Discovery Green Tours

Discovery Green

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There’s much to do at this bustling downtown park, but it’s also a great place to come and do nothing at all.

Discovery Green is a 12-acre (five-hectare) park in the heart of Houston. There’s a lake, art spaces, playgrounds and picnic lawns. Locals and tourists alike come here to see live music and other performances, outdoor films and ice skating. You’ll even find the Houston Public Library here. 

The Andrea and Bill White Promenade (named after the city’s former mayor and his wife) runs through the center of the park. It offers views of the city’s skyline and is lined with flea markets and arts and craft fairs on weekends. Go for a stroll, jog or bike ride beneath the park’s 100-year-old oak trees along the Brown Foundation Promenade and McNair Jogging Trail.

Work your way to Kinder Lake, on the northern end of Discovery Green, and rent a remote-controlled sailboat. November through January the lake is also the site of an ice-skating rink. It’s open until late (weather permitting) every day of the season, including Christmas Day. Buy tickets in advance online, or line up at the rink.

In summer, cool off under one of several large water fountains. Typically, you’ll find hundreds of children playing under the high arcing jets of the Gateway Fountain. There’s also an interesting bird-themed playground for children under 12. For some easygoing entertainment, spread out a picnic blanket on one of the three large lawns with plenty of shady trees and watch the world go by.

A natural grass amphitheater provides seating for 2,000 people. Hundreds of events are hosted here each year. Check the Discovery Green website for details on films, concerts, dance and theater.

Head to the park early and try out one of the popular daily fitness classes, including cycling, yoga, Zumba and hoop dancing. There are also sports activities for seniors. These classes are generally free and don’t require booking in advance just turn up with a towel and a water bottle.

Discovery Green is open every day, and is easily accessible by public transportation.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Discovery Green

Reviews of Discovery Green

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
524
" "5 - Excellent 48.74418604651163%
4 - Good
337
" "4 - Good 31.348837209302324%
3 - Okay
157
" "3 - Okay 14.604651162790697%
2 - Disappointing
26
" "2 - Disappointing 2.4186046511627906%
1 - Terrible
31
" "1 - Terrible 2.883720930232558%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 25, 2020

Parking here is free on Sundays. We got to take some pictures and walk across the Convention Center. Kona Shaved Iced was there so that was a plus!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 27, 2019

Didn't go there

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Aug 12, 2019

Discovery green is mostly outdoors, great park most of year except during August heat.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Jul 22, 2019

I got a $75 parking ticket for parking my car in their lot. Their parking ticket location and fees was not clearly posted as you drive into the lot. Unfortunately, an out of towner like me missed it completely and got slammed a $75 ticket when it only costs $7 to party there, and their customer service doesn’t answer the phone either. They want you to write to them, but the ticket must be paid in two weeks. This was the ONLY disappointing experience that I had in Houston.

4/5 - Good

Brian
Feb 25, 2019

parking was kind of hard to find

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Nov 27, 2018

Indian people are cheap in nature. They tend to think its ok to cut out neccessaties to maximum profits. Is there is a way to tell if a property is owned or run by an indian person so i could avoid booking such places.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.