Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Located on the western edge of Memorial Park (4 miles from Downtown Houston), the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and the opportunity to experience the natural world.

This 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary provides education about the natural environment to Houstonians and visitors of all ages. It plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival.

Visitors can walk the five miles of trails free of charge. The Nature Center building includes the Discovery Room with interactive exhibits and activities and the Nature Shop filled with items for nature lovers of all ages. Over the last few years, the Arboretum has recently added new amenities including increased parking, new trails, updated boardwalks, six educational Field Stations along the trails, a brand new Administration Building and Conservation Center, additional prairie and savanna landscapes, two new ponds, and a completely remodeled Nature Center. A new state-of-the-art Nature Playscape will also be built and ready for visitors in 2020.

The Arboretum offers educational programs for all ages, field trips, private tours, volunteer opportunities, facility rentals, and so much more.