What is Discovery Green?
The inception of Discovery Green is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships. It is located in the Avenida Houston entertainment district, bounded by Avenida de las Americas, La Branch Street, McKinney Street, and Lamar Street, and is adjacent to the George R. Brown Convention Center. At just under 12 acres this public park is surrounded by top-tier restaurants, sports arenas, and luxury hotels like the Four Seasons Houston Hotel, Marriott Marquis Houston, and Hilton Americas Hotel.
Within the park, visitors can enjoy dining at The Grove, a sophisticated spot with stunning park views, jog through the trails, watch their children having fun in the playground, or simply run through the water jets to cool down on their lunch break! The park has been carefully designed by the city, for the city!
The History of Discovery Green
In the early 2000s, the City of Houston, alongside philanthropic organizations like the Kinder Foundation, aimed to create a public park in downtown Houston. The City began acquiring land in front of the George R. Brown Convention Center in 2002, and by 2004, all necessary land was secured.
A significant fundraising effort raised $125 million, leading to construction on the park, designed by Hargreaves Associates, in 2005. The park opened to the public on April 13, 2008, and within its first two months, it welcomed 250,000 visitors. Today, Discovery Green has played a pivotal role in revitalizing downtown Houston, attracting residents and tourists with its green spaces and diverse programme of events.
Discovery Green Features
Major Park Attractions
Discovery Green has an array of attractions designed to engage and entertain visitors of all ages:
- Kinder Lake: This one-acre lake has water gardens and a dedicated area for model boats.
- John P. McGovern Children's Playground: Recently renovated, this playground is divided into sections for children aged 2-5 and 5-12, offering a variety of structures for climbing, sliding, and imaginative play depending on the children’s cognitive abilities.
- Anheuser-Busch Stage and Fondren Foundation Performance Space: This amphitheater hosts a wide range of performances, from music and theater to dance and film, set against the backdrop of a sloped lawn for comfortable viewing.
- Gateway Fountain: This fountain is visually striking and acts as a gateway into the park. It allows visitors to cool off in the Houston heat and enjoy the water jets.
Public Art and Park Gardens
Discovery Green is also home to numerous art installations and beautifully landscaped gardens:
- Monument Au Fantome: This iconic sculpture by Jean Dubuffet is a must-see landmark within the park.
- Synchronicity of Color: Created by Margo Sawyer, these vibrant "art boxes" are perfect for a colorful photo backdrop.
- The Listening Vessels: These limestone sculptures by Doug Hollis focus on sound waves, creating an interactive auditory experience.
- The Alkek Building: Overlooking the Gateway Fountain and the playground, this building houses the park’s staff, information center, and public restrooms.
Dining Options
For those looking to dine within the park, Discovery Green offers two excellent options:
- The Grove: An eco-friendly, fine-dining restaurant serving sustainable local cuisine, The Grove offers an elegant dining experience with a view of live oaks. It’s a perfect spot for lunch or dinner, closed on Sundays and Mondays.
- The Lake House: For a more casual, budget-friendly dining option with a menu that includes Texas comfort food, salads, and drinks, including beer and wine. Dine indoors, on the lakeside deck, with a view of Kinder Lake and the Jones Lawn, or have a picnic in the park. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
Seasonal and Temporary Exhibits
Discovery Green also arranges several seasonal attractions and temporary exhibits, such as the Green Mountain Energy Ice, a seasonal outdoor ice rink that operates using recycled water from Kinder Lake and 100% renewable energy.
Discovery Green is committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices across all aspects of the park though. For example, the park uses renewable energy and follows green building practices, including the use of solar panels and sustainably grown wood. The Discovery Green Conservancy aims for a “Gold Level” Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification.
Things to Do at Discovery Green
There are many activities to enjoy at Discovery Green, which have been chosen or tailored to suit all interests. Here’s a detailed guide to what you can enjoy:
Outdoor Activities
- Jogging and Walking Trails: The McNair Jogging Trail, shaded by trees, encircles the Green, and takes runners and walkers through beautiful park scenery.
- Kinder Lake: This one-acre lake, lined with native wetland plants, is perfect for kayaking (available during spring, summer, and fall) and model boat sailing. Visitors can enjoy $5 kayak rides, a fun way to experience the water.
- The Model Boat Pond: Ideal for children, the Model Boat Pond beckons little visitors to race their battery-operated, remote-controlled boats across its waters, like a scene straight out of the Stuart Little movie!
- Playgrounds and the Mist Tree: The John P. McGovern Playground, renovated in 2021, has ample play space and energy-efficient lighting. Children can also enjoy the interactive elements of the Gateway Fountain and the cooling mist from the Mist Tree.
Sports and Games
- Bocce, Horseshoes, and Croquet: Discovery Green has bocce courts at Maconda’s Grove, a game of horseshoes, and even croquet. Rent a four-wheel art cart stocked with equipment for a few hours of friendly competition.
- Putting Green and Shuffleboard: The Hagstette Family Putting Green and Trini's Shuffleboard Court are great for friendly and relaxing games, both located in the scenic Wortham Foundation Gardens.
Art and Culture
Public Art Installations
- Monument au Fantóme: This colorful sculpture by Jean Dubuffet, relocated to Discovery Green after restoration, is an artistic and playful landmark.
- Synchronicity of Color: Margo Sawyer’s installation, featuring 1,500 aluminum boxes in 65 colors, brightens both exits of the underground garage and other park areas.
- Listening Vessels: Sculptor Doug Hollis’ limestone parabolas in the Urban Gardens create a unique auditory experience for visitors.
Performance Spaces
- Anheuser-Busch Stage: Hosting noontime and weekend performances, this stage attracts musicians and performing arts groups.
- Jones Lawn: This two-acre grassy expanse is perfect for lounging and offers wonderful views of Houston’s downtown skyline.
Special Events and Programs
- Concerts and Movies: Discovery Green hosts a variety of concerts that reflect Houston's diverse musical heritage. The park also screens family-friendly movies as part of the "Screen on the Green" series, with food and drinks available for purchase.
- Fitness Classes: Free fitness classes such as HIIT, Gentle Yoga Flow, Hatha Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates are offered at the park. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mats and water.
- Toddler Tuesdays: This program, held in the spring and fall, includes storytime, dance, costumed characters, and crafts, making it a favorite among young children and their caregivers.
Visiting Discovery Green
Located in the heart of downtown Houston, Discovery Green welcomes millions of visitors each year. The park is a wonderful way for families, friends, and individuals to spend an afternoon, seeking outdoor enjoyment and relaxation.
Here’s what you need to know for your visit:
- Hours of Operation: Discovery Green is open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, with extended summer hours until midnight. The Gateway Fountain operates from 9:00 am to 7:00pm, with summer hours extending until 9:00 pm.
- Getting There: The park is accessible via car, bicycle, METRORail, and bus. Convenient parking options include an underground parking garage, street parking, and nearby surface lots. METRORail's green or purple lines will take you directly to the park if you disembark at the Convention District station.
- Admission: Admission to Discovery Green is free of charge. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics, lawn chairs, blankets, and their dogs.
Tips for Your Visit
- Bring a change of clothes for children to enjoy the water features.
- Check the park’s calendar for kid-friendly events like Toddler Tuesdays and Family Movie Nights.
- Pack a picnic or dine at The Lake House or The Grove so the fun doesn’t have to end when your tummies start rumbling!
Explore Beyond Discovery Green with CityDays
While Discovery Green is a fantastic destination, there's so much more to explore in Houston and beyond. CityDays offers unique scavenger and treasure hunt tours that are perfect for team-building exercises and fun outings.
Our tours are designed to help you discover hidden gems and learn fascinating facts about your surroundings. Whether you're planning an event in Houston or looking for team-building activities across the globe, CityDays has an adventure waiting for you.
Discover the culture, history, and hidden treasures of Houston with CityDays. Join one of our exciting tours and see the city from a new perspective. For more information about our Houston Scavenger Hunts then click here: Houston Scavenger & Treasure Hunts - Immersive Urban Adventures | CityDays.
