![\"The](\"https:\/\/communityimpact.com\/uploads\/images\/2026\/03\/31\/417595.jpg\")
The Houston Arboretum offers several kid-friendly activities, including an outdoor playscape structure. (Courtesy Anthony Rathbun)<\/p>\nOfficials with the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center recently announced the center received a $50,000 grant from The John M. O\u2019Quinn Foundation to provide free parking once a month.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s new<\/p>\n
Typically, parking at the 155-acre nature sanctuary costs $6.50 for nonmembers, except on Thursdays, when parking is already free.<\/p>\n
The first free Sunday will be April 12, in honor of Earth Month, according to a March 26 news release from the arboretum. After April 12, the release states parking will be free on the second Sunday of every month through March 14, 2027.<\/p>\n
In their own words<\/p>\n
The grant will allow individuals of all income levels to \u201cescape urban stress\u201d and enjoy a Sunday in nature, the release states.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we work towards being an arboretum for all, we are excited to offer one weekend day every month where visitors can enjoy a peaceful respite on our beautiful grounds away from the city\u2019s faster pace, completely free of charge,\u201d said Debbie Markey, executive director of the Houston Arboretum. \u201cEarth Month seemed like the perfect time to kick off our first Sunday of free parking.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Houston Arboretum offers several kid-friendly activities, including an outdoor playscape structure. (Courtesy Anthony Rathbun)<\/p>\n
The details<\/p>\n
Located on the western edge of Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum offers 5 miles of trails, educational field stations, ponds, diverse flora and wildlife, a nature playscape and an indoor discovery room.<\/p>\n
Public admission to the arboretum is free, with visitation open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. March-October, and 7 a.m. until 6 p.m. November-February.<\/p>\n
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