With summer in full swing, it only makes sense to spend your days outdoors. From running trails to butterfly centers to picnic-perfect greenery, Houston has just the park for you.
View this post on Instagram
There is never a dull moment at Buffalo Bayou Park—there is an abundance of activities, whether you wish to break out your skateboard at Lee & Joe Jamail Skatepark or view the wetlands and native Texas prairie at Tapley Tributary. The 160-acre property contains The Water Works at Sabine St., a major destination that houses a grassy lawn with an incredible view of the downtown Houston skyline. Immerse yourself in Houston history along the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, one of the City of Houston’s first underground drinking-water reservoirs. As a restful and relaxing reset, the cistern houses periodic art installations and is home to weekly sound healing meditation sessions. 105 B Sabine St.
View this post on Instagram
For ultimate skyline views, head straight to Eleanor Tinsley Park. Sitting in the heart of the Greenbelt (which winds from Shepherd Drive on the west to Bagby St. on the East End), this outdoor oasis is perfect for picnics in the summer or long evening strolls in the fall. Look out for major city festivals and events - including Houston’s huge Fourth of July fireworks show. 500 Allen Parkway
View this post on Instagram
After a day of frolicking through Houston’s best museums, head down the block to Hermann Park, complete with 445 acres of trails, greenery, gardens and more. The Sam Houston Monument (featuring general Sam Houston, sitting atop his horse, Saracen) welcomes you into the park, then seamlessly leads you to the Sara H. and John H. Lindsey Plaza and Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool. While strolling around the park, don’t forget to check out the Cherie Flores Garden Pavilion, the railroad train tunnel (which features art from local artist Trenton Doyle Hancock), the Friendship Pavillion, the Hawkins Sculpture Walk, and most importantly, the Commons - the recently debuted park featuring an out-of-this-world playground for the kiddos. 6001 Fannin St.
Runners, rejoice! George Bush Park is home to 11.36 miles of hike, bike and running trails throughout Buffalo Bayou. Spanning 7,800 acres inside Barker Reservior, this lush land boasts a bevy of soccer fields, softball/baseball fields, beautiful dog parks and even an equestrian trail. Spend the afternoon with friends at its make parks and playgrounds, or go for a summer run through large patches of fields, forest and more. 16756 Westheimer Parkway
View this post on Instagram
With 155 acres of urban nature sanctuary, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center establishes itself as one of the first nature education facilities for children in the state of Texas. This stunning spot has something for everyone in the family—whether it be the Display Walk, capturing large swaths of native plants, or the Pollinator Garden, attracting a flight of butterflies. From exploring and identifying invasive plant species through Invaders of Texas to monitoring bird populations on the second Saturday of each month, visitors will exit with knowledge and bliss. The Arboretum at Night allows adults to sip while gazing at the starry sky. 4501 Woodway Drive
View this post on Instagram
Break away from the bustle of Houston and immerse yourself in the serenity of the Houston Botanic Garden, rich in both peace and tropical, subtropical and arid plants. In collaboration with West 8, an award-winning international landscape designer, this Houston hot spot offers a plethora of family-friendly activities, including trees and a boardwalk maze around a lagoon. The Global Collection Garden features regionally themed zones such as an Asian bamboo forest, upland regions of Mexico and the African savanna. This spot hails foodies near and far in the Culinary Garden, displaying edible and medicinal plants that can be grown in your own backyard. 1 Botanic Lane
View this post on Instagram
Take a walk on the wild side at the second-most-visited zoo in the United States and the most-attended cultural attraction in the region, the Houston Zoo. This spot has received national accolades for its work on the Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, bringing together three native Texan species—bald eagles, whooping cranes and American alligators. For the ultimate “ape- opportunity,” visitors can feed gorillas in the treehouse or throw a ball or Frisbee to the California sea lions. For those seeking a more adventurous and exotic experience, scrub down an elephant during their bath time to show the ultimate form of gratitude toward animals. 6200 Hermann Park Drive
View this post on Instagram
Ditch the social butterfly routine and immerse yourself in Cockrell Butterfly Center, providing its guests with the calming sounds of a waterfall and views of towering trees. This site houses 60 to 70 tropical species of butterflies as well as tropical plants from all across the world, abundant in relaxation and nature. On any visit, these beautiful creatures beat their wings in this stunning, three-story glass structure built around a 50-foot waterfall. In Chrysalis Corner, you will have the opportunity to witness butterflies emerge, expand their wings and even be released. Located in Houston Museum of Natural Science, 5555 Hermann Park Drive
Photography by: Photo by Nate Hovee
