City: Houston, TX

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (713) 400-7336

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Description: Discovery Green opened in 2008, but it’s already one of Houston’s most popular spots. This 12-acre downtown park is the brainchild of former mayor Bill White and the Discovery Green Conservancy, who wanted to convert old parking lots into urban green space that would serve as a recreational hub. The park is across the street from the George R. Brown Convention Center and just a few blocks from Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, and more than a couple towering buildings. But the hustle and bustle of the city feels miles away when you enter Discovery Green, aka Disco Green. Maybe it’s the 100-year-­old oak trees, the lush grass, and the gardens filled with native plants. Or maybe it’s the sight of children and adults navigating their rented remote-­controlled sailboats along Kinder Lake. Discovery Green is loved for more than its trees, grass, gardens, and lake, of course. Kids come here to play on the playground, run through Gateway Fountain, play with remote-­controlled sailboats, and ice-­skate on the Ice at Discovery Green during the winter holiday season. Dogs love to come here to socialize and frolic in the Kinder Large Dog Run and Harriet and Joe Foster Dog Runs. And adults love to run along the 0.5-mile McNair Foundation jogging trail, admire the contemporary art installations, and play chess and bocce, which can be checked out for free from the whimsically decorated Art Carts around the park. Those who stay awhile often bring along a picnic or grab a drink or dinner at The Grove restaurant overlooking the park. Throughout the year, Houstonians flock to Discovery Green for special events and festivals. Among the biggest draws: the Glowarama New Year’s Eve celebration and the Houston International Jazz Festival. Also popular is Discovery Green Flea, a unique market that sells kitsch, vintage, and repurposed collectibles and art; the market is open on the third Saturday of the month. Yoga and Pilates classes, youth writing workshops, and bike repair workshops are regularly offered here, along with movie screenings, concerts, and theater events. Most, but not all, of these events are free. Visit the website to learn about upcoming events and pricing. There’s metered parking near Discovery Green, but free parking spots can be hard to come by during the summer, for special events, or on the weekend. Paid parking is available in the Convention District Parking garage at 1002 Avenida de las Americas, the Hilton Americas–Houston garage at 1600 Lamar, and the Houston Center garage at 1200 McKinney St. Prices vary.