Covering 63 hectares and with over 8 kilometres of walking trails, Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a natural haven of forests and meadows, and is home to hundreds of rare and precious wildlife and plants.
Get here early in summer to start out on the walking trails before it gets too hot. Keep an eye out for the abundance of wildlife in the park, including squirrels, birds, frogs and turtles. Don’t miss the alligators, which are kept in an enclosure for safety.
The well-maintained trails wind through the forest and are all clearly signposted along the way. A number of them are wheelchair accessible, while the Palmetto Multi-sensory trail is tailored specifically for visually impaired visitors and includes a guide rope, signage in braille and stations where other senses are stimulated. Hikes range from the very short (under 200 metres) to up to three kilometres long.
The Arboretum holds daily scheduled activities, including tai chi and yoga, and there is a Tyke Hike aimed at toddlers and their carers. Grown-ups will love the evening Wine and Cheese walk, where you can enjoy some tasty treats along the way for a fee. The activities are a great way to meet locals and learn more about the natural flora and fauna in the area—take a look at the park’s website for more information.
Children and adults alike will love the interactive Discovery Room, with puzzles, games and displays relating to everything within the arboretum. Learn about the plant and animal species that call the park home, examine objects under microscopes and take a look at the aquarium.
There aren’t any picnic facilities in the arboretum, in order to protect the wildlife here. If you get hungry then head back to Memorial Park or return to downtown Houston for lunch.
Located within Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is just a ten-minute drive from the city centre. There is free parking available on-site.
