Free things to do in Houston: Museums to boat tours

Miller Outdoor Theater

The premier outdoor theater for the performing arts is one of Houston’s most iconic venues, offering free classical music, jazz, ethnic music, ballet, movies, festivals and musical theater performances from March through October. The Miller Outdoor Theater is celebrating its centennial this year, the 100th season kicking off on March 17th with a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with the Trinity Irish Dance Company on March 17th.

Where: 6000 Hermann Park Drive

Details: milleroutdoortheatre.com

Discovery Green

Located in downtown Houston, the 12-acre park offers free programming designed for all ages and backgrounds. Featured events include fitness classes, public art, Rainbow on the Green, outdoor film screenings, book events, festivals, musical performances and educational programs for children.

Where: 1500 McKinney

Details: discoverygreen.com

MORE FREE THINGS TO DO IN HOUSTON: Here’s your free admission guide to Houston’s museums, zoo and gardens

Art car museum

Visit this free museum to see some of Houston’s craziest art cars, lowriders, as well as rotating exhibits by local, national and international artists. If you love art cars, don’t miss The Orange Show’s Houston Art Car Festival & Parade, the popular Houston tradition, returning June 6-16. April with a variety of events, including a parade and ball.

Where: 140 heights

Details: artcarmuseum.com

Urban Harvest Farmers Market

With over 100 vendors within a 180-mile radius of Houston, the Urban Harvest Farmers Market is among the city’s largest farmers markets supporting fresh, locally grown food and its producers. There are many vendors that accept SNAP, making quality food available to everyone.

Where: 2752 Buffalo Speedway

Details: 8am-12pm Saturday; urbanharvest.org

Sam Houston boat trip

In Port Houston, visitors can take a free, 90-minute educational cruise along the Houston Ship Channel, departing from Sam Houston Landing. There is room for up to 100 passengers aboard the 95-foot boat, which has air-conditioned lounge seats and additional standing room on the rear deck. Since her inaugural voyage on July 30, 1958, the M/V Sam Houston has welcomed over 2 million visitors as Port Houston’s public tour vessel.

Where: 7300 Clinton

Details: Register online or call 713-670-2631; porthouston.com

Terraced house project

The Project Row Houses initiative converted abandoned shotgun-style houses into art galleries, as well as literary and performing arts venues. While revitalizing one of Houston’s oldest African-American neighborhoods, the project preserves the landmark buildings and celebrates their cultural heritage.

Where: 2521 Holman

Details: Open 12.00-17.00 Wed.–Sun.; projectrowhouses.org

Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

One of the largest cradles in the country is located in this 30,000 square meter underground public facility. A stunning view of the downtown skyline and plenty of obstacles await skaters of all skill levels at the park, don’t forget to take a stroll along “Skater Alley”, which runs between Sabine Street and the skatepark entrance, and see the local artwork along the way.

Where: 103 Sabine

Details: Open 09.00-22.00 Mon.-Fri.; houstonparksboard.org/lee-and-joe-jamail-skatepark

Waugh bat

About 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats live in the holes under the Waugh Bridge at Waugh and Allen Parkway. Visitors can observe the bats from the observation deck, Waugh Bridge or hillside as they emerge each night to feed on insects. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset.

Where: Buffalo Bayou Park, corner of Waugh at Allen Parkway

Details: tpwd.texas.gov