Photo by: Oscar Herrera
There is something truly magical about exploring new places and creating lasting memories. Houston, better known as H-Town, ranks among the top five largest cities in the United States. This unique city offers a wide variety of fun activities that can be enjoyed not only with friends and family but also on your own, making every experience memorable.
From visiting historic art galleries and museums to exploring peaceful nature trails and parks, Houston has something for everyone, including its large population of college students. Whether you are seeking entertainment or looking to save a few bucks, this top 10 guide has you covered!
Visiting Museums
If you are someone who loves learning and appreciates the beauty of art and history, the Greater Houston area is a treasure trove, offering over 150 museums and cultural institutions. From art and history to science and nature, there is a museum here for every curiosity.
The Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the Houston Museum District, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest museums in the United States and the oldest in Texas, with a permanent collection of over 70,000 objects. While regular admission is not always free, you can visit the MFAH Permanent Collections at no cost on Thursdays.
Additionally, if you consider yourself a creative person, there is even better news: students from any college or university can enjoy free admission any day the museum is open by presenting an art-related assignment and a college ID at the admissions desk.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Located on the northern border of Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most heavily attended museums in the country. It features the Wortham Giant Screen Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, permanent exhibit halls and traveling exhibitions. This enriching experience is accessible to everyone with free general admission available on a first-come, first-served basis from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesdays.
POST Houston
POST Houston, located just north of the Buffalo Bayou at Sesquicentennial Park, is a modern multi-use complex offering free admission. This dynamic space features a variety of dining options, retail shops, event spaces and a stunning rooftop park and farm.
Additionally, POST Houston includes a museum with changing exhibits and beautiful handmade artwork. The building is open Sunday to Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., making it a perfect destination for food, shopping and relaxation.
Downtown Aquarium
Located in Downtown Houston, the Downtown Aquarium is both an impressive marine animal exhibit and an entertainment complex. It features around 300 species of marine life and offers a variety of attractions, including a Ferris wheel, a carousel and a spectacular restaurant with exquisite dining options. While student discounts are not currently available, you can purchase all-day passes for $25.99, allowing you to explore the aquarium and enjoy its many attractions throughout the day.
Enjoying the Outdoors
Taking time to recharge and connect with our beautiful surroundings is always important. Fortunately, Houston offers numerous outdoor spaces, including parks, nature trails and markets, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature while having fun.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park, just minutes from downtown Houston, is a vibrant cultural and recreational space surrounded by the Texas Medical Center, Rice University and the Museum District. This incredible park offers a variety of affordable, and often free, recreational activities. You can enjoy an impressive golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a stunning rose garden, picnic areas, a butterfly exhibit and even the zoo—all within this beautiful green space.
Buffalo Bayou
Buffalo Bayou, a 160-acre green space just west of downtown Houston, is the perfect spot to enjoy with friends, family, and even your pets. This expansive park features a 30,000-square-foot skate park, a nature-inspired playground and picnic areas, the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, a 2-acre dog park and plenty of hiking and biking trails. Admission to this outdoor facility is completely free, and you can also catch numerous performances and enjoy a variety of food trucks throughout the park.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green, located in Houston’s business district, is a colorful urban park that is free to visit and open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. This space hosts a variety of seasonal events, including workout classes like yoga and Zumba, markets and live performances. The park also offers kayak rides, a jogging trail, two dog runs, restaurants and more, making it a dynamic destination for all to enjoy.
Houston Zoo
If you love connecting with nature and interacting with animals, the Houston Zoo is an ideal choice. Home to over 6,000 animals, the zoo features diverse exhibits, from the African Forest with rhinos, zebras and giraffes, to the newly introduced Galapagos Islands habitat. Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo offers free admission to students from University of Houston campuses and other local universities with a student ID.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Located in Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is a beloved venue that offers eight months of free programming, providing a wide array of entertainment for all Houstonians. With seating and open spaces for up to 4,500 spectators, it hosts a diverse range of events, including jazz and classical music performances, dance productions and classic film screenings. Whether you are a fan of live music or theatrical performances, this outdoor theater is a fantastic place to enjoy high-quality entertainment under the stars.
Port Houston Boat Tour
If you are curious about the unique Houston Ship Channel, Port Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip educational cruises with prior reservations. Departing from Sam Houston Landing on Clinton Drive, these cruises provide visitors with fascinating views of international cargo vessels and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal, offering an insightful look into one of Houston’s key industrial areas.
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