Day 1: Downtown Fun & Free Museums

 
Run around Discovery Green and play in fountains or a playground. Discovery Green by Quinxho Silva via Flickr

Morning: Discovery Green

Kick off your weekend at Discovery Green, a vibrant 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston that’s made for families. Kids can splash in the interactive Gateway Fountain, climb and explore at the John P. McGovern Playground, run free in the wide-open lawns, enjoy art installations, and walk round Kinder Lake.

It’s stroller-friendly, and often buzzing with free family programming, especially on weekends. If you have a little more time, check out our 20 Things To Do in Downtown Houston.

Cost: Free

Midday: Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic or grab lunch at the Lake House Café, conveniently located inside the park. Alternatively, check out one of the rotating food trucks, many of which offer kid-friendly options and shaded seating.

 
The Police Museum is free! Photo by Corey Seeman via Flickr 2.0

Afternoon: Free Indoor Museums & Attractions

Need a break from the heat? Houston offers free indoor options close to Discovery Green:

Houston Police Museum: A small but fun stop for kids interested in emergency services. It features a real patrol car, vintage badges, and police gear.
Houston Public Library – Central Library: The library often hosts free story times, crafts, and children's programming—all in an air-conditioned space.
The Menil Collection & Menil Park: A short drive away, this serene museum features impressive art exhibits and welcomes strollers. After visiting the art, let the kids run around in Menil Park, which offers shade and a relaxing atmosphere.

Want more affordable museum ideas? See our full guide to Free Museum Days for Kids in Houston.

Cost: Free

Evening: Miller Outdoor Theatre

Wrap up the day with a show under the stars at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park, which you can check out in our Instagram reel. From family-friendly musicals and cultural performances to concerts and puppet shows, there’s almost always something entertaining—and it’s all free. Bring a blanket, snacks, and settle in for a relaxing, screen-free evening with the family. If you're there early, check out the rest of Hermann Park using our guide. 

Cost: Free

Day 2: Nature, Water, and Indoor Play

Morning: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Escape the city buzz and explore the Houston Arboretum, a 155-acre nature sanctuary that’s surprisingly close to the city center. It's ideal for young children, with stroller-friendly nature trails, a shady outdoor play area, and an engaging Discovery Room with animal exhibits and microscopes. There are lots of opportunities for kids to spot turtles, butterflies, and birds. 

Cost: Free (parking fees apply)

Lunch: Picnic Lunch

Enjoy a picnic at one of the tables near the nature center, or head to a nearby restaurant. Want to save while eating out? Check out our roundup of Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free in Houston. 

 
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Photo by Lex McKee via Flickr 2.0

Afternoon:​ Waterwall Park and The Little Galleria

After your morning nature adventure, make your way to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park in the Galleria area. This iconic, 64-foot-tall semicircular fountain is a must-see. The cool mist offers a welcome refresh on hot days, and the surrounding grassy lawn is ideal for a rest and photo ops.

Just next door, inside The Galleria, you’ll find The Little Galleria, a 2,000-square-foot indoor play area on Level 2. It features foam slides, tunnels, and climbing structures—perfect for toddlers and preschoolers needing to burn off some indoor energy.

Cost: Free

Evening: See the Bats 

If your family still has time and energy to spare, head to the Waugh Drive Bat Colony near Buffalo Bayou to see thousands of bats emerge at sunset. It’s a brief event but an unforgettable sight. Buffalo Bayou also has many free attractions worth a visit, including a large skatepark and a fabulous natural play area. Read more about Buffalo Bayou Park here. 

Cost: Free

Want more ideas for future weekends or extended stays? Browse our full list of Free Things to Do Indoors in Houston with Kids and bookmark our 100 Free Things To Do in Houston with Kids.