Pack a picnic and head over to Houston’s newest public park for shopping, relaxation and a spot of exercise.
Discovery Green is a modern park spread over 5 hectares in the middle of downtown Houston. It has swiftly become a popular destination since it was opened in 2008, attracting business and commerce as well as tourists and local residents.
The Green is a great environment to get some exercise. Take a walk along the promenades, go for a run on one of the many jogging trails or simply lie back under the centenarian oak trees and drink in the view across the city. There are free fitness classes throughout the week in everything from yoga to hoop dancing. You’re welcome to join in - just bring yourself, a towel and something to keep you hydrated.
The park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon relaxing with the family, as it has parks and picnic lawns aplenty. Children will happily play for hours in the water shooting from the interactive fountains, dancing in and out amongst the lights and jets of spray. There are remote-controlled sailing boats to hire on the banks of Kinder Lake, a manmade pool which extends over more than 4,000 square metres in the North of the park. During the winter, the boating pond is frozen over and transformed into an ice rink with bright railings, an eclectic music selection and a café serving warming winter fare.
A custom-built amphitheatre has space for up to 2,000 people to sit on the grass and watch the plays, concerts and dance productions held there. There are regular outdoor film screenings as well, so check the website for details of what’s on.
Each weekend, the paths and promenades are lined with stalls from the regular flea markets and craft fairs. Wander around and see what treasures you can find amongst the original artworks, vintage gems and up-cycled pieces. With the park’s gorgeous surroundings and spectacular views across the city, this has to be one of the prettiest markets in Houston!
Discovery Green is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to get to by public transport. It is open daily and entry is free.
