Ten Ways to Experience Nature in Houston This Year

two children and a man standing against a wall that has slats in it for wilderness viewing purposes. they are looking through the slats. there is a sign that says "wilderness viewing area"

Houston may be one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, but did you know nestled throughout the bustling thoroughfares of the city are copious opportunities to immerse yourself in nature? If 2025 is the year you vow to get you and your family outside more, then this list of nature-forward family activities and experiences is the one for you.

Meyers Family Farm TX (West Houston/Katy)

A small hobby farm situated on an acre of land, Meyers Family Farm TX, welcomes visitors to their space for farm tours and to purchase goods including fresh eggs, goats milk, seasonal starter plants and handmade goat milk bath products. Established in 2017, the farm is home to chickens, turkeys and goats and the hospitable hosts are ready and willing to share their ag knowledge with guests of all ages.

The Ranch Houston (SE Houston)

The Ranch Houston was founded in 2020 by Tamika and Lenie Caston-Miller. A calming space where yoga, art and flower farming collide, the urban farm, which is located just inside the Beltway, may be visited with group and private experiences offered periodically throughout the year. With a variety of experiences to be had, from cutting and arranging flower bouquets to volunteering to tend the land alongside its owners, visitors to the space can work with Tamika and Lenie to curate an age-appropriate experience that meets everyone’s needs. For more information or to arrange a visit, check out their Facebook page and website or email them at [email protected].

The Good Vibe Farm (Tomball)

With the exception of occasional open-farm events, The Good Vibe Farm is open by appointment only. In addition to a slew of friendly rescue animals including chickens, donkeys, cows and sheep to see and interact with, the farm also offers golf cart train rides, playground equipment and lots of room to roam and explore. Options for booking birthday parties are also available. Learn more on their Facebook page.

Urban Harvest Gardens/ Saturday Farmer’s Market (Across town/ central Houston)

Garden visits are a great way to help reconnect us with the food we eat, and exposing children to the art of growing your own produce can help set the stage for a healthy relationship with food that can last a lifetime. The many community gardens across the area that are supported by local non-profit Urban Harvest are a great place for families to visit, explore, learn and volunteer together. The group also has a rain-or-shine Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at 2752 Buffalo Speedway Houston, 77027.

Clear Lake Loop of the Upper Texas Coast – Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail (SE Houston/Clear Lake/ League City/Pasadena/Seabrook)

two children standing outside reading a map together For a more leisurely, go-at-your-own-pace experience, pack a picnic, throw on your best walking or hiking shoes and head south of town to hop on the Clear Lake Loop of the Great Texas Birding Trail. Spanning Texas’s coastline from Beaumont down to the Rio Grande Valley, the trail is broken into “Upper” “Central” and “Lower” regional segments. Houston families have the privilege of accessing portions of the “Upper” trail via parks located throughout League City, Seabrook, Clear Lake, Pasadena and other portions of Southeast Houston. Visitors to the trail will have the chance to see various types of wildlife and there’s lots of fun playgrounds, art installations, interactive maps and free little libraries for children (and parents!) to enjoy along the way.

Armand Bayou Nature Center (SE Houston/ Pasadena/Seabrook)

Featuring a number of activities from pontoon tours to kayaking, Armand Bayou Nature Center has something for everyone. Age restrictions do apply for certain adventures, but kiddos of all ages are welcomed to explore the various wetlands, grasslands and forest areas across the grounds. There’s also the interactive John P. McGovern Children’s Discovery Area, the Bison Viewing Platform and an authentic 1800’s farm site.

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve (Tomball)

This 133.5-acre space includes a wetlands area, a picnic area, Scout camping, nearly 4-miles of nature trails, and a pavilion.  The Nature Center and farmhouses are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park  (New Caney)

Located three miles east of New Caney off of Hwy-59, Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a lushly forested 5,000-acre space that features over 20 miles of trails. Camping, kayaking, birding, fishing and other outdoor activities are also available.

trail cutting through forested area - a young boy stands in the middle of the path looking up while his father is off in the distance

The Skyfarm at POST Houston (Downtown Houston)

This 1-acre rooftop food farm is situated within the 5.5-acre Skylawn at POST Houston. Visitors can experience the Skyfarm by scheduling a tour, joining in volunteer days, or by visiting the Skyfarmer’s Market.

Houston Botanic Gardens (SE Houston)

Formerly a public golf course, the Houston Botanic Gardens spans more than 130 acres and features a collection of themed gardens including Global, Culinary, Stormwater Wetlands and Coastal Prairie, among others. In addition to perusing the naturescapes, there’s also numerous events held on the grounds, including camps for kiddos during the summer and winter months.

two children with star emojis over their faces standing in front of a wall that says "Houston Botanic Garden"So, what are you waiting for, Houston?! Get outside and connect with the nature that’s around us…especially before the 100-degree heat returns!

 

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Jessica Wyble
A lover of people and the stories and lessons they carry with them, Jessica is a Houston native who is tirelessly passionate about this city, her family and the outdoors. A full-time working mom to two amazing kiddos, Jessica’s married to her second-grade crush and is guilty of wearing her heart on her sleeve more often than not. Ever-curious, she’s an extroverted introvert who lives for live music, spending time in nature, learning new things and getting a good sweat on through strength training, yoga, pilates or dancing. Really, she’s down for anything active – and finds it HARD to sit still or sleep in. A LOUD, open book, she’s leaning ALL THE WAY into the messy journey of motherhood—embracing all the opportunities to learn and grow along the way. Follow her journey on Instagram @mommingoutloud.

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