Join local fitness and wellness instructors at any of Discovery Green's regular classes. Weather permitting, of course. Depending on the day, you can enjoy a gentle yoga session and an accompanying sound meditation, get your body moving through Zumba, or learn the basics of vinyasa yoga. Since all these events happen outdoors in one of Houston’s most beautiful public parks, your mind and spirit will get in better shape alongside your body.

Are you having one of those days where you want to go out but just don't feel up to moving around? Most events at Discovery Green—movies, music, and even public art installations—are free, too.

Looking for some transcendental bliss? Need an art fix, too? Look no further than the Rothko Chapel. John and Dominique de Menil, late cofounders of Houston’s beloved Menil Collection (also always free), founded the local landmark more than 50 years ago. It’s since become one of Houston’s most treasured spaces, with more than 100,000 visitors annually. The chapel houses a series of monumental paintings by Mark Rothko in solemn shades of black. It’s a dark and moody space perfectly tailored for sublime spiritual moments. It’s basically free art therapy, so use it to your benefit.

Enjoy getting lost in nature without having to leave the city, courtesy of the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. The 13 walking trails are populated by a variety of native birds, insects, squirrels, armadillos, wildflowers, trees, and wild blackberries (that you are most definitely not allowed to pick, sorry). Since the arboretum is notoriously difficult to navigate, make sure you spend some time studying a map and checking out our guide before you stumble your way around. Both family- and dog-friendly, the trails provide bountiful learning opportunities for newbies and seasoned naturalists alike. The arboretum also hosts free educational opportunities, including a homeschool program, guided hikes, and various seasonal classes.

No matter your niche, there’s always going to be something for everyone on the calendar at Miller. Take your pick from concerts by local and national bands, or performances by the Houston Grand Opera, the Houston Ballet, and the Houston Symphony. There's also the annual Houston Shakespeare Festival and a bevy of other options in the theatre, music, and dance spaces (sometimes even a combination of the three). 

Houston’s first public skatepark is home to one of the largest cradles in the nation. Occupying 30,000 square feet, there’s plenty of space for novice and pro skaters alike. Whether you’re there to hop on a board yourself or simply spectate, the downtown skatepark is great for all ages. Drop the kids off for free after-school skating or wander around to discover all the graffiti art (and maybe contribute some of your own). The park offers all the fun of skateboarding culture, but with a Houston flair.

The holy grail of Houston biking trails, Buffalo Bayou Hike and Bike Trail has quite a lot to offer cyclists of every level. The route, located just outside downtown, follows a picturesque stretch of Buffalo Bayou across the city. Perfect for both short and long rides, the trail offers great views of Houston’s iconic skyline. There are also many clearings along the trail to stop for a quick breather and some snacks while you people-watch.

No bike? No problem! The trail is just as scenic for walking, too.

Bring your comfiest lawn chairs to these free monthly movie screenings at Market Square Park and Trebly Park, both located downtown. Enjoy a mix of cult classic comedies like Legally Blonde and 10 Things I Hate About You, recent blockbusters, and family favorites like Moana and WALL-E. Want an additionally cost-efficient evening? Although there are plenty of restaurants near each park, bring some snacks or picnic meals from home instead of dining out.

Reserve a 90-minute boat tour and celebrate a slice of Houston’s history on the M/V Sam Houston, Port Houston’s public tour boat whose maiden voyage launched in 1958. Sip a complimentary soda, water, or coffee as you sightsee around the biggest port in Texas, maybe even throw a wave at passing international cargo vessels down at the Houston Ship Channel. Learn about the history and daily operations of Port Houston as you relax in the ship’s lounge and admire the view. While you probably won’t see any dolphins or whales (we sure hope they’re not swimming around in that water, anyway), you might catch a glimpse of some snapping turtles or alligator gar, which we find equally impressive.

Built in 2012 by world-famous installation artist James Turrell, the Skyspace at Rice University should be on every Houstonian’s bucket list. The massive pyramidal structure, located adjacent to the Shepherd School of Music, can accommodate 120 people between two levels and was designed to host musical performances. Twice a day, at dawn and dusk, the structure lights up in a mesmerizing sequence that changes colors to complement the shifting of natural light. The structure is open all day, but the 40-minute light shows are only available during sunrise and sunset six days a week.

There are many beautiful areas of Hermann Park, but none come quite as close to perfection as the Japanese Garden. Designed by world-renowned landscape architect Ken Nakajima, it's a serene oasis full of wandering stone paths, ponds, waterfalls, and bridges—plus turtles and ducks for good measure. The lush gardens here feature many a crepe myrtle, as well as Japanese maples, dogwoods, cherry trees, and azaleas; whatever time of year you visit, you’re sure to see some beautiful, colorful foliage or flowers. The garden is open daily from 9am to 6pm and is always free.

Glenwood Cemetery, founded in 1871, is the oldest professionally designed cemetery in Houston, and the final resting place of notable Houstonians such as Charlotte Baldwin Allen, Howard Hughes, William P. Hobby, George Hermann, and Anson Jones. Located along Washington Avenue, it's full of stunning monuments and statues, majestic trees, and rolling hills overlooking Buffalo Bayou. Glenwood is a perfect spot for a picnic or lazy afternoon stroll spent hunting the tombstones of Houston’s big-name residents. The cemetery gates are open every day from 7am to 5:30 or sunset, depending on the time of year. Two-hour guided walking tours are also available on Saturday mornings.

An estimated 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats call the Waugh Drive Bridge home. Every day at sunset, you can watch them emerge from beneath all at once as they venture out into the city to feed. There is a viewing platform on the southeast corner of Buffalo Bayou’s bank along Allen Parkway that’s perfect for enjoying the nightly aerial show. If you’re looking to learn more about the bats ahead of their emergence, consider attending one of the “bat chats” that occur at the bridge on select Friday nights 30 minutes before sunset. 

On Tuesdays through Saturdays, visitors can drop in at the Freedmen's Town Visitor Center and take a free one-hour tour of the historic neighborhood, which is recognized by UNESCO as a Site of Memory pertinent to the slave trade. You'll get a chance to walk the neighborhood, which was first established in 1865, and learn more about local Black history, row houses, and the African American History Research Center at the Gregory School. There's also an art gallery as part of the tour, featuring shows cocurated with the Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston.

Never fall behind on your music education thanks to Cactus Music's listening parties for new releases and live, in-store performances by both local and touring indie artists. You may even discover some brand-new sonic favorites along the way. Make sure to arrive hungry, too, since there's often free Star Pizza and Saint Arnold beer available as well.