Discovery Green
Discovery Green is Houston's vibrant 12-acre urban park in the heart of downtown, situated across from the George R. Brown Convention Center and Minute Maid Park. Since opening in 2008, it has transformed a collection of parking lots into one of the most active and beloved public spaces in the city.
The park hosts over 600 free programs annually, making it one of the most programmed parks in the United States. Weekly offerings include free yoga classes, outdoor concerts, DJ nights, and farmers markets. Seasonal highlights include an outdoor ice skating rink in winter, movies and concerts under the stars in summer, and cultural festivals throughout the year.
Kite Lake, the park's one-acre lake, offers kayak rentals and remote-controlled boat sailing. The playground features interactive water features that are irresistible on Houston's hot summer days. Public art installations throughout the park include works by Jean Dubuffet and Margo Sawyer.
The park is surrounded by a growing ring of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues, making it a natural gathering point for downtown Houston. The adjacent Marriott Marquis features a rooftop Texas-shaped lazy river that overlooks the park.
Visitor Tips: Check discoverygreen.com for the weekly event calendar — there's almost always something happening. The Tuesday farmers market (3-7pm) features local produce and prepared foods. Bring a blanket for movie nights. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets, and several parking garages are within walking distance.
