Downtown Houston may strike you as all-urban with its tall buildings, crowded streets and thriving businesses, but there is another side to the area. With community parks, natural waterways and man-made activities, you can find active pursuits in serene settings all over the city. Learn something new about downtown Houston while keeping up with your exercise.
Recreation at Buffalo Bayou
Buffalo Bayou is a main waterway that runs though several parks into downtown Houston. Take a jog along the water, go biking or hiking or play golf at the Jim Mozola Memorial Disc Golf Course. Bring the kids for some exercise at the playground or on exercise equipment along the waterway. Take a kayak tour offered once a month through the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Reservations are required. Kayaking on your own anytime. Rentals are available.
Discovery Green
Enjoy a day of free active recreational activities at Discovery Green, Houston's downtown park. Take your pooch on a run through the Kinder Large Dog Run and Harriet and Joe Foster Dog Runs or jog along the lake on the McNair Foundation jogging trail, then cool off in the Gateway Fountain, complete with 14-foot high jets. Glide across the lake on the ice-skating rink, which is set up between Thanksgiving and Martin Luther King Day. For a more relaxing afternoon, take a stroll through Bernice Hevrdejs Butterfly Garden, Sanders Hummingbird Garden or choose from fifteen other gardens. Finish the day with a free game of bocce ball or shuffleboard. Games are available on weekends only.
Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark
Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is a state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot, in-ground skating facility. Skateboarding, rollerblading and roller skating are permitted at the park. You will enjoy multiple terrains that are perfect for beginner and experienced skaters. A spectator area is available for those who just want to watch. Helmets are required, and kneepads, elbow pads and wrist guards are recommended. Rentals are not available.
Audio Walking Tours
Lace up your sneakers to stroll around downtown Houston on one of many audio walking tours. Choose from the Ulitmate Downtown Walking Tour, the Museum District Walk & Roll, or A Walk in the Park: Discovery Green Walking Tour. Depending on what tour you opt for, you'll hear from local personalities, discover the history of buildings and hotels, see the Museum District and learn more about the events, public art and family activities that take place at the Discovery Green Park. To download a map and the audio tour to your iPod, visit the Downtown Houston website (see References).
Golfing
Memorial Park Golf Course hosts 60,000 golfers a year and is known as the "crown jewel" of Memorial Park. The 600-acre course offers a putting and chipping range, clubhouse and lighted driving range. Schedule a tee time, take a private lesson or sign your child up for Junior Summer Camp. Camp is available for children ages seven through 15.
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