Houston offers many of the best urban sights in Texas, along with world-class museums, superb architecture, and many beautiful green spaces. These days, not everyone has money to enjoy the many attractions of a big city. However, here in Houston, the parklands are all free to enter along with many of the cultural institutions and religious buildings. Besides all this, Thursday in Houston sees many of the best museums on a free entry basis. Here are five of the top free things to do in Houston, Texas.
1. Art Car Museum
Art Car Museum is located on Heights Blvd, south of Katy Fwy. The museum houses eccentric vehicles from Houston’s favorite event, the Art Car Parade. In that parade, crazily decked-out vehicles take to the streets in the biggest event of its kind in the world. Those that win the parade end up in the Art Car Museum, just waiting for visitors to gaze at, taking photos, and enjoy.
2. Waugh Drive Bridge Bat Colony
For something entirely different, head to Waugh Drive Bridge at sunset to watch the bats taking off in a noisy crowd to go on their nightly insect-hunting spree. The spectacle can be seen from the bridge, or from the pathways of Buffalo Bayou Park. This is considered one of the most spectacular and unusual sights to see in the whole of Houston.
3. Emancipation Park
When Abraham Lincoln abolished slavery and the word reached Texas that slaves had been freed on June 19, 1865 (known as Juneteenth) black communities across the states starting celebrating the anniversary. Galveston was the first city in Texas to do so, but Houston’s former slaves went further. They purchased 10 acres of land in South Central Houston as a special park to celebrate Juneteenth festivities, which are still held today. However, besides the annual event, this oldest public park in Houston is beautifully maintained and free to enter, and offers a swimming pool, walking trail, playgrounds and a recreation center.
4. Rothko Chapel
In 1964, Houston philanthropists de Menils commissioned an unusual, nondenominational place of worship. The Rothko Chapel stands southwest of Downtown, close to the Menil Collection. The building was designed by the famous American abstract painter Mark Rothko during the final years of his life. The stark, modern, octagonal building was completed a year after his death in 1971. The walls of the chapel are decorated with 14 Rothko paintings. At first, they appear to be black, but as viewers concentrate and focus, a myriad of different shades appear.
5. Miller Outdoor Theater
One of the best things to do in Houston waits in Hermann Park. This vast, green space is not only beautiful but is also surrounded by excellent museums. Besides that fact, the park has an amphitheater, designed by William Ward Watkin. During the day, visitors can relax in the green and grassy park, and end the day watching a free play or music concert in the Miller Outdoor Theater. This is social distancing and fresh air at its best in the city of Houston!
Enjoy a budget-friendly visit to Houston, Texas this year and see the many free sights on offer.
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