Now that school’s out, it’s high time to make sure the kiddos are active and entertained. Among the many great family-friendly activities to do with children in Houston are a wide variety of amazing playgrounds.
From space-themed adventure areas, to jungle-themed play spaces, Cinderella-like obstacles, and refreshing splash pads, Houston has it all. Continue reading to discover 10 of the best playgrounds Houston has to offer!
1. The Commons at Hermann Park
After Hermann Park underwent two years of extensive renovations, The Commons finally made its debut this past spring. Located in the southwest area of the park, on the corner of Cambridge and Fannin Streets, The Commons comprises of 26 acres of gardens, natural areas, play zones, and gathering spaces.
The centerpiece of the new park Swing Hill, one of the best Houston playgrounds. Here, kids can enjoy a retro playground experience complete with a splash zone, zoo-inspired playspace, as well as the Space Adventure area home to a 45-foot-high rocket.
6001-6399 Fannin St.
2. Discovery Green
Discovery Green is one of the most beloved green spaces in Houston. Located in the heart of downtown, the 12-acre park hosts a variety of fantastic seasonal events for the whole family. Among its many attractions is the John P. MvGovern Playground.
The state-of-the-art playground has two distinct areas designated by age group – one from 5 to 12, the other 5 and under. The area features a rolling hill, mini ropes course, 15 equipment pieces, as well as ample shade, seating, and more – because parents get tuckered out, too.
1501 Lamar Street
3. Dig World
Dig World in Katy is a ground-breaking playground across from Katy Mills Mall where kids can cosplay as construction professionals with real-life machine equipment. The hands-on Houston playground enables children (that meet certain height requirements) to use UTVs, skid steers, and excavators.
In addition to the construction-themed equipment, Dig World features a playground along with a gem-mining station and turf field where kids can run around and play yard games.
5000 Katy Mills Cir
4. River Oaks Park
River Oaks Park – otherwise known as Pumpkin Park for its Cinderella-like pumpkin carriage – is a charming, five-acre park in River Oaks. The park is fenced in, and features a grove of oak trees, lush gardens, as well as expansive green spaces.
River Oaks Park’s playground features climbing structures, slides, as well as sensory-rich playground panels. Visitors of River Oaks Park can enjoy granite trails, a Little Free Library, as well as basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts.
3600 Locke Lane
5. Mary Jo Peckham Park
Mary Jo Peckham Park is a lush, 32-acre park in Katy that offers a myriad of recreational amenities. Here, visitors can enjoy basketball courts, an aquatic and fitness center, a putting green, a mini-golf course, fishing lake, playground, pavilion, gazebo, exercise stations, and a challenging six-hole disc golf course.
5597 Gardenia Lane
6. Levy Park
Tucked in the Upper Kirby district, Levy Park is a vibrant park and green space. The 6-acre park features a dog park, family pavilion, community garden, kitchen and bar – making it ideal for parents of both children and fur-children.
Additionally, Levy Park features a creative splash pad and children’s playground complete with climbing structures, tunnels, and a slide. Additional features include a ping-pong tables, mini-golf, and a foosball table.
3801 Eastside St.
7. Fire Truck Park
As a proud uncle of a couple firetruck-crazed nephews, the Fire Truck Park in Southside Place is a sure-fire way to get your kids stoked. The fenced-in playground features a mini-replica firetruck as well as slides, swings, obstacle areas, and a Little Library for good measure.
6309 Edloe Avenue
8. Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area
Let your kids enjoy the true outdoors at the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area in Buffalo Bayou Park. Located in proximity to the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark and The Water Works, it’s a nature-inspired playground that features a rolling lawn, climbing logs and stones, and boulder-rock scramble.
The park’s biggest attraction is the triple-tiered treehouse and boat deck complete with climbing net where kids can let their imaginations roam. The picnic pavilion is available for rent for kids’ parties.
1800 Allen Pkwy
9. Donovan Park
Planted in The Heights, Donovan is an all-natural park area with equipment entirely made of wood. Here kids can enjoy its popular wooden train, castle, jungle, gym, and more. The park is designated in two areas – one for smaller, and one for larger kids. The park is first-come, first served.
700 Heights Boulevard
10. Exploration Park
Find Exploration Park in the Katy-area suburb of Cinco Ranch. The colorful playground features a mix of plastic, wood, and stone features. Here kids can enjoy a variety of swings – including a group swing – as well as an oversized xylophone bridge, foam playground blocks, interactive water wall, and sensory garden.
15020 Cinco Park Rd.