Houston has some pretty fantastic parks, and for good reason—something has to break up all of that concrete! Our fair (if smoggy) city has made green space a priority in the past few years, and we rank highly in terms total acreage of parkland per resident. Our family has put in countless hours visiting playgrounds across the city, so I consider us pretty close to experts. Here are 10 of the best to get you started on your Houston playground journey!
Katya Horner
Where: 1500 McKinney Street, Houston, TX
Whenever we are at Discovery Green, kids can’t get enough of the John P. McGovern playground. They have some features not found at many other parks including a small-rubberized hill with a slide, a net for jumping and plenty of ropes to climb. We also appreciate its proximity to the Discovery Green splash pad and the easy access to restrooms. There are no swings at this park and be advised that it is not fenced in. On really busy days, it can be hard to keep an eye on multiple kids.
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Flickr/Tiffany
Where: 700 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX
Donovan Park in the Heights is special because it’s completely wooden; kids love to pretend it is a castle or a fort. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the wooden train on site. There are a number of different play areas that can keep the little ones busy for hours. The only draw back is there is no restroom here, so plan accordingly. On a hot day, you can call Fat Cat Creamery and have ice cream delivered to the park!
City of Southside
Where: 3743 Garnet St, Houston, TX
Fire Truck Park in Southside is one of our family’s favorites. I love it because it’s fenced in, and the kids love the variety of play areas. There is a large climbing structure with different slides for “racing” as well as a hill with a small slide for toddlers. And there’s nothing quite like getting to play on bright red pretend fire truck. Older children will enjoy the rock climbing formation and the huge spinning tire that you can push. This is a great park if you’ve got kids of varying ages!
Katya Horner
Where: 1800 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX
You won’t find plastic slides at the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area in Buffalo Bayou Park. This spot really shines because of its natural features. Play in sand, on ropes, and logs at this au natural playground where the whole atmosphere encourages open-ended nature play. And if your children are of roller skating or biking age, it is fun to take your wheels and explore the trails around the park too. No better way to wear the kids out! Despite its downtown location, there’s a lot nearby with tons of free parking.
Hermann Park Conservancy
Where: 6001 Fannin Street, Houston, TX
We all know that Hermann Park is packed with activities of all kinds, but the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children is often overlooked. It consists of three different play areas and a splash pad, all on a rubber surface. The various play areas cater to a wide range of ages, which makes it fun for the entire family. The playground is a stop on the Hermann Park Train route, too. If you want to extend the experience of riding the train, start off at Kinder Station, get off at the playground and play for a bit before catching the train back.
Friends of River Oaks Park
Where: 3600 Locke Ln, Houston, TX
Who doesn’t want to play in a carriage like Cinderella? Pumpkin Park in River Oaks is a fairy-tale inspired blast. In addition to the sweet carriage, this park has ample benches, picnic tables and play structures. I love that it’s fenced in, and that they have a number of swings for high-flying kids. There is a lot of shade and different structures to span different ages. Bathrooms are located next-door too, which is a huge plus. No stop at Pumpkin Park is complete without visiting the Wishing Trees right next-door. You can write a wish on the cards provided and tie them to the trees. It is also fun to read all of the different wishes from kids and adults alike.
Fotolia/azurita
Where: 7112 Newcastle St, Bellaire, TX
Russ Pitman Park is more than a playground; it is a 4-acre natural enclave located right next to the Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire. We like to explore the Nature Discovery Center first before ending up at the playground. Our kids’ favorite part is the huge sand pit. You’ll also find drums, crawling tubes and a rock wall. With all of the nearby plants and trees, it almost feels like you’re at a playground in the woods rather than the middle of the city. Plus, Russ Pitman Park is a two for one deal—there is another park directly across the street! If your kids get bored of playing at Russ Pitman, walk them over to Evergreen Playground. There is also an owl Mini Mural on the corner, which is a fun photo opp.
West University
Where: 3012 Nottingham St, West University Place, TX
Wier Park was our go to spot in West U when my twins were toddlers. We loved it for the astroturf, which is key when kids are at a crawling and pulling up stage. There are two distinct areas in this fenced in park—one for older kids and a smaller structure for the littles. When the twins were small, I could play with them in the toddler area and still keep an eye on my oldest who would play in the larger structure. There is a lot of good shade and a few benches here. We often bring food to do a picnic, too.
Vale-Asche Foundation Playground at Memorial Park
Memorial Park Conservancy
Where: 7575 N Picnic Ln, Houston, TX
We first discovered this playground when I was a new mom and taking advantage of the walking trails in Memorial Park. Now that the kids are all old enough to enjoy it, we are making the most of this playground. The Vale-Asche Foundation Playground was Houston’s first playground designed with special needs children in mind. While it works for children of all abilities, it has specially designed aspects for sight and hearing impaired children. Our kids love the rolling slide, the rocking table and the balance elements. I like the rubberized surface and all of the tunnels and slides.
Amanda Sorena
Where: 3311 Beauchamp Street, Houston, TX
Travis Spark Park is the place to take your dino-loving kids. This park was designed by kids themselves and features some triceratops bones that you can climb all over. They also have a legit rock wall, sand pit and fun spinning chairs. It’s the perfect place to wear kids out on the weekend, since this park is part of an elementary school and opens to the public a little less frequently than others.
Morris Malakoff
Where: 3801 Eastside Street, Houston, TX
Upper Kirby’s Levy Park has officially reopened, and includes new features that make it worth the drive, even from the ‘burbs! We’re talking table tennis and a putting green for sporty types, a performance pavilion for the artistically inclined, a dog park, community gardens and the promenade. Kids can enjoy unique climbing structures, an observation deck winding through the old oak trees and a rock climbing wall. Don’t forget a change of clothes, because a run through the interactive water feature is nearly impossible to resist.
Katya Horner
Where: 15020 Cinco Park Rd, Katy, TX
We regularly note this Cinco Ranch spot as a favorite for all types of kids. The park offers a mix of traditional play structures and nature-inspired wooden and stone elements. It includes several unique interactive activities, like the blue foam Imagination Playground blocks for open ended construction play, a group swing, and a life-size xylophone bridge. With different activities for all ages, this is another great park to visit with a mixed-age group.
