The 5 Best Parks with BBQ Pits in Houston

Many Houstonians frequent Alexander Deussen Park as a regular hang-out spot. Those we spoke with who made use of the BBQ pits at Alexander Deussen Park liked how well-kept their BBQ pits were, amongst other things that contribute to the park’s beauty. 

In Alexander Deussen Park, abundant trees provide shade on days the Houston heat is unbearable. The vastness and openness of the park make it ideal for families with children, pet owners, and more who come to Alexander Deussen Park to do more than just go to the lake or see the wild peacocks.

For starters, a bicycle path runs throughout the park. It is clearly marked and kept clear of stray leaves, twigs, and other debris that could interrupt joggers and cyclists. 

By the way, we noted that there were bike rental places scattered throughout the park for people who decided to try cycling throughout Alexander Deussen Park. 

For others who want a quick workout when they go to Alexander Deussen Park, there’s also a small space with fitness equipment open to the public. We liked how the equipment available was not dull or rusted, yet still in mint condition. 

Past the fitness equipment, there were picnic tables, some of which were shaded, as well as BBQ pits. While the outside appearance of the BBQ pits at Alexander Deussen Park was a bit rusty, the actual BBQ pit grill was clean and free of pesky webs—meaning it’s used a lot. 

Furthermore, we liked how the nearby playground was spotless from any visible pieces of trash. But we noted only one playground at Alexander Deussen Park, and the play equipment was mainly suitable for younger children. 

Some we spoke to claimed Ray Miller Park was ideal for picnics or small parties due to their limited amount of BBQ pits and gazebos available for public use. Others raved to us about Ray Miller Park being ideal for morning or late-night bike rides. 

After visiting Ray Miller Park, we liked how the park was big enough to go around the entire park without colliding into people. Still, the landscaping wasn’t as vast as other parks we’d been to. 

Besides this, the park’s far end is home to a collection of birdhouses, giving Ray Miller Park a slight ounce of character and liveliness. 

As we headed around the park, a few pet owners with their dogs were on the dirt path trail. We noted how although dogs are allowed at this park, there were no hidden dog feces scattered about the grass or on the dirt trail—at least none that we could find. 

While there were two shaded gazebos at the park, the main gazebo has tables and bench space to sit and a rust-free BBQ pit. Furthermore, we also noted a restroom close to the main gazebo, drinking fountains spaced evenly along the trail, and two playgrounds, one for younger and one for older children.

 The two playgrounds were enclosed by locked gates for the kids’ protection. Each play area had only one entrance and exit, so parents could relax and enjoy a snack without worrying about their kids wandering off. 

When we made it to the second gazebo, we noted many people were sitting in their own lawn chairs, as there wasn’t enough table space. The second BBQ pit also was filled with leftover charcoal on the grills—not the cleanest. 

Another thing worth noting about Ray Miller Park is that it’s a mosquito hotspot. So be prepared to bring your repellant if you plan to come here.

Bay Area Park is great for families, picnics, BBQs, and a romantic walk around the trail, and good for a hot summer day at the splash pad. But watch out for alligators at the pond—at least, that’s what we were told. 

Nature surrounds Bay Area Park, the dog park, and tennis courts, and people who come here get a nice view of the bay. As we, ourselves, walked along the sidewalks, there were some disconnects, but they were short. 

One loop around the entire Bay Area Park was approximately 0.9 miles. We liked how one loop around gave us a full tour of the park (baseball fields, dog park, playground, etc.). 

While we don’t have a pet, the pet areas of Bay Area Park seemed very calm, clean, and well-maintained from the outside looking in. 

Additionally, people seemed to be respectful of pet waste. Still, we did encounter pet waste in a couple places along the loop.

As we came across the Oasis Garden, it appeared very pretty from the sidewalk. It was also a hotspot among parkgoers for taking pictures. 

What wasn’t a hotspot was the bathroom. The bathroom by Oasis Garden was absolutely disgusting, so we waited to use the other bathroom by the pond. 

There were numerous benches and picnic tables by the pond, but we counted less than five BBQ pits—most of which seemed clean. By the way, the bathroom by the pond was clean. 

Although there’s only one playground, the playground has a mix of equipment suitable for small kids and older teens, such as swings and a zip line. 

The splash pad, on the other hand, was geared toward toddlers. 

Before we left the park, though, we tried looking for alligators at the pond, but we didn’t see any. The most wildlife we encountered at Bay Area Park were dogs, squirrels, and birds fluttering around.

Many told us that Clear Lake Park’s BBQ pits, splash pads, and boat launch make Clear Lake Park a tranquil spot for families and anyone who enjoys parks. 

When we went to Clear Lake Park, it was not too crowded. There was plenty of parking in the early morning hours. 

We first loved how at Clear Lake Park, children can play on the splash pad and the variety of playground equipment available. The splash pad has covered benches, which is great since it prevents parents from overheating as they watch their children play. 

Moreover, true to the claims, Clear Lake Park is tranquil. We liked how there was a pier for anyone with a boat and plenty of picnic benches nearby the lake. 

At the pier, though, we noted many people fishing from the end of the pier. This made sense as Clear Lake is one of Houston’s top spots to catch fish. 

Not so far from the pier, there are multiple pavilions available for public use. Barbecue pits, trash cans, picnic tables, and the like can all be found in the park’s open-air brick pavilions. 

However, here’s where things can get a little… trashy, as in littered for no particular reason.

Additionally, there was a gazebo perched atop a modest hill which is often the site of birthday celebrations for young guests, or so we were told by the park guard outside the gazebo. Apparently, the gazebo is not for public use unless you pay in advance to use the space.

Bear Creek Pioneers Park is a park that is suitable for families and pets, with ample parking, shelters for different activities, and a network of pathways. Others raved to us that Bear Creek Pioneers Park is perfect if you need some peaceful scenery—at least, that’s what we’ve heard. 

First of all, the park was big, and we felt comfortable walking there. Even if the police did make random patrols. 

Despite the police patrols, Bear Creek Pioneers Park has plenty of picnic tables, barbecue pits, waste receptacles, washrooms, children’s play areas, athletic fields, pavilions, and a portion with rescued animals available for viewing.

We started off walking along the main trail. We noted that along the trail, two sets of bathrooms worked effectively as people kept coming in and out. 

We found the barbecue pits stationed outside their small pavilions. Although there were many BBQ pits, they weren’t clean, so we recommend wiping the BBQ pits down if you come here to use them. 

Furthermore, the children’s playgrounds had trash scattered about. But as most were little kids playing on the swings and slides, they didn’t seem to mind this. 

Additionally, the soccer fields were worn out when we went by the soccer fields. Two-thirds of the soccer fields have almost no grass, dead grass, or bare soil, and the other third had some grass here and there. 

However, we liked how the softball fields were well-kept and equipped with basic softball equipment for public use. If you plan on using the equipment, we’d recommend sanitizing it because you don’t know who touched it before you. 

Lastly, we didn’t encounter any rescued animals the day we went to the park—perhaps they were all sleeping or hiding.