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Photo credit by jfre81

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest in Texas. With a population of 2.2 million, the city has many attractions and activities to keep its residents and visitors entertained. If you live in the Houston area or you are a visitor to the city, here are a few things you can do for free.

The Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum features innovative, interactive bilingual exhibits for kids from birth to 12 years old. It has also won accolades such as the Ultimate Kid-Friendly Attraction and the nation’s best children’s museum. Families are invited to partake in the free family nights from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. You can also visit the museum free of charge from Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. and on select Mondays.

The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is a free exhibit containing art owned by the de Menil family. During World War II the de Menils left France and settled in Houston. They became key figures in the cultural life of Houston, being advocates of modern art and architecture. Furthermore, they were humanists who believed strongly in art being a central part of the human experience. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Holiday closings include New Year’s Day, Spring Holiday, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Contemporary Arts Museum

This museum is a non-collecting institution that is dedicated to presenting the finest pieces of contemporary art to the public. Some pieces date as far back as the 1940s. Past and current exhibitions include Graphic Works and Watercolors from Private Collections in Houston, Contemporary Ceramics, Image and Idea, Art of Lower Crust, Answers to Questions: John Wood and Paul Harrison and Perspectives 173: Clifford Owens. Opening hours are Wednesdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission is free.

Discovery Green

This two-acre lawn can be used to lounge around, have picnics or just enjoy a great view of the skyline. There are also gardens, a playground, a party pavilion and a model boat pond. This is one of the many activities you can do in Houston at no cost. It is an ideal location to relax and enjoy time with the family. Opening hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

This is the premier outdoor theatre for the performing arts. Located on approximately 7.5 acres of land in Herman Park, Miller Outdoor Theatre offers a diverse range of entertainment such as jazz, classical music, ballet, ethnic music and dance and Shakespeare. These free performances run from March through October.

Houston is a lively place that has many activities to keep its residents and visitors entertained. The best part is that many of these things are free. Even if you are on a budget, you can still go out and enjoy yourself and treat your family to a great outing.