25 activities under $25: Houston, Texas

The city of Houston spans a whopping 655 square miles and boasts 2.3 million residents.

Visiting a metropolitan of this size on vacation can be a daunting task for most families, especially those looking to travel on a budget. Here, we detail 25 things—in no particular order—that families can do for less than $25 in Space City.

1. Visit the Children's Museum

The Children's Museum of Houston offers many fun—and educational—experiences for children. With exhibits that explore physics, engineering, robotics, culture, and art, your kids can participate in workshops and discover new interests across 14 engaging galleries. Admission is $10 per person.

2. Eat at Alicia's

Alicia's Mexican Grille is a restaurant with four locations in the Greater Houston Area, and they allow children to eat free on Mondays. Don't leave without trying the crab enchiladas.

3. Listen to live music at the Miller Outdoor Theatre

Arguably one of Houston's most-loved gems, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is free to all. The amphitheater brings in big-name bands, and a calendar of events can be found on their website. Bring a blanket and some cheese and crackers.

4. Take in a Houston Dynamo Game

Watch the city's Major League Soccer team play a match downtown at BBVA Stadium.

5. Check out the Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is an art museum that features works from all over the world, and is worth the visit. It's free to the public and open to donations.

6. Scream at the Kemah Boardwalk

Filled with amusement rides, the Kemah Boardwalk is fun for kids of all ages. An all-day ride pass is $17.99 for kids measuring less than 48 inches, and $22.99 for taller children.

7. Learn at Space Center Houston

Check out the history of U.S. space exploration at Space Center Houston. Tickets are $18.95 for kids 4-11 years old (free for kids 3 and under) and $23.95 for adults—but you can save $3 purchasing tickets online.

8. Catch a film at Studio Movie Grill

Studio Movie Grill is a hybrid cinema/restaurant that offers great deals for families. Their "Family Rewind" film series costs just $3 per ticket and runs one weekend a month with kid-friendly movies.

9. See the Museum of Fine Arts

Houston's Museum of Fine Arts is free every Thursday. Bonus: it's also open late (until 9 p.m.) on those days.

10. Have a hot dog at James

On Wednesdays after 4 p.m., James Coney Island on 2020 South Highway 6 in Houston allows two kids (10 years old and under) to eat free with a minimum adult purchase of $4.50.

11. Stroll through Eleanor Tinsley Park

Eleanor Tinsley Park is a great place to take a family. It has downtown views and is where you'll want to be to watch Houston's Fourth of July Fireworks.

12. Wave at the animals in the Houston Zoo

Tickets to the Houston Zoo run $12 per person for kids 2-11, free for kids under 2 years old, and $16 for adults.

13. Take in the Woodlands Children's Museum

Interactive exhibits await young kids at the Woodlands Children's Museum, where tickets will run just $5 per person, and free for kids under 2 years old.

14. Enjoy an event at Market Square Park

Market Square Park, a community gathering space in downtown Houston, regularly offers free events, including movies and live concerts.

15. Spend the day at Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a 12-acre urban park in the middle of Houston that's free to the public and offers everything from live concerts and outdoor yoga classes, to kayaking opportunities and Bocce courts.

16. Check out the Katy Contemporary Arts Museum

Located in the nearby city of Katy, Texas, the Katy Contemporary Arts Museum showcases visual arts—free of charge.

17. Order some Cajun food

After 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, French Quarter Cajun Seafood in Houston allows one free child meal with the purchase of an adult meal.

18. Step back in time at George Ranch Historical Park

Spanning 480 acres, George Ranch Historical Park is a living history museum that allows families to see what life was like in the late 1800s. Tickets are free for kids 4 and under, $5 for children from ages 5-15, and $10 for adults.

19. Learn about the history of flying at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum

Located right next to Houston's current airport, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum is housed inside an art deco building and includes memorabilia from the world of aviation. Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for kids.

20. Check out the Japanese Garden

Tucked within 445-acre Hermann Park is the Japanese Garden, a perfect place for a quiet walk. Take in the flora fauna, free of charge.

21. Admire the marvels at the Art Car Museum

The Art Car Museum has historic cars transformed into creative works of art and is free to visit.

22. Chow down on a tasty Indian food meal

From 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, kids eat free at Ashiana Indian Restaurant.

23. Learn at the Health Museum

The Health Museum is a science center that offers interactive exhibits for kids. Tickets are $7 for kids 3-12 years old (free for kids under 3), and $9 for adults.

24. Take a tour of the Printing Museum

Discover the fine art of printing—and even sign up for a class—at the Printing Museum. Kids 12 years old and under get in for free. Tickets run $8 per person for those 13 and older.

25. Pick berries at Blessington Farms

Wrangle your own bucket of berries and pet a few barnyard animals at Blessington Farms. Tickets are $10 per person, but the berries you pick are priced from $5 to $8 per pound.

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