In: Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves, Preschool, School Age Kids, Things To Do & Travel

It’s hot -are you sitting around thinking, “Where is a splash pad near me?” Good news! We have rounded up over 90 across the greater Houston area. There are splash pads and spray parks all over town. And, even better, most of them are free! Know before you go: Treat a splash pad like a pool – the same hygiene requirements apply. Always have unpotty-trained children wear swim diapers. And, like your favorite pool bathroom, use water shoes. Always verify splash pad operations and park openings and closings on their respective website before heading out. It is not uncommon for splashpads to be down forRead More →

Mary Ann Francklow Park

In: Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves

Mary Ann Francklow Park Mary Ann Francklow Park is a park located just off Briarforest and Beltway 8 nestled in a little residential nook that is easy to miss.  It is not hidden in a manner that you can’t find it – it is clearly marked and easy to find.  But, it is not the most obvious park and people may pass it over for larger ones in the area.  However, at its heart, there is a little hidden area. The park is a small wooded lot with about a half mile loop.  You can easily take a leisurely stroll and lap the park inRead More →

Woodlands Church Indoor Playground

In: Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves

The Woodlands Church – Play All Day! Woodlands Church has evolved from Kerry and Chris Shook’s Fellowship of the Woodlands, which was founded in 1993, to a weekly gathering of 18,000 friends. Their goal was to create a place where “people experience Christ rather than man’s creation of religion…[in] a safe and loving environment where people from all walks of life should feel at home.” Part of this passion led to the largest play structure in Texas – that is not only open to the public but is a place to relax, spend time with friends, and enjoy your family in a comforting and friendlyRead More →

Flag Tree Park

In: Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves

Look! There’s a flag AND a tree! Flag Tree Park (you’ll have to excuse me the snark is high with this one) is a Precinct 3 project brought to you for the enjoyment of not looking at a street corner. In all fairness, it is a pocket park. Meaning, it was leftover land that they prettied up. There is literally a flag and a tree (or two) at the northeast corner of San Felipe and Memorial Drives. There is no parking lot. If you really want to see the flag and tree in person you’ll need to find a side street on which to parkRead More →

Terry Hershey Park

In: Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves

Play and Bike Along the Bayou Terry Hershey Park is part of a comprehensive hike and bike trail system spanning the distance between the West Sam Houston Toll Road and Highway 6.  It is 496 acres with over 12 miles of trails. There are multiple access points for hiking and biking but only two if you are looking to play, Terry Hershey Park and, from the lot off of the Beltway, Memorial Bend Pocket Park (but you’ll need to hike in 1/4-1/2 mile).  We’ve outlined all the access points below in our ‘Know Before You Go‘ section. Terry Hershey Park is part of the Precinct 3Read More →

Collins Park

In: Houston, Northwest Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves

Collins Park In Northwest Houston, near the Barabra Bush Library, is Collins Park.  It has a little of everything in a tidy, but not a compact footprint.  The play structures have been updated and are well maintained.  The park has many other amenities such as softball and soccer fields, a skate park, creek access for fishing, and trails along the Cypress Creek Greenbelt. The large play structure is big enough to be exciting for older kids and surrounded by security bars for those of us with adventurous little people.  It is also roomy enough for an adult to get comfortably to the top.  In theRead More →

Centennial Gardens

In: Northwest Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves, Reviews, Things To Do & Travel

McGovern Centennial Gardens McGovern Centennial Gardens is part of the Hermann Park Conservancy which was founded in 1992 to preserve and improve this historic greenspace.  It is adjacent to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and Hermann Park which makes the Centennial Gardens a great spot to meander while enjoying some of the other amenities in the Hermann Park area. If you park in the lot, which is free for three hours, you enter the gardens through the Cherie Flores Pavilion.  Fun fact: If you feel like you are entering an Apple store it is because the same architect was used. IfRead More →

Bridgeland Treehouse Park

In: Houston, Northwest Houston, Parks and Nature Preserves

Bridgeland Treehouse Park Houston is home to a vast array of parks and neighborhoods. Some of the coolest parks are actually private and in neighborhoods.  If you are lucky enough to have a friend you can visit they can take you to experience things that are off the beaten path.  One of these awesome private parks is Bridgeland Treehouse Park, found in the Bridgeland neighborhood. The treehouse is 35 feet tall and has a great sprawling deck around it. You will not find bathrooms or play structures but a fairly quiet place to experience a 100 year old oak tree, up close and personal.  ThereRead More →