Ready for the Weekend

You work hard all week long and you should enjoy your weekends. And Houston has thousands of ways and places to help you enjoy your time off.

Hike and Bike trails

The region’s more than 650 parks provide ample space for your hiking and biking needs. Wander the bird trails in Herman Brown Park. Jog the loops at Memorial and Hermann parks. Bike on bayou trails.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department maintains more 380 miles of hike-and-bike trails, on-street bike lanes and street bike routes

For a map of the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s hike and bike trails, visit: http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/trail- map.html or call 713-845-1000

Parks

From small neighborhood green spaces to sprawling acres overflowing with amenities, the Houston region’s park systems offer fun for every member of your family. In the region’s parks, you’ll find:

  • Swimming pools
  • Water playgrounds or “spraygrounds”
  • Tennis Courts
  • Basketball pavilions
  • Recreation Centers
  • Soccer fields
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic areas
  • Dog parks where your furry friends can exercise off-leash
  • Fishing ponds
  • Softball fields
  • Golf courses
  • Bird watching areas and nature centers
  • Lakes and boating areas
  • Skate parks
  • A world-class cycling velodrome

For a detailed listing of what the Houston region’s park system has to offer you and your family, visit:

Golf

Home to the Shell Houston Open, Houston’s golf scene is nationally known for being one of the best. Across the region are a variety of municipal and private courses that aim to challenge your game, no matter your playing level.

The region has more than 130 golf courses, about half of which are public.

Ice Skating

Think that sounds like an oxymoron in Houston? No way! The region has five different for you to show off your stuff and channel your inner Tara Lipinski. The Aerodrome Skating Complex, Galleria and Memorial City malls, and Sharpstown Ice Center all have indoor, well-maintained rinks available for open skating, lessons or hockey leagues.

Gardening

Green thumbs delight in Houston’s sunny climate, perfect for growing everything from flowers to vegetables to trees and landscape art. Some of the region’s gardening and landscaping societies include:

Beaches

Head south of the Houston city limits to enjoy the sand and surf. Galveston is the region’s beach playground and when you’re finished with riding the waves and soaking up rays, the city has shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities galore.

Outdoor Festivals

The Houston region has something happening nearly every weekend. Whether you’re looking for a funky street festival or an international explosion of food and culture, Houston’s variety of events guarantee you’ll find something to pique your interest.