Explore the great outdoors at Houston’s venues
Spring is here, and so is the opportunity to embrace the beautiful Houston scenery at some of our unique parks and trails throughout the city.
The Clay Family Eastern Glades, the newest section of Memorial Park offers a vast expanse to explore.
With 100 acres of open space, 2.5 miles of trails, a 5.5-acre central lawn, and a 5.5-acre Hines Lake with wetlands and boardwalks, visitors can spend an entire day here. In addition, there are pavilions, picnic areas, benches, and bike racks to relax.
The Houston Zoo is open to guests, who reserve a time slot online for their assigned arrival time. Online reservations are required for all guests and members.
Tickets are not sold at the gate. Guests can stay until closing time with last entry at 4 p.m. The Wildlife Carousel and venues such at the Wortham World of Primates, Natural Encounters, Reptile & Amphibian House, Bug House, and the Gorilla Arrival Building await, as well at the Giraffe Feeding Platform.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center has activities planned throughout the season.
In March, participate in their Native Plant Gardening on March 20, or the Sip and Stroll on March 25, and rejuvenate your home space with their Spring Plant Sale on March 26-27. Then in April, enjoy Botany for Beginners on April 3 or Gardening for Bees on April 24, and also Family Conservation Day, April 10 and their Earth Day Celebration on April 17.
In May, it’s a very busy month with their Arboretum BioBlitz, Plant-aPalooza, Sip and Stroll, Drink & Draw class, Bingo on the Lawn, and several Owl Prowl events.
Christine Mansfield, senior manager of Marketing and Development for the Houston Arboretum, said they’re excited to be offering in-person and virtual programming.
“From visitor favorites to new offerings, there are great opportunities for everyone to get outside and enjoy Houston’s wonderful spring weather,” Mansfield said.
Another great venue to visit is the Houston Botanic Gardens that features specialty gardens focusing on the Woodland Glade, Global Collection, the Culinary Garden, and Pine Grove. There are also Natural Ecosystems, such as Stormwater Wetlands to Coastal Prairies. There is also the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden to explore.
Find waterwalls and gorgeous walkways to indulge in among the grounds of the gardens.
“The newly completed water walls and gathering table in the Culinary Garden add to the multi-sensory appeal,” said Claudia Gee Vassar, president and general counsel of the Houston Botanic Garden. “We are excited to see this unique centerpiece to the Culinary Garden now flowing as the Garden springs to life after a most unusual winter.”