City: Houston, TX

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (713) 524-5876

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Description: Since opening in 1914, Hermann Park has been one of Houston’s most popular recreational destinations. The 445-acre park isn’t just a great place to jog, golf, nap, or just enjoy a pretty day; it’s also home to three of the city’s biggest attractions—the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Miller Outdoor Theatre. A giant statue of Sam Houston greets visitors who enter the park from Fannin onto Hermann Drive. To the left is the Houston Museum of Natural Science and, a little farther down, the Houston Garden Center, which is surrounded by more than 2,500 rosebushes. To the right is the bulk of the park, which includes about 2 miles of well-­shaded trails for walking and jogging, as well as Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Houston Zoo, and the Hermann Park Golf Course. Another big draw here is McGovern Lake, where children can feed the ducks, birders can watch for migratory birds, and families and couples can ride in four-­seat pedal boats, which can be rented from the boathouse across from the zoo for $9 per half-­hour. Children 12 and under and adults 65 and over—yes, you read that right—can also partake in some catch-­and-­release fishing here, but guests ages 65 to 70 must have a Texas fishing license. Visit the website or call for more information on fishing in the park. Directly north of McGovern Lake is the 740-foot-­long Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflection Pool, which is also visible from the Sam Houston statue at the park’s entrance. Lined with large oak trees, the reflection pool is a soothing place to walk or picnic. Just west of the reflection pool is the park’s simple yet elegant Japanese Garden. East of McGovern Lake is the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children, a fun place to have a birthday party or run off some extra energy. Most of the playground equipment can be used by children of all physical abilities, including those confined to wheelchairs. Also popular among children is Bayou Parkland, which offers special educational programs for kids throughout the year. The Hermann Park Railroad—a red, open-­air train—travels around one of the three islands at McGovern Lake. The kid-­size train runs from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. Rides cost $3 for guests 1 year and older; on weekdays, you can buy an all-­day train pass for $6. For an added dose of fun, picnic on the lake’s north shore and run through the fountains there. Visit the Hermann Park website to download a map of the park, which is located across the street from Rice University and within walking distance of the Texas Medical Center and the Museum District. Free parking is available in lots in front of the Houston Zoo, at the Bayou Parkland Pavilion, at the Houston Garden Center, near Miller Outdoor Theatre, and at the golf course clubhouse at the corner of Almeda and MacGregor Streets. Hermann Park is also accessible by taking the METRORail to the Hermann Park/Rice U station.