Just off of 45 South, on the way to Galveston Bay, is a small community nestled close to Clear Lake. Friendswood was created by two Quakers who were just that- friends! What was once a small farming community full of orange and fig orchards has turned into one of America’s Best Places to Live. Whether you’re making a stop on the way to the beach or looking for a fun-filled day of recreation, culture, and arts, Friendswood has it all.
Read more below on the best cheap and free things to do in Friendswood:
OUTDOOR FUN
There’s no shortage of outdoor things to do in Friendswood with ample recreational green spaces where you can get in a workout and let the kids roam.
Visit Stevenson Park which has tons of amenities from basketball courts to a splash pad. Centennial Park has open fields, walking trails, and an amphitheater which holds events and free concerts. The kids and furbabies will also love Lynn Gripon Park or you can get a look at original rocket ships at Rocket Park near the Space Center which is always free.
Make an appointment with Nightsong Petting Zoo and you can get in to see their rabbits, sheep, goats, barn cats, horses, and more for just $10.
Friendswood and surrounding areas also have plenty of sports recreation. Grab a free game of golf at Timber Creek Golf Club when you register for their e-club. During the summer, you can visit Friendswood City Pool for just $2 per day. Seniors age 60 and over are always free and you can also purchase season passes!
ART & HISTORY
You can get your fix of arts and culture without ever leaving Friendswood. The Friendswood Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area. Visit the Frank J. Brown Museum on Saturdays, a replica of the first house built in Friendswood. The second floor hosts dozens of photos, artifacts, and graphics from Friendswood’s first 50 years. Nearby is also a barn made of 100-year-old planks. The Historical Society also keeps up the 1902 Perry House as well as the Glines Barber Shop. Just visit the deck and find the exterior button for a narrated history of Friendswood’s first barber shop.
Teach the kids to appreciate our veteran’s at the Friendswood Veteran’s Memorial. The small outdoor park is beautifully designed and landscaped. You can visit every day during daylight hours.
You’ll find plenty of history and fiction to read at Friendswood Public Library where checking out books and movies is always free!
EAT & DRINK
Whether you’re looking for a laid back cafe or delicious Italian cuisine, you can find plenty of great places to eat in Friendswood.
Birraporetti’s is an Irish-Italian restaurant and don’t let the chain status fool you. Not only is their food great but they host frequent live music as well as other events throughout the year. Brasserie 1895 offers New American dishes in a European- centric feel, plus craft beer and signature cocktails. Friend’s Uncorked offers food, wine, and beer, plus regular live entertainment.
You can find plenty of down home and locally owned restaurants in Friendswood, including Habaneros Tex Mex and Barcena’s Mexican Restaurant. Plenty of Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants are available locally as well such as 518 Cafe and Pho Yen.
While you’re there, don’t forget to cool off with treats from Sno Beach or Tikiman Shave Ice & Treats. It’s the perfect way to end a cuisine- filled day!
ENTERTAINMENT
For theater and cinema, Friendswood has not only local school events but its also home to The Purple Box Theatre, winner of the Excellence in Dance award from the Junior Theater Festival. Goldstar regularly offers discount tickets to Purple Box, helping you save more on your visit!
Nearby, you can also find movie theaters including Star Cinema Grill where you can dinner and a movie.
Out of the ordinary entertainment in the area includes getting trained at Best Shot Range for just $18 a day. Or, bring your walking shoes and plenty of bug spray for a walking tour of the area’s best haunted spaces. Texas Ghost Tours offer tours anywhere from Spring to Galveston- patrons say Galveston’s is the best. Plus, it’s nearby!
For family- fun entertainment, there’s nothing better than the Putt Putt Fun House. Open year- round, they offer virtual reality gaming, bumper cars, rock climbing, 3D theaters, putt putt golf, indoor playgrounds, and more. Bring the older kids for a great time at Main Event with arcade games, laser tag, billiards, and more.
SHOP
If you live in Friendswood or are just stopping by, you’ll want to budget a little extra to get your shopping done.
Baybrook Mall offers all of the traditional and chain stores, plus they often have live entertainment like outdoor movies on The Lawn. For gift or specialty shopping, visit the Silver Bee Boutique where you can find artisan boutiques by local vendors. The Funky Monkey offers boutique clothing, home decor, specialty beauty products, and more.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint, support small businesses, and keep on a budget with local thrift and resale shopping. Shephard’s Nook supports local charitable causes with sales of like-new clothing, books, movies, and home items. Stop by Hope Village to visit the residential and treatment center which is also home to a resale shop and gift shop. The Hope Village Resale Shop offers gently used clothing, electronics, and home decor. The Gift Shop sells hand made items including ceramics, stationery, spa essentials, hand made soap, unique carved items, and more. With vintage and resale shopping, you can feel good about treating yourself!
What are your favorite things to do in Friendswood? Let us know in the comments below:
