Houston is full of museums, cultural centers and attractions. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a date night or a solo adventure, Houston has plenty of places worth exploring.
Ticket prices to these experiences can quickly add up, especially if you’re bringing along friends and family. Luckily, some of Houston’s must-sees have free admission days, so you don’t have to break the bank to see all the city has to offer.
While you’re exploring, ditch the car and opt for the train instead. Take the light rail to get around—it drives through downtown and into the Museum District.
If you can’t make the free admission days, consider paying a little extra for a city pass so that you can save money when you hit all the local gems.
Otherwise, enjoy these Houston landmarks for the price of zero dollars.
Houston Zoo | First Tuesday of the month
Take a walk on the wild side at the Houston Zoo. Tickets are free on the first Tuesday of each month. August is already sold out, but soon you’ll be able to reserve tickets for September.
Museum of Fine Arts: Houston | Thursdays
The MFAH offers free admission to their permanent collections, once a week, with special exhibition access offered at a discount. Try not to get lost inside the MFAH’s famous underground tunnel, full of optical illusions.
Houston Museum of Natural Science | Tuesdays
Enjoy free access to the exhibits at HMNS (Hermann Park location only) on Tuesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. Be sure to visit the Morian Cabinet of Curiosities, where you can get hands-on and are encouraged to touch the displays.
Children’s Museum Houston | Thursdays
Experience big fun for little minds at the Children’s Museum. To access free admission every Thursday evening, reserve tickets online 48 hours in advance. Bring your child with you (it’s required) for educational fun on Thursdays from 5-8 p.m.
The Health Museum | Thursdays
Have you ever wanted to see a Texas-sized heart? Houston has you covered. Don’t miss the 12-foot tall beating heart in the Amazing Body Gallery. The Health Museum offers this unique experience and many more for free every week from 2-6 p.m.
Lone Star Flight Museum | Tuesdays
Ready for takeoff? See real historic warbirds up close or become a pilot at the flight academy simulation for free every Tuesday. Reservations for August 4 have already opened online. No tickets available? No worries. A limited quantity of walk-in tickets are provided beginning at 12 p.m. the day-of.
Czech Center Museum Houston | Thursdays
Explore Czech art, culture, history and music for free every Thursday from 2-4 p.m. Grab tickets at the museum to see their rare art or visit their library to dig through historic archives.
Lott Family Carousel at Hermann Park | Tuesdays
Take a spin on the Lott Family Carousel once a week at no cost. The carousel offers free rides in the Hermann Park Commons every Tuesday. To claim your free admission, just get in line on a Tuesday anytime between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Holocaust Museum Houston | Thursdays
Learn about Jewish history, culture and the legacy of local Holocaust survivors at the Holocaust Museum Houston. The museum offers free entry every Thursday so that you can spend time reflecting and learning in their exhibit halls.
