Free things to do in Houston tx.
After demystifying about places to visit in the US in winter. Someone asked What are some of the free things to do in Houston tx?
I realized I had not listed Houston tx in my list. How I missed this 4th Largest city in the United States is still inscrutable but now it has a dedicated discourse.
Houston is tucked in Southeast Texas near the Gulf of Mexico. It was named after the then former general Sam Houston who was the president of the Republic of Texas in the 1830s.
Following my list, you will spend way less or nothing at all whether visiting or a local tourist. Luckily most of the Houston Monumental is free of charge.
Without much ado, let us delve in and see the free things to do in Houston tx.
Miller Outdoor Theatre.
This is an outdoor Amphitheatre tucked within Houston`s Hermann Park in 7.5 acres. There are events from live music performances, family-friendly movies, and all types of art.
It runs from March to November, carrying a maximum capacity of more than 1700 pax at a go. Interesting how you can choose your seats.
Hint: First middle row is always full so next time you want to book for a show. Do it early enough and get the best seat.
Menil Collection.
How about a free walk in a cultural kind of art spanning from the early days to modern days? There is a collection of art from all over the world.
It is open to the public from Wednesday – Sunday in the afternoon and evenings. Parking is readily available for you.
You will not only not see the awe-inspiring work of John and Dominique de Menil but also the intricating collection of Byzantine and Medieval art.
Rothko Chapel.
Time to reflect, Roth Chapel is a place of meditation and worship by all religions without any discrimination.
At the same time, it acts as a museum for art collection spanning way back up to the modern-day. It was commissioned by Meniel collection founders, Dominique and John de Meniel in 1964 and completed in 1971.
It is open to the public throughout the year from 10: 00 AM – 6:00 PM.
The name Rothko came about by a famed American artist who has 14-panel paintings of arts in the chapel, Mike Rothko.
Rothko Chapel is one of the free things to do in Houston Tx.
Art Car Museum.
The name speaks for itself; it is a classic Car Show that concentrates on 1965 le man, Daytona`s hot rods, and generally cars from Cuba.
It is popularly known as the Mahal Garage and was founded by art car movement supporters Ann and James Haritha in 1998.
The garage Museum is open throughout the week from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM except on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Entry is specifically free but due to restricted numbers, you will need to book the in advance. Grab your spot by making an appointment here.
Bat Walk in Waugh Bridge.
How about viewing more than 270,000 bats fly out of a colony just before dust? It is such an exhilarating free experience you can get in Houston.
They were more than 300,000 bats but climate change has seen some froze to death. Despite this, the colony keeps reproducing hence this experience is most likely to stay for a long time.
To get the best shot, make your way to Waugh Bridge just before dusk. On summer Fridays there are events which are hosted in the bridge where you can ask questions regards to the bat’s colony.
Buffalo Bayou Park.
This enchanting park was commissioned in 2015 on 160 acres of land on the western edge of downtown Houston.
It is one of the free things to do in Houston Tx, you can have a walk in the park. Or cycle along the curvy modern bike trails.
If you don’t have your bike worry less as you can hire one though this will cost you a few bucks the exercise and experience are simply unparalleled to none.
Sam Houston Boat Tour.
This is one of the best free things to do in Houston Tx. They try and make everything free including beverages served during the tour and free parking for the participating tour-goers.
Sam Houston commenced operation in 1958 and since then it performs a free 90-minute guided tour twice daily.
The 100 onboard passengers who are served free beverages should register at least 24 hours before for preparations.
Discovery Green.
This is one of the newest parks to be commissioned in 2008 and stunningly earned a Leed environment certification in 2009.
It has enchanting recreational lawns and does hosts free public events like family-friendly movies. Tree shade jogging trails and two dog walks are available to the public for free.
This 12 acres of land Park has a weekly urban market, art event series, live stage free performances, and a 15-foot Mist Tree interactive water sculpture.
Houston Memorial Park
This 1466 Acres Memorial was opened in 1924 as a military training camp lagan. Today is a memorial park for the fallen soldiers.
It is the largest urban park in Texas. It hosts an 18-hole golf course and has hosted PGA Houston open severally.
Softball, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and croquet facilities are also available for public use. Besides that, it has cyclist trails, jogging trails where you can sweat it out and picnic areas are readily available for relaxing.
Sesquicentennial Park.
Houston Tx is full of green parks which are free to access to all whether local or international tourists. This 22-acre park was to mark the commemoration of 150 years of Houston City and the Republic of Texas.
It is an urban park tucked in downtown near Buffalo Bayou Park. There is a Dock boat that connects the two parks.
Sesquicentennial Park hosts several beautiful artworks including the seven wonder Pillar sculpture.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
This was the first traditional Hindu Mandir facility in Texas. Tucked in 22 acres of land Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was built with more than 34,000 hand Carved Marble and Limestones making it one of a kind in North America.
This place of worship is open to the public and if you want to understand Hinduism there is a free exhibit to learn all the cultural practices.
Walking tour at Rice University.
How about the affluence of awe-inspiring architecture at this learning institution going by the name Rice University.
Take a stroll or jog along the jogging tracks tucked at the edge of the university as you feast on brick homes and elegant mansions.
At the same time keep your eyes on Rice University’s bewildering architecture. The University is located next to Houston Museum District.
Visit the Gerald Hines Waterfall Park.
This is one of the best places to visit for free in Houston Tx. It is also one of the most photographed and instagrammable icons in Houston.
The waterfall wall has been featured in several movies and television series. Opened to the public daily from 10:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
It is ideal for picnics, taking all those enchanting pictures for the gram. Gerald D. Hines Waterfall was constructed in 1983 and stands at a staggering 64 feet.
The Waterfall wall pumps a bewitching 78,000 Gallons of water every 3 hours. What an amazing feature to visit for free in Houston Texas.
First Saturday Arts Market.
You will have to be time to get to this phenomenal Market which happens at sawyer yards and the historic Houston Heights.
This happens every first Saturday of every month. There are different artifacts, sculptures, Hand Carvings, Photographs, and all art.
There are live shows by local and regional musicians. It is one of the best free things to do in Houston Tx. Vendors are not left behind and you will have a chance to sample the best of cuisine sold in the truck foods within the Art Market.
Houston Greeters
This is how this goes, so you want to visit Houston Tx for the first time and you don’t have the money to hire a local or book a tour company.
The Houston Greeters will come for your rescue at no cost to you. They are volunteers who will show and take you to places within Houston Tx.
What a way to volunteer, if only all the other cities across the world could emulate this noble exercise to make traveling easier and cheaper.
All you need to do is head on to their website www. houstongreeters.org and choose an attraction you want to experience.
The greeters are flexible and you will then set a date for the travel. Please note the greeter will be with you for at least 3 hours and they will take you to places only a local can.
You`re welcome to tip the greeters or donate to their website.
Houston Public Media – Building and Studio Tour.
This was the first educational Public Radio and Television studio in Houston Texas. Your tour will take you to the reporter work Space.
You will be able to see live feed coming in and announcers at work. It will be interesting since you will be given a chance to `broadcast` and even a chance to work behind the camera.
