As the largest city in Texas, Houston has plenty to offer active individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors. The city has 337 recreation parks where you can find a wide array of activities such as hiking, picnicking and boating. Canoe enthusiasts will be happy to discover and paddle Houston's many bayous, including the Buffalo Bayou that runs through downtown.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Grab your canoe or kayak and float down one of Houston's many bayous while soaking up the sun. Houston has a variety of wilderness bayou areas that you can explore such as the Armand Bayou Nature Center and the Jesse H. Jones Park. Visit the Armand Bayou Nature Center and take a guided canoe trip to see the backwaters. Paddling on the the Jesse H. Jones Park bayou allows you to view a different side of Spring Creek's white sand beaches. Tour the water trails on your own or sign up to join one of the many canoeing and kayaking guided trips available in the area.
Parks
Although Houston is a metropolitan area, you can still enjoy the outdoors by visiting one of its many parks, including Hermann Park and Memorial Park. Hermann Park spans 500 acres and is located just south of downtown. Find many attractions like McGovern Lake, Houston Zoo, botanical gardens and a science museum within the park's grounds. Also, walk the nature trails that surround McGovern Lake and pass through sites such as monuments and flower gardens. Other activities include picnicking, renting paddle boats and fishing at the park's fishing pier.
Health Events
For health and wellness events, pay a visit to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center in Woodway Drive. Aside from showcasing its nature walks and decorative gardens, the center also hosts many health and wellness programs right on the arboretum including yoga classes, Tai Chi classes and a trail trekker program that encourages fitness walks around the arboretum.
Hiking and Nature Trails
The Bear Creek Pioneers Park on the western side of the city is a recreational area with 2,000 acres of trails, wildlife habitat, picnic areas, golf courses and sports fields. Hike Bear Creek's 3.5 miles of nature trails while viewing wildlife species such as emus, bison and deer. Many shorter nature trails are also available in the park. Before you leave, stop by the outdoor aviary house to see hawks, owls, parrots, peacocks and cockatoos.
Festivals
Food, music, health and cultural festivals are held annually in Houston. Attend the Houston International Festival in April to watch live music performances and browse through cultural and culinary booths from all over the world. Another event is the Houston Multicultural Health Festival, an outdoor event that features more than 200 exhibitors that focus on health-oriented products and displays. The Houston Multicultural Health Festival's mission is to unite multicultural communities and encourage active and healthy living. Enjoy live music shows, healthy food offerings and free health screenings at the event.
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