1. Donovan Park - Heights
700 Heights Blvd., Houston
This beautiful park has a sprawling castle-themed wooden playground to keep kids busy for hours accompanied by a wooden train for the Thomas enthusiasts. The only downside is there is not an on-site bathroom.

2. Spring Creek Park - Tomball
15012 Brown Road, Tomball
You'll find a wooded paradise here northwest of Houston. There are two playgrounds, one which caters to preschool-age children, and a larger one with a massive slide. There's an archery range, hiking trails, and lots of picnic tables including a pavilion you can rent from Harris County.

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3. Levy Park - Upper Kirby
3801 Eastside, Houston
The recently renovated Levy Park is a gem for all things urban outdoors. An enclosed dog park, performance pavilion, rock climbing wall, interactive water features, children's play space and more.

4. Pumpkin Park (River Oaks Park) - River Oaks
3600 Locke Lane, Houston
River Oaks Park, also known as Pumpkin Park, is straight out of a storybook. Cinderella's pumpkin carriage is the crowning feature here, however you'll also find multiple sports' playing courts, a short hike and bike trail, and the park's other unique and defining attraction: a set of wishing trees where you can write a wish on a slip of paper and pin it to the trees - perfect for a dream come true. 

5. Mary Jo Peckham Park - Katy
5597 Gardenia Lane, Katy
This West Houston gem Mary Jo Peckham Park has a playground with areas for both older kids and toddlers, a stocked fishing pond, miniature golf, a fish pond, lots of ducks to feed, and a barbecue pavilion for parties!

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6. Carol Fox Park - Jersey Village
15913 Jersey Drive, Jersey Village
This park is one of our favorites for so many reasons. It's fenced in, features a giant climbable Noah's Ark playscape, and has lots of smaller play areas for kids of all ages. There are a few picnic tables and lots of trees for shade. 

7. Colonial Park - West University Place
4130 Byron, Houston
West University Place is home to some great parks, including Colonia, which as amenities for the young and old - sand volleyball courts, a covered pavilion, trails, picnic tables, grilling stations, and lots of space to play.

8. Jerry Matheson Park - Tomball
1240 Ulrich Road, Tomball
Jerry Matheson has one of our favorite playgrounds around the city. It's all wooden and has tons of areas, climbables, and even a zip line so that kids of all ages will have a great time. There is a covered pavilion perfect for partying adjacent to a field perfect for running!

Top photo: Jerry Matheson Park/By the author