Here's our list of the best parks to visit in Houston.
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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, houstonarboretum.org
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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, hbg.org
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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 Street, 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., buffalobayou.org
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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- ortunity,” 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, houstonzoo.org
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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. InChrysalis 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, hmns.org
Photography by: Photo by Terry Agar / Pexels