With the weather still warm and a pandemic still part of our lives, it only makes sense to get outdoors and take an adventure with the kids. Sure, we’re a little biased at Kidventure. We love the outdoors, but there is just no better time right now to grab the kids, head outside, and create some lasting memories together.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 of our favorite Houston family adventures outdoors. Some are free and some cost small amount of money, but all are certain to add a little fun, excitement, and adventure to your family’s life. Let’s do this!
#1. Get Paddling: Buffalo Bayou Kayaking
Location: Downtown Houston
Phone: 713.538.7433
There probably isn’t a more stunning way to view Houston’s downtown skyline than along the water ways of Houston’s Buffalo Bayou. Extending almost 53 miles through Houston, you have the opportunity to explore for an hour or an entire day.
Rent a kayak and go paddling! Head to Lost Lake Visitor Center and visit the kiosk at Bayou City Adventures. There, you can get a kayak starting at $30 per hour, and if you rent before 3 pm, you can get an extra hour for free! Bayou City Adventures also offers lessons and tours, ideal for first time paddlers and those looking for more of a tour experience.
For more information visit: www.bayoucityadventures.org
#2. Get Giving: Urban Harvest: An Adventure that Gives Back
Location: 3302 Canal Street, #73 Houston, TX 77003
Phone: 713.880.5540
We think some of the best outdoor adventures are the ones that make a difference for others. A great idea for the entire family is to volunteer at Urban Harvest by getting your hands a little dirty. Urban Harvest is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that enriches the Houston community by providing community garden programming, farmers markets, gardening classes, and youth education. There are several gardens around Houston with volunteer opportunities.
For more information visit www.urbanharvest.org/grow-with-us/
#3. Get Spooked: Haunted Houston Walking Tour
Location: Downtown Houston
Phone: 1-8-ghost-tour
Did you know that Houston has a famous ‘haunted’ history? Here’s a great opportunity trek though downtown Houston while learning about Houston’s spooky side on this ghost tour. With a costumed guide, your family will be led on a 1.5-mile (2.4 kilometer) walk through downtown. You’ll visit Buffalo Bayou river, Market Square Park, and the Conservatory underground market, all while listening and learning about Houston’s haunted side. Your guide is equipped with an EMF reader to pick up on signals from spirits along the way. This is a family-friendly tour and isn’t too spooky.
For more information visit: www.nightlyspirits.com/houston-ghost-tours/
#4. Get Some Nature: Multi-Activity Adventure at Brazos Bend State Park
Location: 21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461
Phone: (979) 553-5102
A great family opportunity to combine hiking, fishing and wildlife watching is a day at Brazos Bend State Park. The park has over 37 miles of trails, some of which are wheelchair-friendly and the wildlife viewing is outstanding and one of the best places to see alligators in their natural habitat. Take virtual tour on our Interactive Trails Map. In addition to the hiking, there are lots of opportunities to go biking and you can fish from shore at one of the many lakes or fishing piers. You do not need a license to fish from shore or pier in a state park.
For more information visit: www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend
#5. Get Pedaling: Urban Biking Experience
Location: Heights, Houston
Got bikes? Then load them up and head over to White Oak Bayou. If you’re looking for a solid path not intersected by many streets, White Oak Bayou is your trail. White Oak offers one of the few paved long trails in Houston without street or crossover interruptions. It is a 15-mile unique path with interesting wildlife along the way. Along the path you pass several parks like Watonga Parkway Park, T.C. Jester Park, Stude Park, White Oak Park, and Hogg Park. There are not any lights along the path so plan to have lights on your bike if riding during darker hours.
The website includes an interactive map. This path begins northwest of FM 1960, parallel to Highway 290 toward downtown, joining Buffalo Bayou. For more information visit; www.houstonparksboard.org/about/white-oak-bayou
Final Thoughts
There are so many outdoor experiences in Houston and so many opportunities to do so with your family, especially right now. Getting outside is great for the soul, great for our spirits, and provides families the opportunity to come together. There are even tons of things you can do just our side your front door. So get together with the kids, plan one of our adventure and go make some memories together. From our Kidventure family to yours, have a great adventure!
