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    Home » Things to do » Half Day in Houston

    Half Day in Houston: Learn Something New, Play Giant Chess & Go to College in Montrose

    Modified: Mar 19, 2021 by Jill Jarvis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · #sponsoredpost · 2 Comments

    Having fun with the family and exploring Houston can be easy! If you have a few hours, we have ideas on how to spend them with the kids.

    In this Half Day in Houston series, find a place to park, play, explore and eat… all in one spot. Pick what you like or combine with another Half Day post!

    In this adventure, learn something new, play giant chess and go to college!  Tour Montrose's old church building with the library and Black Lab Pub, read a book at the University of St. Thomas and walk a labyrinth!

    Montrose Library Front Door
    Park:

    The best part about Montrose is that it is walk-able. You can park once and visit many places.

    The library has a small (free) parking lot in front, a bigger (paid) covered parking lot in back and free street parking. Find a parallel park spot on Colquitt, West Main or Yaokum (see map below).

    If the street parking is full, or you prefer a lot, try the covered lot with entrances on West Main and Colquitt. (Black Lab should validate your parking if you eat there.)

    Explore:

    Freed Montrose Library Sign
    1. NOW Closed Freed-Montrose Houston Public Library - 4100 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006 - Tuesday-Saturday (T 10-6 W 10-6 Th 12-8 F 1-5 Sa 10-5)  - Free

    Start your Montrose adventure with a stop at the public library. Housed in a quaint little brick building, the children's section is on the first floor. Use your Houston Public Library card to check out books before heading to your next stop!

    Black Lab Chess Board
    2. NOW Closed Black Labrador Pub - 4100 Montrose Boulevard #8, Houston, TX 77006 - Open Everyday for Lunch & Dinner

    Right next to the library, in the same brick building is the Black Lab Pub! This English Pub is family friendly and has a giant chess board outside.

    Take your chess players here for lunch and a game before walking to the university.

    Reading at University of St Thomas Houston
    3. University of St. Thomas - 3800 Montrose Boulevard, Houston, TX 77006 - Free

    Just behind the library and pub is the University of St. Thomas. This small campus is very well kept and welcoming to families. Find a bench and read your library books.

    If the pub wasn't for you, eat a picnic at one of the many tables or grab a sandwich from the university's restaurants.

    Labyrinth at University of St. Thomas
    4. Labyrinth at Chapel at St. Basil at University of St. Thomas - Yoakum & West Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77006 - Free

    At the corner of the university, you can see a very modern church. Just behind the Chapel at St. Basil is a labyrinth.

    Find this maze and clear your mind as you walk it. Or just walk it with your kids!

    If you want to have more fun in Montrose, check out the family art walk and the family friendly parks and splashpad!

    More recipes you may enjoy

    • Houston Rodeo Parade Route Information
    • Rodeo Houston: Tips for taking kids!
    • Things to do for Spring Break in Houston
    • Houston Summer Camps Recommended by Parents

    About Jill Jarvis

    Jill Jarvis is the owner of JillBJarvis.com, a BigKidSmallCity.com and Things to Do in Houston, with Kids, blog!

    She is the mom of five and started the website years ago... when she was tired of constantly cleaning up the same mess in the family room.

    Another mom showed her that you could just go do fun things in Houston, without hours of planning.

    This inspired the blog and changed everything about how she enjoyed life in Houston, with kids!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ruth says

      March 18, 2021 at 10:05 pm

      I know this article is several years old but I was so sad to find out this week that the pub is permanently closed. ):

      Reply
    2. Jill Jarvis says

      March 19, 2021 at 5:57 pm

      Sorry you found the empty pub!

      Reply

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