The Health Museum is rich with interactive and hands-on activities. General admission is free from 2 to 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Kids can stand inside a floor-to-ceiling ribcage or check out an oversize brain. Permanent exhibits include the McGovern 4D Theater, the Amazing Body Pavilion and "You: The Exhibit."
The Health Museum
1515 Hermann Drive
Houston, TX 77004
713-521-1515
thehealthmuseum.org
The Children's Museum of Houston offers free admission on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Kids can build their own inventions at the Invention Convention, figure out how an aquaduct operates in FlowWorks or help to outsmart a hacker from the PBS show "Cyberchase." Other exhibits include Kidtropolis, U.S.A and the TotSpot.
The Children's Museum of Houston
1500 Binz St.
Houston, TX 77004
713-522-1138
cmhouston.org
The Houston Museum of Fine Arts houses art from around the world. Admission is free on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m, and kids with a public library card are eligible for free admission on Saturdays and Sundays. Self-guided family packs are available in the lobbies and offer suggestions and activities to make your trip fun and educational.
The Museum of Fine Arts
1001 Bissonnet St.
Houston, TX 77005
713-639-7300
mfah.org
At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, admission is free Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Explore the Cockrell Butterfly Center, visit the resident mummy, experience an African safari or create a chemical reaction. Permanent exhibits include the Paleontology Hall, Isaac Arnold Hall of Space Science and the Hall of the Americas.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann Circle Drive
Houston TX, 77030
713-639-4629
hmns.org
Located in Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theater offers a variety of free shows. Pack a picnic and visit the theater from March to October. Special performances for kids, put on regularly in the morning, have included a bilingual "Three Little Pigs" play and a concert put on by the Houston Young Artist's Concert Series.
Miller Outdoor Theater
100 Concert Drive
Hermann Park
Houston TX, 77030
milleroutdoortheatre.com
The Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is a 30,000-square-foot facility in downtown Houston. The park has sections for beginners and experts alike. Helmets are required to skate at the park. There is no charge to use the park, which is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Hours may change seasonally.
Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
103 Sabine St.
Houston, TX 77007
713-222-5500
houstontx.gov/parks/lee-joepark.html
You can cruise around the Port of Houston in style aboard the M/V Sam Houston. Sit in air-conditioned comfort, or watch the busy port from the rear deck. The boat allows for up to 90 passengers. Trips are free from Tuesday to Sunday, but call 24 hours ahead to make reservations.
Sam Houston Boat Tour
7300 Clinton Drive
Gate 8
M/V Sam Houston Pavilion
Houston TX, 77029
713-670-2416
portofhouston.com/samhou/samhou.html
The free Discovery Green Conservancy, open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., is 12 acres of green space in the heart of downtown Houston. The park includes a large pond, playground, water features and an amphitheater. Check the events calendar for activities such as workouts for kids, a bicycle repair workshop or Sundays in the Park concerts.
Discovery Green Conservancy
1500 McKinney
Houston, TX 77010
713-400-7336
discoverygreen.com
