Memorial Park is a popular Houston attraction complete with a beautiful three-mile (4.8 kilometers) playground. There are walking paths, picnic sites, baseball fields, pine trees, gardens, and ponds in the sprawling park. Here, you can appreciate nature's beauty and make the most of the sunny weather. The locals love to jog here, but you can also rent a bike and hit the trail. There is also a public golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant, a tennis club, and a workout facility nestled on the grounds.
Eleanor Tinsley Park, designated in April 1998, is bordered by Buffalo Bayou, Taft Street, Sabine Street and Allen Parkway. It has a small pool where you can see fish, turtles, and aquatic animals swimming. The sloping hills, trees, picnic tables and the swing sets make this an excellent place to relax. Every year on the 4th of July, grand celebrations with fireworks take place here. This is a regular venue for festivals. It also features a host of sculptures and other art pieces.
With over five miles (8.04 kilometers) of winding nature trails and more than 150 acres (60.7 hectares) of woodlands, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is beautifully landscaped and covered with local native plants. Outdoor lovers certainly will not be disappointed, and indoor lovers will also marvel at Botanical Hall and the gift shop. A special feature for children is the Discovery Room with its 25-foot (7.62 meters) learning tree and pondering pond. Challenge young ones to spot the turtles and crawfish in the water. Classes are available for both adults and children.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center, housed in The Houston Museum of Natural Science, promises an experience like no other. An impressive array of over 1,500 butterflies from across the world call the tropical conservatory their home. The three-leveled glass enclosure is an enchanting rainforest, punctuated with fascinating flora and an alluring waterfall. Marvel at exotic species of the arthropod, Blue Morpho, Atlas Moth, Red Peacock, Owl Butterfly and Longwing, to name a few. Housing some of the largest and rarest specimens, the vibrant assortment paints a picture of paradise.
Just four miles east of downtown, you will find one of the nation's top seaports. A tour of the port offers an opportunity to view ocean freighters, ships and barges as they maneuver up and down the 50-mile channel that leads to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The port opened in 1914 with President Woodrow Wilson throwing the switch and firing the cannon. You will learn about this history and much more by taking the free 90-minute boat tour aboard the 90-passenger Sam Houston. Points of interest will include ships, geese and pollution control facilities. You are welcome to ask questions during the tour. The Port Authority holds a wealth of information. Before leaving, be sure and take one last look at the turning basin from the observation deck. It is a sight to behold. The tour is free, but reservations are required. All adults are required to have photo ID, and oversized bags or purses are not allowed. Please check the website for the tour schedule.
This pleasant lake in East Houston is a citywide favorite for a little dose of the great outdoors. The park has several features, the most obvious of which is Sheldon Lake itself. The lake is open to the public and mostly used for fishing, wildlife spotting and boating, although there are some regulations concerning boat horsepower. Finally, the John Jacob Observation Tower is an 82-foot tall tower providing expansive views of the lake and park for miles and miles in every direction.
The African American Library at the Gregory School is an important repository of information not only because it has a collection of works pertaining to Afro-American life, but also because the library is housed within what was the first Afro-American Public School then. The library is a treasure trove of information with articles, journals and books associated with African American people. You can learn more about the history and the day-to-day life of the community and other details. If you are exploring the city, African American Library at the Gregory School is a very unusual and important landmark that tells the tale of the yester years of the society.
The West 11th Street Park is located in the Greater Heights district and is a popular spot among the locals. This neighborhood park is unlike any other conventional park and features beautiful trails that run through the park's forested areas and are perfect for birdwatching, hiking, walking your dog, or picnicking under the shade of towering trees. The park is clean and very well-maintained and is a great place to enjoy the serenity of nature.
Situated in the beautiful, wooded Humble-Spring area, this wondrous park and nature center awaits your visit. Walking trails, small lakes and trickling creeks will satisfy your craving for nature. The center features educational exhibits and plant and game preservation programs. Of special interest to all are the replicas of pioneer and Native American homesteads of the 1800s, the owl prowl events and bird feeding and banding.
Memorial Park is a popular Houston attraction complete with a beautiful three-mile (4.8 kilometers) playground. There are walking paths, picnic sites, baseball fields, pine trees, gardens, and ponds in the sprawling park. Here, you can appreciate nature's beauty and make the most of the sunny weather. The locals love to jog here, but you can also rent a bike and hit the trail. There is also a public golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant, a tennis club, and a workout facility nestled on the grounds.
With over five miles (8.04 kilometers) of winding nature trails and more than 150 acres (60.7 hectares) of woodlands, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is beautifully landscaped and covered with local native plants. Outdoor lovers certainly will not be disappointed, and indoor lovers will also marvel at Botanical Hall and the gift shop. A special feature for children is the Discovery Room with its 25-foot (7.62 meters) learning tree and pondering pond. Challenge young ones to spot the turtles and crawfish in the water. Classes are available for both adults and children.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center, housed in The Houston Museum of Natural Science, promises an experience like no other. An impressive array of over 1,500 butterflies from across the world call the tropical conservatory their home. The three-leveled glass enclosure is an enchanting rainforest, punctuated with fascinating flora and an alluring waterfall. Marvel at exotic species of the arthropod, Blue Morpho, Atlas Moth, Red Peacock, Owl Butterfly and Longwing, to name a few. Housing some of the largest and rarest specimens, the vibrant assortment paints a picture of paradise.