The first time I went to Disco Green, I was surprised at how small it was. I'm all for green space. Anywhere we can add some trees, water, a place for animals to get a drink, I think is great. As Gretchen mentions, it's very plastic feeling. What do I love? I love the multicolored block design on the entrance to the parking garages. Those could have been hideous eyesores but they are gorgeous and add fun and life to the park. The park is very child friendly, but having no kids it's not really an area I've explored. I've seen many a happy kid run through the water park area, ice skate, play on the playground. I love that The Grove restaurant has huge windows that look out onto the park. We had our mother's day lunch there and it was beautiful scenery. I haven't taken advantage of the different events they have in the evening (concerts, movies, etc) but they all seem wonderful! What don't I like? I don't like that it's buried downtown and not so easy to get to. Being next to GRB and near Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center makes getting there difficult often. It's definitely a destination and not a place you just stop by. I've always had to pay for parking which I definitely don't love. Overall, the place is good. Very good. I just can't be a fan, yet. There is definitely room for improvement. read more

I've always heard about Discovery Green, but never been to it. It took the Super Bowl to bring me to Houston's answer to Central Park. I'm really amazed by what this space has to offer. Trails to navigate, a lake to relax by, and if the weather is on point, a majestic view of the Houston skyline. When I return to Downtown Houston for business, I'll head over to DG and figure which was what during SB Live. I'll be sure to bring a lunch with me. read more

Discovery Green - Central Park? No, it's Discovery Green in Downtown Houston! - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Truly such a great park! There is so much to do, so many people around and completely safe. Love how well kept the park is and the seating areas where we can comfortably enjoy our salads as we enjoy the outdoors. Only issue I have is parking, it is awful but then again it is in downtown so not surprised. Yet, I still enjoy coming here. read more

At first, I wasn't sure about Discovery Green because we really didn't have anything like it in Houston up till that point- a Green space in the middle of downtown. Being a photographer, there was a lot of buzz in photography circles that they were going to ban professional photographers who didn't pay for a permit so I wasn't happy about the idea that anybody with a DSLR would be chased down, tackled and kicked out of a seemingly public space so I did what I always do when I'm angry and can't take it anymore: I wrote an email! It turned out they have a very reasonable policy regarding photography. Bring your camera and shoot all you want, but if you're a pro who has to close off areas with the lights, etc., then you need a permit. Seems fair for the serious amateurs and also to everybody else who doesn't want to trip over your stuff. So why do I mention photography in a review of a green space? Because they have so many fun events here that are becoming tradition! Dock Dogs is in town every year where they have dogs running and jumping in a pool of water! They have art bikes and art car shows. They have free concerts along with different cultural festivals like the Persian New Year celebration(some of those require tickets). Or you can just walk around on some grass and relax by the water. Whatever floats your boat. They have boats too. read more

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Unfortunately I booked a party in the celebration zone and received a phone call literally three weeks before my event, with people coming in from out of town, that they did not block out the weekend and my space had to be canceled. They did not have any other way to accommodate me. If I could give 0 starts I would. read more

This park has definitely been one of my favorite parks in Houston - they just celebrated 10 years, and it is awesome. Even though it is "posted" that the park closes at dusk... do not turn away from the opportunity to take a late, or after hour stroll into the land of adventure. The park has a jungle gym, ice rink during the winter, kayak during spring and summer, roaring exhibits, visual displays, a splash pad, hills, many photo opts, Instagram photo booth, various permanent exhibits, an assortment of gardens, walking trails, and acres of green space. Horse in carriage rides available from third parties on weekends. Tips: check out the website in advance to find out what new exhibits are out for display, workshops, classes, and festivals. Fret not about parking if you are up for an additional adventure... park at Phoenicia specialty foods, pick up a beverage and pastry or two as a patron, and take a stroll over to the park. Tips: bring snacks, blankets, $20 in cash for trinkets, and hand sanitizer or baby wipes! The George R. Brown has a gorgeous waterfall, and interactive exhibits as well. read more

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Pros: - Great park in Downtown Houston. - Nice refreshing atmosphere. - Great scenery. - Korean Festival is usually held here every year so they have kayaking. - Good for hanging out with your friends and family. - Good for picnics. Cons: - Parking read more

Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Yesterday I decided to take my granddaughter and the dogs down to Discovery Green for the afternoon. I have not been to Discovery Green in many years. Within an hour of walking around my granddaughter was shoved and hit and I had what I think was rusty scissors pulled on me because apparently this deranged person thought we were in their way as we were walking. It was so upsetting my granddaughter could not stop shaking and crying out of fear. It's so sad. We promptly left. I just hate that my granddaughter experience this. Needless to say we won't be back. read more

There's nothing much going on right now but this place is still beautiful! I love the little ornaments hanging from the trees. I heard some of them light up at night. I went during the day. No light show :( plus it was pretty cold hahah. This is such a family friendly place. Pretty place for a picnic. read more

Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Had a fun time with the kiddo killing time on a lengthy layover... explored the park, enjoyed the art, splished and splashed, got a snow cone, and had a lovely afternoon! Pro tip - the bathrooms are pretty clean and air conditioned for a quick reprieve!! You read more

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A great park in downtown Houston. It has two restaurants and several in the surrounding area. The park puts on events year round that are mostly free to the public. Very kid friendly. Street parking is a little hard to find, there is a parking garage under the park. read more

Amazing urban green space. A must-see while in Houston! Recommend pairing with an Astro's game and dinner right in Discovery Green park! read more

Discovery Green - Sculpture - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This is a fairly large and very clean park in downtown Houston, located near the Convention Center and not too far from Toyota Center. It was fairly empty when I was here, but they do hold events like concerts here. There are boats you can ride on the lake, large lawns for picnics and sunbathing, and great scenery overall. Great place for someone to relax or go jogging. read more

Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This park always have different kinds of activities to do. Love how they also do activities for children! Nice size splash pad for the kids during the hot summer days. Nice park to hang out and picnic with friends. Public restroom available! read more

Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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it was raining hard in Katy and we called to see if they are going to cancelled. it was raining hard downtown too. These people did not care. I called 45 times. It hung up and cut off . no email and it was pouring. bad business. Don't purchase tickets if it rain. Wait until the last minute or you will be disappointed read more

I love visiting Discovery Green park, it is not too far from my apartment and right in the heart of downtown Houston across from the Hilton and GRB. I usually come for their free yoga classes that take place on Tuesday evening and Saturday morning. The class location changes depending on what is going on in the park that day/weekend. I love coming to people watch and see children and families enjoy their time together. There are always different art installations both interactive and non to enjoy and take photos in front of. They offer kayaking, ice skating(during winter), roller skating, concerts, and other festival/events. The staff do a pretty good job of keeping the venue clean and giving information on where to find things or places within the park. There's also food truck in or near the park for your hangry moments. If you have never been to DG, come out, pack a bag and have a picnic or come sweat and cool off in the water spout area with the kiddos! It is also dog friendly for our furry 4 legged friends. read more

Discovery Green is a neat little park fun things for the whole family. There's a skating rink, water splashing area for little kids, benches and tables for adults. It's great area for Pokémon Go players. We went on a Saturday and there was DJ & music for skating rink, along with Flea Night Market on the other end. Awesome place to let the kids play outside, hang out or people watch. read more

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Lovely park especially if you want your kids to cool off in any of their two splash pads. There is plenty of shade, sitting areas, and even a small dog park. The pond is large enough for kayaking, which they have setup already. However, I did notice it was very dirty. Lots of trash floating around. Nice park and conveniently located too. read more

Cute little date spot in the heart of the city that provides a little something for everyone. Want to grab a cocktail? Discovery Green has that. Got a hankering for a churro? Go to Discovery Green! Looking to have an in-depth discussion about life's ironic instances? Use Discovery Green as your backdrop. This inner city park is designed with multiple photograph opportunities, a plethora of seating, and some pretty lush greenery in an otherwise concrete ridden seating. It is haven for anyone from great thinkers to those who want to get active. You can sit next to the pond or take a ride through the area. This park provides a peaceful way to to a break from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. read more

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Chill spot ! Peacefull and got lots of people waking around relaxing drinking eating! Waking there dogs relaxing in good atmosphere that Houston have to offer! Lots of lights !!! read more

Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

I stayed at the Hilton Americas Hotel across the street and felt fortunate to discover this beautiful park! They had some sculptures to experiment with sound, beautiful walkways, and even some cats! I wish I lived closer so I could visit here more often. read more

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Like most outdoor things, I love it here. Movies on the Lawn, Yoga, Hula-a-hoop, canoeing, art installations, every last bit of it. The little hurricanes that belong to me are a completely different story. They can go from loving it to the worst day ever in matter of seconds. Play ground, and the fountain feature are thumbs up for my monkey's. Canoeing is great and at only $5 bucks a kid, it's a mommy favorite too. We recently went for the new art installation the "Enchanted Promenade". I wish it went all the way around the park but it takes 3 minutes to see it. The kids were not impressed, and I had to make up for it with hot chocolate. They have a fantastic event calendar. Keep tabs on it something is sure to spike your interest. http://www.discoverygreen.com/ebevents read more

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Always cool art and statues. A lot of families during the day but always cool activities and gorgeous at night. Good date spot.

Discovery Green is a Houston park favorite. During the winter time is the best time to visit this awesome city park, right in the heart of downtown. They open an ice skating rink (even if its 80 degrees all winter), feature films in the evenings, have traveling art exhibits, and the usual awesomeness of the park. Whether you're a tourist or a native- you should definitely check this place out. BEWARE STREET PARKING. read more

Discovery Green - Winter time exhibits at Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

I just realized I haven't written a review of Discovery Green despite the fact that I am in love with this park! WTF? Ok, so I'm still pretty stoked from such a beautiful evening of snow, hot chocolate and ice skating... I love this park so much because it's was about time Houston deserved a park with so much to do for everyone one in the family, including furry friends. What is there not to like about this magnificent, eco-friendly park? It was free wifi, lots of seating, delicious food, two dog parks, a fun playground, public art, people watching, great view of downtown, plenty of parking, a lake, fountains, performing art stage... my list could continue but I think you get my point. I love that outdoor ice skating has been brought back to downtown. It had been too long since the rink outside of Foley's... when it was still a Foley's! For 10 measly dollars, you are guaranteed a great hour and a half of ice skating which includes skate rental! Where else are you going to get a bargain like this? I love the fact that the Discovery Green website is always up to date with easy to read calendar. Check it out before you go so you are able to see/do everything possible! It's funny how this place has become one of my favorite place to gather friends and catch up. I think if I lived closer, I'd be there everyday! read more

Hmmm. I don't like the hyped-up buzz surrounding Discovery Green. I feel like I'm walking into a plastic park...or that it's the "green space" that someone put in my Lego Village. Perhaps the most expensive model they could find at Target, or the bottom of the barrel at F.A.O. Schwartz. Manufactured isn't always bad, especially if it is done well. Discovery Green has design flaws. They spent a considerable amount on landscaping. It's pretty. There is a very modern playground, a nice deck around a pond, a stage and hill, and great sculptures surrounding the park. Dubuffet's "Monument au Phantom" was moved here, and Margo Sawyer has a couple of sculptures here. There is also some great programming. Yoga during the day, movies on Fridays, workshops, even a farmer's market on Sundays (not August) from noon until 4pm. I went recently for a Big Lebowski event. It was packed. There was human bowling, a costume contest, trivia, and the movie itself. It was great...and you can bring your own cooler filled with food and beverages or just that milk jug of White Russians. There were quite a number of people in robes drinking from milk jugs. It was fun. So, I'm certain you may be thinking, great, a sterile Miller Outdoor Theatre-esque place in the middle of downtown. Great for the entire family, blah, blah, blah. Before you make THAT hasty assumption, I'm going to mention the cost cutting design flaws. Perhaps the reason for the hyped-up buzz: parking and potties. There is hardly any parking that is less than $6...and a bit of a hike. If the Toyota Center has an event (Basketball notwithstanding) or there's an event at George R Brown, good luck finding a space. There is under the park parking, but it's ten smackers. I know this is in the middle of downtown, but well, over in Hermann Park, I don't have to pay to see events at Miller Outdoor Theatre (MOT). I waited in line for forty minutes to use one of the three stalls in the Women's restroom. There was an equally long men's line, but it moved faster. As I waited for my turn, I thought about the planning of DAG. It all revolved around one concept: Discovery Green was meant to be a gathering space for many people and often. It and its events are marketed as such; there is no question regarding the concept. So, what I thought about for forty minutes was, what committee of idiots either cut the bathroom budget, or just didn't consider it. Once I got inside the bathroom, stalls in sight, I wondered how much the unnecessarily fancy hand dryers cost and if their addition took away a couple of stalls...or someone to restock the bathrooms with toilet paper. MOT has ample toilets and toilet paper. This park has such potential, but falls flat. That is, unless you live in the area, are staying at one of the hotels within walking distance, or have the cash to pay for parking and wear a catheter. read more

For the lack of zoning mess that is Houston, there are number of beautiful and distinctive parks here in the Bayou City. The City and their private benefactors have certainly put a lot of effort and consideration into this green space called Discovery Green. The landscaping is well considered, I like the kids fountain and the fake lake, walking paths and benches are available for relaxation, food and drink are available during adult hours, and the concert series and farmer's market are tempting community events. However, Discovery Green doesn't yet feel like the right oais in the middle of this Urban Jungle. I would go farther by agreeing with Gretchen P. in my feeling that Discovery Green is so far a bit of a plastic park. As I walked around last week and saw the Convention Center in front of me, sports stadiums to my left, the Hilton to my right, and a some condos behind me, I was also struck by the lack of interconnection and cohesion with an actual neighbourhood and other real parts of the City. Maybe as time goes forward, the trees will grow to provide more cover, and the City and Discovery Green will better intertwine. In the meantime, this park is definitely a work in progress. read more

Fun/ beautiful park to upper your ig game. Perfect place for family and kids to hangout on the weekends. And for tourists people too! read more

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Parking is difficult during prime hours. We enjoy visiting during the weekdays without the crowds. Great park for kids to run around. We also enjoy the ice skating during the winter. Peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city! read more

This review is specifically for the "Ice at Discovery Green". Each ticket is $15 and you have to pre-buy before arrival. When we arrived the ice was melting! The water was inches high. It was un-skatable and a total waste of money. read more

Discovery Green - Water/Ice Rink - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Cool downtown green space that occasionally hosts fun events! We were just there for Untapped Fest - a big beer and music festival. The park was a bit small for the event, but that's not the fault of the park! Very beautiful park with some art, food options, water features, and more! read more

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I loved discovery green! This park located downtown Houston which we stayed nearby this park. I like the windmills and they decorated with that. During the evening Park became stunningly beautiful with all those lights and withmills. Park is not a very big, but it is more than enough ever. There was an Ice Skating place but that time when we were there it was closed. There is a cafe and playground areas. During the time, the weather was little chilly I would not be able to sit on the bench or grass. read more

Definitely one of Houston's great green space additions. Dicovery Green was once a barren parking lot and building space, which was then transformed into a really great compact park smack dab in the middle of downtown Houston. The park hosts various public events and activities, such as food festivals, cultural festivals, free concerts, movies in the park nights, plays, ice skating in our Houston "winter", kayak and stand up paddle board rentals in the pond, an enclosed dog park, huge play area water fountain for kids to run around in during the summer and so forth. Also, the park has two restaurants on the grounds offering a range from an easy hot dog at the casual spot I can't remember the name of, to a stiff cocktail and multi course meal at The Grove. Keep your eye out for upcoming events and try to keep it in mind when we have one of those blue sky days and you're dying to do something outside but don't know where to go. read more

Three cheers for the Gateway Fountain! Now inner looper children everywhere can run through streams of water shooting from the ground without having to vandalize a fire hydrant or move to the planned communities in the 'burbs where neighborhood water parks line every street corner. Not only is the fountain visually interesting, with a system of criss-crossing streams of water, but kids (and adults alike) can run through the spray on a hot day. The playground equipment is nice, including a large and a small net/trampoline, slide, chimes, and little hill for playing king of the mountain. The area is also surfaced with that springy playground flooring, so no worries about your little ones cracking their heads open on the concrete. There are free programs offered daily, and the selection is really amazing - from music, dance and art as well as yoga classes, jogging groups, and children's activities, there is truly something for everyone at Discovery Green. It has been a long time coming, but this new spark is a true boon for downtown Houston, and definitely a welcome addition to the landscape. read more

Discovery Green - Kite Flying on the Lawn - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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I like that there's always events going on at Discovery Green, like cultural festivals, concerts, and performances. I like that they do things like zumba and yoga in the park for free. I like that it's not just a park, but also a collection of unique geometric structures and colorful art and modern designs. BUT, and this is a big but, I dislike how inaccessible it is to us common folk. It's so hard to navigate through downtown and even exponentially more difficult to find parking. And pfffft. Pay a meter or park in a garage? Puh-leeeease! In my opinion, that aspect of it defeats the purpose of a park. I think I'll just stick with good ol' Hermann Park or Menil Park. Unless there's something like Australian acrobatic stilt dancers performing at Discovery..... read more

Discovery Green is one of my favorite places in Houston. It is an absolutely beautiful park, with a lot of different things to look at: statues, fountains, a lake etc. It is lacking in trees and space, but a great place to get a good look at the Houston skyline while enjoying some nature and sunshine. One of the greatest parts about this park is that there is always some sort of activity happening, whether that be International Festival (Spring) or Ice skating (Winter). They have all sorts of cultural festivals, art shows, and free performances. Right now, they have the Field of Lights exhibit by Bruce Munro, which you must go see! it is beautiful. So definitely make sure to look at their calendar of events before planning a trip out here. TIP: Parking is impossible. Be prepared to fight people for the limited metered parking and practice your parallel parking before you go. TIP: If you just want a nice, quiet night/picnic, come during a Sunday-Thursday night and park in the "Event parking". It says you have to pay, but if there isn't a Rockets game or event going on, nobody will be checking. You'll get free parking AND not have to struggle with paralleling it. (Of course, still be wary of patrols coming by...use your judgment about the lots.) read more

guard was rude, let an adult woman climb on the playground but not my sister and I (13 and 15) very rudely dismissed us as well

What a nice green space in downtown Houston. This spot is 12 acres for the city of Houston to host community events and educate on conservation. How COOL is that?! There are lots of big trees, grassy areas, sculptures, playground, dog play area, beautiful big trees, and even water fountains and a nice pond.. I went on a Sunday to enjoy the the urban farmer's market. The market itself was kind of hurting, but I really enjoyed just people and dog watching. The most exciting thing about this place is what it provides to the community. And to think, prior to 2002 this place was just two large parking lots! read more

Discovery Green - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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This place is amazing for all holidays, scheduled events and family outings. Come here during winter! They open up the ice skating rink. Instead of skating inside at those crowded malls, PSH why not do it outside instead. It's no frozen lake but it'll be okay. I usually come during the Korean Festival. There's lots of people, long lines for food, dancers, singers, and many more performances. There have been other times where beer festivals would be held here. But you gotta buy tickets for that. It's dog friendly as well! Bring your furry friend, but I think you'd have to keep them on a leash. There's a playground and water play stations. There's street parking but so hard to find! Be prepared to find parking. One star off for that. Anyways who wouldn't love Discovery Green?! It's an awesome place to relax, enjoy a few events here and there, and enjoy the fresh air. read more

My husband and I were broke but didn't want to just sit at home. So I suggested that we go walk around the city. This is one of our favorite things to do. We just both take pictures and see who can get better views of things. So we went to the Discovery Green to see what it was like on a Sunday night. We happened upon the Red Bull Illume. It was amazing. I didn't even know it was going on. There was also ice skating outside right now. We just stood and watched people. It was sort of romantic out there. The tree of tv's is super cool, the big lights that hang down in the path way is super cool. The playground for kids is amazing, make me wish I could climb all over the equipment. I can't wait to take all my friends here. It's just a magical part of Houston. read more

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