Photo Credit :: Morris Malakoff courtesy of Levy Park Conservancy
It’s springtime in Houston! Oh, wait, it’s actually been spring since February, but that’s why we love Houston, right? One of the great things about our city and surrounding suburbs is all of the great parks that are free for us to enjoy. Our contributing team chose our favorite parks from all areas of town to share with you, so get outside while we still have this beautiful weather and have a blast with your kiddos at these local parks!
The Best Houston Parks List…
Deer Park :: Dow Park is a 40-acre park with a swimming pool, pavilion, one-mile track, tennis courts, splash pad, skate park, and brand new playground equipment. There is plenty of space for the kids to run around, and the play structure is feasible for young toddlers to older elementary age kids. I particularly love the shady spots, the rubber surface, and the rollers on the slides!
Downtown :: Discovery Green has it all – just avoid it when there is a major event going on! This park is so unique to our city, and it has fun for kids of all ages. Whether it’s canoeing, reading, or jogging, attending movie nights, practicing at the putting green, or playing in the mist tree or on the playground, Discovery Green is a one-stop destination for all things FUN!
Heights :: Donovan Park in the Heights features wooden play structures built by the local residents when they recognized the need for their neighborhood to have a safe, fun park for the kids. This extra-large park has enough variety to keep children occupied for a while, and even features a fun train they can climb aboard. The park has a side for younger children, a challenging side for older kids, and a hill that is perfect for rolling down!
Katy :: Katy City Park, also known as the “Train Park,” is THE park to visit in Houston right now. According to their website, they are the “state’s largest innovative playground for multiple-impaired and profoundly deaf children.” It has a 13,000 square foot playground, custom designed to feature the old Katy railroad. It’s huge and promises hours of fun for your little ones!
Kingwood :: River Grove Park has piers, covered picnic areas, tons of space for families, and four different playground areas for all ages. There is access to boat ramps, a shaded fishing dock, exercise stations, disk golf in the woods, and restrooms too. What more could you ask for in a local park?
League City :: League City Park was designed with children with disabilities in mind, and it’s a favorite spot for locals to bring their kids. This park features fun playground equipment, basketball courts, exercise stations, a stage, and even a concession stand!
Medical Center :: Hermann Park is perfect for your outdoor loving kids! Whether you want to feed the ducks, use paddle boats, or roll down the hill outside Miller Outdoor Theatre, Hermann Park is perfect. Bring a picnic along, and make time to ride the train! While you are there, check out the new Centennial Gardens! Parking can be a bit tricky in this area on the weekends, so plan ahead.
Memorial :: Hedwig Park is right by Spring Branch Public Library and is a great park nestled in the heart of the Spring Branch area. With plenty of shaded trees, it’s a comfortable place, even in the heat of summer. There’s a fenced-in area for toddlers and great options for older siblings too!
Oak Forest :: Candlelight Park is a cute, neighborhood park that after 5:00 pm, is packed with locals and their kids. They don’t have an impressive play structure, but it does the trick. The best part is that the park is surrounded by nine acres of green space that is perfect for flying kites or kicking soccer balls.
Pearland :: Centennial Park has a huge splash pad, disc golf course, playground, picnic tables, a large field for free play, fitness stations, and an exercise trail. The park is well-kept and features a toddler area just for your littles as well as a big-kid playground for the older ones!
Sugar Land :: Riverstone Neighborhood Park got the most love from our HMB team for its zip line, covered picnic tables, splash pad, and two different nature-themed playgrounds. They also have a dog park, so even your four-legged friends can enjoy the family time.
The Woodlands :: North Shore Park is an absolute gem in The Woodlands! It’s on the lake, so bring bread to feed the ducks. They have playground equipment for older and younger kids, and lots of green space for family activities. Check their website for special events like family-friendly concerts!
Timbergrove :: Jaycee Park is a neighborhood park that is one of the best-kept secrets inside the loop. It’s got a small splash pad, great playground equipment, and plenty of street parking. This park is perfect for toddlers!
Upper Kirby :: Levy Park is one of the newest parks in Houston, and our contributors think it’s amazing! After undergoing a $15 million dollar renovation, the park is so unique to this area of town. There is a modern climbing wall, musical steps, observation deck, community garden, and a large lawn perfect for running around!
West University/Southside Place :: Firetruck Park is named after a retired firetruck that sits inside the park. This park is so great for wobbly walkers to active preschoolers and elementary age kids. It has a rubbery surface, is well-maintained, and just underwent a significant upgrade in 2012. Kids can even play fireman and pretend to drive the firetruck structure!
And one more thing you should know about our city’s parks…
The City of Houston has launched a campaign called Playgrounds Without Limits, which are accessible for all children, regardless of their disabilities. These playgrounds feature ramps and transfer systems, sensory activities, and braille and sign panels. Find a park near you on the list of Playgrounds Without Limits in Houston too!
Be sure and let us know in the comments below if we missed your favorite local park. We’d love to keep growing this list with your suggestions also!
Looking for more summer fun? Don’t miss Your ULTIMATE Guide to Summer in Houston below!
Please Note :: While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and various business details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can make every attempt to correct them. And if you know of any other public parks that should be on this list, include them in the comments too!
North Shore is great though don’t bring bread to feed the ducks. It’s strictly prohibited because it causes overpopulation and disease. We certainly don’t want our local ducks to suffer for the sake of someone’s entertainment. Please respect the park residents and rules of the park. 🙂
Northshore Park is also currently under renovation. There are lots of other great parks in The Woodlands, though; I’d suggest Bear Branch park, which has the spongy playground surface, a dog park, skateboard park, and a nice trail to bike or scooter on through a wooded area.