1500 McKinney Street, Houston, Texas 77010
Open daily from 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Discovery Green is an urban park located in Houston. The park is next to George R. Brown Convention Center, and a very short walk from Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center. This park feels like it is truly downtown, and is easily accessed from many hotels.
The park is almost 12 acres in downtown. It has a large lake, places for children to play, restaurants, and gardens.
The park has a stage and frequently functions as a venue for events and music performances.
Playground
The John P. McGovern Playground was recently renovated. It has one section for younger children, and another section for older children.
The playground has lots of play equipment for children, and seating areas with shade for the grownups. The playground is incredibly popular, especially on the weekends. It is often packed with children playing and having a good time outside.
The Mistree
Mistree is a large sculpture located inside the park. It was created by Doug Hollis. The sculpture shoots out a cloud of mist that people in the park can run through or interact with. It is similar to the dandelion fountain on Allen Parkway.
Kinder Lake
There is a model boat basin for operating remote control sailboats.
There used to be rental kayaks, but that is currently closed.
Restaurants at Discovery Green
There are two restaurants located in the park. There are numerous restaurants in the blocks surrounding the park.
Restaurants Inside the Park
Lake House has fast food options and is one of the more cost effective places to get food in the area. It is suitable for families with children playing in the park. They serve things like burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, hot dogs and fries.
The Grove is a nicer restaurant with a dress code. It serves more expensive food and has menu items like seafood and pork loin.
Food trucks are usually along the edge of the park.
Restaurants Near Discovery Green
There are many restaurants within a short walk from the park. Most of them are very nice, but also very expensive. Most of the restaurants around the park are geared towards business travelers or people going out to celebrate a special occasion.
Xochi is located one block from the park in the Marriott Marquis. They serve Oaxacan food, and always receive very high reviews for their excellent food. They frequently require a reservation.
Brasserie du Parc is located near the park on the first floor of One Park Place. They serve French food.
There are few budget friendly options for families in the area around the park. There is a Chick-fil-a located a few blocks away at the Shops at Houston Center, but it is only open on weekdays.
Restrooms in Discovery Green Park
There are public bathrooms in the park. One bathroom is located near the playground. The other bathroom is located near the entrance to the parking garage.
Getting to Discovery Green Park
It is easy to walk to the park from the George R. Brown Convention Center or from some of the downtown hotels like Hilton Americas or the Marriott Marquis.
Light Rail
Discovery Green is located at the Convention Center Station. This station can be accessed by either the Green Line or the Purple Line.
The Red Line does not go directly to Discovery Green. The closest stop from the Red Line is at Market Street Square Station. This is about a half mile walk from the park, going through downtown Houston. Or you can transfer from the Red Line to the Green or Purple Lines at the Central Station.
Parking
Trying to find parking around Discovery Green can be unpleasant and expensive.
There are metered parking spots on streets throughout downtown. Many of them are around the perimeter of the park.
Generally metered parking is free after 6 PM and on Sundays. Check the signage at the meter, and make sure it is not a no parking zone.
There are surface lots throughout downtown. They are usually much more expensive than metered spots.
The closest parking garage to the park is Avenida Central. The entrance to the garage is located on Avenida de las Americas.
Dogs at Discovery Green Park
Dogs are allowed at Discovery Green as long as they are on a leash and the owner picks up after them.
There is a dog park where dogs can play off leash. The dog park has a small dog run and a large dog run.
This park can get very crowded on the weekends. If you are looking for a less crowded park in Houston to take your dog for a walk, you might prefer Buffalo Bayou or Memorial Park.
Bikes, scooters, and roller blades
Using wheeled equipment is not allowed in the park.
Skateboards, roller blades, and roller skates are not allowed in the park.
Scooters and electric scooters are not allowed to be ridden in the park.
Bicycles must be walked through the park.