Best Parks In Houston Near Me

4worldlovers:
For five consecutive days in October of 1996, a close-knit community in Houston, Texas, rolled up its collective sleeves and built a lasting legacy for its children. Families, neighbors, craftsmen, teachers, students, local businesses, and friends of Houston Heights joined together in a monumental effort to construct what is now The Heights Playground. They worked from early morning until late night. They sawed, drilled, hammered and painted. They served food, tended minor wounds, and provided child care. They gave their time, their skills, and their hearts, yet asked nothing in return.

Donovan Park is the Cinderella story of a formerly underutilized park transformed into a unique fantasy play-space through the power of community involvement. Over a period of nine months, thousands of dedicated volunteers and supporters participated in the fundraising, organization, and building of a dream that became a reality. Today, it is a place that sparks young imaginations, encourages social interaction among cultures, and serves as an inspiration to future generations. Incorporating original ideas contributed by area school children, Donovan Park was designed by community-built architectural pioneers, Robert S. Leathers & Associates of Ithaca, New York. With its railroad theme and Victorian-era turrets, the playground reflects the historic character of its surroundings.

4worldlovers:
Just 15 minutes from downtown Houston you’ll find a park with a lake, ponds, wetlands, woods and prairie. Your family will love exploring this nearby oasis.

Come out for the day to fish, hike, paddle and nature watch. You can visit for free: We don’t charge an entry fee!

Walk two miles of trails through various habitats in the park. The Pond Loop Trail takes you past 28 hatchery ponds returned to nature. Along the aptly-named Prairie Trail and Wetland Loop, you’ll see examples of coastal habitats.

Explore the park’s “green” side while hiking. Look for solar panels, water collection tanks and recycled steel pipes. Download our Guide to Alternative Energy and Green Building at Sheldon Lake Environmental Learning Center | PDF.

Fish the 1,200-acre Sheldon Lake from boat or bank. Throw in a line at the fishing area off Garrett Road. Launch boats from the south boat ramp on Pineland Road; boats must not exceed headway speed. Learn more about fishing at Sheldon Lake.

Families (children with adults) can drop a line in one of our two fishing ponds, which are catch-and-release only. We have a limited number of cane poles you can borrow for these two ponds.

This park is teeming with things to see, from birds to alligators, prairie grasses to wildflowers, trees to aquatic plants, butterflies to grasshoppers. Bring binoculars to see details and cameras to capture memories.

The 82-foot John Jacob Observation Tower features panoramic views of the park, the distant Houston skyline, and the San Jacinto Monument! The tower has two observation decks, one accessed by ramp and the other by stairs and elevator.

Visit our Wildscape demonstration garden for ideas on using native plants to attract wildlife to your backyard.

Alligators live in the park; read our alligator safety tips before your visit.

We need your help! Contact the park to learn what volunteers can do or check our Volunteer page.

We offer programs on nature and ecology, native plant gardening, fishing and more.

4worldlovers:
Through a public-private partnership with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the Conservancy raises millions of dollars each year to enhance and maintain Hermann Park, one of Houston’s most historic and popular green spaces.


Located in the heart of Houston, Hermann Park welcomes an estimated six million visitors a year. Thanks to its proximity to downtown, the Texas Medical Center, Rice University, and the Museum District, this 445-acre urban park is an important resource for Houstonians.


Hermann Park, presented to the City of Houston by George Hermann in 1914, is one of Houston's most popular and historically significant public green spaces.

Whether you would like to be out in the Park, provide event support, or assist the staff in the office, there are innumerable volunteer opportunities in Hermann Park.

Conservancy members receive exciting benefits, including free tickets to ride the Hermann Park Railroad and unlimited free rides on the second Satuday of every month, free pedal boat tickets, and a 10% discount in the Conservancy Gift Shop in Lake Plaza.

4worldlovers: We rely on the generous support of the community to fulfill our promise to protect, restore and preserve Memorial Park for future generations. Please consider a gift to Memorial Park Conservancy

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