Houston is that lively, flavorful city packed with affordable little secrets that are light on your pocket. From artistic endeavors at Buffalo Bayou Park to The Galleria, and all the way to Discovery Green, allow this list of things to do in Houston to swell your visit into a wonderful venture!

Buffalo Bayou Park is not your typical green area as it hosts the Buffalo Bayou Cistern, a hauntingly beautiful underground reservoir converted into an art space on its 160 acres. Want more? Hit the trails, rent a bike or kayak along the bayou. Head over to the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony emerging at sunset, or skate at the 30,000 square-foot skate park, or even better, visit the memorial of the Houston Police Officers overlooking the skyline. Enjoy the vibrant energy of this place with various performances and lively events, along with food trucks. 

Houston's Galleria is not just a mall; it is a city, and what could be better than window shopping? It caters to over 400 stores, from designer names like Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada to the likes of H&M. The biggest surprise? A full-sized ice rink right in the center, stealing the spotlight. The mall spans an area of 2.4 million square feet, so better to wear your comfortable shoes. Here you can find a post office and various hotels, all inside the mega multi-level mall. Waterwall Park lies within walking distance, so it would be a full day to pair the two.   

Located within the high-class neighborhood of River Oaks, the splendid estate exhibits artworks brought in from America, ranging from 17th-century silver to paintings of the Civil War. The mansion was once the property of Ima Hogg, a celebrated Houston philanthropist, now converted to the home of American Decorative Arts and the vast collection of the Museum of Fine Arts. Outside, within 14 acres of gardens, you will feel like stepping inside a botanical painting. An escape from the hustle and bustle of city streets into serenity, this is one of the best free activities in Houston.     

Calling all art connoisseurs, for this one is for you. The Menil Collection is home to nearly 19,000 works gathered from all over the world, dating to many eras, all equally calm and bright in the galleries. Think Picasso, Dalí, Joan Miró, Alberto Giacometti, and artifacts of antiquity, all cooped up in one building. And the best part has to be the free entry. The collection has everything from tribal masks to modern abstraction to surrealist madness, allowing for the perfect artistic ventures.  

Relax as water cascades 64 feet down sculpted concrete walls, surrounded by oak trees and wide, peaceful lawns at Gerald D Hines Waterwall Park. With 11,000 gallons of water flowing down each minute, it is an exhilarating overload for one’s senses and the perfect background for your Instagram-worthy snaps. The kids can run around the vast area, while you can relish the calmness of the surrounding air or take a walk (just 10 minutes from The Galleria) to see one of Houston’s most amazing sights.  

Discovery Green is a 12-acre crowd-puller situated in downtown Houston. From kayaking to putting greens, splash pads, dog parks, bocce ball courts, to reading rooms-there are activities for everyone. Don't miss the Art Cart, a free mobile box available for borrowing, loaded with bocce balls and croquet gear. The park is perfect for yoga or concerts and to appreciate public art while munching on tacos from food trucks on the lawn, becoming one of the best free attractions in Houston. 

Memorial Park is a lush piece of nature right in the center of Houston. Home to more than 30 miles of trails, including the popular Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail, it’s a perfect paradise for hikers, runners, and bikers. Looking for more than just trees? Then, head straight to the Golf clubs, tennis courts, and playgrounds that await your presence. Eastern Glades is the perfect place to hang out, along with the food trucks that dish out good vibes and snacks.