Best of 19 outdoor activities in Houston
Houston, Texas, offers a plethora of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. From extensive park systems to wildlife reserves, outdoor activities in Houston are plentiful and diverse. Explore Buffalo Bayou Park's trails, gardens, and art installations, or venture to the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for a closer look at native flora and fauna. For a more adrenaline-pumping experience, check out the city's outdoor adventure parks, like George Bush Park, which features bike trails, sports fields, and even a model airplane field. Don't forget about the Houston Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium, both offering unique opportunities to connect with wildlife in the heart of the city. With so many options, outdoor activities in Houston cater to all interests and ages.
Toc
- 1. Discovery Green
- 2. Hermann Park
- 3. Buffalo Bayou Park
- 4. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- 5. McGovern Centennial Gardens
- 6. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
- 7. HTXoutdoors
- 8. Water Wall
- 9. Smither Park
- 10. Tranquillity Park
- 11. Downtown Aquarium
- 12. Market Square Park
- 13. Houston Urban Adventures
- 14. Waugh Drive Bat Colony
- 15. Allen's Landing Park
- 16. Bay Area Park
- 17. Housman Pocket Park
- 18. Miller Outdoor Theatre ( ticketing area)
- 19. Rice Outdoor Programs and Education - ROPE
1. Discovery Green
Houston's first 12-acre urban park
__NEW TEXT__
Discovery Green is an outstanding outdoor location offering a range of activities. Jogging trails and kayaking on Kinder Lake are popular choices for visitors. The park provides something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for a day out or a fitness enthusiast seeking a new spot for a workout.
The variety of outdoor activities at Discovery Green makes it an ideal destination. In addition to jogging trails and kayaking, there are also walking trails available. The park is perfect for those who enjoy staying active and spending time in nature.
Discovery Green is an outstanding outdoor location offering a range of activities. Jogging trails and kayaking on Kinder Lake are popular choices for visitors. The park provides something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for a day out or a fitness enthusiast seeking a new spot for a workout.
The variety of outdoor activities at Discovery Green makes it an ideal destination. In addition to jogging trails and kayaking, there are also walking trails available. The park is perfect for those who enjoy staying active and spending time in nature.
2. Hermann Park
Home to the Houston Zoo and the McGovern Centennial Gardens
__NEW TEXT__
Hermann Park in Houston is a public space that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. The park is known for its wooded site, which includes picnic areas, running trails, and many on-leash dog walking areas. In addition to these outdoor recreational opportunities, Hermann Park is also home to the Houston Zoological Gardens, a public golf course, and an outdoor theater that features plays and live music.
The park also boasts a number of other amenities, including a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit, and a museum. The park's golf course is a popular spot for players of all skill levels, while the outdoor theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The jogging track is well-maintained and provides a great place for a run or walk, and the rose garden is a beautiful place to relax and take in the scent of thousands of blooming flowers. The butterfly exhibit is a unique and educational experience, and the museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area.
Hermann Park in Houston is a public space that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. The park is known for its wooded site, which includes picnic areas, running trails, and many on-leash dog walking areas. In addition to these outdoor recreational opportunities, Hermann Park is also home to the Houston Zoological Gardens, a public golf course, and an outdoor theater that features plays and live music.
The park also boasts a number of other amenities, including a golf course, an outdoor theater, a jogging track, a rose garden, picnic spaces, a butterfly exhibit, and a museum. The park's golf course is a popular spot for players of all skill levels, while the outdoor theater hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. The jogging track is well-maintained and provides a great place for a run or walk, and the rose garden is a beautiful place to relax and take in the scent of thousands of blooming flowers. The butterfly exhibit is a unique and educational experience, and the museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area.
3. Buffalo Bayou Park
Houses the beautiful Wortham Fountain and the unique cistern art installation.
__NEW TEXT__
Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre urban park located in Houston, Texas, specifically stretching from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street. The park's land was reserved in the early 1900s and was later developed into a city park throughout the 20th century. The park hugs the Buffalo Bayou, providing scenic views and a range of activities for visitors.
Visitors can explore the park's hiking and biking trails, take in the views, and even rent a kayak or canoe for water activities. History buffs can check out the park's cistern, an underground drinking water reservoir that was constructed in 1926. The park also features a dog park, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy some outdoor time with their furry friends.
Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre urban park located in Houston, Texas, specifically stretching from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street. The park's land was reserved in the early 1900s and was later developed into a city park throughout the 20th century. The park hugs the Buffalo Bayou, providing scenic views and a range of activities for visitors.
Visitors can explore the park's hiking and biking trails, take in the views, and even rent a kayak or canoe for water activities. History buffs can check out the park's cistern, an underground drinking water reservoir that was constructed in 1926. The park also features a dog park, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy some outdoor time with their furry friends.
4. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Provides educational programs and volunteer opportunities
__NEW TEXT__
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy outdoor activities with your family, this location is a perfect choice. The walking trails at this site are well-maintained and provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a wonderful spot to connect with nature, get some exercise, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
This location also happens to be an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy hiking and bird watching. The trails are beautiful and full of wildlife, making it a perfect place to explore and spot various bird species. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful destination.
If you're looking for a great place to enjoy outdoor activities with your family, this location is a perfect choice. The walking trails at this site are well-maintained and provide a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a wonderful spot to connect with nature, get some exercise, and enjoy quality time with your loved ones.
This location also happens to be an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy hiking and bird watching. The trails are beautiful and full of wildlife, making it a perfect place to explore and spot various bird species. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there's something for everyone to enjoy at this beautiful destination.
5. McGovern Centennial Gardens
Includes a replica of Houston's first city hall and a renovated carriage house
__NEW TEXT__
McGovern Centennial Gardens in Houston is a clean, peaceful, and beautiful place to visit, especially on a sunny day. The gardens include a Japanese garden, which was a personal favorite, and are maintained immaculately, providing a relaxing environment. Despite the presence of relatively few people during our visit, the gardens felt safe and secure during the ongoing pandemic.
Located off the beaten track in the northeast corner of Hermann Park, McGovern Centennial Gardens are fenced with a few gated entrances, creating a sense of seclusion and quiet. The gardens are home to a pagoda donated by Taipei and a vegetable and herb garden on the far side. The Mount, an impressive feature of the gardens, offers a stunning view at the top, making the ascent worth the effort. Overall, the gardens are immaculately tended and definitely worth a visit.
McGovern Centennial Gardens in Houston is a clean, peaceful, and beautiful place to visit, especially on a sunny day. The gardens include a Japanese garden, which was a personal favorite, and are maintained immaculately, providing a relaxing environment. Despite the presence of relatively few people during our visit, the gardens felt safe and secure during the ongoing pandemic.
Located off the beaten track in the northeast corner of Hermann Park, McGovern Centennial Gardens are fenced with a few gated entrances, creating a sense of seclusion and quiet. The gardens are home to a pagoda donated by Taipei and a vegetable and herb garden on the far side. The Mount, an impressive feature of the gardens, offers a stunning view at the top, making the ascent worth the effort. Overall, the gardens are immaculately tended and definitely worth a visit.
6. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Home to Houston's famous Waterwall
__NEW TEXT__
While waiting for the Galleria Mall to open, a group decided to explore a nearby park. The park is a lovely spot, featuring a picturesque waterfall that is ideal for photography. Visitors often enjoy walking around the area, taking in the sights.
In addition to the waterfall, the park also offers other amenities. Having a picnic on the expansive lawn is a popular activity, and there's even enough space to play a game of Frisbee. The park provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend time in nature.
While waiting for the Galleria Mall to open, a group decided to explore a nearby park. The park is a lovely spot, featuring a picturesque waterfall that is ideal for photography. Visitors often enjoy walking around the area, taking in the sights.
In addition to the waterfall, the park also offers other amenities. Having a picnic on the expansive lawn is a popular activity, and there's even enough space to play a game of Frisbee. The park provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend time in nature.
7. HTXoutdoors
8. Water Wall
Located in a busy commercial area
__NEW TEXT__
The Water Wall is an excellent destination for outdoor activities and offers a beautiful setting for a stroll. The waterfall is a stunning feature that makes this location memorable. Visitors can enjoy running around and playing on the lawn while taking in the refreshing mist from the waterfall.
Before heading to the Galleria, a trip to the Water Wall is a must. It is an ideal place to have a picnic while the kids play tag on the spacious lawn. The Water Wall provides a refreshing and enjoyable experience on hot days with its misty atmosphere. This area is perfect for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
The Water Wall is an excellent destination for outdoor activities and offers a beautiful setting for a stroll. The waterfall is a stunning feature that makes this location memorable. Visitors can enjoy running around and playing on the lawn while taking in the refreshing mist from the waterfall.
Before heading to the Galleria, a trip to the Water Wall is a must. It is an ideal place to have a picnic while the kids play tag on the spacious lawn. The Water Wall provides a refreshing and enjoyable experience on hot days with its misty atmosphere. This area is perfect for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
9. Smither Park
Home to a unique collection of folk art sculptures
__NEW TEXT__
Houston is home to a picturesque picnic and park location that features stunning mosaic artwork throughout. The artwork is so detailed and intricate that you could spend hours searching for all the hidden pictures. As an added bonus, there is a kiosk that provides free scavenger hunt papers and pencils for visitors to use. This hidden gem in Houston is a must-visit and won't cost you a thing.
The park is relatively small, but still worth visiting if you're in the area. The mosaic tile works of art are unique and visually striking. It's recommended to plan for 30-60 minutes to see everything the park has to offer. The pictures available online are a good representation of some of the artwork you'll find at the park.
Houston is home to a picturesque picnic and park location that features stunning mosaic artwork throughout. The artwork is so detailed and intricate that you could spend hours searching for all the hidden pictures. As an added bonus, there is a kiosk that provides free scavenger hunt papers and pencils for visitors to use. This hidden gem in Houston is a must-visit and won't cost you a thing.
The park is relatively small, but still worth visiting if you're in the area. The mosaic tile works of art are unique and visually striking. It's recommended to plan for 30-60 minutes to see everything the park has to offer. The pictures available online are a good representation of some of the artwork you'll find at the park.
10. Tranquillity Park
Home to Houston's Official NASA Astronaut Memorial
__NEW TEXT__
Tranquillity Park is a serene oasis nestled in a busy city, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or a peaceful lunch in this park, making it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
However, while Tranquillity Park is a great place for outdoor activities such as walking and picnicking, it can sometimes appear neglected and rundown. Despite this, it remains a popular destination for those seeking a quiet place to unwind in the city.
Tranquillity Park is a serene oasis nestled in a busy city, offering a perfect spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk or a peaceful lunch in this park, making it an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
However, while Tranquillity Park is a great place for outdoor activities such as walking and picnicking, it can sometimes appear neglected and rundown. Despite this, it remains a popular destination for those seeking a quiet place to unwind in the city.
11. Downtown Aquarium
Home to a wide variety of marine life and hosts educational programs
__NEW TEXT__
The Downtown Aquarium in Houston offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. One popular attraction is the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel, which provides riders with a great view of the surrounding area. Another outdoor activity is the Shark Voyage train ride, which takes passengers on a tour of the aquarium's shark tank. These activities are a great way to enjoy the warm Houston weather and add an extra element of fun to the aquarium experience.
In addition to the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel and Shark Voyage train ride, the Downtown Aquarium also features other outdoor activities such as a carousel. The carousel is another way for visitors to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views of downtown Houston. These activities provide a well-rounded experience for aquarium-goers, combining education and entertainment in one location.
The Downtown Aquarium in Houston offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. One popular attraction is the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel, which provides riders with a great view of the surrounding area. Another outdoor activity is the Shark Voyage train ride, which takes passengers on a tour of the aquarium's shark tank. These activities are a great way to enjoy the warm Houston weather and add an extra element of fun to the aquarium experience.
In addition to the Diving Bell Ferris Wheel and Shark Voyage train ride, the Downtown Aquarium also features other outdoor activities such as a carousel. The carousel is another way for visitors to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views of downtown Houston. These activities provide a well-rounded experience for aquarium-goers, combining education and entertainment in one location.
12. Market Square Park
Historic park with a unique combination of natural and urban landscapes.
__NEW TEXT__
Market Square in downtown Houston, Texas, is not only a historical site but also a place that offers various outdoor activities. Some of the original buildings around the square have been preserved and now house new businesses and old ghosts. The area is said to be haunted, providing a unique and historical experience for visitors.
Market Square Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic, bask in the green space, or attend outdoor events such as movies and concerts. The park's history is still very much alive, as it was once the heart of Houston's commercial and social life. Today, it continues to be a focal point for events and community gatherings, making it a must-visit destination in Houston.
Market Square in downtown Houston, Texas, is not only a historical site but also a place that offers various outdoor activities. Some of the original buildings around the square have been preserved and now house new businesses and old ghosts. The area is said to be haunted, providing a unique and historical experience for visitors.
Market Square Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic, bask in the green space, or attend outdoor events such as movies and concerts. The park's history is still very much alive, as it was once the heart of Houston's commercial and social life. Today, it continues to be a focal point for events and community gatherings, making it a must-visit destination in Houston.
13. Houston Urban Adventures
14. Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Home to one of the largest urban bat colonies in North America
__NEW TEXT__
The experience of visiting the bats off the highway was described as underwhelming by some. Difficulties with parking and crossing busy roads with no sidewalks were mentioned. The bats themselves were described as being present, but not making noise or flying around, and were likely sleeping at the time of the visit, which was in the early evening.
On the other hand, the experience was also seen as a unique and interesting opportunity, particularly for families with young children. Volunteers were present to point out the bats and answer any questions. However, it was noted that the experience was relatively short and that other activities in the area should be planned to make the most of the trip.
The experience of visiting the bats off the highway was described as underwhelming by some. Difficulties with parking and crossing busy roads with no sidewalks were mentioned. The bats themselves were described as being present, but not making noise or flying around, and were likely sleeping at the time of the visit, which was in the early evening.
On the other hand, the experience was also seen as a unique and interesting opportunity, particularly for families with young children. Volunteers were present to point out the bats and answer any questions. However, it was noted that the experience was relatively short and that other activities in the area should be planned to make the most of the trip.
15. Allen's Landing Park
Houston's birthplace and original port
__NEW TEXT__
Allen's Landing Park is an ideal location for outdoor activities, offering a variety of options for visitors to enjoy. During the weekend, one can indulge in kayaking and biking trails along the scenic bayou. The park is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in nature.
Apart from kayaking and biking, the park also offers beautiful walking trails, dotted with outdoor art installations. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll while appreciating the beauty of the surroundings and the creativity of the art installations. The park provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in physical activity while surrounded by nature and art, making it an ideal spot for a weekend outing.
Allen's Landing Park is an ideal location for outdoor activities, offering a variety of options for visitors to enjoy. During the weekend, one can indulge in kayaking and biking trails along the scenic bayou. The park is a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in nature.
Apart from kayaking and biking, the park also offers beautiful walking trails, dotted with outdoor art installations. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll while appreciating the beauty of the surroundings and the creativity of the art installations. The park provides the perfect opportunity to indulge in physical activity while surrounded by nature and art, making it an ideal spot for a weekend outing.
16. Bay Area Park
Includes a walking trail that goes around the wetlands
__NEW TEXT__
Bay Area Park is a popular outdoor destination, offering an array of activities such as hiking trails and picnicking. The park boasts scenic views of the surrounding area and is an ideal place for relaxation and exercise.
In particular, Bay Area Park stands out as a top spot for young children in the Clearlake/Webster/Space Center area. The park has numerous benches where parents can rest while their kids run around and play. Additionally, there is often ample shade provided, making it a comfortable place for families to spend time together outdoors.
Bay Area Park is a popular outdoor destination, offering an array of activities such as hiking trails and picnicking. The park boasts scenic views of the surrounding area and is an ideal place for relaxation and exercise.
In particular, Bay Area Park stands out as a top spot for young children in the Clearlake/Webster/Space Center area. The park has numerous benches where parents can rest while their kids run around and play. Additionally, there is often ample shade provided, making it a comfortable place for families to spend time together outdoors.
17. Housman Pocket Park
A hidden gem in a residential area
__NEW TEXT__
When visiting Hermann Park, located in Houston, there are several outdoor attractions to explore. The Japanese Garden is a peaceful spot with beautiful plants and flowers, providing a tranquil environment for visitors. The Houston Zoo is also situated in the park, offering the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife. Additionally, Hermann Park features a large golf course, providing a popular spot for golfers.
For those seeking popular outdoor activities in Houston, there are several options. Briargrove Park Swimming Pool is a great choice for swimming and water activities. The Texas Dragon Boat Association is an excellent option for boating, providing the opportunity to take part in this traditional Chinese sport. Lastly, Arthur Storey Park is a top spot for fishing, offering a serene setting for this popular outdoor pastime.
When visiting Hermann Park, located in Houston, there are several outdoor attractions to explore. The Japanese Garden is a peaceful spot with beautiful plants and flowers, providing a tranquil environment for visitors. The Houston Zoo is also situated in the park, offering the opportunity to view a variety of wildlife. Additionally, Hermann Park features a large golf course, providing a popular spot for golfers.
For those seeking popular outdoor activities in Houston, there are several options. Briargrove Park Swimming Pool is a great choice for swimming and water activities. The Texas Dragon Boat Association is an excellent option for boating, providing the opportunity to take part in this traditional Chinese sport. Lastly, Arthur Storey Park is a top spot for fishing, offering a serene setting for this popular outdoor pastime.
18. Miller Outdoor Theatre ( ticketing area)
19. Rice Outdoor Programs and Education - ROPE
