during a rotation of artist exhibitions or enjoy Hands-On Houston, a free, first-Saturday craft-making activity led by local guilds and artists for all ages at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. 

RELATED: Fun Houston Storytimes Found Outside the Library

 
Check out elaborately decorated cars at the Houston Art Car Museum. Photo by Brando via Flickr

9. Art Car Museum – Greater Heights

Enjoy the Art Car Museum and its exhibits featuring local, national, and international artists.

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.

11. Houston Police Department Museum – Downtown

Visit the Houston Police Department's downtown headquarters to see the Houston Police Museum.

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.

19. Mercer Botanic Gardens – Humble

Explore the 60-acre peaceful oasis at Mercer Botanic Gardens.

20. Levy Park – Upper Kirby

Play at Levy Park's amazing Children’s Park and enjoy free programming in wellness, the arts, education, and recreation.

21. Evelyn's Park – Bellaire

Have fun at the beautifully designed play spaces and enjoy engaging free programming at Evelyn's Park.

22. Woodchase Park – Westchase

Explore the modern playground and participate in free programming at Woodchase Park.

23. Discovery Green – Downtown

Visit Discovery Green, a 12-acre park downtown featuring a playground, art, and green space with many free events.

24. Japenese Garden – Museum District

Wander through the waterfalls, bridges, and stone paths at the Japanese Garden at Hermann Park.

24. Miller Outdoor Theater – Museum District

See a family-friendly performance at Miller Outdoor Theater.

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

 
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 lawn and mezzanine seating at Performing Arts shows throughout the season at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

26. Rockstar Energy Bike Park – North Houston

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

27. The Pump Track – Sugar Land

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

28. Buffalo Bayou Park – Downtown

Enjoy beautiful gardens and native landscaping, hike and bike trails, or frolic in the play area at Buffalo Bayou Park.

29. Sheldon Lake State Park – Northeast Houston

Explore Sheldon Lake State Park with a lake, ponds, wetlands, woods, prairie, and an 82-foot observation tower.

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

30. Seawall – Galveston

Play on the beach at the Seawall on Galveston Island. 

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.

32. Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah

Walk the Kemah Boardwalk and enjoy window shopping, water views, and free entertainment. 

33. Memorial Park – Memorial

 Run, walk, play, and enjoy the outdoors at Memorial Park.

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.

35. Alief Neighborhood Center and Park – Alief

Play tennis, skateboard, explore the playground, and more at the Alief Neighborhood Center and Park.

36. Houston Farmers Market – The Heights

Stroll the city’s oldest and largest farmer’s market at the Houston Farmers Market. 

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.

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.

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

 
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.

43. Downtown Tunnels – Downtown

Head underground to a system of Downtown Tunnels 20 feet below Houston's Downtown streets and more than 6 miles long.

44. McGovern Centennial Gardens – Museum District

Enjoy a variety of themed gardens, including an educational family garden, at McGovern Centennial Gardens.

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. 

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.

48. Rothko Chapel – Montrose

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

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.

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.

51. Post Skylawn – Downtown

Enjoy outdoor activities with family and friends at Post Skylawn, a rooftop park with downtown skyline views. 

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

Explore the trails, playground, and nature center at Jesse H. Jones Park.

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

Free Family Night is every Thursday from 5-8pm at Children's Museum Houston.

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

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

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

Learn about medical science and the human body at The Health Museum during free general admission from 2-7pm on Thursdays.

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

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

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 5-8pm.

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.

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

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

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.

 
Relax near Hermann Park's reflection pool. Photo by Vicky Li Yip for Mommy Poppins

61. Hermann Park – Museum District

Have a picnic at the beautiful Hermann Park. 

62. Terry Hershey Park – Memorial

Ride bikes along the Bayou at Terry Hershey Park.

63. Exploration Park – Katy 

Swing and play at Exploration Park, an immersive public playground.

64. The George Mitchell Nature Preserve – The Woodlands

Hike and bike the trails at George Mitchell Nature Preserve. 

 
Enjoy the spectacles at the annual Art Car Parade. Photo courtesy of texas.gov

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.

66. 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. 

67. Old Town Spring – Spring

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

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.

69. Sugar Land Town Square – Sugar Land

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

70. Hermann Park Kite Festival – Museum District

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

71. Houston Murals – Multiple Locations

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

72. 19th Street – The Heights

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

73. Pumpkin Park – River Oaks

Play at the shaded, pumpkin-themed Pumpkin Park.

74. Traders Village – Northwest Houston

Amble around Traders Village and check out local vendors. 

75. Port Bolivar Ferry – Galveston

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

76. The Strand – Galveston 

Stroll The Strand in Galveston, with historic architecture, family attractions, locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

77. Heights Hike and Bike Trail – The Heights

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

78. Surfside Beach – Brazoria County

Play in the sand and waves on the pedestrian side of Surfside Beach. 

79. Sylvan Beach Park – La Porte

Enjoy a day at the beach at Sylvan Beach Park.

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.

81. Citycentre – Memorial

Enjoy live music and other events at the shopping destination CityCentre.

82. Houston Food Bank – East Houston

Volunteer at the Houston Food Bank, which welcomes volunteers as young as 6. 

83. Tom Bass Park – Southeast Houston

Challenge yourself on a ninja-style course at Tom Bass Park. 

84. North Houston Skate Park – North Houston

Skateboard at the largest skate park in North America, the North Houston Skate Park. 

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.

86. Seabourne Creek Nature Park – Rosenberg

Hike, picnic, and fish at Seabourne Creek Nature Park.

87. Sawyer Yards – Arts District

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

88. First Saturday Arts Market – Houston Heights

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

 
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.

90. Urban Harvest Farmers Market – Upper Kirby

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

91. Free Thursdays at Asia Society Texas – Museum District

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

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. 

93. Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve – Northwest Houston

Hike, fish, and picnic at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve.

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.

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

97. The Galleria – Uptown

People watch and window shop at The Galleria. 

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.