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Museums, concerts, outdoor films, bats

Free things to do in Houston this summer.

Free things to do in Houston this summer.

Houston Chronicle

Houston offers a variety of free activities and events for all ages, including cultural, educational and recreational options. From museums to concerts to outdoor movies, here’s a list of things to do in Houston this summer without spending a dime.

Miller Outdoor Theater

Star Spangled Salute produced by Houston Symphony at Miller Outdoor Theater.

Star Spangled Salute produced by Houston Symphony at Miller Outdoor Theater.

KENNON EVETT

The premier outdoor theater for the performing arts is one of Houston’s most iconic venues, offering free classical music, jazz, ethnic music, ballet, films, festivals and performances of musical theater. Upcoming performances include “Juneteenth: A Musical Journey Through Eras,” Star-Spangled Salute, Summer Symphony Nights with the Houston Symphony and the Houston Shakespeare Festival.

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Or: 6000 Hermann Park Drive

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Details: milleroutdoortheatre.com

Green Discovery

Discovery Green in downtown Houston offers a mix of recreational activities, cultural events and public art.

Discovery Green in downtown Houston offers a mix of recreational activities, cultural events and public art.

Katya Horner

The 12-acre park in downtown Houston offers a variety of free programs for all ages and backgrounds. Events include fitness classes, public art installations, Rainbow on the Green, outdoor film screenings and Flea by Night, a market featuring local vendors.

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Details: discoverygreen.com

MORE FROM ANA KHAN: The best Houston attractions to visit this summer, from water parks to the zoo

Market Square Park

Market Square Park hosts an outdoor movie series.

Market Square Park hosts an outdoor movie series.

Photo by Morris Malakoff/CKP Group

Market Square Park in downtown Houston offers a variety of free events and activities, including movie nights, concerts, and fitness classes.

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Details: Downtownhouston.org

Hermann Park

Visitors stroll through the McGovern Centennial Gardens on a rainy Friday afternoon, April 30, 2021, in Houston.

Visitors stroll through the McGovern Centennial Gardens on a rainy Friday afternoon, April 30, 2021, in Houston.

Mark Mulligan/Staff Photographer

At Hermann Park, visitors can stroll through the Japanese Garden, explore the McGovern Centennial Gardens, and enjoy the open spaces.

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Levy Park

Storytime and family crafts at Levy Park.

Storytime and family crafts at Levy Park.

Levy Park Houston

Levy Park offers a variety of free activities for visitors of all ages, including crafts, playground games, fitness classes, story times, bingo games and interactive events with the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Houston Grand Opera.

Details: levyparkhouston.org

Gerald Hines Water Wall Park

One of Houston's most photographed landmarks, the sculptural waterfall of the same name in Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.

One of Houston’s most photographed landmarks, the sculptural waterfall of the same name in Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.

Courtesy of HC Neighborhood Spot

The iconic Houston landmark features a 64-foot-tall fountain that circulates 11,000 gallons of water per minute. It’s a popular place to take photos and a peaceful place to relax.

Or: 2800 Post Oak Blvd.

Details: uptown-houston.com

Townhouse project

The townhouse project.

The townhouse project.

Raquel Natalicchio/Staff Photographer

Project Row Houses offers a variety of activities and programs that celebrate art, culture and community. Visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the historic shotgun-style homes and learn about their transformation.

Details: projectrowhouses.org

Jamail Skatepark

Olivier Clerc, skates at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.

Olivier Clerc, skates at the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark.

Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle

One of the largest birthplaces in the country is located in this 30,000 square foot in-ground public facility. Breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and numerous obstacles await skaters of all levels in the park. Don’t forget to stroll along Skater Alley, which runs between Sabine Street and the skate park entrance, and admire the local artwork along the way.

Details: houstonparksboard.org

Waugh Bats

People wait at sunset for bats to fly from Waugh Street Bridge

People wait at sunset for bats to fly from Waugh Street Bridge

Courtesy of Buffalo Bayou Partnersh/Katya Horner

About 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats live in the gaps under the Waugh Bridge at Waugh and Allen Parkway. Visitors can watch the bats from the observation deck, Waugh Bridge or from the hillside, as they emerge each night to feed on insects. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset.

Or: Buffalo Bayou Park, corner of Waugh at Allen Parkway

The Menil Collection

The Ménil collection.

The Ménil collection.

Jimmy Loyd / For the Chronicle

The museum houses a permanent collection of art from antiquity, the Byzantine era, tribal cultures and the 20th century, all from the personal collection of Dominique and John de Menil. Exhibitions this summer include “Ruth Asawa: Through Line,” “Janet Sobel: All-Over,” “Desire, Sorrow, and Spirituality: Art Since 1980,” “Abstraction After Modernism: Recent Acquisitions” and more.

Rothko Chapel

Images of the Rothko Chapel in Houston

Images of the Rothko Chapel in Houston

Allyn West

Located on the Menil campus, the Rothko Chapel is a spiritual sanctuary inspired by artist Mark Rothko. Upcoming events include Summer Solstice on June 21, featuring Apollo Chamber Players and Kaminari Taiko of Houston. Visitors can also explore the tranquil gardens and the Broken Obelisk sculpture.

Or: 3900 Yupon to Sul Ross

Details: rothkochapel.org

Airspace “Twilight Epiphany” by James Turrell

Rice University's Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell was built in 2012.

Rice University’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell was built in 2012.

Courtesy of Rice University

Located on the campus of Rice University, the pyramid structure serves as a concert hall and music laboratory for students of the Shepherd School of Music. A sequence of LED lights projects onto the ceiling and through a 72-square-foot knife-shaped opening in the roof 40 minutes before sunrise and 10 minutes before sunset. There are no admission fees for exhibition spaces, although some events and programs require tickets.

Or: 6100 Main, campus entrance

Houston Museum of Contemporary Art

The Houston Museum of Contemporary Art.

The Houston Museum of Contemporary Art.

Yi-Chin Lee/Staff Photographer

The nonprofit institution founded in 1948 is dedicated to presenting international, national and regional art through exhibitions, lectures and educational programs. Current exhibitions include “Theater Gates: The Gift and The Renege” and “Olivia Erlanger: If Today Were Tomorrow.”