Over 14 Free Family-Friendly Things To Do In Houston

Over 14 Free Family Friendly Things To Do!

The Kid’s Directory knows how important it is to spend time with family, so we found over 14 (and still counting) free family friendly things to do in Houston and surrounding areas.  You can spend the day in the park with a picnic lunch, enjoy outdoor performances, visit museums, explore the outdoors full of activities & adventures and so much more.

We hope you will enjoy our list of the 14 free family friendly things to do as much as we do!
14 free family friendly things to do

1. Houston Museum of Natural Science:

On Thursdays from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, general admission to the permanent exhibit halls is free for everyone.
14 free family friendly things to do

2. Houston Museum of Fine Arts:

General admission to the museum’s permanent collection is free every day. They also offer free family programs and activities.
14 free family friendly things to do

3. Miller Outdoor Theatre:

Enjoy free performances of music, dance, theater, and movies at this outdoor venue located in Hermann Park. Check their schedule for family-friendly events.
14 free family friendly things to do

4. Houston Public Library:

Visit any branch of the Houston Public Library system for free access to books, educational programs, story times, and other family-friendly events.
14 free family friendly things to do

5. Discovery Green:

This urban park in downtown Houston offers free events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, movie screenings, and interactive installations.
14 free family friendly things to do

6. Buffalo Bayou Park:

Explore this beautiful park with walking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a playground. Enjoy scenic views and free access to nature.
14 free family friendly things to do

7. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center:

Admission to the nature center and trails is free. Families can go on self-guided nature walks, attend educational programs, and explore the diverse ecosystems.
14 free family friendly things to do

8. Hermann Park:

Discover the Japanese Garden, pedal boats, a miniature train, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens—all for free. You can also bring your own picnic and enjoy a day in the park.
14 free family friendly things to do

9. Menil Collection:

This art museum offers free admission to its collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by renowned artists such as Picasso and Warhol.
14 free family friendly things to do

10. Waugh Bridge Bat Colony:

Witness the spectacle of thousands of bats emerging from under the Waugh Drive Bridge at dusk. It’s a fascinating and educational experience for children. Not only did Waugh Bridge Bat Colony make our 14 free family friendly things to do list, but it is batastic!
14 free family friendly things to do

11. Levy Park:

This urban park offers a playground, splash pad, picnic areas, and free events and activities throughout the year, including concerts and yoga classes.
14 free family friendly things to do

12. Art Car Museum:

Admission is free at this unique museum showcasing elaborately decorated and modified vehicles. Kids will enjoy the colorful and imaginative displays.
14 free family friendly things to do

13. Waterwall Park:

Visit this iconic Houston landmark where a 64-foot semi-circular fountain creates a cascading water wall. It’s a great spot for family photos and picnics.
14 free family friendly things to do

14. Pearl Fincher Museum:

Pearl Fincher Museum in Spring has free events & different exhibits throughout the year! You can explore the beauty of art in a family friendly museum.
14 free family friendly things to do

15. San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield:

San Jacinto Day takes place on the first Saturday of each month. On that day, children can enter for free when accompanied by an adult family member who purchases a ticket. In addition, there will be a hands-on, interactive program designed to be enjoyed as a family scheduled for part of the day.
14 free family friendly things to do 

16. Port Houston Boat Tour:

Port Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip, educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Come aboard for a one-of-a-kind, waterborne voyage that provides a unique and educational introduction to the Houston Ship Channel.
14 free family friendly things to do

17. Houston Police Department Museum:

The Houston Police Department Museum features unique displays. Included among the displays are artifacts from the Honor Guard, SWAT, Mounted Patrol, badges, uniforms and other equipment utilized over the years.

18.  Freeport Historical Museum:

Founded in 2009 by the late Historian and WWll Veteran Nat Hickey, the Freeport Historical Museum is located in Historic Downtown Freeport, Texas and focuses on over 300 years of history and Freeport’s impact on the Texas Coast.

Freeport Historical Museum offers exhibits, activities and events throughout the year including their summer Shark Exhibit where you can learn about the life of a hammerhead shark, enjoy interactive activities, explore an underwater shipwreck, and discover the myths and misconceptions of these amazing and fascinating underwater creatures! 

19.  Movie Night in Helix Hall

Grab a golden ticket to a family-friendly movie night and enjoy freshly popped popcorn, candy, and an assortment of beverages at TMC3 Collaborative Building in Helix Hall. Helix Hall shows several movies throughout the year!

20. POST HTX

The POST offers many free things to do each week such as: Trivia Tuesdays – Test your knowledge across a wide range of topics, from pop culture and movies to history and sports, movies on the Skylawn, Yoga classes, line dancing lessons & so much more!

21. The Holocaust Museum Houston

Ranked as the nation’s fourth largest Holocaust museum and fully bilingual in English and Spanish, the three-story structure houses a welcome center, four permanent galleries and two changing exhibition galleries, classrooms, research library, café, 187-seat indoor theater and 175-seat outdoor amphitheater. More than 50 screens, mini-theaters and interactive terminals are featured throughout the Museum.

Free every day for ages 18 and under • Free Thursday Afternoons (valid 2pm-5pm) • Free for college students with valid student ID • Blue Star Museum

You must RSVP for Free Tickets!

22. The Health Museum
In the heart of Houston, The Health Museum inspires passion and curiosity in health, the medical sciences, and the human body. With over 2.5 million visitors, we are the most interactive and popular science learning center of its kind and a favorite among Houstonians.

Free Admission hours: Thursdays 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Tickets for Free Family Thursday will be available every Monday morning at 9:00 am for the current week only.  Reservations can only be made for the current week and cannot be made in advance for future dates. Add-On Activities available for purchase at the front desk after reserving free admission online.

23. Brazosport Planetarium
BASF Planetarium is OPEN to the public from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday! Come check out our planetarium lobby, computers, and renovated displays and dome area. It’s FREE to visit!

Note: Some of the Over 14 free family friendly things to do attractions may have limited free access, specific free admission days/hours, registration required so it’s always a good idea to check their websites or contact them beforehand for the most up-to-date information.

Over 14 free family friendly things to do is constantly being updated and added onto, so check back often!