21 Free Things To Do In Houston This Summer

Summers in Houston, Texas, may be ridiculously hot, but they’re also full of sunlit and starlit opportunities. Although Houston is an affordable city, getting free experiences never hurts your wallet. Whether you’re interested in cycling, museums, or farmers markets, there’s a way to explore the city without breaking the bank.

The Heritage Society Museum

The Heritage Society is constantly exploring pieces of Houston’s history. There’s currently a Civil War exhibition, so be sure to add a piece of history to your visit.

Asia Society Texas Center

Partially established by Barbara Bush in 1979, this center is one of 12 in the world. The exhibitions shift but the message of connecting Houstonians to Asian culture remains the same.

Buffalo Bayou Park

This park is 160 acres and the perfect spot to spend your morning, whether it’s cycling, walking, jogging, or just sitting in the sun.

Blaffer Art Museum

Located in the University of Houston campus, this museum exhibits work by students and international artists. It has won many awards, including the Coming Up Taller award from Michelle Obama in 2009.

Art Car Museum

Nicknamed the “Garage Mahal,” the Art Car Museum is a bold and proud manifest of folk art. Be sure to try and plan your trip around the Art Car Parade, if possible.

Houston Zoo

Because who doesn’t want to spend their day looking at giraffes and lions?

Beer Can House

A Houston staple, the Beer Can House is a wild piece of art that anybody can appreciate.

Project Row Houses

This organization empowers a greater understanding of what it means to be in the Third Ward community. They have artist residencies where you can see the artist’s work.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

This arboretum has five miles of trails to explore, as well as events to learn more about nature.

Waugh Drive Bridge

In a word: BATS. This mesmerizing feature of Houston is entertaining and likely something you’ve never seen before.

Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

One of the largest skate parks in Texas, the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is over 40,000 square feet.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Providing free concerts, children’s shows, musical theatre, and other events, Miller Outdoor Theatre is a staple of the Houston summer scene.

Houston Center for Photography

With gorgeous works of art to explore, as well as photography classes, the Houston Center for Photography is a must for any art enthusiast.

Discovery Green

Located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green is an urban paradise with special events like concerts and flea markets.

Waterwall Park

A large fountain standing tall in the Galleria area, this park is a great spot for taking photos and impressing the kids.

Lawndale Art Center

If contemporary art is your jam, Lawndale Art Center holds exactly what you’re looking for in the downtown Museum District.

The Menil Collection

The perfect blend of famous and regional artists, the Menil Collection offers something for everyone and has been open since 1987.

Urban Harvest Farmers Market

Vegetables, flowers, fruits, dairy products, and prepared foods are available at the Urban Harvest Farmers Market.

Market Square Park

Bordered by Congress, Travis, Milam, and Preston streets, Market Square Park is a lawn downtown where Greek spot Niko Niko’s decided to call home.

Glenwood Cemetery

Opened in 1871 and where many famous Houstonians are laid to rest, Glenwood Cemetery offers walking tours for your next visit.

Mercer Botanic Garden

A way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Mercer Botanic Garden recently reopened after being wrecked by Hurricane Harvey. It is now back to its former beauty and holds a variety of flowers.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.