The Great Outdoors: Year-Round Outside Fun in Spring and Beyond

For the outdoor enthusiast, it doesn’t get much better than North Houston.

Full of parks, nature centers, arboretums and even water parks, the outdoor opportunities are seemingly limitless in our area, offering something for all ages, interests, and backgrounds.

Here are just a few of the area’s top outdoor hotspots:

For seeing natural beauty: Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden

Just a few minutes from the heart of Spring is the Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Garden. A 20-acre spot filled with native trees, flowers, ferns and other flora, the Garden has been around for nearly 80 years. It opened to the public in 1984 and now features extensive walking trails, a courtyard and more. It’s open year-round, except for certain holidays. Learn more at HCP4.net.

For cooling off in the summertime: Wet n’ Wild Splashtown

A Houston staple for decades, Splashtown is a family favorite during the hot summer months. With dozens of rides, slides and children’s attractions, it boasts a little something for everyone – including dining, shopping, and lodging. Be on the lookout for even more family fun in the near future. The park recently announced an expansion, which will see Splashtown double in size over the next decade. Learn more at WetNWildSplashtown.com.

For exploring or hiking: Spring Creek Greenway

Nestled along Spring Creek the Greenway offers access to historic, preserved forests, a variety of wildlife and family-friendly recreational activities like fishing, canoeing, hiking, and birdwatching. The Greenway is located adjacent to the Jesse Jones Park and Nature Center – another local favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Head to Jesse Jones for even more outdoor fun or to try a summer nature camp hosted by Harris County. Learn more at SpringCreekGreenway.org.

For shopping with the family: Old Town Spring

Take a step back into Spring’s past with a visit to Old Town Spring, the historic square filled with antique shopping, family-friendly dining and more. The “town” is home to more than 150 restaurants, stores, and art galleries and has become a weekend staple for young families in the area. There’s also a park in the area, as well as annual events like the Home for the Holidays celebration, the tree lighting ceremony and a fall petting zoo. Learn more at OldTownSpring.com.

For a walk on the wild side: TGR Exotics Wildlife Park

Get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife at the TGR Exotics Park in Spring. From aardvarks, pigs and snakes to tigers, monkeys, and kangaroos, the park boasts a wide variety of animals from across the world – many of whom are hand-raised by the TGR keepers. TGR offers both public and private tours for all ages. Learn more at TGRExotics.com.

For fun with Fido: Pundt Park

Give your furry friend the run of the place at Pundt Park’s dog park. There are benches, walking trails, washing stations and separate spots for big and small dogs. Once you’re done, hop over to the park’s fishing, boating, canoeing or swimming areas for even more fun. Pundt also boasts biking trails, two lakes, equestrian trails and a playground. Learn more at HCP4.net.

For strawberry-picking: Atkinson Farm

Pick your own strawberries at local favorite Atkinson Farms. Open March through October, the farm offers rows upon rows of ripe strawberries for only a few dollars a pound. Kids are welcome, and the farmer’s market on site offers a wide variety of fresh and local produce. Learn more at AtkinsonFarm.com.

For ghost hunting: Old Town Spring Ghost Tours

Learn about the history of Old Town Spring and hunt down Wild West-era ghosts on this outdoor walking tour of the city. According to legend, Bonnie and Clyde robbed a local bank in the 1920s and bullet holes can still be seen on the building to this day. Both family-friendly and R-rated tours are available. Learn more at HoustonGhostTour.com.

For Christmas tree picking or pumpkin patching: Old Time Christmas Tree Farm

During the holiday seasons, Spring’s Old Time Christmas Tree Farm becomes a family favorite. In the winter, customers can choose and chop their own pine and cypress trees to take home and decorate. In the fall, the farm’s pumpkin patch offers train rides, a corn maze, bounce houses, food, drinks and, of course, pumpkins. Learn more at OldTimeChristmasTree.com.

For live music: Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Just a short drive down the road in The Woodlands is the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of Houston’s most popular spots for live music. The venue has played host to country, rock and pop artists, as well as local musicians like the Houston Symphony, the Houston Grand Operate, and the Houston Ballet. Learn more at WoodlandsCenter.org.

Spring, TX: A Hub for Outdoor Fun

Whether with the kids, on your own or just out with Fido, there’s no shortage of outdoor excitement here in Spring – no matter what time of year it is. Want more insider Spring tips and guidance? Contact us today! We know North Houston.