Free Second Sundays start April 12, 2026 in honor of Earth Month
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center announces a grant of $50,000 from The John M. O’Quinn Foundation to fund one Sunday per month of free parking for one year at the 155-acre nature sanctuary on the western edge of Memorial Park. The first Sunday of free parking is April 12, in honor of Earth Month. After that, free parking will be available on the second Sunday of every month through March 14, 2027.
Through this new grant, families and individuals of all income levels can enjoy a leisurely Sunday in nature and escape urban stress. Admission to the Houston Arboretum is always free to the public, with five miles of trails, educational Field Stations, ponds, diverse flora and wildlife, a Nature Playscape, and an indoor Discovery Room.
During the week (except Thursdays, which are also free), visitors to the Arboretum pay a parking fee of $6.50, while Arboretum Members park for free. All revenue from parking fees goes directly back to the Arboretum, helping restore much-needed native habitat and provide nature education experiences for Houstonians and out-of-town visitors alike. The Arboretum’s two-fold mission is education and conservation.
“We are truly grateful to The John M. O’Quinn Foundation for this generous grant, which will underwrite parking for 12 Sundays in the coming year, beginning April 12,” says Debbie Markey, Executive Director of the Houston Arboretum. “As 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’s faster pace, completely free of charge. Earth Month seemed like the perfect time to kick off our first Sunday of free parking.”
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center also offers extensive programming and events for adults, families, children, and educators, some of which are free. Educational classes for adults, preschool programs, home school classes, children’s day camps, family scavenger hunts, free guided nature hikes, educator workshops, teen and adult volunteer opportunities, biannual Plant Sales, Tapas on the Trails, Sip & Stroll, and ArBOOretum are just a few of the offerings. Arboretum Members receive a variety of benefits, including discounted tickets and free parking.
