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With the weather heating up quickly and schools letting the kids out for the summer, it’s time to start planning out your summer. The challenge at times can be finding something for everyone in your family, while avoiding breaking the bank.
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On this list, we have compiled 18 free family events and activities from around the Houston area, and there’s sure to be something here that’s right for you and your crew. So grab the kids, mom, dad, grandma and grandpa – everyone – and make this summer one to remember!
18 Free Family Events & Activities Around Houston:
18 Free Family Events & Activities Around Houston for Summer 2025 was originally published on 93qcountry.com
1. June 5 & 19: Line Dancing After Dark
Location: Discovery Green
Time: 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
About: “Line dancing with Gretchen “The Legend” Jean at 7 PM, followed by a party with DJ Boom Boom Williams.”
Notes: Register here.
2. June 6 & June 7: US Open National Chili Championship
Location: Jamaica Beach RV Resort
About: “Come join the Chili Appreciation Society International CASI for a charity event benefiting Abigails Reach Foundation and the JBVFD at the Jamacia Beach RV Resort June 6th & 7th 2025. This is a World Class Event featuring World and International Champions as well as competitors from all over the country. This event is free to the public (18+) to judge some of the finest chilis in the country. Lots of entertainment for kids and adults as well, there is a showmanship competition as well (games and prizes).”
3. June 7 & 8: Walking Tour of Houston – History, Architecture, Street Art
Location: Walking Tours Houston, 910 Prairie St, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77002
Time: 10:30 p.m. – 1 p.m.
About: “Explore iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and fascinating stories from the city’s past.”
Notes: You can tip your guides.
4. June 12, July 17 & Aug. 14: Free Summer Thursdays
Location: Houston Arboretum
Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
About: “Cool down and connect with nature while enjoying family-friendly fun on the trails and Nature Playscape. Bring the kids for outdoor adventures and enjoy a free sweet treat to beat the heat (while supplies last). Plus, food trucks will be on-site with tasty bites for purchase.”
Notes: Minors must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP here.
5. June 13: Juneteenth Culture Fest
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre
Time: 8:30 p.m.
About: “Juneteenth Culture Fest is a soul-stirring celebration of freedom, culture, and music that moves you. Feel the power of live performances that blend the deep roots of gospel, blues, and R&B with the smooth grooves of neo-soul and funk. This years performance will include a musical tribute to Roberta Flack, Angie Stone, Luther Vandross, Johnnie Taylor, Frankie Beverly, Tony! Toni! Toné! and more!”
Notes: For covered seating, a free ticket is required. Tickets become available at 10 a.m. on June 12.
6. June 28: Classic Albums Live Performs Fleetwood Mac
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre
Time: 8:30 p.m.
About: “Classic Albums Live returns to the Miller stage to recreate one of the best-selling albums of all time, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, note for note, cut for cut!”
Notes: For covered seating, a free ticket is required. Tickets become available at 10 a.m. on June 27.
7. July 5: Movies at Miller – ‘Wicked’
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre
Time: 8:15 p.m.
About: “Everyone loves a good movie on the Hill and this year we’ve got a treat for you. Recently released, [Wicked] stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland in the hit musical you are going to want to sing along with.”
Notes: This is a non-ticketed performance. No reservations can be made.
8. August 26: The Science of Sound With Tom’s Fun Band Produced by Young Audiences of Houston
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre
Time: 11:00 a.m.
About: “This new and highly interactive performance from Tom uses music demonstration to teach the science of sound. The demonstrations of unique sounds will be introduced to participants through a performance by the musical instrument – the guitar!”
“Participants will be encouraged during the performance to sing, move, listen, and identify sound characteristics as we explore how sound is produced, how sound moves, and how sound is perceived.”
Notes: Suitable for ages Pre K through 4th Grade. This is a non-ticketed performance. No reservations can be made.
9. 1st Saturday of Every Month: Coffee and Cars at POST
Location: POST Houston
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m.
About: “Come and enjoy an amazing car show at POST! The first Saturday of every month from 9 am to 11 am the Coffee and Cars event is held in the East Parking Lot of the POST with 100 luxury and exotic vehicles. In addition to a select cars section, there is also an open section for anyone to come show their awesome car.”
10. Sundays: Farmers Market on Navigation
Location: The Esplanade Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. About: “Unique among Houston’s farmers markets, the Esplanade at Navigation Market blends sights and sounds, cuisine and culture to create an experience that is rooted in one of Houston’s most historic communities.”
11. Sundays: Family Fitness at Market Square Park
Location: Market Square Park
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
About: “Join Family Fitness at Market Square Park for fun, active workouts for all ages—strengthen bonds and boost health together! Enjoy a fun and inclusive class that combines movement, games and play to strengthen family bonds and promote well-being. Designed for families of all activity levels, this community-driven space encourages everyone to participate and enjoy physical activity together. Activities may include circuit training, interactive games and playful exercises that cater to both children and adults. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat, towel and water bottle.”
12. Mondays: Bingo Nights at Galveston Island Brewing
Location: Galveston Island Brewing
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
About: “Prizes every round and fun for the whole family. Play is come and go. Get here when you can and leave when you need to. The Shepherd Mix Food Truck will be on site Mondays 2-8PM.”
13. Wednesdays: Free Art Class
Location: Tyler Museum of Art
Time: 12:00 p.m. – 3 p.m.
About: “Enjoy a variety of games in the park from 11am to 9pm! Perfect for clubs, organizations, offices, teams or groups, this offering includes board games, field games and recreational activities.”
Notes: Also takes places at Trebly Park.
14. Saturdays: Urban Harvest Farmers Market
Location: 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77027
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.
About: “All farmers and producers in our market come from within 180 miles of Houston, offering the freshest, local produce and meats available. Our prepared and hot food vendors source 51% of their ingredients from local farms and growers, providing additional economic support to producers and building a more interconnected local food system.”
15. Saturdays: Free Sandcastle Building Lessons
Location: East Beach, Galveston island
Time: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
About: “Visitors to East Beach can participate in “Sandcastle Days” to receive free sandcastle-building lessons from a professional sandcastle builder. The lessons will take place at 11AM, 1PM, and 3PM. Lessons are by the water’s edge, straight down from the East Beach Pavilion.”
Notes: Registration is not required.
16. Tuesdays – Saturdays: Port Houston Boat Tour
Location: 7300 Clinton Dr, Gate 8, Houston, TX 77020
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
About: “Port Houston offers free, 90-minute round-trip, educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel. Embarking from the port’s Sam Houston Landing, visiting sightseers can enjoy passing views of international cargo vessels, and operations at the port’s Turning Basin Terminal. Measuring 95 feet in length and 24 feet in width, the boat carries a maximum capacity of 100 passengers, with air-conditioned lounge seating and additional standing room on the boat’s rear deck. “
Notes: Reserve online. Tours will cease in July for annual maintenance to tour vessel, resuming in August.
17. All Summer: Game On!
Location: Market Square Park
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 9 p.m.
About: “Enjoy a variety of games in the park from 11am to 9pm! Perfect for clubs, organizations, offices, teams or groups, this offering includes board games, field games and recreational activities.”
Notes: Also takes places at Trebly Park.
18. Saturdays & Sundays: Bucket Brigade Interpretive Beach Tours
Location: 1923 Apffel Rd, Galveston, TX 77550
Time: 9AM to 12PM
About: “Join the Bucket Brigade for a hands-on beach tour that dives into what makes Galveston’s shoreline so unique—from curious creatures in the Sargassum to the story behind our turbid water. Tours are fun, interactive, and open to all ages.”
“Meet at Lifeguard Stand #1—just look for the bright orange shirt, buckets, and wagon!”
Notes: Tours last about 45 minutes.
