In my opinion, if you're in search of a family-friendly park in Texas, it's hard to beat Discovery Green. Located in the heart of Houston, this sprawling oasis features a playground, splash pad, concert stage, walking trails, and tons of grassy lawn space. Enjoy nature in the big city and discover a plethora of attractions for all ages in every season.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Houston, Discovery Green is truly a magical place.
When you're here, you're in the center of the action in the Bayou City. The 12-acre park is brimming with year-round activities for the whole family, from art installations to gardens to entertainment and so much more.
The centerpiece of the park is Kinder Lake, which spans over one whole acre and offers kayak and sailboat rides during the spring, summer, and fall seasons.
Please note: kayak rentals are currently suspended until further notice.
If you have kids, they will absolutely love the John P. McGovern Playground. With slides, climbing nets, tons of other play elements, and plenty of comfortable chairs for the grown-ups, this shaded park is fun for all.
There is also a splash pad known as the Gateway Fountain that features 14-foot-high arcing jets to keep kids cool on hot summer days.
Open daily until (at least) sunset, the splash pad is a quintessential pastime for Houstonians during the warmer months.
In addition to the splash pad, the Mistree (a combination of the words "mist" and "tree" is a unique art installation by San Francisco artist Doug Hollis.
A staggering 80 nozzles form a mist cloud in the stainless steel sculpture, which rains down from above on anyone who finds themself standing underneath it. How refreshing!
The park also hosts numerous events all throughout the year, from concerts and movie nights on the lawn...
...to markets such as Flea by Night, an evening, open-air flea market featuring hundreds of vendors.
Visit the Discovery Green website or Discovery Green Facebook page for more information about the park, including current hours for each attraction and a full schedule of upcoming events.
Have you ever visited this family-friendly park in Texas? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments! And if you need a place to stay in town, the iconic Marriott Marquis Houston is right next door.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!