Are you considering a trip into town soon? Are you making summer plans that include exploring some Houston attractions? Consider Hermann Park. We really enjoy this Houston treasure. Here's why:
The playground offers at least three different play structures - a toddler area, an area appropriate for younger children, and an area for older children. The red/blue structure is accessible for children of all abilities.
The Japanese Garden, which offers a peaceful reprieve from inner-city life. It features a variety of trees, ponds, and Japanese-inspired buildings. It's a getaway within Houston.
The opportunity to feed the ducks. There is a deck near the playground where the children can stand with break scraps and feed some of the many ducks at the park. The children must be attended, however, as the rails don't offer much of a barrier between them and the water.
The water play. There is a Splashpad on the playground, as well as some pop-up fountains at the end of the reflecting pool (yes, there's a reflecting pool).
The train, which is $3 per person; free for children under 11 months. There are now three train stops, with on and off privileges at certain points of interest at the park. Check here for details.
The available green space for having picnics, and pavilions, too!
Also located on the grounds is Miller Outdoor Theater, the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Houston Garden Center, the Cockrell Butterfly exhibit, a full golf course, and a lake with paddle boats.
Know before you go:
- Holidays and weekends, are very crowded - particularly on clear, cool days. Because of this, parking can be a challenge.
- If going on a weekend or holiday, I would recommend taking the Metro Rail and getting off at the Hermann Park/Rice University Station (if you're going to the park, museum, or Miller Theater), or the Memorial Hermann Hospital/Houston Zoo stop (if you're going to the Zoo). You may also park at Memorial Hermann Hospital for a flat rate of $6.00. There is another for-pay parking gargage, located at the Museum of Natural Science.
- The ducks are friendly and have never approached me or my children. But, you should know that there are many of them along the park trails and in some of the picnic areas. If any of your children have a fear of birds (as one of mine do...), this could be an issue.
Tips for a fun trip:
- Pack a picnic. You can enjoy it atop the hill near Miller Theatre, or on one of the many park benches in the park. Bring a blanket if you plan to spread it out on the grass.
- In summer, plan to go early or late. A mid-day visit = whining.
- For our family, the trip is more enjoyable if we break it up. For instance, we'll either do the playground only or we'll choose to go for a walk around the grounds and in the Japanese Garden. It's too much (at least for us) if we try to do it all.
- As always, pack your essentials - water and sunscreen.
- I encourage you to wear tennis shoes instead of flip-flops or sandals, simply because of the amount of walking.
- Don't forget your towels if you're planning to let the kiddos run through the Splash Pad.
Hermann Park is located at 6001 Fannin St. near the Medical Center. Map to Hermann Park.
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