Smither Park

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12 years ago

This is a REALLY small park... You can literally walk across the entire park in less than a minute. But size doesn't matter, right? Lots of cool things to see here, even at it's unfinished state. The fish inspired band-shell is by far the coolest as it serves two purposes - It allows bands to play under an acoustic roof and it serves as a beautiful piece of art! The curvy wall that runs along a perimeter of the park is called the Memory Wall. It's a collection of different artistes creative input using all sorts of materials like old license plates, ceramic tiles, door keys, glass bottles, and more. It's still currently in progress as of (11/30/2014). Some sections of it don't interest me much, but others are really worth taking a gander. The wall also provides a good back drop for photos. I would recommend visiting this place only if you were already in the area or close by. It might not be worth making the drive if you live somewhere far like Sugarland or Woodlands. If you are still interested in checking this place out, stop by The Orange Show too which is right next door. It's free entry! Sometimes events are held at the park and The Orange Show so perhaps schedule your visit during one of them and knock three birds with one stone! read more

Smither Park - DJ is playing under the fish inspired band shell. The design is so cool! - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smither Park - Memory Wall is very cool, even at it's unfinished state. - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smither Park - Look it's a cat! This is part of the Memory Wall - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smither Park - Back View of the Fish Inspired Band Shell. - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Christopher H.

6 years ago

I had a first date here 2 years ago, and over those two years we've been coming here to come see something new every time. Each art mosaic is unique and beautifully aesthetic. Recently in October I brought my now fiancé to this place where we had our first date those 2 years ago and I proposed. It is definitely a staple in our lives. read more

Smither Park - Mosaic cave, my fiancé and me - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Antonio H.

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6 years ago

Another day trip in the cityartist Dan Phillips worked alongside the late Stephanie Smither to design Smither Park in the memory of her late husband, John H. Smither. John and Stephanie were long-time supporters and collectors of self-taught art, as well as board members of The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art. Inspired by the Orange Show's philosophy of promoting self-taught art, over 300 artists have contributed permanent mosaic masterpieces. A whimsical and inspiring place; a riot of art. Located adjacent to The Orange Show, Smither Park is a great place to bring family, friends for picnics, and a one of kind experience a day trip that will resonate long after you have left. On a nice day takes you a little closer to heaven. read more

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Whitney S.

Elite 22

437

204

304

6 years ago

Fabulous and original quirky, private, Houston park minutes from the University of Houston. Shared/owned with the Orange Show. Artists come here regularly to create murals and colleges on walls, side walks, tables, benches, you name it! Everytime you come here you might honestly see something new and different. It opens at 10 AM and is free to the public. It would make a great date destination for those who enjoy vibrant local art. read more

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Kenneth L.

240

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8 years ago

Super cool park in Houston! It's an artistic park with tons of artwork all around. If you are looking for something to gram, definitely come check out this place. Parking is pretty easy since the park is located in a residential area. I spent about 30 minutes walking around and checking out all the cool art pieces. I'd say this place is a hidden gem and a low key spot to visit if you're a tourist in the area. read more

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James R.

2660

421

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9 years ago

Now this is you place just don't come across every day especially just randomly out in the middle of the neighborhood. Was just killing some time and decided to look for a park nearby and lo and behold I found this place. Definitely recommend the place It's a bit far for me on the normal but I would like to take my kids by to see it there 12 and 15 But not a place you just take small children t but not a place you just take small children tooOnly open from Don to dusk. read more

Smither Park - Park rules - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Pamela G.

Elite 19

127

8 years ago

I'm so glad I decided to stop by Smither Park while I was in the area! It is located inside of a quiet neighborhood. There is plenty of parking along Munger St. You can't miss it, it immediately catches your eyes! There is a mural that runs along the back fence that contains such unique artwork with different sizes, shapes, textures, and colors. My favorite part is the dome shaped fish head with the disco ball beacon. It contains so many types of materials, fixtures, and colors! I'd love to know the artists inspiration or reason behind this work of art. Actually all the artwork gets you thinking! I also love that even the tables and swings were made into a work of art! I cannot possibly describe how unique and outstanding the artwork is at this park so you should definitely check this hidden gem out for yourself! read more

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Mia W.

410

684

6 years ago

What a cool little gem in an unsuspecting neighborhood. Definitely recommend to visit this art park and take time to marvel at the installations. Such a fun experience. read more

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Mimi R.

5127

6 years ago

Wow what a amazing little park right in the middle of a neighborhood on the south east side of town A good friend of mine recommended it to me I love taking pictures and if you love taking pictures you small but worth the drive get on over there before You miss out life is to short. read more

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Erica G.

678

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8 years ago

This was such a cool experience. You can tell the park is incomplete and they are adding more but what is finished is breathtaking. I can't imagine what this park will look like when its fully finished! read more

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Anh L.

866

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9 years ago

It's been awhile since I've been here, but I'm glad I came back! The last time, most of the walls were incomplete, but now most of them are done. I love the different designs and how colorful everything is. It's definitely a place to visit if you love taking pictures. Everything is very unique and there's nothing like it in Houston. It's located in a neighborhood street, but the residents don't mind us parking on the side of the street. Parking isn't an issue, art is amazing, and photos come out great. That's all I ever ask for. I'll be planning another photoshoot here soon. read more

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Nancy C.

1373

437

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9 years ago

The only time size doesn't matter. This itsy bitsy park is gigantic in beautiful mosaic art. Every small inch is a masterpiece. There is no other park like it in Houston, a complete original, and free at that! There is a few picnic tables, bring chess or checker pieces to play a game on the only mosaic board. There is a gentleman waiting to play with you if you come alone, I am sure he will let you win. Three bench swings, great for the kids to have some fun, and perfect for couples. Street parking only so please be a pro at parallel parking. read more

Smither Park - Anyone up for a game? - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smither Park - Mosaic in white - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smither Park - NIght visit - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Monica Q.

171

190

9 years ago

This is a beautiful park. We went this summer and it was still partly under construction but I'm guessing that is an on going this with art. I took 3 teens and a 4 year old and they all loved it. There are games you can play like see who can find the copper head snakes first. Or try and only walk on the blue tiles, or just make up stuff like we did the kids all tried to out do themselves in front of the mirrored stage (in the mouth of the fish). You have to go to understand what I'm talking about. Just one of the many beautiful things to see on the east side of Houston. read more

Smither Park - East Houston - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Ana M.

6 years ago

Definitely check this park out! It is so beautiful! Bring your cameras because it's picture worthy. You won't regret checking it out. read more

Smither Park - Sign - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Jane W.

3 years ago

This is an amazing art park! My son's grad photos were taken there. It exemplifies the quirk that makes Houston the unlikely, much maligned but riotously unique art Mecca that it is ! read more

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Amy D.

Elite 22

920

1158

4532

12 years ago

Smither Park is decked out in local folk art and is situated in a half acre of land next to the Orange Show Monument. The folk art makes up the memorial wall on the backside of the park where you may find a art made up of everything from old locks to legos making up characters such as a swanky armadillo musician or a dragonfly lady. The local artists transformed their panel as a tribute and memorial to John Smither. The park also has big red swings, a shady pavilion, meditation garden and grotto. Entrance is free. read more

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David N.

4672

4501

3242

11 years ago

I had originally added this listing to yelp when it first broke ground. I visited in a couple of times since, but the review had been sitting in pending/purgatory for over a year now. This place is a great park to explore while you're checking out the Orange show next door. There is a wall of art along with a stage? area. Also, there are swings to sit on too. Definitely, something to check out while doing a mini tour around Houston. read more

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Nessa M.

6 years ago

Great community Park. I recommend taking your family. It's an art park with fragile pieces but very nice to have a picnic and admire all the pieces. They have swings and picnic tables. Beautiful place to take pictures ;) and do art. read more

Smither Park - We were inspired and decided to make it an art day. - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Mylissa R.

104

6 years ago

This is a hidden gem you don't want to miss! Incredible detail and talented creativity! My family had a lot of fun here. Look close, look inside, under, and all around! Fabulous experience! We were amazed that the checkers on the checkerboard were removable, and they were all there! Respect! You can take a little or a lot of time here, but you don't want to miss it. We stayed about an hour. Great photography opportunities! read more

Smither Park - Smither Park - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Preeya B.

Elite 18

222

139

10 years ago

The best word to describe this park is unique. So many great photo op locations! The park is full of random pieces of mosaic-style artwork, basically recycled junk made into art. It's pretty small, and wandering around would take 15 minutes max if you look at everything. But it looks like they are still adding pieces to the park. There was a lady working on a new piece in the middle of a December cold front when we checked it out. The park is in more of a sketchy area. There was a stray dog following us as we wandered around, and it managed to scare us into leaving. I guess this is a risk you take when you venture into the great outdoors. It's right next to the orange show if you want to check out both at the same time. The park is free, but the orange show is not. read more

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Gabriela C.

173

241

8 years ago

This was a fun park filled with art. Great for kids to run around and just a few swing benches to relax on. No restrooms though but great spot to get away. read more

Smither Park - Hanging out with a sculpture - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Amanda R.

407

334

263

8 years ago

What a unique gem! This park is so artistically colorful- from the swings to the tables to the various other pieces throughout. It wasn't crazy busy on a Saturday which was great since it's a smaller park. I spotted a few people with professional cameras taking pics and I can see why with such a beautiful background. The only weird thing was I couldn't seem to find a trash can? This remains a mystery to me. I recommend everyone make a trip here and take in all the park's beauty. read more

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Daniela R.

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

144

8 years ago

This park needs no advertisement, this park speaks for itself. I'm telling you, go here once and you will be HOOKED. This park is very hidden and resides in the middle of a neighborhood but i promise you, this park is filled with recyclables that been crafted into art and everyone will find something they love here. I continue to come ever so often and everyone who has came has never been disappointed! read more

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Alexis B.

Elite 26 All-Star

3291

5247

25733

11 years ago

Interesting concept for the park, but it's incomplete and needs quite a bit of work to get to good place. Quirky, but unfinished. If you're driving past, it's worth a look, I guess, but I would not go out of my way. read more

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Jackie S.

225

108

8 years ago

Oasis of Art Houston has done a much better job in recent years at making more public spaces. Smither Park is full of whimsical, up-cycled art and I LOVED it. It's not big, but you can definitely get lost in the abundance of colorful details. Great for kids, whether its a stroll, for a swing or the scene for imaginative play. Definitely check it out! read more

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Michelle L.

Elite 19

1278

1168

264

9 years ago

I'm a big fan of public art. I'm a huge fan of local artists. Bring those two together and you have Smither Park. It's not really a park by the way. You can see the entire park in about 5 minutes if you REALLY wanted to but we took about 30 minutes to take in all the little details. It's also located in a neighborhood but I don't think the residents mind people parking on the sides of their street. Parking wasn't really an issue when we went. Smither Park is still unfinished and I anticipate that it'll be completely done in about a year or two after having spoken to one of the artists that was working at the time. The whole park is a mosaic. Every inch tells a unique story and there are a ton of little details that make the whole park so endearing and unique. I also loved the fact that some of the art pieces were clearly created to be interactive. There are swings here, and an entire fish inspired band-shell on one side for bands to play under or even have photoshoots! I reckon someone will have a wedding here one of these days (if it hasn't already been done). Anyways, Smither Park is truly a gem and one worth visiting for sure. I hope they continue to add onto this amazing art piece and preserve it for many years to come! 5/5 read more

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Jasmine K.

8 years ago

Awesome place to take pics! Well kept by volunteers with beautiful landscaping. A hidden gem in the inner city. read more

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China C.

431

8 years ago

We decided to take our anniversary pictures here and the place was breathe taking as you can see in the pictures. read more

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Nicole B.

8 years ago

Worth stopping for- they are still adding more art every week. It's incredible to explore. read more

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Lacey D.

Elite 26 All-Star

237

971

3294

9 years ago

This is an excellent place to visit in Houston. The art mosaics are beautiful and creative. You could really stand there forever looking at them! We took a lot of pictures, and chatted a lot about the sculptures. It was fun getting lost in it all for a while! read more

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Elise D.

Elite 16

9 years ago

A great place to visit as a tourist, local, or art enthusiast. The park was easy to find in a quiet neighborhood where we were able to find street parking in right in front of the park and surrounding houses. The park is fairly small so you'll be able to see everything in a good and relatively short amount of time. The artists were still working on some pieces of the wall, but you can see a lot of great artwork that is already done. Expect tons of mosaic art pieces crafted into different animals, boats, flowers, etc. The sidewalks are also works of art. See if you can spot a thrown to sit on! Bring your selfie game to take cool pictures, and bring your dogs if you want even cooler pictures. Be cautious of other dogs and have yours on a leash. read more

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Jasmine H.

6 years ago

Great artistic park! I love the fact that different artists can showcase their art here.

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Ana M.

4 years ago

Beautiful. A lot of art very detailed and good place take pictures and have a good time

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Angela N.

344

8 years ago

Love this place!! Quintessential Htwn: random beauty all about. You Just have to stop sometimes and look at it

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Daisy M.

11 years ago

Good park to take kids! Not sure about the neighborhood! Better go with a small group! Very cool local art. read more

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Ulrica C.

358

11 years ago

Great artwork. Awesome place to take pictures. Love the creativity and energy. Nice place to sit out and enjoy w/the family. read more

Smither Park - Night view of artwork in dome - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Smither Park - Fun memories - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Page 2 of 3

2441 Munger St
Houston, TX 77023
Gulfgate/Pine Valley
Directions
(713) 926-6368
Call Now

Hours

What time does Smither Park open?

Smither Park opens at 7:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

What time does Smither Park close?

Smither Park closes at 7:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Sun 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Indoor Amenities

Does Smither Park allow dogs?

Yes, Smither Park allows dogs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Smither Park have bike parking?

Yes, Smither Park has bike parking.

Does Smither Park have parking?

Yes, Smither Park has parking options. Private Lot Parking, Street Parking

From the Business

Specialties

Smither Park is a creative urban space owned and operated by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art that has developed with the help of artists and friends. Built as a tribute to the late John & Stephanie Smither and inspired by the Orange Show's philosophy of promoting and sustaining self-taught art, over 300 artists have contributed permanent mosaic masterpieces, and it serves as a testimony to the vibrancy and creativity of the city of Houston. Located adjacent to The Orange Show, Smither Park is a great place to bring family, friends and loved ones for picnics, gatherings, and relaxation.

Ask the Community - Smither Park

Is Smither park a Bike park as well?

It's a small park, so you wouldn't really be able to ride a bike in it. But if you arrive on a bike, you could keep it with you as you go through.

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Can I take graduation pictures here?

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Review Highlights - Smither Park

“It's right down the street from the legendary Orange Show, but this one is free and open to the public.”

Mentioned in 14 reviews

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How can you go wrong at the park?…read more Especially on nice, but warm day. How about just adding a fruit flavored ice bar. It really made the day pleasant.

This is hands down one of my favorite spots to view the Houston skyline. On a nice day, Eleanor…read moreTinsley will be PACKED. In addition to the beautiful view, this park has sand volleyball courts and plenty of open space. Many people bring dogs, strictly on-leash, and when the weather is nice, there will be picnics and photo shoots everywhere. I love to take a book and walk my dog here. It's tucked into Buffalo Bayou, pretty close to the Cistern. Street parking is available, with some extra off of Sabine Street, just a short walk from here. Would definitely recommend stopping by, my spirits are always high at this park!

Skyline view

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BEAUTIFUL PARK! I have lived in Houston for years and only ever scratched the surface of this…read moreBuffalo Bayou Park. It's so clean and I absolutely love all the wild flowers this time of year. This is one of the best place to bike in the inner loop with the separated biking and pedestrian trails. Connects to the heights and all major neighborhoods. A lovely place to get a walk or bike ride in on the evenings or weekends! There are quite a few manicured grass spots for picnics or to bring a book, as well as shaded areas. I have always felt very safe at this park. A 'not so hidden' gem as parking can be a little tough, but leads to not very busy trails. I never realized how beautiful this park is compared to the days I would only drive by!

The Houston Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park is not only an amazing piece of Houston history but also…read morea wonderful structure to tour. In a city that is known for tearing down and paving over so much of our history, it is wonderful that this was saved and has been made into a place that visitors can visit and experience. I went with some friends from Kingwood on a Photo Walk of the area, we were lucky that the light and sound experience was still going on, each column in the cistern has LED lighting that changes to the tune of some aethereal music playing silently, the acoustics of the cistern make it sound so beautiful and mesmerizing. When you purchase your ticket online you choose one of the available times, upon entry they give you 30 minutes, the time passed quickly. Be ready if you are taking pictures or better yet, a video. Smart phones work great but you might consider turning off auto focus and just focusing manually if you know how because when it gets dark for a moment and then the lights come on most cameras auto focus has to search for focus so it goes in and out of focus. When you leave, there is a skateboard park up above and worth some time for taking pictures of the acrobatic skating going on.

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This is a pretty cute park for kids but the only thing is that there is a section. Your kids run…read morearound really quickly like mine. We can't see them through the wood slats so you spend a lot of time walking around through them. Always a muddy spot there no matter so beware. Also there is no restroom or water fountain. I believe they are trying to make changes to the park sometimes soon.

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Missing board

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This park on Eastside Street is such a wonderful place to have in Houston. It offers plenty of room…read moreand amenities, including a dog park, an activity lawn, promenade, a children's park, pavilion, and an event lawn, plus restaurants nearby. With street parking in the surrounding area and clearly marked parking areas for the park itself, it's a pleasure to visit. As an added safety feature, they've got security that actively make rounds in the park and by the parking areas monitoring. There are plenty of tables at this park as well as areas for play. Stumble upon their games cart with a rotating supply of board games and strategy games to have some fun with friends or the kids, the art cart with some crafty supplies and the reading room which holds some books and magazines to borrow. They take donations too so you can reach out to them if so desired! The park is clean for what it is, and some areas have device charging stations along with free wifi. Their website also has a calendar of events to check out.

Lobby of parking garage

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(23 reviews)

6.8 mi

River Oaks Park is a small neighborhood park inside one of the nicest districts in Houston. There's…read morefree tennis courts, picnic tables, basketball courts, and a playground (currently closed due to COVID). It won't take much time to walk through, but is enjoyable spot for some fresh air. We ended up walking through the neighborhood admiring the gorgeous houses after we completed the park.

My kid loves spending time here. The fence in area and the abundance of shade provided byu the…read morelarge trees are a big help to the summer heat. We even hosted our son birthday celebration here in the past. The park is situated in a residential area, so street parking is the only option. Finding a parking space especiaally during busy times or weekends can be a challenge. There are two aspects of this place that I find less appealing. Firstly the sporadic presence of ant (a little too much the city should really do something about it) Secondly, the lack of consideration shown by some of the dog owners who don't keep their pets on a leash. This is especially true when their dogs take a doodle but the owner doesn't pick it up. Really nasty in my opinion. Nothing towards the city but cmon guys, pick up the poop.

River Oaks Park, Houston, TX

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Space Adventure

(13 reviews)

4.0 mi

this is such a great playground to bring children!…read more the layout of the playground is though, yet whimsical. it's mostly shaded, and there is a splash pad area on super hot days. be safe. have fun

I can't believe that I have come down to the zoo numerous times and never took a little stroll down…read moreand came to this play area. Granted, you would probably be exhausted at the zoo unless you put a timer on like I do, so that we don't all have meltdowns, but I digress. But I am really happy to come across this play area. Was it weird walking up and down the rolling hills of the playground with a stroller? Absolutely. But would I do it again? Absolutely. I really love how they had a rubber ground for the patrons to walk on because I'm really sick of the wood chips. I'm not sure who started putting shards of wood under our children when they play, but I'm over it. We came here on one of the handful of nice weather days weekend down here in Houston. I'm not sure how hot the playground would be during the summer, because a lot of the material here is metal, but I would definitely check it out again!

Space Adventure Playground

Lift off

Space Park!

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Noah's Ark Pool

3.8

(17 reviews)

13.8 mi

We had a great time attending a friend's 6th birthday party here. The kids all had a lot of fun!…read moreThey just remodeled the Noah's Ark area earlier this year. There was no actual swimming in the Noah's Ark area because the water areas are all shallow, so it's a place where even babies and toddlers can play- just need to watch out for kids running around and still need to watch the really little ones to make sure they don't drown.

She was really disrespectful. She was like you know I work for tips, I meal was $13.38 and I left…read moreno tip because am poor with no job on top of it, so don't come up to me and ask for tip lady it very disrespectful and wrong you get paid no matter what. Also want to say that my sister is military and that's how she got treated. And that's how they're going to treat their US Coast guards. I feel like they deserve a one star.

Remodeled Noah's Ark water play area- lots of water spraying features

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Sylvan Beach

3.8

(104 reviews)

19.4 mi

i love coming here , i gotta come more often since im so close. i went today with my family and it…read morewas a really fun time. wasn't too busy for spring break but we did go pretty early in the mid morning, around 1030-11 am. we were able to sit in the sand right by the water AND have a good bench by the park. honestly a really fun time. and the little bait shop had fun sno cones.

Nice local beach close to Houston to go for a walk and see some water seagulls and fish…read more We saw a few dolphins and lots of flying fish on their pier. The last time we visited was for the Sylvan Beach triathlon and it was just as tranquil today. Parking: plentiful Bathrooms: available and clean Return: most likely

View of the fishing walkway during sunrise c:

The view of the water.

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Slingshot kinda wknd

Candeeland

4.6

(17 reviews)

20.5 mi

The stars are based off how much fun my 4 year old had do what you want with that. The place was…read moreclean. It was not super crowded when we went so that was a plus. You MUST have grip socks or you have to buy some. Parents you have to take shoes off or wear their shoe covers! Helps them keep the floor clean for the kids. The only thing is they have so much stuff on the side that requires you to keep swiping your card if you let your kid play. So he'd get upset bc I wasn't paying for every little extra game we did get some cute photobooth pics.

Compared to similar spots, and taking price into consideration, this spot is underwhelming. There's…read morea lot of wear and tear on the play structures. The ball pit has a cute air machine that should shoot out the balls but it's worn out and doesn't produce enough air to do what it's suppose to. A merry-go-rounding is worn and two swing units have apparently broken so they just left them off instead of replacing them. The ball out seems to be halfway empty of balls and the flooring is bubbling up in dozens of spots. Four stars because kids will have fun anywhere. Staff was nice and we got half price vouchers.

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Evelyn's Park

3.9

(53 reviews)

7.5 mi

I am on a mission to visit all the cool parks in Houston and today we decided to take the drive…read more Once we arrived we had to figure out where the extra parking was located at the church but once we did we were ready to have fun In this beautiful day. My niece had a great time. The park is well spaced out and plenty of things for kids to do. The only draw back is not at fault of the park,it is in fault of the parents of the children at the park. I had to tell one little boy twice it to throw a big stick over the slide. All in all this is a cute park tucked inside of Bellaire.

This is a very nice park of "Alice in Wonderland". All area clean, great water spot for children…read moreand open spacious area. Nice trees, lawn, trash and recycle cans.

Good morning, Evelyn's Park

Betsy's At Evelyn's Park

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Mushrooms

Lovebug's Playground

4.7

(17 reviews)

10.3 mi

Lovebugs is great! We have come here when the weather is too hot, too wet, or too cold to be…read moreoutside. We've come when the kids have had wayyyy to much screen time and they can have a nice clean place to do some creative play and a clean bathroom to use when they will inevitabily need to poop or pee! This studio is only for children 5 and under though and must wear socks in the play area. Check it out if your kid is needing somewhere clean and nice to play.

This is a great indoor playground for young children. My granddaughter loves this place and the…read moreprice is reasonable.