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Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024 (Washington Ave./ Memorial Park)
713-681-8433
Update attraction details
As featured in Houston on a budget
Ranked #30 of 151 attractions in Houston
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Fee: No
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: A 155-acre nature sanctuary 4 miles west of downtown. Five miles of walking trails through forest, meadow and pond habitats offer opportunities to see... more » Owner description: A 155-acre nature sanctuary 4 miles west of downtown. Five miles of walking trails through forest, meadow and pond habitats offer opportunities to see frogs, turtles and other wildlife. Building houses gift shop, library, restrooms, and Discovery Room which includes aquariums, microscopes, interactive exhibits including the 15 ft. model "Learning Tree". Grounds: Daily 7 a.m. to dusk; Building: daily 9 - 5, except major holidays. Discovery Room: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission free; donations appreciated. « less
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50 reviews from our community

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Houston, Texas
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 2, 2013

If you are looking for a peaceful spot within the city of Houston, the arboretum is the place to go. Lovely, long walking trails and an informative nature center make for a great field trip.

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See 4 more reviews by Scrapper08 for Houston
Houston, Texas
Top Contributor
120 reviews 120 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
129 helpful votes 129 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 1, 2013

So, we are fans of the arboretum, but we've never been when it's this warm. We made the mistake last time of going when it's too cool...i.e. everything in winter mode. Well, we got a nice treat this time with lots of greenery and flowers. The tree cover in the warmer months also makes it much cooler in certain parts... More

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See 18 more reviews by HouCuseChickie for Houston
Humble, Texas, United States
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

It's a nice place to visit to learn more about nature and the animal's habitats. It's best to go early when it's not too hot. The staff was very polite and helpful.

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See 4 more reviews by Irma C for Houston
Houston, Texas
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2013 via mobile

Walking trails are well maintained and maps are provided of all trails. Great exercise in one of the most natural settings in Houston. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Can take short trails for less than half an hour or complete longer routes for hours. One of the best outdoor locations in Houston-but not in summer.

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See 9 more reviews by Geochick_Houston for Houston
Darlington, England, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
47 reviews 47 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

The people of Houston are really lucky in the amount of green spaces they have. The Arboretum is ideal for a quick walk on amongst the trees to recharge the soul after a day negotiating the freeways! For families with young children, there is plenty of information and interesting things to see.

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See 5 more reviews by Hilary A for Houston
Omaha
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 7, 2013

This area is a marshy, swampy, type area with NO WATER! Well very little. It is obvious that the drought has hit this area hard. I was told that they had lost 90% of their Cypress tress. Still it was worth the walk and best of all IT'S FREE! We went in March. I would think that it would be... More

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See 5 more reviews by HenryMudd for Houston
Houston, Texas
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 15, 2013

Although you escape from the roar of traffic on the nearby freeways, and the odd train makes itself known, somehow they recede into the background after a while on the trails. To me this is less an arboretum, than a little slice of old Texas, with lots of native plants animals, and in the muggy atmosphere of the summer, insects... More

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See 2 more reviews by john g for Houston
Houston, Texas
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 14, 2013

I visit the Houston Arboretum very often. There are many trails for walking around the arboretum, and you will see many people walking on a normal day. There is parking near the nature center, and they have some activities for kids inside the nature center too.

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See 17 more reviews by Manek for Houston
Chicago, IL
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 26, 2013

I have visited many Arboretums throughout the country and consider this one to be smaller. The paths are wide and easily navigated. Dogs are allowed on a leash (a bonus for me), however I was a bit stunned when at the farthest edge there was a "CROCODILE" etiquette sign posted. Since I travel with a smaller dog, I was mildly... More

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See 3 more reviews by mwitte for Houston
Houston, Texas
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

The place has nice pathways and trees and wetlands. It is usually quiet except when the peace is shattered by an infrequwnt freight train on the railroad track just on the eastern edge. I am a birder but the birds here are only average compared to several other Houston parks (Bear Creek Park, Russ Pittman Park (Bellaire), Edith L. Moore... More

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See 13 more reviews by J B for Houston

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