10 Ways to Have Fun in Houston for Free!!!
Source-Houstonia Magazine
1. Indulge in the art at Rothko Chapel
Looking for some bliss? Need an art fix, too? Look no further than the Rothko Chapel. John and Dominique de Menil, late co-founders of Houston’s beloved Menil Collection, founded the Chapel more than fifty years ago, and its presence has not lessened since. It’s intended to be an all-inclusive, non-denominational space for visitors to sit and reflect while admiring masterworks by the famous abstract artist Mark Rothko. While you’re there, you won’t be able to miss the massive sculpture dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. by the world-renowned artist Barnett Newman right outside the building. Visit anytime you need a quiet afternoon, or attend one of its special events, usually surrounding issues of social justice, spirituality, art, music, and self-reflection.
2. Check out Movies Under the Stars at Market Square Park
Bring your comfiest lawn chairs to these free outdoor screenings held twice a month at Market Square Park. Enjoy a mix of cult classic comedy films like Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America or Pitch Perfect, or more recent family-friendly flicks like Lightyear and Hotel Transylvania while you nosh on Greek fare from Niko Niko’s, just a stone’s throw away from the park. Still looking to be cost-effective? Bring some snacks from home, like a good movie’s favorite accompaniment, buttered popcorn—or something from that stash of candy you were supposed to be saving for the trick-or-treaters this year.
3. Partake in Fitness in the Park at Discovery Green
Join local fitness and wellness instructors at these weekly classes at Discovery Green. Sweat it out with vinyasa yoga classes Tuesdays and Saturdays, or break out of your mid-week slump with Pilates or HIIT Wednesdays and Thursdays. Then, find your inner peace with some Saturday-morning Tai Chi courtesy of the Four Dragons Institute. The variety of exercises offered will keep your body, mind, and spirit in better shape than ever, and it all takes place in nature.
4. Get some fresh air at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Want to walk on the wild side without straying from the forest path? Visit the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, home to 13 walking trails populated by a variety of native birds, insects, squirrels, snakes, wildflowers, and trees. Both family and dog-friendly, these trails are accompanied by bountiful learning opportunities. The arboretum hosts free educational programs for everyone, including a homeschool program for ages 5–12, the Arboretum After Dark, and various seasonal classes.
5. Catch a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre
No matter your niche, there’s something for everyone at Miller. Take your pick from concerts by local bands, performances by Houston Grand Opera, the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival, plus jazz and Chicano music. Attend movie screenings and fully improvised, kid-friendly musical theater productions by Express Children’s Theatre.
6. Defy gravity at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
Houston’s first public skatepark is home to one of the largest cradles in the nation. Occupying 30,000 square feet, there’s plenty of space for novice and pro skaters alike. Whether you’re there to hop on a board yourself or simply spectate the wonder of Houstonians defying gravity, the downtown skatepark is great for all ages. Parents can drop the kids off for free after-school skating lessons, or wander down to Skater Alley to discover all the graffiti art (and maybe make some of your own). The park offers all the fun of skateboarding culture—with some Houston flair.
7. Visit Houston legends at Glenwood Cemetery
Glenwood Cemetery, founded in 1871, is the oldest professionally designed cemetery in Houston and is the final resting place of notable Houstonians such as Charlotte Baldwin Allen, Howard Hughes, William P. Hobby, George Hermann, and Anson Jones. Located along Washington Avenue, the cemetery is full of stunning monuments and statues, majestic trees, and rolling hills overlooking Buffalo Bayou. Glenwood is a perfect spot for a picnic or a lazy afternoon stroll spent hunting tombstones of Houston’s greatest residents. The cemetery’s gates are open every day from 7 a.m. to sunset. Two-hour guided walking tours are also available on Saturday mornings throughout the year.
8. Learn about Houston’s history with Sam Houston Boat Tour
Reserve a ninety-minute boat tour and celebrate a slice of Houston’s history on the M/V Sam Houston, Port Houston’s sixty-four-year-old public tour boat whose maiden voyage set sail in 1958. Sip a complimentary drink as you sightsee around the biggest port in Texas, and maybe throw a wave at passing international cargo vessels down the Houston Ship Channel. Learn about the history and daily operations of Port Houston as you relax in the ship’s lounge and admire the oh-so-blue water. Plus, you never know when you might see a mermaid (or at least a really cool fish).
9. Snap a few flicks at the Houston Graffiti Wall
When you have a day to yourself and no plans, explore the city and take some Instagram-worthy pictures. Houston is filled with hidden gems that make the ideal backdrop for the photos that are guaranteed to break the internet. Old industrial buildings are covered with murals of Houston legends such as Bun B, DJ Screw, and the late Kobe Bryant.
10. Find inner peace at James Turrell’s “Twilight Epiphany” Skyspace
Built in 2012 by world-famous installation artist James Turrell, the Skyspace at Rice University should be on every Houstonian’s bucket list. The massive pyramidal structure, located adjacent to the Shepherd School of Music, can accommodate 120 people between two levels and was designed to host musical performances. Twice a day, at dawn and dusk, the structure is lit in a mesmerizing light sequence that changes colors to complement the shifting of natural light. While the structure is open all day, the 40-minute light shows are only available during sunrise and sunset six days a week.