Get ready for summer fun in Houston: free & cheap! Price: free – $10.
MUSIC
Free Neighborhood Concert Series, Houston Symphony:
June 1, 7:30 pm @ Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church
June 8, 7:30 pm @ Dulles High School (Sugar Land)
June 9, 7:30 pm @ North Shore High School
June 10, 7:30 pm @ Dobie High School
June 14, 11 am @ Miller Outdoor Theatre
July 12, 11 am @ The Ripley House Neighborhood Center
July 12, 7:30 pm @ Alief Taylor High School
July 13, 7:30 pm @ Cypress Springs High School
(Instrument petting zoo begins 45 minutes before each concert.)
Movie Themes with Houston Symphony: Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 pm. Free mezzanine and lawn seating at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
Star Wars & More: A John Williams Tribute, June 7, 8 pm
Dreamworks Animation in Concert, July 21, 8 pm
Free Summer Symphony Nights, Houston Symphony: Enjoy classical music outdoors! Miller Outdoor — June 17-18, June 24-25, July 4 @ 8:30 pm
Summer Solstice at Rothko Chapel: June 20, All day. Free. A guided labyrinth walk begins at 6:21 am on the grounds of the chapel. It offers a pathway to prayer and meditation. The solstice celebration ends at sunset, 8:25 pm, with the premier Japanese drumming group, Kaminari Taiko. Located at 3900 Yupon.
Summer Sounds on the Plaza at Rothko Chapel: June 23, 7 pm. $10 suggested donation. Enjoy Danza Azteca Taxcayolotl, a grassroots Aztec dance group. Don’t miss the free Saint Arnold beer + Sweet Cup is selling gelato. Located at 3900 Yupon.
Texas Music Festival Orchestra: June 24, 8 pm. Free. More than 100 musicians from around the world are showcased in this free performance as part of the Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival. Located at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
3rd Annual Day of Music: July 9, noon – 10 pm. Free day-long musical celebration of Houston’s musical diversity (jazz, rock, classical, blues, ethnic genre and more). Located at Jones Hall.
Summer Concert Series with American Festival for the Arts (AFA): Students in the AFA Summer Music Conservatory perform throughout the summer in their free family-friendly Summer Concert Series. These include the String Orchestra Community Concert (June 24), Choral Celebration (June 25), Symphony Orchestra Concert (July 6), and more. Find the complete calendar here.
BOOKS
Summer Storytime Tours at Rienzi: Wednesdays June 1 – July 27, 10 am. Introduce kids to magic of art and literature through fun and interactive activities for ages 3+. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the garden after the event. Rienzi is the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston home, 1406 Kirby; free
Summer Reading Program at The Fish Gallery: July 7 – August 18, Each Thursday 3:30 pm– 4:30 pm with story time, fish feeding, touch tanks, crafts, games, and prizes. August 18 is a Summer Reading Party (2909 Fountain View).
Summer Middle Grade Book Club at Katy Budget Books: June 9 – August 11. 10 am. Kids will read the book before the Thursday book club, discuss the book, do an activity and have a snack. Located at 2450 Fry Road.
Wig Wag Learning series at Rosenberg Railroad: Wednesdays in June and July, 10:30 am. Enjoy a one-hour program with story, craft and fun activities for pre-schoolers. Also includes an age-appropriate museum tour. Bring a bagged lunch and play on the wooden train play structure. $8/participating child and adult. Limited to 16 each session. Call for your spot. Located at 1921 Avenue F in Rosenberg.
Nature Story Time at Nature Discovery Center: Wednesdays, 4 pm. Free story time for preschoolers with variety of fun: live animals, puppets, short nature walks, crafts or songs and nature stories. Located at 7112 Newcastle.
Story time at Pottery Barn Kids: Tuesdays, 11 am. Free story time. Located at The Woodlands Mall and Highland Village.
Story time and activities at Houston Public Library locations throughout the city this summer. Full calendar online.
Free Summer Reading Programs: Houston Public Library, Harris County Public Library, Montgomery County Library, Fort Bend County Libraries, Brazoria County Library…
Young Writers Workshop: Saturdays, 10:30 am, at Discovery Green through July 9. Houston Arts Alliance, HPL Express, and Writers in the Schools help kids learn to write at this weekly session, funded in part by a grant from the City of Houston.
Gamemeisters at Blue Willow Bookshop: Head to this independent bookshop Thursdays this summer to play and learn new games. This free event is geared to kids ages 5-10. Thursdays, June 9 – July 28. Parents are welcome to stay. Located at 14532 Memorial.
THEATER
Free Musical: James and the Giant Peach Jr.: June 8-10, 11 am and James and the Giant Peach, June 10-11 , 8:15 pm. Presented by TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. Located at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Free Children’s Hilltop Festival: Kid’s daytime theater. July 19, The Emperor’s New Clothes; July 20, My BFF, the Dragon; July 21, The Great Zoo Switcheroo; July 22, Santa’s Rockin’ Reindeer Christmas in July. Located at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 11 am.
Free TUTS’ Summer Musical: July 12-17, Million Dollar Quartet, 8:15 pm. Located at Miller Outdoor Theater.
Houston Shakespeare Festival: Free Shakespeare in the park! July 29, 31, August 2, 4, 6, Much Ado About Nothing; July 30, August 3, 5, 7, Henry V. Performance begin at 8:15 pm at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Summer Kid’s Musical @ Lone Star College-Cy Fair: July 5-7. Lone Star College Cy-Fair presents Freckleface Strawberry: the Musical. Located at 9191 Barker Cypress Road. Purchase tickets online for $7 each.
A.D. Players @ Miller Outdoor Theatre: Little Women, the Musical. Free. August 11, 12, 8:30 pm. Located at Miller Outdoor Theatre, 6000 Hermann Park Dr.
MOVIES
Free & Cheap Summer Movie Series:
Cinemark: Movies are just $1 weekday mornings. Or get 10 movies for only $5 paid in advance. Show days are usually Tuesday, Wednesday or both beginning week of June 6.
Studio Movie Grill: Tickets are just $1 at Studio Movie Grill’s Children’s Summer Series. Catch the 11 am show Monday through Friday at Copperfield, CityCentre and Pearland locations.
Santikos: Free movie for 8 weeks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10 am beginning June 7. Located at Silverado Tomball & Palladium in Sugar Land.
Regal: $1 movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am beginning June 7 for nine weeks. Both movies play BOTH days. Participating locations include Edwards Houston Marq*e Stadium 23, Edwards West Oaks Mall Stadium 14. {The Edwards Greenway Grand Palace also is participating but starts June 14.}
Carmike Cinemas: $4 movies each Thursday at 10 am beginning June 2 for 10 weeks of family films. $4 admission includes a popcorn and drink. Carmike Yorktown 15 is located at 15900 Yorktown Crossing Blvd.
Alamo Drafthouse: Catch a cheap movie 7 days a week all summer with start times at 10 am. Choose your own ticket price ($1-$3) and purchase online to reserve your spot. 100% of the ticket sales benefit local YMCA locations. This is for Alamo Drafthouse Katy @ Mason Park and Alamo Drafthouse at Vintage Park & Louetta. Times vary by location each week.
Showbiz Cinemas: Enjoy 50¢ movies at ShowBiz Cinemas Tuesday mornings, 10 am. The 8-week series kicks off June 14. Located at 350 Northpark Drive in Kingwood.
Premiere Cinemas: Enjoy free movies on Wednesdays at Premiere Cinemas. Times and prices vary by location. Times vary by location in Tomball, Pearland, and Baytown.
Free Outdoor Movies at Miller Outdoor Theatre: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (June 30), Jurassic World (July 1), 8:30 pm. Located at 6000 Hermann Park Drive
Free Outdoor Movies at Discovery Green: Jurassic World (June 4), 8:30 pm. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (June 17), 8 pm. Mr. Dial Has Something To Say (June 24), 7:30 pm, Tortilla Soup (July 15). Located at 1500 McKinney.
Alamo Drafthouse Rolling Roadshow at Market Square Park: Free outdoor movies. Fargo (June 22), Rushmore (July 6) at 8:30 pm. Located at 301 Milam.
Moonlight Movies for Kids, CityCentre: Free outdoor movies. Finding Nemo (June 8), Minions (July 13), Inside Out (August 10). 8 pm fun & 9 pm movie. Located at 800 Town and Country Blvd.
Friday Night Flicks, GreenStreet: Free outdoor movies. Jerry McGuire (June 24), Pitch Perfect 2 (July 22), and 21 Jump Street (August 26). Located at 1201 Fannin downtown.
Free Movie Nights, WFDD Central Green: 8 free movies this summer at Central Green in Katy! Get the schedule here. Blankets and lawn chairs welcome. South end of LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
Movies Under the Moon, Sugar Land Town Square: Free outdoor movies. Inside Out (June 11), Woodlawn (July 9), Zootopia (August 13), 7 pm – 9 pm.
2nd Saturday at The Depot Movies, Tomball: Surf’s Up (June 11), Polar Express: Christmas in July (July 9), 6:30 pm
Free Outdoor Movies, Deer Park: Big Hero 6 (June 4)
Free Movie Nights, Pearland Town Square: Two movies each month June – August. Inside Out (June 4), Minions (June 18), Pan (July 2), Zootopia (July 16), Cinderella (July 30) and The Good Dinosaur (August 13) with shows at 7:30 pm. Located at Pearland Town Square.
Sound of Music Sing-A-Long, August 27, 8 pm. $5 lawn seats or $10 reserved for Sound of Music Sing-A-Long fun. Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 pm. Located at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.
30+ Free Outdoor Movies in Houston — Big list of free outdoor movies — same as above but listed by date.
$3 Movies, Studio Movie Grill: Date Night (1st Wednesday), Girls Night Out (2nd Wednesday), Family Rewind (3rd Wednesday and Sunday), TOONS (Friday – Sunday every week). Located at Copperfield, CityCentre, and Pearland.
The Showboat Drive-In Theater: Enjoy a double feature outdoors under the stars. Adults are $7 and kids $5. Located in Hockley off 2920.
ART/CULTURE
Free Museum Days in Houston Museum District:
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – Thursday 1 pm – 5 pm
Houston Museum of Natural Science – Thursday 3 pm – 6 pm
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston — Thursday 10 am – 9 pm — Kids 12 & under free every day
Children’s Museum of Houston — Thursday 5 pm – 8 pm
The Health Museum — Thursday 2 pm – 7 pm
Holocaust Museum Houston – Thursday 2 pm – 5 pm
Houston Museum of African-American Culture — Thursday 6 pm – 8 pm
Czech Center Museum Houston – Last Monday each month, noon -4 pm
10 Museums are Always Free: Don’t miss these great cultural experiences and learning opportunities in Houston’s Museum District that are always-free: Asia Society Texas, Houston Center for Photography, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Rothko Chapel, Lawndale Art Center and more.
Children’s Museum of Houston: Who could be more focused on kid fun this summer than this museum? Children’s Museum is open seven days a week this summer with weekly themes, action-packed activities, performances, character appearances, and extraordinary events like Superman’s Birthday, Minecraft Mania, National Ice Cream Day, July 4th celebrations and more. Admission is $11 adults, $10 seniors. Kids under 1 are free.
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Take advantage of a discount to Houston Museum of Natural Science with $10 admission ($25 value), thanks to Goldstar. This admission allows you to explore many permanent exhibits including the McGovern Hall of the Americas, Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, Wiess Energy Hall and the Hall of Paleontology. Buy online here. Or enjoy the combo admission pass for the Cockerell Butterfly Center + HMNS exhibits — $16 ($34 value). Buy combo ticket here. Affiliate links included. This helps support my site at no additional cost to you, and you save money!
Free Kids’ Craft Workshops: Pop Shop Houston is hosting free two-hour Pop Shop workshops for kids. Crafts range from hula hoops to shadow puppets and more. Times vary according to the date. Register online at Pop Shop America.
Detective Days at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Kids 6 and up can explore mysteries at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Kids will learn about horticulture, art, design, and American history as they solve seasonal riddles. Each detective receives a clipboard and magnifying glass. Hunts in the garden: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, Sundays 1 pm – 4 pm. Hunts in the house: 1 pm – 4 pm, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Kids 18 and under free. Adults, $10. Recommend 6-12 yrs.
Celebrate the quirky: The Beer Can House and Art Car Museum are some fun cultural institutions with a twist! Beer Can House is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. It’s open Saturday and Sunday, noon – 5 pm. Art Car Museum has 3-4 art cars that rotate quarterly along with new art in the gallery. Admission is free. It’s open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 am – 6 pm.
Katy Contemporary Arts Museum is just three years old, but a great resource on Houston’s west side. $2 admission. Hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 10 am – 6 pm and Sunday, noon – 6 pm. Located at 805 Avenue B in Katy.
OUTDOORS
Family Nature Nights at Nature Discovery Center: June 8, Taking Flight with Houston Birds; July 13, Texas Terrific Reptiles; August 10, Discovering Snakes; 6:30 pm with talk beginning at 7 pm. Family-friendly talks, nature walks, live animals, crafts & snacks. Russ Pittman Park in Bellaire, 7112 Newcastle in Bellaire. $10/family.
Unplugged Adventure: Nightlife at Katy Prairie Conservancy: June 11, 7:30 pm – 9 pm. $5 per person. Enjoy an adventure on the night prairie with the sites and sounds of evening croaks, chirps and more. Located in Waller at Indiangrass Preserve, 31950 Hebert Rd., Waller. Register your spot online.
Summer Science Night: Buzz on Bees at Katy Prairie Conservancy: June 29, 6 pm – 8 pm. $7 per child. Geared to children age 5-8. Register online for this event. Located in Waller at Indiangrass Preserve, 31950 Hebert Rd., Waller.
Unplugged Adventure: Sunset Bike Ride at Warren Ranch: July 9, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. $5 per person. Enjoy an evening bike ride on historic Warren Ranch. Register your spot online.
Summer Science Night: Frog Hunters at Katy Prairie Conservancy: July 14, 6 pm – 8 pm. $7 per child. Geared to children age 5-8. Register online for this event. Located in Waller at Indiangrass Preserve, 31950 Hebert Rd., Waller. Register online for this event.
Summer Science Night: Buzz on Bees at Katy Prairie Conservancy: July 21, 6 pm – 8 pm. $7 per child. Geared to children age 5-8. Register online for this event. Located in Waller at Indiangrass Preserve, 31950 Hebert Rd., Waller.
Fun and learning at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center: There are so many activities and events planned at this park in Humble. From learning about dragonfly workshop, bees, junior canoe training, and more. Check out the full calendar. Some require advance registration.
Texas Bound (One-Day Camp) at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center: July 6, 9 am – 2 pm for kids 7-12. Kids will create a homestead and see if they have what it takes to survive their journey to Texas — through props, games and hands-on activities. Registration begins Wednesday, June 22. Free.
Reptile Open House at Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center: August 6-7, 1 pm – 4 pm. The Reptile Center is filled with live reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Learn about them and their natural history. Located at 20634 Kenswick in Humble.
Latin Beats at Downtown Aquarium: Enjoy free salsa dance lessons every Friday night through August, 7 pm – 11 pm. Lessons are taught by Texas Salsa Congress’ professional dancers. A live band will perform the last Friday each month. Located at 410 Bagby at Memorial.
Paloma Trails: Kids walk and play with miniature horses and hear a story time at a variety of their events. Pony Meet and Greet, free. June 17, 6 pm – 7 pm. This is located at Great Southwest Equestrian Center, 2501 S. Mason Rd. in Katy but some events are at the stable.
Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic + Lawn Games at Discovery Green: June 19, July 17, August 21, 11 am – 5 pm. Free. Kids will build their own wooden fire truck. Limited to first 50. Located at 1500 McKinney.
Sugar Land Skeeters Tickets: Pay just $9 for Grass Land seating at Sugar Land Skeeters games. This is the area behind the Bull Pens.
Houston Family Magazine Summer Fun Fest: Free admission to this 5th annual event July 24, noon – 4 pm, at The Woodlands Mall and July 31, noon – 4 pm, at LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd in Katy. It features live performances, rock wall, inflatables, fun activities, face painting and more! Located at LaCenterra, 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd in Katy.
North Houston Skate Park in Spring: It’s the largest Skate Park in North America at 78,000 sq. ft. Admission is free! The skate park is open 8 am – 10 pm all summer Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 am – 9 pm Sunday. Closed Tuesdays.
Free Skateboarding Classes: Several Houston skateparks offer free classes beginning June 14. {Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is closed through October 10, 2016, for improvements.
Bat Chats on 1st and 3rd Fridays year round: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to hear a brief presentation on Waugh Bridge Bat Colony. Watch bats emerge under the Waugh Bridge. Meet on the platform at Waugh Drive and Allen Parkway. Free public parking at Spotts Park, 401 S. Heights Blvd at Memorial.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center: Free to explore 5 miles of trails in the 155-acre urban nature preserve. Open 7 am – 7 pm. Enjoy interactive exhibits and activities in the Discovery Room. Located near Memorial Park and Loop 610.
Noah’s Ark Pool at First United Methodist Church’s Quillian Center in Westchase celebrates 20 years this summer + a brand-new renovation. Noah’s Ark Pool is an amazing destination! The area also includes a full-size swimming pool with two slides and two diving boards. Open May 30 – August 19, Monday-Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. $7.50 each (under age 1 free). Noah’s Ark pool only August 22-September 2 (10 am – 2 pm). 10570 Westpark. Playground and basketball pavilion also on site.
Sam Houston Boat Tour by Port of Houston Authority: Enjoy a free 90-minute cruise along the Houston Ship Channel. Tours are available Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, 10 am and 2:30 pm run time plus 2:30 pm Thursday and Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. The M/V Sam Houston has been operating as a public vessel since 1958. Reservations are first-come, first-served and must be at least 24 hours in advance. Spots are full until August. Reserve a tour spot online or call 713-670-2416. Located at 7300 Clinton Drive.
Free Houston Splashpads by Houston Parks and Recreation Department: More than 20 free splashpads throughout the city.
Free Public Run Days at Zube Park: June 18, July 16, August 20 from 9 am – 1 pm. The Houston Area Live Steamers offer free rides to the public on the Zube Park Track on the 3rd Saturday March – November. Located in Hockley at 17802 Roberts Road.
Kayak Boat Rides at Discovery Green: $5. These kayak rides are available Saturday and Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm, through June 26. Located at 1500 McKinney downtown.
Stand up Paddleboarding at Discovery Green: Visitors can give paddle boarding a try — now open daily beginning May 28. $10 for a 20-minute session. Located at 1500 McKinney downtown.
First and Third Sundays at Armand Bayou Nature Center: noon – 5 pm. Sunday in Nature. Admission is free, thanks to Dow Chemical Co. Last entrance will be 4 pm. Hike trails with naturalist interpreter, view live reptiles, relive 1895 history. 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena. Each month has a different theme.
Back to School Splash Bash at Sugar Land Town Square: August 6, noon – 4 pm. Back to School Splash Bash features water slides, hula hoop contest, fun activities, live music with DJ. Bring backpack and school supplies to benefit Fort Bend Rainbow Room.
Galveston: Take a day trip to Galveston and enjoy walking along the Seawall, building sandcastles, playing in the water, or shopping on the Strand. Parking is $8/day or $1/hour along the Seawall if you can find it! Or head to Stewart Beach ($8 per vehicle), which is known as Galveston’s family beach. Plenty to do with the pavilion, beach volleyball courts, concessions, and the beach! Lifeguards are on site at Stewart Beach. Located at 201 Seawall Blvd. Take a free ride on the Galveston-Port Bolivar ferry, with up to 5 ferries operating in the summer.
OTHER
HPD Mounted Patrol Barn: Visit the Houston Police Department stables and feed the horses. Visit Monday – Friday, noon – 2 pm for unscheduled visits. Bring apples, carrots, and peppermints for the horses (limit 2 each). There are close to 40 horses and a couple donkeys! Saturdays and Sundays, visits must be scheduled ahead of time by calling 832-394-0394. Located at 5005 Little York Rd.
JP Morgan Chase Tower Sky Lobby: Get a view of Houston from the 60th floor of this downtown building, the tallest in Houston and Texas at 75 floors. Take the Sky Lobby elevator straight up to the 60th floor for the express trip. The view is towards Galleria and West Houston — for 180° view. Available Monday – Friday during business hours. The other side is not accessible. The building also connects to the Houston Downtown Tunnel System if you want to grab some food or drinks. Located at 600 Travis Street.
Houston World Series of Dog Shows: Get free admission and free parking the first day of this annual Houston favorite, Wednesday, July 20, 9 am – 3 pm. Located at NRG. The dog show runs July 20-24.
Downtown Aquarium — Two-for-Tuesday returns this summer at Downtown Aquarium. Buy One All-Day Adventure Pass for $18.99 and get one free. Less than $10 per person. This is valid June through August with the coupon. A new coupon will be published each month. Get the coupon here.
Summer Play Days at Disney Store: Get a free Tsum Tsum wristband each week! Attend activities every day through September 5 with Art of Animation, Story Time, Trivia Time and Showtime.
Free LEGO Mini Model Build at LEGO Stores: First Tuesday and Wednesday each month, 3 pm – 7 pm with reservations required. June 7-8, July 5-6, August 4-5 at LEGO stores (Galleria, The Woodlands Mall, and Baybrook Mall). Register online here. Sign up at the store or sign up online as a VIP member — free registration.
Rosenberg Railroad Museum: This museum in Rosenberg offers tours for all ages. Learn everything about trains from the science, safety to the history of the railroad. Adults, $5; seniors, $4, and kids 2-14, $3. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Located at 1921 Avenue F in Rosenberg, 35 miles SW of Houston.
Free bowling all summer for kids at Copperfield Bowl, Emerald Bowl, The Bowl on Bellaire, Times Square Entertainment (Katy), 300 Bowl (Conroe), and Tomball Bowl. Kids can bowl two free games every day all summer.
Pottery Fridays at Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Free pottery classes August 5, August 12, and August 19, 1 pm – 3 pm. The two-hour class is for children and their caregivers with free activities and art-making, pottery demonstrations, scavenger hunts, and take-home activities. Located at 6003 Memorial. Reservations strongly recommended since space is limited. Call 713.639.7750 or email bayoubend@mfah.org to secure your spot.
Free Apple Camp: Kids can attend a free 3-day workshop on iMovie for kids 8-12. Summer 2016 dates have not been announced online. Registration begins online at apple.com once announced.
Kegg’s Candies Factory Tours: See the entire chocolate-making process from raw ingredients to cooking, packaging and gift shop in a 30-minute tour at Kegg’s Candies. Reservations required seven days in advance. Small groups or individuals can view as a self-guided tour with no fee 10 am – 3 pm. $8.50 for age 3+ including a special treat in retail store. Schedule your tour date online. Earlier is better! Located at 8168 Westpark. Kegg’s Candies is a tradition since 1946.
photo courtesy Houston Symphony
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