Nature’s Playground: A Comprehensive Guide to Houston’s Best Parks
- Allen's Landing
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- Cullen Park
- Discovery Green
- Donovan Park
- Emancipation Park
- Exploration Park
- George Bush Park
- Hermann Park
- Hermann Square
- Houston Botanic Garden
- Keith-Wiess Park
- Lake Houston Wilderness Park
- Levy Park
- McGovern Centennial Gardens
- Market Square Park
- Menil Park
- Memorial Park
- PNC Roof Garden at the Glassell School of Art
- Post Houston Skylawn
- Sam Houston Park
- Sesquicentennial Plaza Park
- Smither Park
- The Water Works Terrace
- Tranquility Park
From hidden gems nestled among towering skyscrapers to expansive green spaces brimming with recreational opportunities, Houston boasts a plethora of parks that are bound to enchant both locals and visitors alike.
So, grab your walking shoes, pack a picnic basket, and join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of Houston’s park scene.
Allen’s Landing
Address: 1005 Commerce St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact details: +1 713-752-0314
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 24/7
Known as Plymouth Rock, Allen’s Landing holds significant historical importance as the spot where Houston was founded in 1836 by August Chapman and John Kirby Allen. The Buffalo Bayou and White Oak’s convergence here formed the city’s first port.
Through revitalization efforts, Allen’s Landing has been transformed with a concrete wharf resembling the original port if you want to commemorate an integral part in the formation of Houston as a city!
Pro Tip:
Allen’s Landing features a lot of spots for relaxing like a promenade, a plaza, and a walkway. But, try to check out the terrace that overlooks the bayou and lay out a blanket on the lawn to rest after exploring the public artwork installed there.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Contact details: +1 713-752-0314
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 11 pm
Nestled just west of downtown Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park spans 160 acres of greenery. This expansive park is perfect if you’re into stunning gardens complete with native landscaping or you enjoy play areas built with elements from nature incorporated.
It even has extensive hike and bike trails if you’re looking to work on your cardio. But, if you’re more into relaxing, the park also has several art installations, 2 visitor centers, and picnic places you can use. Not to mention the Johnny Steele Dog Park for your furpals.
Pro Tip:
If you don’t mind getting wet, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard from the visitor centers and explore Buffalo Bayou to discover hidden gems and scenic vistas along the waterway.
Cullen Park
Address: 19008 Saums Rd, Houston, TX 77084, United States
Contact details: +1 832-395-7000
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 7 am to 5 pm
Encompassing an impressive 9,300 acres, Cullen Park offers a vast array of recreational amenities if you’re looking for the next place you can take family and friends.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the ball field complex, while nature lovers can explore the numerous picnic areas and hike and bike trails that wind through the park’s sprawling landscape. You and your friends can cool off at the water playground after a day of fun.
Pro Tip:
Cullen Park has an archery range you can try out if you’re looking for a new thing you can try with friends. They have bows and arrows for rent there so you can test your skills.
Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
Contact details: +1 713-400-7336
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 11 pm
Situated in downtown Houston, Discovery Green is a vibrant 12-acre park where you can take leisurely walks along shaded paths, around a pond, and through picturesque scenes of downtown Houston with grass fields in the foreground.
You can do multiple activities in the park like jogging, enjoying the Model Boat Pond, playing bocce ball, horseshoes, or croquet. Kids can enjoy the play area or splash around at the Gateway Fountain.
The park also features lots of art installations and musical shows and performances throughout the park, usually at noon and over the weekend that you can enjoy!
Pro Tip:
If you’re at the park, we definitely recommend checking out The Grove. This restaurant has great food like their cheeseburger, but the full floor to ceiling windows offer the perfect view of the trees at the park!
Donovan Park
Address: 700 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Contact details: +1 713-861-4002
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 8:40 pm
Located in the Heights neighborhood, Donovan Park stands out as a community-built playground in 1996 and remains a cherished gathering place ever since. The park features lots of open nature areas and walking paths.
The kids can enjoy the playground which is entirely made of wood for a really rustic but enchanting vibe, complete with slides, swings, climbing areas, and mini obstacle courses. Adults can take a break and relax on the benches opposite the play area.
Pro Tip:
Look for the wooden train that’s near the right side of the play area. The kids can go inside the carriages and pretend to be passengers or train operators, plus it makes for a great photo for the little ones too!
Emancipation Park
Address: 3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact details: +1 713-528-1872
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 am to 9 pm
- Friday – 9 am to 8 pm
- Saturday – 10 am to 2 pm
- Sunday – Closed
Reopened to the public in 2017 after an extensive $33 million renovation over 4 years, Emancipation Park (emancipation park) holds a significant place in Houston’s history. This 10-acre park in the Third Ward was bought by former slaves for African Americans.
Today, the park has lots of modernized amenities like a recreation center, sport courts for basketball, tennis, and softball, and a public swimming pool. You should bring extra clothes if you want to try out one of the 3 sprayground areas at the park to cool off!
Pro Tip:
Although the park is great year-round, definitely try to visit during Juneteenth celebrations if you want to immerse yourself in the rich history of what made the park it is now and the significance of its existence.
Exploration Park
Address: 15020 Cinco Park Rd, Katy, TX 77450, United States
Contact details: +1 281-341-4665
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 8 am to 8 pm
Situated in the western suburb of Katy, Exploration Park may require a bit of a drive from downtown Houston, but it offers a rewarding experience, especially for families with kids.
The park features one of the most interactive and Instagrammable play areas in the city. The vibrant colors of the park are perfect to get the kids excited even before they start playing.
The park features the classics like slides, see-saws, and swings, but it also has hanging bridges, spider web swings, and adventure tunnels that the kids can enjoy.
Pro Tip:
Although the park centers on fun, the area also has loads of educational areas like signs and water features that the kids can interact with and at the same time learn about the water cycle.
George Bush Park
Address: 16756 Westheimer Pkwy, Houston, Texas, United States
Contact details: +1 281-496-2177
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 7 am to 10 pm
Spanning an impressive 7,800 acres, George Bush Park is the perfect park for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The park boasts an extensive collection of trails for hiking and biking that totals 11 miles, providing ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
You can take advantage of the three pavilions for a picnic, the baseball and soccer fields for friendly or competitive games, playgrounds for the kids, a park for the family dog, and even a model airplane flying field.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a unique and new experience, the George Bush Park has an in-house shooting range where you can learn or practice shooting rifles and pistols with licensed instructors to guide you through.
Hermann Park
Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Contact details: +1 713-526-2183
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 11 pm
Located just eight miles from downtown Houston, Hermann Park (hermann park) is one of our favorite parks in the city because of the sheer list of things you can do inside the area.
You can find a Japanese Garden, the Houston Zoo, The Museum of Natural Science, and even a full-sized golf course at the park. If those aren’t enough to entertain you, try to check out the shows at the Miller Outdoor Theater that’s also located within the park.
Pro Tip:
Even with the fun and exciting things to do at the park, our favorite is still taking a long walk through the Rose Garden. The sight and smell of rows and rows of rose bushes just hits differently after a tiring day (or week) at work or from school.
Hermann Square
Address: 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact details: +1 713-837-0311
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 24/7
Hermann Square, the courtyard of Houston’s City Hall, encompasses an entire city block and features a captivating reflecting pool. This park is mostly used as the dynamic location for various events hosted by the local city government.
This place is perfect if you just want somewhere quiet to walk around and appreciate city views as the park is surrounded one 3 sides with skyscrapers and buildings. It’s also great for picture taking with the City Hall flanking the park on the 4th side.
Pro Tip:
If you like artsy photos, you can head over to Hermann Square right before sunset and get a picture in front of the pool with the reflection of the City Hall in the water or the reflection of the city lights at night.
Houston Botanic Garden
Address: 1 Botanic Lane, Houston, TX 77017, United States
Contact details: +1 713-715-9675
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 9 am to 5 pm
If you’re an aspiring gardener or you just really enjoy looking at and learning about plants, the Houston Botanic Garden, with a vast collection of plants from across the globe is the perfect place to visit.
The plants you can find there include ones from different regions of the world from tropical countries to drier landscapes. The park showcases over 1000 kinds of plants over an area spanning 132 acres, so you won’t run out of plants to admire.
Pro Tip:
Each garden is meticulously designed to look like a miniature version of the climate the plants are native to, but our favorite is definitely the dessert area that comes complete with different cacti we rarely encounter, so definitely try to check that out!
Keith-Wiess Park
Address: 12300 Aldine Westfield Rd, Houston, TX 77093, United States
Contact details: +1 832-394-8805
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 24/7
If your idea of a park is the traditional image of green grassy fields, a serene body of water, and lots of trees, then you’ll enjoy a visit to Keith- Wiess Park in Houston. This park spans across 500 acres and offers its visitors a space to walk around or breathe.
This is our favorite park for taking early morning or sunset strolls to detox from the pressures of city life. The park also has loads of hiking trails if you want to add a bit of cardio to your relaxation.
Pro Tip:
The park offers a range of sporting facilities if you need a bit more adrenaline during your day at the park, including baseball and soccer fields and tennis and basketball courts. You can also enjoy a picnic after a day of sports on the lawns at the park.
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Address: 25840 FM 1485, New Caney, TX 77357, United States
Contact details: +1 832-395-7690
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 7 am to 6 pm
- Friday to Saturday – 7 am to 8 pm
If you’re looking for a park to visit during the summer, Lake Houston Wilderness Park should be on top of your list. Situated half an hour north of downtown Houston, this park spans over almost 5,000 acres of woodland.
One of Houston’s largest parks, it’s jam packed with loads of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts looking for either tranquility or some adventure.
The park offers a range of recreational activities, like hiking and biking trails, kayaking on creeks, and even horseback riding trails.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer to enjoy the park longer, you can also opt to stay overnight in cabins or walk-in campsites that are for rent on park grounds. You can also take advantage of the lake for a fun day with family and friends in the water!
Levy Park
Address: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Contact details: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098, United States
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 24/7
Recognized with the prestigious 2018 Urban Open Space award by the Urban Land Institute, Levy Park has quickly become a beloved destination in Houston’s Upper Kirby neighborhood.
Spanning six acres, this urban gem offers an array of amenities and activities for visitors of all ages. The park features a huge play area, a dog-friendly park, and a garden.
One of our favorite parts of the park is its unique children’s area. The giant slide made from stone is one-of-a-kind and will keep the kids entertained throughout the day, not to mention the futuristic looking jungle gym the kids can climb all over.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you drop by the park’s library to add a bit of education to your trip to the park. You can borrow your favorite book and take it to one of the parks many open grass fields to read while the sounds of nature surrounds you.
McGovern Centennial Gardens
Address: 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004, United States
Contact details: +1 713-524-5876
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 9 am to 7 pm
The McGovern Centennial Gardens in Houston is the perfect spot to enjoy a day out in the sun if you enjoy vast open spaces filled with great views.
You can start your exploration at the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, where you can admire the fountains before strolling along the pathways.
The park is home to many gardens filled with different plants and artwork. You can even encounter some wildlife in the form of visiting birds. The star of the park is the Mount which is a hill that towers 30 feet high complete with a watercourse.
Pro Tip:
Look for the Friendship Pavilion, a Chinese-style pagoda that was a gift from Taiwan to the city of Houston, near the southeast portion of the park. It’s a great spot for photos, but the benches inside make it a great place to relax after lots of walking.
Market Square Park
Address: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact details: +1 713-650-3022
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 11 pm
Market Square Park, which occupies a city block, was originally donated to the city in 1854 by Augustus Allen. This park served as the original town center.
Today, the park is a hotspot with a vibrant atmosphere for live entertainment and neighborhood events. Some of our favorites include Movies Under the Stars and Blanket Bingo.
The park has shaded walkways, and a dedicated dog park where furry friends can run around with you. Don’t forget to visit the food and beverage kiosks scattered around the park especially during event nights.
Pro Tip:
If you want to explore a piece of history, check out the Louis and Annie Friedman Clock Tower in the park. The tower is a replica of the town square’s clock tower all those years prior!
Menil Park
Address: 1423 Branard St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact details: +1 713-525-9400
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 7 am to 7 pm
If you’re into art and nature at the same time, a visit to Houston’s Menil Park is highly recommended. This part acts as an art escape where you can enjoy art installations right in the heart of the city.
The park features works from various artists, but our favorite is definitely the huge playing jack by Jim Love. The area also features 20th-century bungalows for architecture enthusiasts. The expansive 30-acre area has loads of green spaces too.
Pro Tip:
Take a ride on the bright red swing hanging from a majestic oak tree, and don’t miss the opportunity to explore the nearby Menil Collection, Cy Twombly Gallery, and Rothko Chapel, all offering free admission.
Memorial Park
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Contact details: +1 713-863-8403
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 11 pm
You can appreciate the vast natural beauty of Memorial Park, an expansive urban oasis tucked away on Houston’s west side. Spanning over 1,400 acres, this park is among the largest in the country.
The abundance of recreational opportunities, from walking and running trails to picnic spots, kids’s play spaces, tennis and volleyball courts, and other sports fields will keep you busy during your visit.
Pro Tip:
Golf enthusiasts can also indulge in a round of their favorite sport on the park’s renowned golf course. For foodies, don’t miss out on the food trucks parked outside the park walls!
PNC Roof Garden at the Glassell School of Art
Address: 5101 Montrose Blvd, Houston, TX 77006, United States
Contact details: +1 713-639-7500
Operating hours:
- Friday to Sunday – 9 am to 6 pm
- Monday to Thursday – 9 am to 10 pm
To add to the list of must-visit rooftop parks in Houston, you can indulge in some tranquility and captivating views at the PNC Roof Garden atop the visionary Glassell School of Art.
The shaded terrace, adorned with native plants and flowers, also features a remarkable skylight for panoramic city views. At night, the space transforms into something completely different and ethereal with fairy lights and hanging streams, so if you can, stay after the sun sets!
Pro Tip:
On your way up, make sure you take the time to appreciate the flowers and seedlings planted beside the staircases. Stopping to take a break from climbing the steps won’t be boring if you study some of the plants there.
Post Houston Skylawn
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201, United States
Contact details: +1 713-999-2550
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 6 am to 5 pm
- Friday and Saturday- 6 am to 11 pm
For another unique park experience, you can embark on an urban adventure at the Post Houston Skylawn, a 5-acre park on a rooftop located in downtown Houston.
You can access this hidden gem by entering the vibrant POST Houston food hall and climb up the spiral staircase. The double-helix staircase is already a feature in itself, so don’t forget to take some photos!
Once you arrive there, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking skyline views while you enjoy the gardens and picnic spots. There are also play areas for the kids.
Pro Tip:
Check out the repurposed post office that’s also at the park that now doubles as a food hub where you can grab treats from different cultures. The roof of the now warehouse is also unique, made from see-through pillows made for space suits!
Sam Houston Park
Address: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact details: +1 832-394-8805
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 7 am to 9 pm
If you’re a history buff like us, then you can discover the historical treasures nestled within the bustling cityscape at Sam Houston Park (sam houston national forest). Spanning 20 acres, this urban oasis is located just blocks away from City Hall.
The park houses 10 meticulously preserved historic buildings, including the iconic Kellum-Noble House which is officially the oldest structure in the city. Another notable building is the 1823 cabin which was a church constructed in 1891.
A mansion built in 1905, a Scanlan foundation, and The Heritage Society are some of our favorite places inside the park, so make sure you take the time to check them out!
Pro Tip:
You should take advantage of the guided tours if you want to delve deeper into the rich history of each building and gain a deeper appreciation for Houston’s cultural heritage.
Sesquicentennial Plaza Park
Address: 400 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact details: +1 832-395-7000
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 6 am to 10 pm
Commemorating Texas’s 150th birthday, Sesquicentennial Plaza Park stands as a testament to the state’s vibrant history. Next to Buffalo Bayou, this urban park offers a serene retreat that comes with the relaxing sounds of flowing water.
You can relax on Baker Common which is a gently sloping lawn encircled by a walkway and adorned with a grove of trees for shade or you can take a leisurely walk along the promenade.
The Preston Avenue Bridge offers a great view of the river banks while the rest of the park features different plant life, stonework, natural pools, and fountains if you’re looking for a fairytale-inspired place to hangout in.
Pro Tip:
Try to visit Sesquicentennial Plaza Park during the evening hours to witness the captivating view of the 7 steel pillars, named the Seven wonders which were created as a tribute to the city’s key principles.
Smither Park
Address: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023, United States
Contact details: +1 713-926-6368
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 7 am to 7 pm
If you like enjoying nature with a dash of art, you should definitely check out Smither Park, where artistry takes center stage. This unconventional park stands out amongst all the other parks in Houston with its mosaic art scattered across the whole area.
The park’s vibrant play areas are all adorned with mosaic designs created from repurposed materials like bottle caps, seashells, and pottery pieces. This is a great park to visit to take photos in or if you just want to see one of the more unique parks.
Pro Tip:
The Memory Wall which is 400-feet tall is a great place to check out and then take pictures in front of the park. Other favorite features at the park are the outdoor theater that looks like a giant fish head, the park sign, and swing set, all fully covered in mosaic tiles!
The Water Works Terrace
Address: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Contact details: +1 713-752-0314
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 10 am to 6 pm
You can uncover a hidden gem atop Buffalo Bayou Park’s visitor center at The Water Works Terrace. The Water Works Terrace is a tranquil urban park offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
You can lounge on the terrace or take pictures of the Houston skyline or you can find a cozy spot on the tree-lined grass area and spread out your picnic blanket for a delightful outdoor experience.
The Water Works Terrace sits atop the city’s Cistern, which was the city’s first water reservoir turned art and performance space. Check out the arbor in the area for some shade or if you want to be fully surrounded by the smell of jasmine flowers that cover it.
Pro Tip:
It can get pretty chilly up at the Water Works Terrace at night especially during the fall and winter months, so make sure you bring an extra blanket or some jackets to keep you warm while you’re up there!
Tranquility Park
Address: 400 Rusk St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Contact details: +1 832-395-7000
Operating hours:
- Everyday – 24/7
If you’re looking to find serenity amidst the bustling heart of downtown Houston, you can find it at Tranquility Park. Situated between Walker and Rusk Streets, this urban retreat was built in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.
The park was named after the Sea of Tranquility and lives up to its name with its tranquil walkways, soothing pools, and cylindrical water fountains, creating an oasis of calm in the midst of the city’s vibrant energy.
The park’s design takes after the lunar surface, with small hills and little pockets that divot to mimic the craters.
Pro Tip:
Try to plan a visit to Tranquility Park during special events like the Children’s Festival or the Houston International Festival as the park hosts events like these throughout the year!
