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We Found 11 Cheap Things To Do in Houston That Made Us Feel Like a Million Bucks

cheap-things-to-do-houston

Houston is a city that truly offers something for everyone, but sometimes those exciting experiences can come with a hefty price tag.  If you’re looking for cheap things to do in Houston, you’ve come to the right place!

Recently, my friends and I decided to hang out at the Skylawn at POST for a catch up, where a DJ was playing live music. We spent hours at the place but it’s easily one of my most favorite memories–and I only paid for my parking! 

This experience led me to a quest to uncover more of Houston’s budget-friendly treasures. From world-class museums to small farmers’ markets, there’s no shortage of affordable activities for residents and visitors alike. 

Spend a Day at Hermann Park 

Media Credit: hermannpark 

Website: https://www.hermannpark.org/ 

Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX

Contact Details: (713) 526-2183 

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM

Admission Costs: Mostly free except for rides (start at $6) and other attractions inside the park (start at $25 on non-free days) 

Hermann Park is an awesome spot that has something for everyone, from scenic trails and beautiful gardens to playgrounds–all for cheap! It’s a great place to relax, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends without spending too much. 

You can take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the park’s scenic trails, pack a picnic basket and enjoy a delicious meal by McGovern Lake, or just find a comfy spot under a shady tree and relax with a good book. The possibilities are endless!

Those with kids can let them loose at the playgrounds, where they can climb, slide, and swing to their heart’s content. You can also have them ride the Hermann Park Railroad for a fun train ride around the whole place! 

Pro Tips: You’ll find other awesome Houston attractions inside Hermann Park! Combine your park visit with a trip to the Houston Zoo or the Houston Museum of Natural Science for a day packed with fun and learning.

Did you know you can do volunteer work at the park? Sign up at their website to volunteer in a number of ways: help maintain the park, provide support to their events, or do office work! 

Visit the Houston Zoo 

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Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/ 

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 533-6500

Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM 

Admission Costs: Start at $25 on non-free days; Free on the first Tuesdays of the month

Houston Zoo is a fun and affordable place to visit for a day out with the family, especially when you can get inside for free! With over 6,000 animals from all over the world, you’ll have a blast exploring the different exhibits and learning about all sorts of cool creatures and habitats. 

You can explore the African Forest and say hello to the giraffes and rhinos, then head over to the McNair Elephant Habitat and watch the gentle giants roam around. Don’t forget to visit the lions, tigers, and playful sea otters too!

You can also try visiting the Galápagos Islands for an awesome mini aquarium experience! You’ll be amazed by the fish, sharks, tortoises, sea lions, and penguins, and other fascinating creatures that call this place home. 

Pro Tips: 
The zoo is huge, so grab a map and decide which animals you want to see most.

If you plan on visiting the zoo often, a membership is a great way to save money and get cool perks.

Check Out the Art at Museum of Fine Arts Houston 

Media Credit: mfahouston 

Website: https://www.mfah.org/ 

Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 639-7300 

Operating Hours: Monday to Tuesday – Closed; Wednesday – 11 AM to 5 PM; Thursday to Friday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Saturday – 11 AM to 6 PM; Sunday – 12:30 PM to 6 PM 

Admission Costs: Start at $10; Free Access to Permanent Collections Every Thursday 

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) offers plenty of fun, affordable ways to get your art fix! This world-class museum has a huge collection of art, from ancient artifacts to modern masterpieces. 

The special exhibits are must-visits as these galleries are thoughtfully designed to give you a deeper understanding of the art. You’ll learn about the artists, the history behind the pieces, and the techniques used to create them.

And here’s a cool surprise: even the tunnels connecting the buildings are works of art. You can also head outside to the sculpture garden where you can relax, enjoy the fresh air, and admire the sculptures amidst the beautiful greenery.

Pro Tips:
The MFAH is huge, so give yourself plenty of time to explore everything! Arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds and have more time and space to appreciate the art.

Check the MFAH website to see what special exhibitions are happening during your visit.

Spend an Afternoon with Butterflies at Cockrell Butterfly Center 

Website: https://www.hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center/ 

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX (inside Houston Museum of Natural Science)

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 4:30 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5:30 PM 

Admission Costs: Start at $12

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a haven for nature lovers of all ages! It’s the perfect place to learn about butterflies and insects while having some fun without spending a fortune.

The center is a giant three-story glass rainforest with a waterfall and over 1,500 butterflies flying freely around you. You can watch them sip nectar from flowers, flutter in the air, and maybe even land on your shoulder! 

And don’t miss the Brown Hall of Entomology! You’ll learn all about the fascinating world of insects and arthropods, from tiny ants to giant beetles. The cool exhibits will allow you to discover amazing facts about these creepy crawlies.

Pro Tips:
The Cockrell Butterfly Center has different hours than the rest of the HMNS, so plan accordingly!

Consider booking your tickets online, especially during busy times, to guarantee your spot.

Look Back on History at Holocaust Museum Houston 

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Website: https://hmh.org/ 

Address: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX

Contact Details: (713) 942-8000 

Operating Hours: Monday – Closed; Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM

Admission Costs: Starts at $22 for adults; Free for ages 0-18; Free admission every Thursday from 2 PM to 5 PM 

The Holocaust Museum Houston offers a meaningful and impactful experience in the city that won’t hurt the wallet. It’s a place for reflection and learning that’s dedicated to honoring the victims and survivors of the Holocaust. 

Through powerful exhibits, personal stories, and multimedia displays, you’ll learn about the events leading up to the Holocaust, the horrific experiences of those who endured it, and the ongoing fight for human rights.

If you want to dive even deeper, you can join a guided tour so that you can hear more accounts, ask questions, and gain more valuable insights. It’s a great way to connect with world history on a personal level.

Pro Tips:
The museum may have special, temporary exhibitions, so check the schedule before you go.

Consider making a donation to help the museum continue its important work.

 Get in Touch with Nature and Art at Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens 

Media Credit: mfahouston 

Website: https://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-collection-and-gardens/ 

Address: 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX

Contact Details: (713) 639-7750

Operating Hours: Monday to Tuesday – Closed; Wednesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday – 1 PM to 5 PM 

Admission Costs: Start at $14 

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a great place to visit for an affordable way to experience a bit of Houston history. This historic gem has beautiful rooms filled with antiques and artwork. Plus it has 14 acres of stunning gardens to explore!

You can take a tour of the house and imagine what it was like to live there way back in the day. You’ll see all sorts of fascinating things like delicate ceramics and stunning paintings, aside from the collection of antique furniture. 

After your house tour, you can wander through the massive gardens. There are all sorts of different spaces to explore! And here’s a cool surprise: you can use your phone to scan QR codes and play music that matches the vibe of each green space!

Pro Tips:
Before you go, check if there are any restrictions on cameras. You might want to stick with your phone camera just in case.

Sometimes the second floor of the house is closed, so don’t be disappointed if you can’t explore every nook and cranny. 

 Miller Outdoor Theatre

Media Credit: milleroutdoor 

Website: https://www.milleroutdoortheatre.com/ 

Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX (inside Hermann Park) 

Contact Details: (832) 487-7102

Miller Outdoor Theatre offers a huge variety of free performances, from classical music and jazz to Shakespeare and musical theater. It’s a great place to enjoy a live show with your family and friends without breaking the bank.

You can spread out a blanket on the grassy hill and enjoy a pre-show picnic with your favorite snacks and drinks. It’s a nice way to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings of the park before the show begins.

If you prefer a more comfortable experience, especially during those hot Houston summers, you can reserve covered seating. You’ll have an amazing view of the stage and stay cool and comfy throughout the performance.

Pro Tips:
Take a peek at the Miller Outdoor Theatre website to see what shows are coming up and plan your visit accordingly.

Be prepared for the Houston weather, especially during the summer months. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe even a fan!

 Have Fun at Discovery Green

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Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/ 

Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 400-7336

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM 

Discovery Green in the heart of downtown is a local favorite because it offers plenty of activities! You’ll find playgrounds, splash pads, walking paths, art installations, and more. It’s a nice place to hang out and soak up the city without spending a dime.

You can try joining one of the fitness classes offered regularly at this gem! There’s Gentle Flow Yoga, Zumba, Line Dancing–just to name a few. There are even some classes offered in Spanish! 

The park also offers free movie nights under the stars at the Bank of America Screen on the Green. You can bring a picnic blanket and lawn chairs, grab some snacks and drinks, and enjoy a family-friendly movie with the sparkling city skyline in the background.

Pro Tip: 
Discovery Green is accessible to everyone, with features like ramps and accessible restrooms.

You can bring your furry friend along to enjoy the park! There’s a designated dog park area where they can relieve themselves. 

Do Some Shopping at Urban Harvest Farmers Market

Media Credit: urbanharvesthouston 

Website: https://www.urbanharvest.org/ 

Address: 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX

Contact Details: (713) 880-5540

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday – Closed; Saturday – 8 AM to 12 PM

The Urban Harvest Farmers Market is a great idea for whenever you feel like doing something different on a Saturday!  It’s the oldest and largest in the city, with over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts and other unique goodies. 

This market allows you to support local businesses. You can fill your basket with delicious fruits and veggies straight from local farms! You’ll also find all kinds of vendors selling artisan bread and pastries, and handcrafted jewelry. 

The market has a fantastic selection of food vendors offering delicious food and drinks like dumplings, tacos, coffee, and more, so you can grab a quick breakfast or lunch before starting with the rest of your day! 

Pro Tip: 
The Urban Harvest Farmers Market is a launching pad for some of Houston’s hottest chefs and restaurants. You might just discover your new favorite dish!

Get there early! The market can get busy, and the best stuff sells out fast.

Hang Out at the Sky Lawn in Post HTX 

Media Credit: posthtx

Website: https://www.posthtx.com/skylawn 

Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 

Contact Details: (713) 999-2550

Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM 

POST Skylawn is the place to go for a fresh look at Downtown Houston! This rooftop park is like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city, with stunning views, cool events, and a super chill vibe. Plus, it’s mostly free! 

You can relax on the Skylawn and take in the panoramic views of the Houston skyline. It’s especially beautiful at sunset, so grab a blanket and your friends for a picture-perfect evening, or grab a drink at one of the mobile bars and enjoy the live DJs on weekends.

You can also explore the Skyfarm and learn all about urban farming and sustainable agriculture. You can even take a tour or volunteer to help out! Meanwhile, those looking to stay active can join free fitness classes like yoga, Zumba, and Pilates. 

Pro Tips: 
Enjoy the park and most of its activities for free! Just be aware that parking might cost a bit.

Check out Skyfarmer’s Market to support local businesses every first and third of the month! 

Read, Reflect, and Learn at the Lanier Theological Library

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Website: https://www.laniertheologicallibrary.org/ 

Address: 14130 Hargrave Rd, Houston, TX

Contact Details: (281) 477-8400

Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday – Closed

Lanier Theological Library is a hidden gem and is perfect for anyone looking for a quiet escape to learn, reflect, and recharge. This beautiful library in northwest Houston is open to anyone who wants to study, work, or seek a deeper understanding of theology. The best part is that it’s free! 

The library hosts lectures on all sorts of interesting topics, from Christian values to modern social issues. You’ll hear from renowned speakers and engage in discussions. It’s a great way to learn something new and connect with others! 

If you’re not the type to socialize, you can simply find a comfy spot in the library and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Whether you’re studying, reading, or simply reflecting, you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life at this place.

Pro Tips: 
Make sure to visit the stone chapel, a replica of a 500 A.D. Byzantine chapel. It’s a quiet space for prayer and reflection.

Are you visiting for the first time? Give the library a call before your first visit to register as a visitor.
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