The Best Cheap and Free Things to Do in Clear Lake

Near the Texas Gulf, you can find the bustling city of Clear Lake right off of Nasau Bay. Home to the Houston Johnson Space Center and one of the largest marinas on the coast, there are plenty of free and cheap things to do in Clear Lake, TX.

For our list of the best activities and events in Clear Lake, read more below:

 

Entertainment

Space Center Houston- You can save big and still see the rockets at Clear Lake’s best and biggest attraction! Check out our money saving tips for getting into the Space Center and how to get the most bang for your buck with our review of CityPASS. You can also get $5 off when you buy your tickets online here.

Putt Putt FunhouseA great way to beat the heat, you’ll find putt-putt golf, virtual reality, bumper cars, and a lot more! Check their daily specials and promotions to get the best deal.

FunCity Sk8More than just a skating rink, they have a Kidz Pit with inflatables to bounce off that energy. Save big with $2 Tuesdays!

Kemah Boardwalk- Just a short drive from Clear Lake, you can spend a day at the carnival. Admission to the boardwalk is free and there are plenty of things to do without breaking the bank. CityPASS has an option for the Boardwalk so that you can get your roller-coasters on the cheap!

 

Outdoor Fun

Armand Bayou Nature Center- Getting to know the wetlands and marshes of Clear Lake is one of the best cheap activities you can find. The center also offers a variety of pontoon tours, demonstrations, classes, and more. It’s one of our favorite Clear Lake attractions.

Bay Area Park- If you’re looking for fun things to do in Clear Lake, check out the play structures, tennis courts, fishing areas, and the dog park. This park has tons of amenities and places to play for adults and kids alike.

Helen’s Garden- A serene garden with water features makes the perfect backdrop for photography or picnics.

 

Art & Theater

Clear Creek Community Theatre– Adults are just $15 and seniors and students can get in for $13. Take a group of 10 or more and get your tickets for just $10 each. It’s a great way to support the arts!

Bay Area Museum– Admission to this museum is free! The historical buildings host a collection of artifacts and oddities, mostly donated by local residents. The grounds and chapel next door make for a beautiful afternoon tour.

UH Clear Lake Art Gallery– Another great, free museum in Clear Lake is on the UH campus. It features emerging artists selected by their professors for their cameo exhibitions. It’s an artsy and cheap thing to do in Clear Lake!

 

Dine & Shop

Chelsea Wine Bar– A beautiful and quaint wine bar with amazing food. Check out their deck with bay views!

Scout Bar– For a mix of big-name and emerging metal artists, Scout Bar is one of Clear Lake’s favorite live music venues. The concert venue is intimate but prices are reasonable and there is a patio as well as plenty of parking.

Boondoggles Pub– This is more of a gastropub with their hearty menu and craft beers. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and there’s plenty of parking.

nobi Public House- With a massive selection of craft beers and delicious Vietnamese fusion dishes, it’s no wonder nobi Public House is one of the area’s most well reviewed spots to eat and drink.

Vintage Revival– For antique, vintage, and one-of-a-kind finds, check out Clear Lake’s own Vintage Revival. The collection has been carefully curated and is beautifully shabby-chic. Window shopping and antique hunting sounds like the perfect cheap thing to do in Clear Lake!

 

Which things to do in Clear Lake do you enjoy most? Let us know what your favorite spots are in the comments below!