Parks & Recreation

Fresh Water

Paddle On: Here's Where to Kayak and Paddle in Houston

Rent kayaks from Bayou City Adventures at Discovery Green to North Lake Conroe Paddling Co. in Lake Conroe—our city has no shortage of paddle-worthy waterways.

07/21/2022 By Katharine Shilcutt and Geneva Diaz

Overnight Stays

Downtown’s C. Baldwin Hotel Is a Mix of Opulent and Outdoors

The C. Baldwin Hotel is a Downtown Houston hot spot that has a deal that's perfect for a summer staycation.

06/28/2022 By Shelby Stewart

Skele-fun Events

Where You Need To Be For a Wicked Halloween in Houston

Grosstopia, Zoo Boo and Scream On The Green are among the city's celebrations.

10/14/2021 By Danielle Wright

Independence Day

Where to Watch Fireworks in Houston This Weekend

8 family-friendly places to celebrate America’s 245 birthday.

06/29/2021 By Shivani Parmar

ignite the light

Here’s What You Need to Know about Shell Freedom Over Texas 2021

The city’s annual 4th of July celebration is going virtual again, but there’ll be live fireworks.

06/25/2021 By Kelsy Armstrong

Juneteenth

Celebrate Juneteenth with Emancipation Park All Week Long

Houston’s oldest public park is commemorating history with a series of virtual events.

06/14/2021 By Shivani Parmar

Family Outings

Houston Arboretum's Playscape Awaits

Let the kids go wild at this natural play area.

05/31/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp

No Fault in Our Stars

Weekend Stargazing is Back in Brazos Bend State Park

HMNS’s historic George Observatory is welcoming back visitors after a two-year makeover.

04/15/2021 By Kelsy Armstrong

The best kind of blues

5 Perfect Houston Parks for Your Annual Bluebonnet Photos

Visit these spots before summer starts to set in.

04/12/2021 By Rebekah Kibodeaux

Our Own Backyard

Why We Can't Wait for Trebly Park to Open

The new green space will land in Southern Downtown in March 2022.

04/02/2021 By Kelsy Armstrong

Mile-High Messages

Have You Seen These Two Humongous Murals in Houston Lately?

The massive new murals tell stories of the fight against food insecurity and the Bayou City's migratory birds.

03/23/2021 By Adrianne Reece

Flower Fever

Your Informal Guide to Azaleas in Houston

The Azalea Trail is canceled, but you can still see the blooms at these H-Town spots.

03/19/2021 By Brittany Cristiano

Movie night

Discovery Green’s Screen on the Green Is Back

Get out of the house and see a movie at the Downtown park.

03/10/2021 By Raven Wuebker

Get Out

Recreation at Houston Parks is (Mostly) Back

Ballfields and playgrounds are back in business. But sadly, swimming pools are still off limits.

03/09/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Pawsitive news

The Possible Puppy Family Reunion You Need to See

Are these dogs from the same litter? It seems likely after they reconnect at Hermann Park.

03/01/2021 By Brittany Cristiano

Park News

Bagby Park Gets a Little Facelift (with Tacos Coming Soon)

Here's what's up at the Midtown pocket park.

02/12/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Date night

10 Ways to Have a Romantic, Social-Distanced Valentine’s Day

Pull off a grand romantic gesture without getting sick.

02/03/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp and Catherine Wendlandt

Creativity in the Bayou City

The Story Behind those Mosaic Pillars at Emancipation Park

"Elements of Change," completed in January of 2020, relays the story of both the park and its founders.

02/03/2021 By Emma Schkloven

Love is in the air

Get Married for $150 at Sam Houston Park This Valentine’s Day

The venue, flowers, and photographer are all included in this romantic Heritage Society package.

01/27/2021 By Catherine Wendlandt

Hooray!

More New SPARK Parks Are on the Way

The nonprofit will debut 15 new parks and update 15 more over the next four years.

01/14/2021 By Gwendolyn Knapp

Houstonia Magazine