This week’s guide is brought to you by the Children’s Museum of Houston. Right now, Halloween Monster Mayhem is taking place at the Children’s Museum of Houston with daily trick-or-treating and a host of other special events leading up to Halloween.
Houston is booming and our favorite season is here! With cooling weather and pumpkin spice in the air, you’re sure to be ready to get out and have fun. Let us help you keep it cheap with our roundups of the best fun, free, and cheap things to do in Houston.
Read more below for our list of free and cheap events going on in Houston this week:
TOP PICK
Halloween Monster Mayhem at Children’s Museum of Houston
Get in the Halloween spirit at the Children’s Museum of Houston! With daily trick-or-treating and a host of other special activities and fun taking place between now and October 31, the Children’s Museum of Houston is your Halloween headquarters!
Special Halloween activities this week include:
- Daily trick or treating — 4-6 pm weekdays, 4-8 pm Thursdays, all day on weekends
- Slime-Off and Slime Workshop— This Saturday, October 27th, it’s the ultimate slime adventure where kids will learn how to make slime and 15 lucky kids will get the chance to volunteer to get covered in slime!
- Pumpkin Carving—Take your pumpkin carving to the next level with Maker Annex equipment, including laser cutting and soldering. Various times available Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, but make sure to register online!
- Mobile Monster Hunt–Every day, kids can go on a digitital monster hunt using Augmented Reality on your mobile device in a live action game!
And don’t forget it all culminates next week with their Halloween Monster Mash Bash on October 31!
EVERYDAY FUN
Here are a few cheap things to do in Houston any day of the week!
Lone Star Flight Museum
Whether you’re going for the first time or to get to know the place again, Lone Star Flight Museum has treasures awaiting. The 130,000 square foot museum and warehouse offers 40 vintage and historically significant aircraft. The planes have been restored to flying condition and are available for tours. Don’t miss the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and their other carefully curated exhibits. Best of all, tickets are now half- off! Just $10 gets you in the door so take advantage now!
Death by Natural Causes at Houston Museum of Natural Science
Think you know what dangers to avoid? Think again! The Death by Natural Causes exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science explores a collection of animals, plants, and every day items which can actually kill you. Explore the specimens and learn which old wives tales are myths and which ones are true! The exhibit is not included in general admission. Tickets are regularly $30 per person but now, you can get them for just $17 each!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Get General Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for only $10 (regularly $25!). Other HMNS discounts are available, like 50% off tickets to the butterfly habitat & exhibit, planetarium show, and other special exhibits. The museum has several great exhibits on display at the moment, including Life in Stone, The International Exhibition of Sherlock Holmes, Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and more. (Some exhibits may cost extra.)
Space Center Houston
Spend a day learning about Science and aerospace flight and engineering at Houston’s favorite, Space Center Houston. Some tours are included in the price of admission so you can easily spend a day and still have more to see! If you haven’t been in a while, it may be time for a return trip. For a limited time, get $5 off of regular price!
MONDAY
Heartfulness Meditation at Discovery Green
What: Get in tune with your inner-self and prepare for the week ahead with a free, hour-long meditation practice. Focus on breath, posture, and being in the moment.
When: October 22, 12:30- 1:30 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Gremlins at Axelrad
What: Lagunitas Brewing Company is co-hosting this free event with no admission so you know the drafts will be on point! The movie starts at 7:30 pm and welcomes families until 9 pm.
When: October 22, 7:30- 11:30
Where: 1517 Alabama St, Houston TX 77004
How much: Free
Story Time at the Square
What: Bring the little ones for a family storytime. Ms. Jana Banana will read and act out her favorite stories. Storytime is either held on the lawn at The Square at Memorial City or at Frolic’s Castle, depending on the weather.
When: October 22, 10 am
Where: 303 Memorial City, Houston TX 77024
How much: Free
TUESDAY
Core Focused Yoga at Discovery Green
What: Get a free, hour-long session of yoga focusing on building strength in the core, improving balance and posture, and breathing techniques. This class is great for beginners or advanced. Just bring your own mat, towel, and plenty of water.
When: October 23, 6:30- 7:30
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Harry Potter Trivia at the Flying Saucer
What: Join The Flying Saucer downtown for one of the biggest and best Harry Potter Trivia’s around. There are two rounds- one at 7:30, and one at 10 pm. Come in costume to win points for your House.
When: October 23, 7:30 pm
Where: 705 Main St, Houston TX 77002
How much: Free
Dia de los Muertos Opening Exhibit at MECA
What: MECA Houston is having their Ofrendas Altar Exhibit now through November 15. There are over 25 decorated altars for you to view.
When: October 23, 10 am- 7 pm
Where: 1900 Kane St, Houston TX 77007
How much: Free
WEDNESDAY
Zumba at Discovery Green
What: Get fit and have fun at the same time! Zumba combines aerobic workouts with choreographed dance moves. You don’t have to the best dancer- in fact, you might learn a few moves! Everyone is welcomed and made to feel comfortable, just bring your towel and plenty of water.
When: October 24, 6:30- 7:30
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Gamson Artist Lecture at Contemporary Art Museum
What: Join Lorna Simpson for a free lecture on art and working as an artist. There will be a short Q& A Afterwards. Admission to the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston is always free, but this event requires reservations.
When: October 24, 6:30- 8 pm
Where: 5216 Montrose Blvd, Houston TX 77006
How much: Free
Fall Family Fest at Windwood Church
What: Windwood Presbyterian Church is hosting a trunk- or – treat complete with games, crafts, food, and more. Entry is free with one nonperishable food item per person.
When: October 24, 6- 8 pm
Where: 10555 Spring Cypress Rd, Houston TX 77070
How much: Free
THURSDAY
Just Between Friends of North Houston
What: Get 50- 90% off of retail prices at the Klein Multipurpose Center this Thursday through Saturday. Just Between Friends is the newest pop-up resale shop. Find the best name brand clothing for kids, adults, and maternity. There is also home decor, books, video games, arts and crafts, strollers, and more. Admission is just $2!
When: October 25, 10 am- 8 pm
Where: 7500 Farm to Market 2920, Spring TX 77379
How much: $2
Parkour at Discovery Green
What: Originating in France, this work out combines running, jumping, and amateur acrobatics by jumping on and off of any structures available. Learn how to turn a park bench into the most fun you’ve ever had. This beginner class meets at Sarofim Lawn.
When: October 25, 6:30- 7:30
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Family Story Time at Levy Park
What: Bring the whole family out for this cross-generational literacy experience. The book changes each week and is followed by arts and craft activities for people of all ages.
When: October 25, 10- 11 am
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
FRIDAY
Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution
What: Join The Company On Stage for one of Agatha Christie’s best thrillers. The play tells the tale of a young man accused of murdering a widow- suspense, emotional outbursts, and compelling testimonies abound. Tickets are regularly $18 but you can get them now for half- price. That’s just $9!
When: October 26, 8 pm
Where: 4930 W Bellfort Rd, Houston TX 77034
How much: $9
Scream on the Green at Discovery Green
What: Head down to the best park in Houston this weekend for spooky Halloween fun. There will be costume contests, games, prizes, living statues, fortune tellers, live performances, and more. Plus, E.T. will be playing on the big screen starting at 7:30. Bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs for all-night-long Halloween fun.
When: October 26, 6- 10 pm
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Trunk- or -Treat at Langham Creek YMCA
What: Open to the public, Langham Creek YMCA is hosting a trunk-o-treat for the little ones. Dress up in your best costume for treats, arts and crafts, a spooky dance party, food trucks, and more.
When: October 26, 6:30- 8:30
Where: 16725 Longenbaugh, Houston TX 77095
How much: Free
SATURDAY
Peter Pan Takes Flight on Stage
What: Prohibition Theatre is hosting another month of this awesome theatrical adaptation of Peter Pan. Join the Lost Boys and Tinkerbell for an evening of music and mischief. Shows are running now through December 22nd and tickets are selling out, fast! Tickets are regularly priced $20 but you can get them now for just $10- that’s half off!
When: October 27, 12 noon
Where: 1008 Prairie St, Houston TX 77002
How much: $10
Houston HalloWeekend Pub Crawl
What: PubCrawl.Com has put together the best pubs in Houston for the Halloween Weekend Pub Crawl of the year! Start at The Dogwood and catch awesome drink specials at every pub on the line. Tickets are regularly $12 but you can get them now for free up to $5!
When: October 27, 4 pm
Where: 2403 Bagby, Houston TX 77006
How much: Free- $5
Pamper Me Social Ladies Cave
What: Take a much deserved break and spoil yourself with a full day of pampering. There will be workshops, great food, wine, make up services, fitness classes, skin care, and a beauty suite at India House in Houston. Tickets are already cheap- just $5- but you can get them now for free!
When: October 27, 1-5 pm
Where: 8888 W Bellfort Ave, Houston TX 77031
How much: Free
SUNDAY
Tai Chi at Discovery Green
What: Learn beginners Tai Chi and let the ancient martial art transform you into a meditative master. Wear athletic shoes, comfortable clothing, and bring plenty of water. This exercise is great for breath control, stretching, meditation, and relaxation.
When: October 28, 9:30- 10:30 am
Where: 1500 McKinney, Houston TX 77010
How much: Free
Howl-O-Ween Parade
What: Bring your pups down, dressed in their best Halloween costume and you could win a prize! Afterward, there will be a furry friend parade of all of the dogs dressed up for the event.
When: October 28, 4 pm
Where: 3801 Eastside Dr, Houston TX 77098
How much: Free
Houston Family Magazine Fun Festival
What: Head down to this free event with face painting, rock walls, food trucks, door prizes, live music, and more. All activities are totally free!
When: October 28, 12 noon- 4 pm
Where: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy TX 77494
How much: Free
What cheap and free activities are you headed to this week? Let us know in the comments:
Good write-up. I definitely appreciate this site. Keep
writing!
for the “Sundays in the Park at Discover Green”, it mentions the Unplugged event afterwards from 5 to 9. if you have a dog from the event from 2 to 5, will they be allowed for the show as well?
Thanks for all the great information. I liked it better when it was arranged by date and not by event type, it was so much easier to find things to do. Hopefully, you’ll go back to that format.
Me too. I like knowing events by dates
No problem! Try clicking on “Calendar” at the top of the page and you can search by date or keyword or scroll through to find something which interests you. Thanks for reading!
same here
i heard Brad Meldau(sp?) will be here on the ivories this Friday (on KTSU)…allegedly it’s free, but i don’t know the venue-
(helluva nationally-known jazz pianist if you never heard of him)
facts appreciated if you find out before me
Would love to have the info on the Easter Eggstravaganza. Thanks!
Hi, check out our Easter guide here: https://www.houstononthecheap.com/easter-egg-hunts-in-houston