There’s consensus among Houstonians that spring is the nicest season of year to spend time outside. The mercury stays below 80 degrees most days, and there’s less rain on average than during any other month, save for February.
One way to take advantage of the beautiful temperatures and frequent sunny days we’ve been having is to plan a picnic and fun-filled day with friends at one of the following Houston parks.
Buffalo Bayou Park
A favorite of runners and cyclists who love the scenic, winding trails, Buffalo Bayou Park has several great picnic areas scattered about its 160 acres. Find a nice spot on the bayou and watch for alligators, gar fish, and turtles if you want to immerse yourself in nature. Hang out on or around the Rosemont Bridge if you’d rather spend time gazing at Houston’s sprawling skyline from one of the cityscape’s best viewpoints.
George Bush Park
Created in the 1940s under the name Cullen-Barker Park, this great Houston picnic destination was carved out of Houston’s grid when the government opened a reservoir to control flooding of the Buffalo Bayou. The park’s name was changed to George Bush Park in 1997 in honor of 41st President George H.W. Bush’s service. One of the most prolific Houston parks, George Bush Park is a nature reserve featuring baseball and soccer fields, as well as 7,800 acres from which to choose a picnic spot.
Hermann Park
Another massive Houston green space, Hermann Park doubles as an oasis of picnic spots. There are the woods outside the Houston Zoo where there’s plenty of shade if you want to stay out of the sun. The area around the Reflection Pool is great, and affords you the privilege of admiring the natural beauty around you in double. There are tables with benches set up on the far lawn close to the pavilion. The lawns near the Sam Houston Statue are also very well-kept, and picnicking under the arched statue is even possible.
If you’d like to picnic while watching a free show, something you can’t do at most Houston parks, take a look at the Miller Outdoor Theatre’s schedule and plan a picnic on the hill sloping up from the theatre. The performance season lasts eight months.
Memorial Park
For quick picnics and play dates with your children, Memorial Park is a great option. You can let the kids wear themselves out on the park’s nice playground while you prepare the picnic, and then reward them with a meal when they’re done. A picnic is an efficient way to pack in some fun and a meal for the kids. The park is relatively small and can get a little crowded, but the touch of city life mixed in with nature is nice for many who frequently visit.
Menil Park
Pristine, spacious lawns and a laid-back vibe give Menil Park its appeal as one of the best Houston parks for a picnic. Come with a Frisbee or deck of cards, or check out the latest exhibitions at The Menil Collection. Should you happen to hang out at this beautiful park for so long you get hungry again, Bistro Menil has garnered culinary accolades and is open every night for dinner.
If you enjoy a good picnic from time to time, don’t let the season pass by without visiting one of these Houston parks for a meal on the lawn. Enjoying a relaxed picnic with your family or close friends is a simple way to Live Life + Love Life.
Where was your last Houston picnic and what was memorable about it? Share food and snack ideas, tips for keeping entertained, and more in the comments.
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