We Soaked Up the Sun Looking For The 6 Best Outdoor Things To Do in Houston
Houston’s outdoor scene is perfect for anyone looking to escape the city. Whether you love nature, want an adventure, or need a fun family day, there’s something for everyone in Houston.
Personally, taking weekend strolls in Houston’s parks is how I recharge after a long work week. Whether it’s a morning walk with my dog or a relaxing afternoon picnic, I’ve made it a point to try all the possible outdoor activities in the city.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best outdoor things to do in Houston. From parks and trails to unique experiences, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Watch the Bat Show at Buffalo Bayou Park
Media Credit: buffalobayou
Website: https://buffalobayou.org/
Address: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-752-0314 ext. 301
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Free
Buffalo Bayou Park is Houston’s 160-acre urban paradise, stretching along the scenic Buffalo Bayou. Whether you’re a solo biker craving adventure, a group of friends looking for a fun day out, or a couple seeking a peaceful date spot, this park has something for you.
There are 10 miles of trails perfect for biking or a leisurely stroll. I often take my dog here for an afternoon walk and I’ve yet to walk the same path twice! The open spaces are also great for flying kites or enjoying a picnic with friends.
But for us, one of the highlights of the park is the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony—visit at dusk to see thousands of bats flying out from under the bridge! The bats emerge at sunset all year, but it’s more impressive during warm nights.
The park is free to visit. You can bring your own bike or rent one from any of the stations. Also, check the park’s schedule for events and activities, as there’s often something fun happening.
| Pro Tip: Buffalo Bayou Park offers phenomenal views of downtown Houston! The Houston Police Officers’ Memorial is our favorite spot to take a snap. |
Visit the Houston Zoo
Media Credit: houstonzoo
Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org/
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 533-6500
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4 PM
Admission Costs: Varies
The Houston Zoo, set in the lovely Hermann Park, is a fantastic spot for a family day outdoors. With spacious animal enclosures and plenty of educational exhibits, the zoo offers a great experience for all ages.
One of the coolest parts of the zoo is the seal lion exhibit. If you enter through the Galapagos island section, you can access an underwater viewing spot and get a closer look at seals as they swim!
The giraffes are another highlight, and there’s a big barn with a glass window where you can see them up close. They’ve got lions, elephants, and little ones can pet goats too!
There’s a great variety of animals and things to do at the Houston Zoo.
The zoo is walkable and manageable in size, making it easy to see everything in a few hours. If you plan to visit often, a membership can be a good option, allowing you to see different animals over time without needing a new ticket for each visit.
| Pro Tip: Weather can affect your visit, so check the forecast before you go. On our visit, heavy rain led us to buy ponchos that weren’t very durable, so bring your own if rain is expected. |
Go Bird Watching at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Media Credit: houstonarboretum
Website: https://houstonarboretum.org/
Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 681- 433
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to Dusk
Admission Costs: Free
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre oasis in the city, offering a calm escape with its varied habitats and numerous trails. It’s a great place to enjoy nature without leaving Houston.
The arboretum has five miles of hiking trails that go through various types of habitats, like woodlands and wetlands. These trails are perfect for a relaxing walk or a hike while letting you enjoy the diverse plants and wildlife.
But one activity we recommend doing here is bird watching! They offer guided tours led by staff who can share tips on spotting birds and highlighting the differences that will help tell birds apart.
For families, the arboretum provides a variety of activities–they have a playground for kids and educational programs. There’s even an information center with activities like building pine cone bird feeders, which can be a fun hands-on experience for children.
| Pro Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching and a camera for capturing the natural scenery. |
Enjoy Outdoor Fitness at Discovery Green
Media Credit: discoverygreen
Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 400-7336
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Free
Discovery Green is a fantastic 12-acre park right in the heart of downtown Houston. It’s a great place known for its community events and fun recreational facilities. From concerts and markets to fitness classes, there’s always something going on.
One of our favorite things to do in Discovery Green is join the fitness classes offered regularly. There’s Gentle Flow Yoga, Zumba, Hatha Yoga, and Line Dancing. Some of these classes are offered in Spanish too!
Although they only open for limited times during the year, another highlight of Discovery Green for us is The Rink. During spring, it’s Houston’s only outdoor roller skating rink. During winter, however, it’s transformed into an outdoor ice-skating rink.
| Pro Tip: Bring a picnic mat if you plan to drop by! Discovery Green is a favorite picnic spot in the Downtown area. |
Hike at Memorial Park
Media Credit: memorialparkconservancy
Website: https://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 863-8403
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Free
It’s hard to believe there’s a hiking trail in the middle of Houston, but there is!
Memorial Park is a hidden gem right in the middle of the city. This 1,500-acre park has over 30 miles of trails for hiking and biking–the perfect break from the hustle of living in a concrete jungle.
Although there are plenty of sports to do in Memorial Park (there’s golf, football, tennis just to name a few), we recommend hiking because it’s an activity that’s easily accessible to anyone!
The easiest way to access the trails is to park in the South Picnic Lane for the closest entrance to the trail. The most beginner-friendly trail is the Purple Trail, but if you’re looking for something more advanced, the Yellow Trail is the way to go.
| Pro Tip: Take a friend with you for safety when you go on a hike! |
Enjoy the Train and Pedal Boats in Hermann Park
Media Credit: hermannpark
Website: https://www.hermannpark.org/
Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 526-2183
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Admission Costs: Free (Park Entrance)
Hermann Park is a lovely 445-acre green space right near downtown Houston. It’s the perfect spot for a range of activities, from peaceful walks to fun family outings. It’s also the home of the McGovern Centennial Gardens and Houston Zoo.
One of the reasons we love this park is the Hermann Park Railroad. It brings passengers around the park and it even has stops where other passengers can hop on and hop off. Each ride is $6-$7.
Another fun outdoor activity to do in Hermann Park is pedal boating! For $14.50, you can ride the pedal boat on the lake. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the water and get a different view of the park.
| Pro Tip: You can ride the Hermann Park Railroad for free if you hop in from a stop that’s not the main station (Kinder Station). Take note that you may not get the full ride. |
