Looking to get away for the day or fend off another round of “I’m bored”?
Take a short drive to Hermann Park, a 445-acre recreational destination, just about 20 minutes from Sierra Vista. There’s something fun here for nearly every interest — from outdoor spaces to a science museum, miniature train, theatre performances, and more.
For the outdoors fans
Dating back to a gift to the city of Houston from George Hermann in 1914, Hermann Park features a host of outdoor spaces, including expansive gardens, trails and picnic spaces.
- Smell the flowers in the 15-acre McGovern Centennial Gardens complex, featuring a rose garden, hundreds of trees and shrubs, perennials and more.
- Stroll through the Japanese Garden, a 5-acre retreat from busy city life with its beautiful blooms, waterfalls and stone paths.
- Grill and enjoy a picnic in the Lake Picnic Area located between the Miller Outdoor Theatre and Lake Plaza, which also features a trail and swings for after-dinner fun.
- Play 18 holes on the historic Hermann Park Golf Course, the first public golf course in the U.S. to welcome all races.
- Spot wildlife like red-cockaded woodpeckers, ospreys, deer, squirrels and more creatures as you take the Tudor Family Pine Hill Walk through the piney woods.
For the art enthusiasts
The outdoors and the arts merge within Hermann Park with an outdoor theatre and art displays.
- Catch a concert or play at Miller Outdoor Theatre, an open-air theatre offering free admission with family-friendly performances throughout the year, such as the Star-Spangled Salute by the Houston Symphony on July 4, summer symphony nights and the Houston Shakespeare Festival.
- Browse art around the park, including life-sized elephant sculptures that were just installed permanently in the Cece and Mack Fowler Art Grove along the trail parallel to Fannin Street in May.
For the family
From playgrounds to train rides, there’s something for the youngest park goers to enjoy, too.
- Take a ride on the Lott Family Carousel with a $6 day pass.
- All ages can catch the miniature train at Kinder Station or at one of three other stops for a 20-minute scenic trip ($6-$7).
- Enjoy fun on the the PNC ImagiNature Playgroundwith sensory experiences and nature-based interactives to build gross and fine motor skills.
- Rent a 4-person pedal boat for $14.50 to explore McGovern Lake.
- Go catch-and-release fishing at Bob’s Fishing Pier if you’re under age 12 or over age 65.
For the science and history buffs
Beat the heat indoors with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, located at 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston.
- Check out the butterfly center, a three-story glass cone filled with tropical plants and exotic butterflies.
- Browse the Hall of Paleontology with more than 450 fossils and fossil replicas.
For the animal lovers
- Take your dog to the 2-acre McWilliams Dog Park located near the intersection of MacGregor Way and Cambridge Street.
- Hit up the Houston Zoo, a 55-acre expanse in the middle of Hermann Park with more than 3,100 exotic animals to learn about.
For quick access to all this fun and more, find your new home at Sierra Vista now.
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