While many visitors know Hermann Park for its cultural landmarks like the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, McGovern Centennial Gardens, and even a full golf course, there's so much more to discover beyond the zoo gates.

Maybe you’ve only been here because the zoo shares a parking lot with the park (we get it—the zoo is a favorite of ours too!). If that’s the case, it’s time to explore what else this beautiful green space has to offer. 

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to some of Hermann Park’s most popular attractions to help you plan your next family adventure.

 
Hermann Park Train photo by F. Muhammad, via Pixabay

Hop Aboard the Hermann Park Railroad

The main entrance of the Houston Zoo opens into Lake Plaza, where you'll also find Kinder Station—the starting point of the iconic Hermann Park Railroad. Kicking off your visit with a ride on the shiny red train is a classic Houston experience and a fun way to start your park adventure!

The train takes passengers on a scenic 15–20 minute ride through Hermann Park, offering a relaxing and entertaining way to see some of the park’s highlights before setting off on foot. It’s a hit with kids, and a great way for parents to get the lay of the land.

There are a few stops along the way, and you're welcome to hop off and explore—your ticket lets you catch a later train without having to buy another one. That said, it’s worth noting that finding open seats on a later train can be tricky, especially on weekends. And trust us, it’s a bit of a walk back to Kinder Station if you miss your ride!

Tickets are available at the Kinder Station ticket window (next to the gift shop) or online in advance. Prices range from $6.00 to $7.00 per person (ages 1+), depending on the day. Trains depart every 25 minutes, so a little wait is to be expected.

Bonus tip: If you're visiting during the holiday season, the train transforms with twinkling lights and festive music—it’s a magical experience. You can check out our holiday train video highlights here.

Explore McGovern Lake by Pedal Boat

After your train ride brings you back to Kinder Station, take a leisurely stroll through the open space of Lake Plaza and head toward the edge of McGovern Lake. Kids will love watching the ducks and geese paddle and waddle around, and the wide paved paths make it a great spot for scootering, blowing bubbles, or simply soaking in the view.

You’ll likely spot families out on the lake in pedal boats, enjoying the sunshine and calm water. If you'd like to join them, the boathouse is located just around the corner from Sunday Press, the cozy café tucked into Lake Plaza.

Pedal boats are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (weather permitting) and cost $14.50 per boat for a 30-minute ride. Each boat seats up to four people, and life vests are required for everyone on board.

It’s a fun way to experience the lake (check out our experience here), but keep in mind that pedal boats do require some effort to operate—and younger kids will need to be able to sit up on their own to ride. If your little ones aren’t quite ready to help pedal, you may want to enjoy watching from the shore instead!

Splash Pad and Reflection Pool Walk

Take the trail along the east side of McGovern Lake, leading from Lake Plaza to the Reflection Pool. Along the way, you'll cross a small bridge, and within just a few minutes, you’ll reach a popular water feature where kids love to cool off on hot days.

Officially named The Overlook and Molly Ann Smith Plaza, this spot is home to the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk, but most families simply know it as the interactive fountain or splash pad. It’s a great place to take a break and let the kids splash around.

Just beyond the splash pad, you’ll find the stunning Reflection Pool—a shallow, tree-lined stretch of water that runs 740 feet toward Hermann Park Drive. We recommend walking along the east side of the pool first, where the path is peaceful and shaded. Keep an eye out for turtles sunbathing on the rocks and schools of tiny minnows darting through the water—little details that make this stroll magical for kids.

On beautiful days, you’ll often see families and visitors spread out on picnic blankets, relaxing on the lawn or under the shade of the trees with a snack in hand. There are also benches tucked along the path—perfect for taking a break, people-watching, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings.

As you reach the north end of the Reflection Pool, loop around and head back down the west side. Along the way, you’ll pass the front entrance to the serene and scenic Japanese Garden, another gem within Hermann Park worth exploring.

 
Japanese Garden photo by Xiquinho Silva, via Flickr 2.0

Visit the Japanese Garden

As you stroll down the west side of the Reflection Pool, you’ll soon come upon the entrance to the Japanese Garden—a tranquil, beautifully landscaped space enclosed by a gate and open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is free, and once inside, you'll find a peaceful oasis filled with charming Japanese design elements: gentle waterfalls, arched bridges, stone pathways, and carefully curated plants and trees that create a calming, meditative atmosphere.

The garden’s winding paths are perfect for a quiet walk, and kids especially enjoy hopping across stepping stones, exploring the bridges, and spotting the large koi fish swimming in the ponds.

After exploring the Japanese Garden, continue heading south, keeping to the trails on the right side of McGovern Lake, which will lead you toward The Commons—another can’t-miss destination for families.

Play at The Commons

Located in the southwest corner of Hermann Park, at the intersection of Cambridge and Fannin Streets, The Commons is a stunning, newly reimagined 26-acre public space opened in 2024. Designed for exploration, play, and relaxation, this vibrant addition to the park offers something for everyone.

At the heart of The Commons is a sprawling two-acre play area, featuring themed playgrounds, interactive play gardens, a splash pad, and even a carousel nestled under the trees. One of the standout features? A 45-foot-tall rocket ship that invites kids to climb, imagine, and launch into adventure. See footage of our visit here!

Each play zone has its own unique theme and is connected by paved walking trails, making it easy to explore the entire space. Whether you're looking for active fun or a quiet place to relax, The Commons is designed to be an inclusive and engaging destination for families.

Bonus Tip:
For convenient access to The Commons, consider parking at the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza Garage, located at 6400 Fannin Street—right across the street. It’s a short walk to the playground and a great option if you're looking for nearby parking. Just keep in mind there is a daily fee on weekends.

Take in the Views at McGovern Centennial Park

If you’re looking to explore another gem within Hermann Park, head over to the McGovern Centennial Gardens, located just across the street from the Houston Museum of Natural Science. These beautifully landscaped gardens are divided into a series of themed gardens, all arranged around the expansive Centennial Green—a central lawn surrounded by color, texture, and seasonal beauty.

The gardens are home to over 490 trees from more than 50 species, 760 hedge shrubs, 55,000 perennial bulbs, 650 azaleas, and 4.5 acres of lush green space. Highlights include the Arid Garden, Rose Garden, Celebration Garden, Woodland Garden, and a Family Garden designed for hands-on learning and discovery.

One of our favorite features is “The Mount,” a spiraling hill that gently winds upward. At the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the gardens below—plus, it's a fun climb for kids and adults alike. (We like to joke that it’s the tallest mountain in Houston. You can check out our climb here.)

McGovern Centennial Gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though hours vary seasonally—extending later in the spring and summer and closing earlier during the winter months.

 
Miller Outdoor Theatre photo by Xiquinho Silva, via Flickr 2.0

Catch a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre

Just across the street from the McGovern Centennial Gardens is Miller Outdoor Theatre, a beloved Houston landmark offering world-class performances in a truly unique setting. It’s the largest “always free” program of its kind in the country, and every show is designed to be family-friendly.

Whether you're into classical music, jazz, ballet, Shakespeare, world dance, or musical theatre, Miller’s diverse lineup features something for everyone—and it's all completely free to enjoy. We enjoyed a weekday children's performance - see the video here!

Seating options include both a covered pavilion and the popular grassy hill behind it. Some performances require a (free) ticket for the covered seats—these can be reserved online the day before or picked up at the box office an hour before the show. The hill, however, is always first-come, first-served—just bring a blanket or lawn chair and your favorite snacks or picnic dinner.

Even if there’s no performance happening, it’s worth stopping by—the large hill in front of the stage is a favorite among local kids, who love rolling down it again and again. It’s a simple joy that never gets old.

Restrooms, Parking, and Other Info

• Hermann Park is located at 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030
• Finding a parking spot can be tricky – we broke down where to park for the Houston Zoo and Hermann Park
• Some of the paths are crushed gravel, so we recommend bringing a stroller with all-terrain tires
• Bring towels, swimwear, and maybe even a change of clothes for the kids for the water play elements
• Bathrooms are available near major points of interest, including at The Commons, McGovern Centennial Gardens, Kinder Station, and Miller Outdoor Theatre