I don’t know about you, but the cooler morning weather has got me itching to spend time outside. Yes, temperatures are still climbing into the 90s, but somehow it just seems nicer out there. I’m done with hibernating out of fear of my kids overheating, and instead ready to watch them climb, swing, slide, and explore. If you’re looking for a change from your usual neighborhood playground, check out one of Houston’s best playgrounds, all with unique play features that will have your kids begging to come back!
The Backyard at Pomona
4925 Bayou Ridge Lane 77578
This neighborhood park located in Manvel easily lives up to the description of “everything you asked your parents to build in your backyard but [they] said no.” There’s a multi-level tree house, net tunnel, slides, swings, and wooden beams to climb. The equally awesome Exploration Zone at Pomona is just up the road if you can get your kids off the zip line!
Playground Perks: partial shade
Donovan Playground
1800 Heights Blvd 77008
This railroad and castle themed playground in the Heights will have your kids’ imaginations going wild. Besides the usual swings and slides, there are turrets to climb, ramparts to storm, and a mini-maze underneath to explore. The large wooden train provides the perfect backdrop for pretend railroad conductors. Bonus – when they get tired and need a break, the Cloud 10 Creamery is right across the street!
Playground Perks: partial shade, fully enclosed
Evelyn’s Park Conservancy
4400 Bellaire Boulevard 77401
Located in Bellaire, Evelyn’s Park Conservancy is a community park, playground, and outdoor events center. The main playground is great for littles who want to climb, crawl, bounce, and dig. Tunnels and hills, a large cement slide, and a giant bird to climb are just some of its many features. Bigger kids will have fun climbing nets and wooden beams before racing down extra tall slides that are ridiculously fast. A splash pad, walking path, big boulders, and a huge lawn area complete the space, which is anchored by a small cafe serving fast tasty food all day long.
Playground Perks: partial shade, bathrooms, park restaurant, family events, children’s activities
Fire Truck Park
3743 Garnet St 77005
Named for the fire truck that was parked there from 1970 through 2011, this playground near Bellaire is great for tiny adventurers. Although the real fire truck is gone, the themed play area will have your kiddos imagining they’re on the real thing. There is also a large playground with monkey bars, ropes, and slides, a tire swing, large climbing “boulders” and a small clubhouse where my daughter once spent an hour selling “cupcakes” made out of wood chips (paid for with more wood chips of course).
Playground Perks: fully enclosed, mostly shaded, bathroom
Hermann Park
6100 Hermann Park Dr 77030
If I had to pick a favorite park in Houston it’d be Hermann Park. It’s such a beautiful space with SO MUCH to do! Yes, this post is about playgrounds, but where else in the city can you see a concert, ride a train, wander Japanese and rose gardens, pick vegetables, and rent a peddle boat? And that playground! Reimagined, rebuilt, and reopened last Spring, the Commons Play Gardens offers 2 acres of play space designed for all ages. A gorilla and a snake are just two of the animals serving as the backdrop for the many themed areas, and a 45-foot-tall rocket ship slide lets your kids imagine they’re blasting into space. When the weather is hot, the Splash Cove water feature will fill an entire day. There is sand to scoop, dams to control, sprayers to splash in, and so much more. Be sure to take a spin on the carousel before you end the day!
Playground Perks: partially enclosed, bathrooms, park restaurant
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
4501 Woodway Dr. 77024
Nature takes center stage at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center where you can stretch your legs exploring the 5 miles of wooded trails, then take a break while you watch your kiddos explore the nature playscape. The spider web, sandbox, and grass climbing area are just a few of the nature-inspired features in this sprawling play area. When playtime is over, head inside the Nature Center to learn more about the varied habitats within the park. Tip: Take advantage of the free parking on Thursdays.
Playground Perks: partial shade, partially enclosed, bathrooms, air conditioning, family and children’s programs
Nature Discovery Center
7112 Newcastle St. 77401
Another great place for nature lovers, this park in Bellaire isn’t just nature-inspired, it’s actual nature set up for imaginative play. Building materials like rocks, sticks, and logs are the backdrop for your kids’ creativity. There are tree stumps to jump from, a canoe to climb in, and a large sandbox, all next to a standard playground for those kids who just want to slide. When they’re ready to immerse in nature further, wander the trails to other end of the park to check out the Critter Classroom and meet the resident animals.
Playground Perks: Completely shaded, bathrooms, partially enclosed, family and educational programs, family events
Levy Park
3801 Eastside St 77098
Located in Upper Kirby, the playground at Levy Park is more than enough to fill an entire day. It’s complete with tunnels, hills, a climbing sphere, and musical chimes among other features. A large winding walkway, perfect for racing, soars above the water feature raining down on happy kids. When you need a change of scenery, head to the two large lawn areas that are great for picnics and general running around, or to Hearsay Gastro Longe for a fabulous lunch. Probably the most unique thing about Levy though is all the free stuff – games, play sets, building blocks, books, magazines and more all available to borrow.
Playground Perks: partially enclosed, partial shade, bathroom, park restaurants, family events and activities
RiverPark
5875 Summit Creek 77479
Nestled next to a neighborhood pool in Sugarland, this hidden gem of a park is one of my favorite spots in town. It’s part playground, part splash pad, and part zip line offering plenty of fun for kiddos of all ages and weather of all kinds. We like to pair it with ice cream at Kilwins, where the smell of freshly made waffle cones and handcrafted fudge will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Playground Perks: none besides its general awesomeness
Stevenson Park
1100 S. Friendswood Dr. 77546
Follow the Friendswood Fairy Trail in this city park, where fairies and trolls are hidden around the park’s shaded walking trails. After entering through a magical wooden door, the hunt begins in the pollinator garden and then continues over the gazebo (stop to dance on stage!) and past three playgrounds. Take a quick butterfly wing photo op on your way to the splashpad, before finishing up your search. A word of caution – it’s always muddy here after the rain.
Playground Perks: Mostly shaded, bathrooms, family events
Tom Bass Park
3452 Fellows Rd. 77047
I have no idea how many playgrounds this Pearland area park has because there are so many. Most are the standard slides and monkey bars, and one has an area for musical play, but what makes Tom Bass unique is the NFL themed Ninja Warrior Course. It’s an obstacle course designed for all ages, with a built-in timer so you can track your progress. Compete against your family to see who is fastest at this running, climbing, jumping, ducking, and balancing challenge.
Playground Perks: partial shade (playgrounds are covered, ninja course is in the sun), bathrooms
Houston is lucky to have so many fabulous playgrounds to choose from. For more information on these and others, check this list of 13 must-see parks in town.
