577/17/2025
In the middle of Houston’s towering skyline lies an oasis that pulses with culture, creativity, and community—Discovery Green, the city’s premier urban park. Spanning 12 lush acres in downtown Houston, this award-winning green space is more than just a park—it’s a lifestyle destination that offers something special for everyone, from locals looking to unwind to visitors seeking an authentic taste of the city’s vibrant energy.
While Discovery Green is widely celebrated for hosting hundreds of free, family-friendly events throughout the year, its charm goes far beyond the festival lights and concert stages. Whether you're a foodie, a fitness enthusiast, or simply looking for a serene escape from the relentless Texas heat, this urban retreat has countless ways to delight, entertain, and inspire.
Why Discovery Green is a Houston Treasure
Operated by the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy, the park exemplifies what can happen when city planning, community vision, and creative programming align. More than just a recreational space, Discovery Green fuels economic development, supports local artists and small businesses, and enhances the quality of life for all Houstonians.
So whether you're exploring on a whim, planning a family day out, or seeking your next Instagram-worthy backdrop, Discovery Green is the place to be—where urban hustle meets tranquil nature, and every path leads to possibility.
Flea by Night presented by Green Mountain Energy
Saturday, July 19
6 pm - 10 pm
Register Now
Don't miss out THIS Saturday, for Discovery Green's monthly Flea by Night. We have a mix of goodies for everyone. From delicious snacks and handmade crafts, to items for our furry friends. Support local Houstonians.
Discovery Green helps Houstonians shop local at Flea by Night supported by Green Mountain Energy. Set in the park’s vibrant green space in the heart of downtown and along Avenida de las Americas, Flea by Night is an open-air market featuring local artisans and small business owners selling vintage, handmade, recycled, repurposed and local goods.
Part of Discovery Green’s mission is to shine a light on the diversity of talents that exist in Houston including the entrepreneurs and creatives making a living in the city. Flea by Night at Discovery Green is an important and popular venue for Houstonians to discover new small businesses.
Discover beautiful hand crafted jewelry, delicious home made desserts and thrift for clothing. This local market is where Houstonians can support fellow Houstonians in their craft. What will you discover at Flea by Night?
Hours of Operation
The Grove is an exciting urban dining experience unlike anything else in downtown Houston. This refined dining establishment offers the perfect ambience for dinner, meetings or family gatherings. Located on the south end of Discovery Green near the Brown Foundation Promenade. The Grove offers valet parking and patio views to enjoy your meal.
Dine in your next trip to the park and experience The Grove.
The boat basin at Discovery Green will be home to seven motorized bumper cars ready for you to spin, twirl and steer into oncoming vessels. No previous captaining experience necessary!
Tickets: $12 per bumper boat
Packages: Bumper Boat + Kayak rides are $20.
Bumper boat rides are 5 minutes and kayak rides are 30 minutes. Tickets may be purchased in advance and used whenever you arrive!
Max combined weight of 275 pounds and up to three people per boat. Children 12 and under need an adult to ride with them.
Last ride policy: To make sure everyone in line gets a full experience before we close, we may stop allowing new riders up to an hour before closing time. This helps avoid long waits or disappointment at the end of the evening.
We recommend arriving early – especially during busy times – to give yourself the best chance to ride. Thanks for understanding and helping us keep things running smoothly!
Kayaks on Kinder Lake are coming back and this time they’re lighting up the night!
The clear kayaks are equipped with LED lights making for a new and unique experience. Never paddled before? No worries. It’s fun and easy to learn.
Tickets: $12 per bumper boat
Packages: Bumper Boat + Kayak rides are $20.
Bumper boat rides are 5 minutes and kayak rides are 30 minutes. Tickets may be purchased in advance and used whenever you arrive!
Max combined weight of 275 pounds and up to three people per boat. Children 12 and under need an adult to ride with them.
Last ride policy: To make sure everyone in line gets a full experience before we close, we may stop allowing new riders up to an hour before closing time. This helps avoid long waits or disappointment at the end of the evening.
We recommend arriving early – especially during busy times – to give yourself the best chance to ride.
Visit the Gardens
Discovery Green is filled with a variety of gardens. Each garden has a theme depending on environment, color or location. These gardens ensure a peaceful trip at the park and offer a a step into a quiet zone in the heart of downtown. Walk down the Brown Promenade and take a left at the Butterfly Garden to immerse yourself on a walk through nature.
The Playground
Bring out the little ones for a day of play at the playground. This playground features two divided sections for kids of different ages. One side is dedicated to kids ages 5 and up. The other is for smaller children 5 years and under.
The John P McGovern Playground was replaced and reopened to the public in 2021. The new facilities give families double the amount of play space and features ample seating, improved energy-efficient lighting for safer evening play and more shade thanks to 31 new trees.
This fanciful fountain is one of the most popular features in Discovery Green, and indeed, the entire city. During Houston’s hot summer months, hundreds of children play daily in this perennial favorite “cool spot.” Lively jets create a joyful water park atop a gently sloping granite surface, with 14-foot high arcing jets.
Fountain hours: Open on Monday – Sunday from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Please note that the fountain is turned off if there is thunder or lightning.
Please note that swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers. Water shoes are strongly encouraged.
Clase de Yoga Respiración, Consciente y Meditación de Sonidos en Español
Lunes, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Esta clase ofrece prácticas de yoga, respiración y meditación de sonidos a la comunidad latina e hispano hablante de Houston. Guiada por Natalia Uribe y Sebastián Romero seguida de un baño de sonido y meditación a cargo de Saumil Manek.
Gentle Yoga Flow and Sound Meditation
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Strengthen your body, relax your mind and find your center with this dynamic flow yoga and sound healing with Farida Meguid and Saumil Manek.
Hatha Yoga
Saturdays, 9 – 10 am
A basic vinyasa yoga class for enhanced awareness and a strong, healthy body led by Andria Dugas.
Plan your next visit or check out the latest events at DiscoveryGreen.com.
📍 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010