When the sun is shining, the temperature is perfect, and the kids are begging to play outside, you’ve got several options in the Heights and surrounding areas to consider for outdoor play. Head on over to these popular kids’ parks for a fun time! They will definitely tire out your little ones enough for you to catch up on your latest Netflix binge.
Donovan Park
This park has undergone a serious transformation over the years! Once an underutilized neighborhood park in the Heights, this greenspace has been turned into a fantasy play space notable for its railroad theme. The kids will have a blast soaring into the air on the swings, playing make-believe on the wooden train, and staying active on the large playground. Since there aren’t many spots like this nearby, it’s enormously popular. To visit, head to 700 Heights Boulevard across from Heights Mercantile.
Memorial Park
Where to start with Memorial Park? It offers so much! From picnicking to hiking and playing sports, the opportunities to enjoy activities here are endless. The Vale-Asche Memorial Playground located on Memorial Loop Drive provides fun for children of all abilities as the structure is 90% accessible for children with physical mobility challenges.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center located within Memorial Park will also keep your kids plenty busy! Enjoy beautiful trails and ponds during your trip, and observe the ducks as they play and waddle around the nature center. When your kids need something a little more active to pique their interest, bring them on over to the new playground that was built in the spring of 2021. It features several unique play structures, including a massive sandpit and a water pumping station to help the kids stay cool.
Shepherd Park
Ah, we love a park that features shade! Fortunately, there is no shortage of it at the tree-lined Shepherd Park. Located at 4722 Brinkman Street in Shepherd Park Plaza north of the Greater Heights, the greenspace offers highlights such as a short walking trail, separate play structures for small kids and big kids, and a Little Free Library. It’s also worth noting that in the past, the neighborhood has gone all-out with holiday decorations – just something to keep in mind for future visits!
Oak Forest Park
Slide over to 2100 Judiway Street to take advantage of the brand-new all-abilities playground at Oak Forest Park. It’s the first such structure in northwest Houston, and it enables children with disabilities to enjoy swinging, sliding, and climbing with their friends and family. After your kids have burnt off some energy, fuel them back up (if you dare) with lunch or snacks eaten at one of the park’s picnic tables. The greenspace also offers ample shade, bike racks, and benches. One of the best things about this park is that it’s always improving. Recent updates include a repainted basketball court, tennis court renovations, and dog water fountains. Visitors can also take a stroll on a new paved walking trail!
Candlelight Park
If you’re willing to make a short drive to 1520 Candlelight Lane in northwest Houston, Candlelight Park is totally worth it. It consists of 9.53 acres set within a residential neighborhood, and a massive playground was constructed here in 1992. If your kids (or you – no judgment!) don’t feel like horsing around on the monkey bars, check out the short walking trail or the indoor play area, which features toys and a library.
West 11th Street Park / Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve
Who doesn’t adore a mini-forest? That’s what you get with this beloved 20.2-acre greenspace. It’s the biggest plot of native forest in the Inner Loop, and as a result, kids have the opportunity to observe a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors are also welcome to bring their dogs as long as they remain leashed, especially on the mile or so of nature trails visitors can access. You’ll definitely want to remember your bug spray at this park! Visit between dawn and dusk to enjoy everything this location has to offer. Keep in mind that the name of the park will soon change to the Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve – just a note so that you and your GPS stay on good terms!
Jaycee Park
Situated at 1300 Seamist Drive at the heart of the Lazybrook/Timbergrove community, Jaycee Park boasts swings, a playground, a tennis court, a jogging trail, a basketball court, and a baseball field. The playground features structures like ladders, monkey bars, slides, a rope bridge, a curving rock wall, a music station, spring-loaded seesaws, a fireman pole, and a stand-up swing set… Just to name a handful of the structures the kids will tell you all about when the day is over! Some of the park’s features, like the rock wall, stand-up swing set, and splash pad are seriously rare finds for the area. The splash pad is an especially refreshing highlight of Jaycee Park during the hot, sticky summer months when even just thinking about spending time outdoors turns up the heat. You’ll also be pleased to hear that the playground is equipped with shade structures. After the kids have worked up a sweat, head to one of the area picnic tables to enjoy lunch. Did we mention yet that free street parking is available? We know that that is an important detail.
Montie Beach Park
This 23-acre park includes highlights like a community center, bike stations, a lighted tennis court, a lighted sports field, splash pads, walking trails, and a playground with favorite structures like monkey bars and swings. The park is notable for its large greenspace – perfect for playing Frisbee or a game of catch at. Check this park out at 915 Northwood Street in the Brooke Smith neighborhood.
Milroy Park
If you live in the Heights, you won’t have to travel far to visit this greenspace. Milroy Park is located at 1205 Yale Street in the Heights. It offers a playground where children can whoosh down slides, run across a rope bridge, play on a tire swing, and climb to their hearts’ content. Next to the playground, visitors will find a tennis court, T-ball backstop, sand volleyball court, and a lovely grassy area for more free play.
Woodland Park
This greenspace located at 212 Parkview Drive in Woodland Heights provides plenty to do and showcases some spectacular views of Downtown! Help the kids hone their tennis and baseball skills here, or shoot some hoops at the indoor or outdoor basketball courts. The area also features trails, art sculptures, a play park, and plenty of benches and shady trees. Birdwatchers will also love that the park is home to a wide variety of species of birds. For a nice family outing in a convenient location just off Interstates 10 and 45, consider taking a trip to Woodland Park.
Proctor Plaza Park
Looking to spend a fun day at the park in the Heights? Check out Proctor Plaza Park, located at 803 West Temple Street. This popular spot features a community center with adjacent lighted tennis courts, a lighted sports field, and an outdoor pavilion. The park also offers a great little playground and plenty of benches where you can rest your legs after a long stay!
When it comes to a day at the park, residents have boatloads of choices. Most area parks seem to have playgrounds at the very least, and many offer fields fit for throwing or kicking a ball around. While we hope you love these parks, keep in mind that there are many, many more options to consider. Have fun out there!