Museum District

Fact: Houston is home to some of the biggest and best parks in the country. This is a list of Lodgeur’s favorite Houston parks.

Hermann Park

Hermann Park is one of the most popular parks in Houston and features a variety of amenities for visitors to enjoy. The park has a golf course, a pond with paddleboats, a kids’ train, several gardens, and a museum. Hermann Park is also home to the Houston Zoo, which is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

The golf course at Hermann Park has been around since 1923 and features an 18-hole championship course with a driving range, practice greens, and a pro shop. The pond in the park offers fishing opportunities as well as boat rentals so visitors can explore the area and spot some of the local wildlife. There are also several gardens throughout the park, including the Chinese Garden of Friendship, McGovern Centennial Gardens, and Miller Outdoor Theater’s garden. (For more information, check out the blog post on Lodgeur’s favorite Houston gardens.) The Houston Museum of Natural Science is located within the park as well.

The Houston Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in Hermann Park. The zoo opened in 1922 and features over 6,000 animals from all over the world including African elephants, orangutans, gorillas, flamingos, giraffes, zebras and many more. New exhibits focus on the Galapagos, the Brazilian Pantanal and Lowland Gorillas. The zoo has a secondary entrance backing up to the Texas Medical Center and is a popular destination for hospital patients looking for some fresh air.

Memorial Park

At nearly twice the size of New York’s Central Park, Memorial Park is located in the heart of Houston and is one of the most loved parks in Houston with 4 million visitors each year.

The Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail is a 3-mile running trail that ranks as the most popular running trail in the United States with 10,000 runners daily. The 3-mile trail forms a loop and parking is available much of the way around the trail.

Memorial Park has roughly 30 miles of hiking trails, and 2 lakes. Memorial Park is also home to the Houston Arboretum, which is a nature center that offers classes and programs for visitors of all ages.

Memorial Park also has an 18-hole golf course, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, basketball courts, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. There is also a bicycle trail system with over seven miles of trails winding through different parts of the park. Hines Lake is a popular spot for picnics, photos and walking short boardwalk trails with young children.

Memorial Park is also the site of Houston’s massive Bayou City Art Festival every March, which we write about in another blog post.

Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a 12-acre park that opened in 2008 in downtown Houston. The park has a playground, an amphitheater, several gardens, and a dog park. Discovery Green also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.

Discovery Green is an urban oasis located in the heart of Houston, Texas. This vibrant 12-acre urban park features a number of attractions, including a playground, two interactive water fountains, a lake with paddle boats, an amphitheater, several gardens and lawns for picnicking and relaxing, and a one-of-a-kind dog park. The park is also home to numerous permanent public sculptures created by renowned local and international artists as well as rotating public art displays.

Every year the park attracts thousands of visitors who come to experience its beauty and enjoy all it has to offer. One popular attraction is the Brown Promenade—a large walkway that connects the larger downtown area to Discovery Green. The promenade features lush landscaping and lighting displays that create a stunning visual effect at nightfall.

The Kinder Lake at Discovery Green is great fun for both adults and children alike. The lake offers paddle boats available on summer weekends for $5.

At any time of day or night visitors can take advantage of the two interactive water fountains located in Jones Lawn near Hermann Square – perfect for cooling off during hot summer days!

On some evenings during summer months movies are projected onto a huge outdoor screen complete with surround sound speakers so visitors can watch films under the stars with friends or family members – definitely an unforgettable experience!

Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is 160-acre park that runs along the Buffalo Bayou river in Houston. The park has hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and public art installations.

One of the most popular attractions is the picnic area, which includes plenty of space for families and friends to gather for picnics and barbecues. There are also two playgrounds located near the picnic areas, perfect for entertaining little ones. And there are several public art installations throughout Buffalo Bayou Park that allow visitors to explore and appreciate local artwork.

Another interesting attraction at Buffalo Bayou Park is The Cistern – an underground reservoir built in 1926 that now serves as a public art space and event venue. This unique structure offers visitors the chance to experience art from both national and international artists alike in a special environment like no other in Houston. Check out our other post for more about the Cistern.

If you’d like take part in organized activities, Buffalo Bayou Park offers kayaking tours, bike rides throughout the park, outdoor movie screenings during summer months, birding lessons and more! You can even take a ride on one of their unique group bikes (which holds up to 14 people!) and explore different parts of Buffalo Bayou Park with friends or family members!

Market Square Park

Market Square Park is a small urban park located in downtown Houston known for the nearby Houston is Inspired mural and Niko Niko’s casual greek cuisine with outdoor dining. Market Square Park is a popular spot for residents, visitors and office-goers alike to spend their lunch hours, relax after work or bring the kids on weekends. A winding path runs through the middle of this area, lined with benches perfect for relaxing and people watching. There are also two dog runs where local canines can run around off-leash, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

On Saturdays from March to December, Market Square Park hosts a farmers market featuring vendors selling farm-fresh produce, flowers, handmade goods and more. Local vendors also set up food stands offering delicious treats like tacos and ice cream all day long.

Other features of Market Square Park include public art installations such as sculptures made by local artists that add color and character to the space. The park also features a stage area used for live music performances throughout the year.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Located in Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is a beloved destination for Houstonians and visitors alike. The theatre is home to free concerts, plays, lectures, and more throughout the year. With a seating capacity of 3,500 and a large stage, the theatre provides plenty of space for performers and audiences to enjoy their favorite shows. Tickets to see the performances from the seated section of the theater should be booked in advance, but the hill next to the theater is open seating. Visitors often bring chairs, blankets and coolers to picnic during performances.

George Bush Park

Located in west Houston, George Bush Park is a 7,800-acre park and the largest city park in the country. The park has seven lakes, over 50 miles of trails, two 18-hole golf courses, 8-acre bark park, and several playgrounds. George Bush Park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including festivals and outdoor concerts. For those looking to explore nature further, the park has two nature centers offering educational programs and guided hikes.

George Bush Park is known for its extensive sports facilities, including basketball courts pickleball courts, soccer fields, launching pads for drones, shooting ranges and baseball fields. Especially popular is the 8-acre Millie Bush Bark Park with two pools and a dog-washing area. Additionally there is an 18-hole disc golf course located within the perimeter of George Bush Park where guests can play a round or two while enjoying the sights of nature surrounding them.

Brazos Bend State Park

Brazos Bend State Park is located about 40 miles south of downtown Houston in Angleton, Texas. The 4,897-acre park features five lakes and 40 miles of hiking trails, and is popular with trail runners. Wildlife sightings are common here as the park is home to many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. The park also features an observatory operated by the Houston Museum of Natural History where visitors can learn about astronomy or catch a glimpse of the night sky on Saturday nights.

Brazos Bend State Park is a great place to visit for nature lovers, hikers, and stargazers. It features five lakes and 40 miles of trails, making it perfect for exploring the diverse wildlife and scenery that the park has to offer. The park is home to many species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and even alligators that can be seen along the banks of the lakes. There are also several observation decks where visitors can watch the sun set over the lake or catch a glimpse of passing birds and other wildlife.

Brazos Bend State Park is also home to beautiful landscapes and unique ecosystems that are open for exploration with hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging difficulty levels. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature while trekking through forests full of trees such as oaks, cedars, pines, maples and bald cypresses; swamps full of lily pads; fields filled with wildflowers; marshes full of wading birds; meadows filled with deer; ponds full of frogs; and rivers full of fish.

For an easy hike where you are sure to spot alligators, check out the 1.2 mile 40 Acre Lake Trail. There is a viewing platform overlooking two lakes, and the trail will bring you into close contact with alligators and wading birds. In the spring, masses of water lillies are in bloom.

Sheldon Lake State Park

Sheldon Lake State Park is located east of Houston near Sheldon Lake. This 640-acre park offers plenty for visitors to enjoy including fishing spots along the lake’s shoreline, over 15 miles of hiking trails and bird watching opportunities at one of three bird sanctuaries onsite. Visitors can also take advantage of the Nature Center here which provides educational programs and interactive exhibits about ecosystems found in Southeast Texas.

A variety of wildlife can also be found around the lake, including herons, cormorants, egrets, and even bald eagles during certain times of the year. The park offers catch-and-release fishing. Hikers can admire spectacular views of native vegetation like live oaks, loblolly pines and American elms while exploring a vast array of wildlife habitats ranging from marshes to grasslands. Prepare for mosquitos and check out the observation tower.

Levy Park

Levy Park is an urban park located near the upscale Upper Kirby neighborhood. The park was opened in November 2017 and features six acres of green space with native trees, plants, and flower beds. There are two playgrounds, a dog park, two performance stages, an interactive water feature, dining areas with food trucks and a bar, an amphitheater for live music performances, a community garden and nature trails for hiking and biking. Levy Park is easily one of the most popular Houston parks for kids with its playscape of tunnels, slides and water splash features.

The Levy Park Conservancy is responsible for maintaining the park’s beauty and integrity by offering educational programs such as STEM classes, story times for kids and exercise classes. The conservancy also hosts events throughout the year including movie screenings on Frisbee Golf Fridays and family nights with live music every Saturday night. There are also free yoga and dance classes offered under a covered pavilion.

Get out there!

With so many great parks to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. But with a little research and some exploration, you’re sure to find the perfect park for you in Houston. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!

Houston is a vibrant and bustling city with plenty of green spaces to explore. There is so much green space in Houston that we have a post on gardens and another just for parks. Here is a list of Lodgeur’s favorite public gardens in Houston:

McGovern Centennial Gardens

McGovern Centennial Gardens is a Houston landmark that offers visitors an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Located in Houston’s Hermann Park, Houston Centennial Gardens provides visitors with a tranquil and peaceful environment to explore nature and relax. The garden features lush landscaping, beautiful sculptures, meandering pathways, fountains, ponds and plenty of seating areas for picnicking or simply enjoying the view.

Houston Centennial Gardens features a large hill that rises at the heart of the garden, giving visitors a beautiful spot to admire Houston’s skyline and bask in the beauty of nature. The hill is covered with lush green grass and is dotted with trees, providing a scenic backdrop for picnics and family outings. From the top of the hill, visitors can take in Houston’s skyline and also catch a glimpse of Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre and Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Additionally, Houston Centennial Gardens also houses several native plant species including Texas live oaks, magnolias and wildflowers – making it an ideal spot for bird watching too! With its picturesque landscape full of vibrant colors year round – Houston Centennial Garden is sure to be one of Lodgeur’s favorite spots in Houston!

Nature Discovery Center

Located in Houston’s Bellaire neighborhood, the Nature Discovery Center is a great place to explore Houston’s natural beauty. The center features over four acres of lush gardens and trails, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife. With its interactive exhibits, educational programs and events for all ages, the Nature Discovery Center is an ideal spot for families looking for a fun day outdoors. Visitors can also take advantage of bird watching areas or stroll through various butterfly gardens onsite.

Houston’s Nature Discovery Center is an ideal spot for families looking to explore Houston’s natural beauty. The center features over four acres of lush gardens and trails, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to observe native plants and wildlife. With interactive exhibits, educational programs, bird watching areas and butterfly gardens, the Nature Discovery Center offers something for all ages.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday from 1pm-4pm; admission is only $5 per person or $15 for a family up to six people. So come out and enjoy Houston’s hidden gems!

Houston Arboretum

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is located on a 155-acre site along Buffalo Bayou. Its mission is to provide education about the natural world and promote environmental stewardship through its unique blend of nature programs, recreational activities, and conservation initiatives. Visitors can explore Houston’s native plants in the five miles of trails winding through woodlands, wetlands, meadows and ponds or take part in educational classes like birdwatching or gardening workshops. The meadows trail in particular offers great backdrops for photos.

For kids, the Arboretum offers weekly classes, camps during school breaks, and weekend activities. The new playground is often reserved for birthday parties on Saturday morning, but a nature scape playground is available near the older activities building. Parking is $8, paid with the Park Houston app.

MFAH – Bayou Bend

The Bayou Bend Gardens at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston are an oasis of natural beauty and historical charm. Located on 14 acres along Buffalo Bayou, these gardens offer visitors a richly landscaped outdoor experience with a wealth of stunning flora, winding pathways, tranquil seating areas and outdoor art installations. Originally built as a private residence in the 1920s by oil heiress Ima Hogg, the mansion and gardens were donated to MFAH in 1957 and are both open to the public.

Visitors will find lush displays of native plants, trees and flowers including azaleas that burst into vibrant color during the spring months. The Andrews Pinetum is filled with towering pines and ancient oaks while the Flower Garden offers colorful bursts of blooms throughout the year. The Asian Garden features intricately placed stones that create a peaceful atmosphere while providing highlights to colorful koi fish swimming in the pond below. In addition to its exquisite plant life, Bayou Bend features unique sculptures from renowned local artists as well as other iconic objects like two 19th century European fountains.

During special events such as holiday celebrations or summer concerts, guests can explore hidden corners of the garden or relax on one of several gazebos located within its boundaries. One highlight is a restored 1790 house known as “The Pavilion” which was once owned by Stephen F Austin’s brother James Austin. The Christmas celebration requires purchasing a ticket but MFAH hosts regular family-friendly events which are free to the public.

Mercer Botanic Gardens

Mercer Botanic Gardens is a 40-acre oasis situated in Humble just north of Houston. Here visitors can explore gardens filled with an array of colorful flowers and plants as well as enjoy stunning views from overlooks along its trails. Mercer Botanical Gardens also feature interactive learning areas for kids such as a butterfly garden and an herb garden where they can learn about different plants from experts at the gardens’ staff.

The gardens are divided into different sections each featuring its own unique landscape and ecosystem. Highlights include a Japanese Garden which includes a traditional teahouse and koi pond, a Rose Garden with over 200 varieties of roses, a Sculpture Garden where visitors can find sculptures created by local artists, and an Herb Garden with hundreds of herbs for visitors to learn about.

In addition to its gardens, Mercer Botanic Gardens also offers educational programs for kids such as guided tours, workshops and classes on gardening topics such as pruning techniques, seed propagation and composting. Visitors can also take part in family activities such as fishing in one of the six ponds found within the park’s grounds or bird watching at one of three bird sanctuaries located onsite.

The Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden is located in Hermann Park near Downtown Houston. The 8 ½ acre gardens offer tranquil oases amidst beautiful landscapes inspired by traditional Japanese design elements – ponds with koi fish paddling around them included! Visitors can take strolls along winding paths lined with cherry blossom trees or observe art installations while admiring large koi fish swimming in one of four large pools onsite before stopping off at one of two tea houses serving Japanese green teas overlooking tranquil settings perfect for meditation or reflection.

Houston’s Japanese Gardens are a stunningly beautiful place to explore and discover the many elements of traditional Japanese design. The gardens are filled with winding paths and trails that meander through landscapes inspired by the beauty of Japan. There are four large pools full of koi fish, which visitors can watch as they make their way along the paths and trails. Along the way, there are cherry blossom trees and art installations for people to admire. People can also take a stop at one of two tea houses located on the grounds, where they can enjoy a cup of Japanese green tea while admiring the tranquil surroundings. The park is also home to many other attractions, such as sculptures, fountains, waterfalls, traditional Japanese bridges, and a bell tower that chimes every hour.

For more on Houston’s green spaces, check out the post on Lodgeur’s favorite Houston parks.