Houston Arboretum & Nature Ctr

(713) 681-8433

4501 Woodway Dr
Houston, TX 77024 29.76804 -95.449448

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Washington Ave./ Memorial Park, Central

HOUSTONARBORETUM.ORG

Hours:

Grounds: Dawn-Dusk

Building: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Discovery Room, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed Mondays

Last updated 12.06.10

Category:

Non-Profit Organizations, Sports & Recreation, Attractions, Free Attractions, General Merchandise Stores, Recreation Facilities, Arboretums

Payment Methods:

American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard

What People Are Saying About Houston Arboretum & Nature Ctr

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

The Scene – The arboretum is 155 acres of habitat and is mapped with five miles of foot trails. The dense vegetation screens city sounds; bird-watchers can concentrate and forget that Loop 610 is so near. For best bird-watching, visit the park in early fall and spring. – – The Experience – The area is enjoyed by eastern kingbirds in the spring and summer and sparrows in the winter. In the spring, this can be a great place for migrant songbirds on their way north from Central and South America. In the fall, the woods are often used as roosts for southbound migrating…

Editor's Tips

When to Go:
The bloom begins in early spring with the arrival of Texas hawthorn, redbud, Carolina jessamine and columbine. But few last longer than summer, so catch them while you can.
The Extras:
A five-mile hike is available year-round for a peaceful getaway from the urban world.
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. After the hike, enjoy wine and cheese while discussing your evening in the woods.
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. It's so quiet, and the scent of the fresh pine needles are awesome.
overall
100.0% positive
  1. This is a great place to take the kids.
  2. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a great place to go when you have nothing to do.
  3. great place to walk
  4. great place to leave it all.
service
100.0% positive
  1. The hammering of the pileated woodpecker is my favorite, next to the smiles on the faces of the other people on the trails.
4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/21/10

Too Lazy to Go Camping?

by HoustonTexReview , Citysearch Contributor

Is your beau bugging you to go primitive camping? Why not suggest an urban forest event, so you don't have to scout for a bathroom in the middle of the night? The Arboretum has a "Wine and Cheese Night Hike" and other evening events like "Bugs and Beer" for buzzed adults. The programs are usually $30 for non-members.

Here is a poetic description of what you will hear...

"The night forest pulses with the sounds of melodious songs, clicking calls, flapping wings, and shuffling feet. Frogs, crickets, bats, and other animals are on the move; meeting mates and finding food- it’s the night life of the forest! Come out and discover which creatures are sounding off, participate in a special frog symphony, and take a night hike into a forest rich in sounds and excitement. After the hike, enjoy wine and cheese while discussing your evening in the woods. All participants will receive a free night forest recording for attending this event."

  • Pros: Better than camping
  • Cons: Might need to wear Off
4 Star Rating: Recommended

01/21/03

Dog-gone Good

by Duffy_Dog

One of the best places in Houston to walk a basset hound.

Interesting plants, too.

But the dog liked it more than we did.

  • Pros: Cheap, Good Exercise, Weird Walkers
  • Cons: None
4.5 Star Rating: Recommended

09/07/02

A lovely walk

by brazosm

This is the best walk in the park in the city of Houston. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a pleasant [and free!] experience.

  • Pros: free, never crowded, nice trails
  • Cons: too close to freeway
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/29/02

Nature's Best

by naturelover1

The Houston Arboretum is a real gem! Best Houston has to offer in terms of natural habitat, and a staff that is welcoming and eager to help us learn more! This is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the fury of the city.

  • Pros: Free, Beautiful, Peaceful
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/28/02

HANC IS AWESOME FOR FAMILIES

by Quirkiestroh

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (HANC) is the greatest outdoor classroom Houston has to offer. Bring your family and you will all learn about nature together. There are lots of activities for the kids, and a free walking tour on the weekends, otherwise you can go it alone. There are simple maps available for small change, so bring your quarters.

Bring Mosquito repellent, so that you don't get bitten! You will love seeing nature however! It's so quiet, and the scent of the fresh pine needles are awesome. The sounds of nature are soft and beautiful! If you are a bird watcher, bring some binoculars, you'll see tons of them!

Have fun!

  • Pros: family day @ the park, place for families, Totally Free and fun
  • Cons: mosquitos

The Details on Houston Arboretum & Nature Ctr

Place Categories:

  • great place
  • great trails
  • quiet scent
  • repellent mosquito
  • best walk
  • enjoy wine
  • enjoy cheese
  • great trains
  • really nice getaway
  • gem houston arboretum
  • rich forest
  • fresh pine needles
  • suggest urban forest event
  • favorite hammering
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