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The Commons at Hermann Park is a new 26-acre space in the southwestern portion of the park that will feature new spaces and places designed to engage visitors of all ages–but especially Houston families with kids, Large-scale native habitat restorations are underway and include planting 1,200 new trees and more than 10,000 new plants. The real highlight of the Commons for Houston parents, though, is the 2-acre Play Gardens, which offer eight different, accessible sections for kids of all sizes and abilities to learn through play.

RELATED: Guide to Playgrounds and Parks in Houston

 
Photo of work underway at Hermann Park by Lifted Up Aerial Photography. 

The eight sections of the Play Gardens will include Swing Hill, with state-of-the-art swings, including the classic bucket swing options for tiny tots. The Cypress Grove play area gives a nod to native Houston plants and animals, like snake- and alligator-shaped equipment, while a Gorilla Forest play area features an enormous gorilla jungle gym that pays homage to the neighboring Houston Zoo.

The Splash Cove water play area, meanwhile, will be a summer favorite, perfect for cooling off on hot Houston days, and The Bayou, which offers an interactive look at Houston’s natural water features, will be a great place to splash while learning through play. A main feature of the Play Gardens, the Space Adventure play area, is a rocket ship slide that towers 45 feet high. Toddlers will enjoy the wooded Thicket play space, featuring equipment that even little ones can pull up on and safely explore. To top it all off, a brand-new carousel will offer a modern twist on a classic children's ride.

Amenities don't get the short end of the stick with this refresh. The adjacent public restroom will feature garden terrace access for H-town views, and parents can enjoy watching little ones swing, climb, slide, and explore from shaded seating areas near each section. 

Start getting excited to awaken your imagination and embrace native flora and fauna at the all-new Commons at Hermann Park in 2024.