What To Visit at Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston

 
Kids playing in the sand. Photo courtesy of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area

This is our favorite park in Buffalo Bayou, and your kids will love clambering over the boulder rock scramble, climbing logs and stones, discovering a tri-level tree house, and enjoying the thrills of the 33-foot slide. Be sure to check out the interactive water features, and get prepared to drag your toddler out of the sand pit when it's time to leave. 

The Buffalo Bayou Cistern

Built in 1926, this fantastic part of Houston's history is a great adventure for kids 9+. Timed entry tickets allow you access to this unique space, with a chance to walk around the water's boundary and experience total darkness. Special events such as art installations and meditation sessions are also sometimes available. Check the booking page for details.

Eleanor Tinsley Park

Kids will love the space to run around at this “park within a park,” one of Houston’s most popular outdoor spaces with a large grassy area and pavilion. If your little one is ready for to nap, you can enjoy the nearby tranquil Eleanor Tinsley and Jane Gregory Gardens. Love Lock Bridge is another unique spot with a huge display of locks from people demonstrating their eternal love!

Waugh Bat Colony

Push back bedtime a tad, and just before sunset, head to the Waugh Drive Bridge—where Waugh Drive crosses Allen Parkway—to view Houston's famous 300,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge for their nightly outing. Best viewed from April to October, you may also spot them on a warm evening during winter. The Houston Bat Team hosts Bat Chats every Friday, April through October.

Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark

Whether your kids are novices looking to learn or experienced skateboarders seeking a challenging ride, this skate park is a must-visit attraction in Houston, with over 30,000 square feet of bowls, ramps, rails, and ledges. Be sure to check out the art in "Skater Alley," and if you need a break, relax under the nearby shade structures. 

Bike Rentals in Buffalo Bayou Park

There are many miles of smooth trails meandering by the bayou. If you don't have family bikes or want to save yourself the hassle of transporting them, hire bikes and peddle on the smooth concrete pathways of the park. Open on weekends, Bayou Bike Rentals is conveniently located near the facilities by the Buffalo Bayou Cistern and has tag-along bikes and bike trailers to bring the younger family members along for the ride.

Kayak and Canoe Rentals in Buffalo Bayou Park

If you haven't had an adventure on the water with the kids yet, this is the place. During the spring, summer, and fall weekends, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards can be rented by the hour through Bayou City Adventures. A tandem kayak costs $40 an hour, and a Canoe is $65 an hour. Reservations need to be made in advance by phone.

Where To Eat at Buffalo Bayou Park

We love to picnic at the raised picnic area by the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern. Afterward, you can enjoy the natural playground area and walk on the stroller-friendly paths down to the bayou. Do you want to grab a bite to eat or a coffee on the go? Head to the food trucks in the entry court—also by the Buffalo Bayou Cistern.

Alternatively, visit a nearby restaurant such as the relaxed Piggy's Kitchen and Bar with a large patio or Barnaby's Café with its affordable kids menu. Flora's Mexican Kitchen is a restaurant in the park with lovely views and an outdoor patio, but be aware that it is pretty upscale.

What To Know Before You Go to Buffalo Bayou Park in Houston

• For a quieter and more relaxed experience, consider planning your visit during weekdays or early mornings on weekends when the park tends to be less crowded.
• Restrooms are open daily from 8 am – 8 pm at Lost Lake (3422 Allen Parkway) and The Water Works (105-B Sabine Street).
• Parking is limited at Sabine Street, but nearby City Lot H has more than 400 spaces. Additional parking is available along city streets.
• Don't forget to pack essentials such as sunscreen, hats, comfortable footwear, and a reusable water bottle.
• Find out more on the website.