Miller Outdoor Theatre
This might be one of the best reasons to visit Houston. MOT is open from March through November and hosts a range of performances including classical music, ballet, dance, film, Shakespeare and more. The theater, set inside Hermann Park, also allows patrons to BYOB (with the exception of no glass containers). It’s the perfect picnic environment! http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/
Port of Houston
Set sail on a free, 90-minute boat tour of the Port of Houston. While on board the 90-passenger boat, you’ll learn about the history of the seaport and be able to watch ocean freighters and barges navigate the 50-mile channel. The tour is free, but reservations are required. http://www.portofhouston.com/community-outreach/sam-houston-boat-tour/
Rothko Chapel
The Chapel offers a quiet place to meditate in the middle of Houston’s Museum District. The Chapel was ounded by John and Dominque de Menil (of Menil Collection fame). Rothko is a non-denominational chapel and exhibit space for modern art that draws thousands of visitors each year. http://www.rothkochapel.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&..
The Menil Collection
This is local treasure, global destination and one of the top free attractions in Houston it houses the art collection of philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil. Widely considered one of the greatest of the twentieth century, the collection consists of more than 16,000 works dating from the Paleolithic era to the present day. It hits on the four areas that largely define the collection – Antiquity, Byzantine and Medieval, Tribal, and Twentieth-Century Art (with a concentration in Surrealism). https://www.menil.org/
Art Car Museum
You can’t live in Houston very long without hearing about the Art Car Parade. Dubbed the Garage Mahal, the Art Car Museum is unlike anything you’ve ever imagined. http://www.artcarmuseum.com/
The Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark
This skatepark is the place to be in the grinding and boarding world. The $2.2 million, state-of-the-art facility – thought to contain the largest cradle in the world – is located close to downtown, near Eleanor Tinsley Park. http://houstonparksboard.org/projects/past/lee_and_joe_jamail_skatepark/
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Inside Memorial park is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: a 155-acre nature sanctuary that educates visitors on how to protect native plants and animals in the city. The center has five miles of trails and visit the sanctuary’s interactive exhibits free of charge. Dogs on leashes are welcome. http://www.houstonarboretum.org/
Discovery Green
Downtown’s new 12-acre Discovery Green park has something going on all the time at it’s 12-acre Downtown location. In the spring and fall, spend happy hour listening to local musicians perform in the amphitheater, pick up fresh produce at the Green Market on Sundays. http://www.discoverygreen.com/
Galleria Water Wall
The Galleria-area Water Wall, now over 20 years old, was designed by Philip Johnson.The Wall offers a refreshing respite for visitors seeking a mid-afternoon break. It stands at 64-foot-tall and the fountain – built to look like a “horseshoe of running water” – sits among 1,118 oak trees at the base of the 64-story Williams Tower.
Contemporary Arts Museum
Houston’s Contemporary Arts Museum focuses on showing new work from national and international artists. In addition to hosting exhibits, the CAMH also offers lectures, special programs and a stellar shop chock-full of unique books and gifts. http://camh.org/
Lawndale Art Center
Located in the Museum District, the Center is a staple of Houston’s art scene. Four galleries are contained in the art deco structure, which serves as a backdrop for annually changing exhibits and events like Dia de los Muertos and The Big Show. http://www.lawndaleartcenter.org/
Heritage Society Museum
Situated inside downtown’s Sam Houston Park, the Museum is the city’s only interactive, outdoor museum. The museum itself is free, but guided tours are $10. http://www.heritagesociety.org/museum.html
Project Row Houses
Project Row Houses is set in Houston’s Third Ward and is a nonprofit art initiative aimed at creating a positive place for local artists to work. Some of the shotgun-style houses are dedicated to art and photography, while others are devoted to the literary and performing arts. http://projectrowhouses.org/
Museum/Attraction Free Days
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum: Free Thursday 1 – 5 pm
Children’s Museum of Houston: Free Thursday 5 – 8 pm
The Health Museum: Free Thursday 2 – 5 pm
The John C. Freeman Weather Museum: Free Thursday 12 – 4 pm
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Free Thursday after 2 pm
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Free Thursday 10 am – 9 pm
