- Hermann Park is 445 acres; there you will find beautiful landscaping, artwork, a train, pedal boats, and a Japanese garden. Pack a picnic meal and enjoy your time soaking up the beauty and activities this park has to offer. The train is $3.25 per person (1 year and up), and pedal boat rentals are $10 per boat from 30 minutes.
- The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is 155 acres that is surprisingly secluded despite its location in the middle of the city. There are always activities here, including wellness related classes, educational programs for all ages, and special events. Serene paths winding throughout the property, friendly staff and visitors alike, and the natural beauty of this preserve make this a wonderful place to spend your day. Admission to the preserve and nature center is free, though there may be a charge for special events.
- Discovery Green has a host of activities that are great to attend, including evening movie screenings, regularly scheduled flea markets, live music, and yoga classes, but even when there aren’t any events going on there is a beautiful pond, art installations, people to visit with, and fantastic children’s play area and splash pad.
- Miller Theater features free shows on a regular basis, year round. Live musical and theatrical performances, movie screenings, and special holiday celebrations. You can pack dinner and wine (as long as it’s in a plastic container) to enjoy during the show. All shows are free.
- Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. This beautiful section of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is the former home of Ima Hogg, who has a wonderful antique collection, including furniture, paintings and a variety of other historic artifacts; additionally there are 14 acres of landscaped gardens to stroll through and enjoy. Admission is $7.50 for children (ages 10-18), $11 for students and seniors, and $12.50 for adults.
- Come see the Orange Show for something radically different. This is the center for visionary arts. It includes a house made of beer cans, and an architectural monument built singlehandedly over a period of 23 years. Admission at both the beer can house and monument is $5 (12 and under are free). This organization also manages the annual art car parade.
- The Menil Collection. This includes a wonderful art installation with both permanent and temporary rotating exhibits, and also includes the Rothko Chapel; a chapel for all religions to gather. There are regular events held there including guided meditation and yoga. Between the two is a wonderful park where people can regularly be found playing instruments, doing yoga, or picnicking with friends and family. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
- The Houston Zoo is a beautiful facility that gives visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals; visitors even have the opportunity to feed the giraffes! In addition to the animals there are 4-D showings of multiple films, a carousel, and a splash pad. Standard admission is $11 for children (ages 2-11), $15 for adults, and $8.50 for seniors, though there are many ways to receive discounted admission; giraffe food is $5 and there is an additional charge four carousel, films, and other extra activities.
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a variety of halls with exhibits including geology, paleontology, a live butterfly exhibit, rotating temporary exhibits, and hosts regular social events known as Mixers & Elixers, including LaB 5555 complete with live music, cash bar, and mingling amongst the exhibits after hours. Tickets for children and seniors are $15, and adults are $20; there is an additional charge for some exhibits and events.
- The Johnson Space Center; Space Center Houston. Take the tram tour to view the Mercury 9 “Faith 7”, Gemini V, and historic Mission Control. The Space Center itself also has a museum, educational films, wonderful children’s play areas, and rotating interactive exhibits. Tickets for children (ages 4-11) are $18.95, $22.95 for adults, and $21.95 for seniors. While you’re in the area stop in and tour our Carefree Boat Club Clear Lake location and learn about the benefits of boating without the hassle of owning; become a member and start boating today.
