Best Parks in Houston
The sun is up and out, and you should too! You’ll find some of the best parks in Houston! It has plenty of places to take your family, friends, and loved ones. Our favorites include Hermann Park, Buffalo Bayou Park, and Discovery Green.
These parks have a lot of amenities and activities everyone will love and enjoy.
So, whip out that sunscreen, dress comfortably, drag your loved ones out (or go solo), and relax in the great parks in Houston Texas.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information presented is subject to change. Please confirm with the organizers/businesses before planning to head out!
Where are the Best Parks in Houston?
Best Parks in Houston For Kids & Family
Houston Parks for Picnics
Parks in Houston for Hiking and Biking
Houston Parks with Cultural or Historical Significance
Best Parks in Houston for Dogs
Quick Hit Summary on the Best Parks in Houston
Roam the 400 acres of Hermann Park and see all that it holds– the Houston Zoo, the Japanese Garden, a model train exhibit, and so much more!
If you want a bit more of an adventure, check out Buffalo Bayou Park, where you can hike the trails, hop on a kayak or canoe, or just play with your furbaby at the dog park.
To feel the blend of modern and historical, walk around Sam Houston Park. You’ll see the oldest public buildings and modern monuments in plenty of greenness.
Looking to stay the night? Arguably the best park in Houston, Lake Houston Wilderness Park has overnight cabins and campsites. You can also hike, bike, or ride horses on the trails. There’s even a creek you can cool off in or catch some fish.
Best Parks in Houston For Kids & Family
Levy Park (4.8 stars out of 5,147 reviews)
This community park features a playground, a dog park, a softball field, and a community garden. It’s a great spot for a relaxing afternoon with family and friends. There is a designated Children’s Park featuring a variety of structures for all ages and abilities.
Location: 3801 Eastside St, Houston, TX 77098
Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 10 pm; Sunday 8 am – 5 pm
Price: Free admission
Hermann Park (4.7 stars out of 26,980 reviews)
Often referred to as Houston’s Central Park, Hermann Park is a massive urban green space encompassing over 400 acres. It features the Houston Zoo, a gorgeous Japanese Garden, a McGovern Centennial Garden, a model train exhibit, a natural science museum, and much more. Perfect for a day-long family outing.
Kids will have a blast at the McGovern Centennial Park sprayground, featuring fountains and spray jets for hot summer days. While there, you can also visit the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, or rent paddleboats on McGovern Lake.
Location: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
Hours: Daily 6 am – 11 pm
Price: Free admission to the park itself, but some attractions within the park have a fee.
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park (4.7 stars out of 8,196 reviews)
Image credit: Uptown Houston Facebook
Among the best parks in Houston, this unique urban park features a 64-foot tall water wall, creating a stunning centerpiece. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the nearby lawn, or take a stroll through the park and admire the cascading water.
Location: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Hours: Daily 9 am – 8 pm
Price: Free admission
Memorial Park (4.7 stars out of 9,233 reviews)
Houston’s largest greenspace and one of the most beautiful parks in Houston, Memorial Park sprawls over 1,500 acres. It offers extensive trails for hiking and biking, a boating lake, numerous sports fields, and playgrounds!
Location: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Hours: Daily 5 am – 11 pm
Price: Free admission
Best Parks in Houston For Picnics
Houston has some great picnic spots! The weather may not always be conducive to picnics, but when it is, you should not miss out on the places below. For a full list of our recommendations, check out – Best Picnic Spots in Houston
Menil Park
Located on the campus of Houston’s largest collection of free, public art that rotates throughout the year, Menil Park is the ultimate picnic spot. Take in the incredible, large-scale art before unfolding your blanket and enjoying your meal for the day. Don’t want to prepare anything to eat? The Menil Collection museum has a cafe on its property where you could take food to go to enjoy outside.
Location: 1423 Branard St., Montrose, Houston
Hours: Dawn to Dusk per website
Price: Free admission
Discovery Green (4.7 stars out of 19,914 reviews)
Image credit: Discovery Green Facebook
This is one of the nice parks in Houston. Located in downtown Houston, Discovery Green is a popular spot for lunch-time escapes, picnics, and outdoor events. The centerpiece is the Kinder Lake, surrounded by a jogging path and gardens.
Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Monday – Saturday 6 am – 11 pm; Sunday 6 am – 12 am
Price: Free admission
Best Parks in Houston for Hiking and Biking Trails
Terry Hershey Park (4.7 stars out of 3,826 reviews)
Probably the best park Houston has, Terry Hershey Park is nestled along Terry Hershey Bayou. It offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Hike or bike along the trails, go birdwatching or rent a paddleboat and explore the bayou.
Location: 15200 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77079
Hours: Daily 7 am – 10 pm
Price: Free admission
Buffalo Bayou Park (4.7 stars out of 5,271 reviews)
Image credit: Buffalo Bayou Partnership Facebook
This 160-acre linear park winds along Buffalo Bayou, offering scenic views and a variety of activities. Hike or bike along the trails, rent a kayak or canoe, explore the cistern (an underground drinking water reservoir), or relax at the dog park.
Location: Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street between Allen Parkway and, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX
Hours: Daily – Lighted areas: 6 am – 11 pm; Other areas: Dawn to dusk
Price: Free admission
Lake Houston Wilderness Park (4.7 stars out of 2,077 reviews)
Image credit: Lake Houston Wilderness Park Facebook
Many of the parks in Houston TX hold a lot of thrilling finds. This massive park, almost 5,000 acres, is north of Houston and packed with things to do. It’s the only Houston city park where you can camp overnight in cabins or campsites.
Looking for a hike or bike ride? They have over 20 miles of trails. Feeling adventurous? You can even bring your horse on some trails! And if it’s a hot day, there’s a creek to cool off in. Plus, you can go canoeing, kayaking, or try to catch some fish. Birdwatching is another popular activity there.
Location: 25840 FM 1485, New Caney, TX 77357
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 7 am – 6 pm; Friday & Saturday 7 am – 8 pm
Price: Free for children, seniors & Military (with ID); $3 for Ages 13 – 65
Armand Bayou Nature Center (4.7 stars out of 1,184 reviews)
For pretty parks in Houston, check out the Armand Bayou Nature Center. This nature center offers a chance to explore the beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast wetlands. Hike or bike along the trails, take a boat tour, or visit the Discovery Center to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77501
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm); Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
How much: Free for kids under 3; Ages 4 – 12 $5; Ages 13 – 59 $7; Ages 60 & Above $5; College Students, Teachers, Active Duty Military, and First Responders $5 (with ID)
Houston Parks with Cultural or Historical Significance
Sam Houston Park (4.6 stars out of 1,646 reviews)
For the best Houston parks, Sam Houston Park should be on your list. This historic park holds a special place in the city’s heart. It features the oldest public buildings in Houston, as well as a statue of Sam Houston, the namesake of the city.
An oasis of a mix of modern and historical, Sam Houston Park embodies living history with modern monuments of corporate and civic institutions and wide-open greenness. It’s also home to the Heritage Society.
Location: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
Hours: Daily 7 am – 9 pm
Price: Free admission
Eleanor Tinsley Park
A popular spot for relaxation and recreation, Eleanor Tinsley Park is a section of Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Park. Named after a long-serving city council member, the park offers scenic views of the downtown skyline and features walking paths, picnic areas, a skatepark, and even a memorial garden. It’s a great place to escape the urban bustle and enjoy the outdoors.
Park is popular for its running trails, lush green hills & plays host to multiple annual festivals.
Location: 3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
Hours: Part of Buffalo Bayou Park which is open from Dawn to Dusk
Price: Free admission
Best Parks in Houston for Dogs
Don’t leave Fido behind! Check out these top dog parks in Houston and for a full list check out Best Dog Parks in Houston
West Webster Dog Park– 1913 Gillette St, Houston TX 77006
This is a very small and basic dog run which is good for dogs and dog owners who do not like mud or water. There is a water fountain to help keep the doggo hydrated as well as a hose for washing dogs before you leave. There are a couple of benches for seating but no water features- just an open area for dogs who like to run. The park is open daily from sun up to sun down.
Officer Lucy Dog Park– 4300 Edith St, Bellaire TX 77401
A small dog run with shaded and covered seating, this is a great place to have a picnic while the dogs play. There are no water features at this park but you may find a small wading pool to fill up for the pups. There are two separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as a regular park right outside so the kids can play, too. Park hours are from 5 am to 9:30 pm daily.
Eadog Park– 2300 Polk St, Houston TX 77003
One of the few gated areas for dogs in East Houston, this park has two separate areas for large and small dogs. There are new trees which will provide plenty of shade in the future as well as a few benches. The park features a mock- fire hydrant and water fountains for drinking. The park is open every day from 7 am to 8 pm.
Do you know of other beautiful Parks in Houston Texas? Share them with us so we can put them up on our guide!
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