Houston's Best Free Attraction 2008

What started with one bison has grown into a collection of exotic and domestic animals in Hermann Park.

Reviews:

• “Could have been better”
• “Love it!”
• “Great Fun”
• ""
• “New Houston Zoo”

Tips: The Houston Zoo offers free admission on Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day and the day after Thanksgiving.

Houston Zoo

Take a free tour of the Port of Houston aboard a 95-foot passenger boat.

Tips: Security rules: No large baggage, all passengers are subject to search, photo ID required for passengers 18 and over.

Houston Ship Channel Boat Tour

The austere building with its somber paintings is one of the city’s best quiet corners.

Reviews:

• “The best place to find yourself !”
• “Meh…”
• “Free spirituality”
• “Rothko Fiasco”

Tips: The amazing Menil Collection sits just west of the chapel.

Rothko Chapel

An urban wildlife sanctuary for native wildflowers, plants and animals.

Reviews:

• “Dog-gone Good”
• “A lovely walk”
• “Nature’s Best”
• “HANC IS AWESOME FOR FAMILIES”
• “Take a hike!!!”

Tips: A five-mile hike is available year-round for a peaceful getaway from the urban world.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

The impressive building houses a vast and unique collection of contemporary art and pieces from antiquity.

Reviews:

• “Incredible works by Maggrite”
• “Everything you want”
• “The Menil Is Nice”
• “world class”
• “Art, this is it!”

Tips: The museum is free to the public. It’s closed on major holidays.

Menil Collection

This shady public space offers trails, picnic areas, a golf course, an amphitheater and the zoo.

Reviews:

• “Most beautiful scenery in Houston”
• “Houston’s Best Kept Secret”
• “Ahhh. A Day at the park…”
• “Best golf deal.”

Tips: Catch one of the many shows or concerts at the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Hermann Park

One of the few places in Houston where you can take a picnic dinner to a free concert or play.

Reviews:

• “Back to the sixties”
• “Depends upon the weather…”
• “Romantic Date”
• “evening events??”
• “Miller is Outdoor Fun”

Tips: While the shows are free, some require tickets, so call ahead if you want to catch that upcoming production.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

A boardwalk with a quiet fishing-village atmosphere with resort accommodations, amusements and good eats.

Reviews:

• “Charging for Parking”
• “Kemah is Awesome!”
• “Boardwalk – Success! History – Lost”
• “Avoid the train ride if you have young children”
• “Great Weekeend Getaway”

Tips: There are ample parking lots, but spaces fill up fast around the 7pm dinner rush and special events.

Kemah Boardwalk

There’s no telling what waits around each corner at this exciting and eclectic Montrose museum.

Reviews:

• “NC-17 Rated”

Contemporary Arts Museum

This towering landmark dominates the Galleria skyline and its glistening Water Wall enthralls visitors.

Reviews:

• “Wedding”
• “Great Wedding Proposal Site!!!”
• “I was married in front of the Water Wall…”
• “Great view”
• “Great Place”

Tips: Try the West Drive parking garage, which is free on weekends and weekdays after 9pm.

Williams Tower and Water Wall

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