Its perpetual love and support for astronomy gave birth to its endearing moniker: Space City. Indeed, Houston is home to Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston—the places where the geek in you is most welcome. But labels and nicknames can be empowering and at the same time, diminishing. Houston, a thriving city, has multiple selves. After some hours nurturing your mind in space centers, head to the following parks to awaken your love for Mother Nature.

You have a wide array of Houston hotels to choose from for your next city escapade. Go on. Geek out. Both in space centers and the many living things found in Houston greens.

Photo by  Paola Merritt via Trover.com

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary | A Home of Greens

This nature sanctuary is not only for children but also for grownups. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is the place where you can experience the natural workings of nature: bees, flowers, leaves, cicadas, and bugs. The sanctuary has birds and reptiles that anyone can have a supervised educational interaction with. It feels great to walk around surrounded by living greens.

Address: 440 Wilchester Blvd, Houston, TX 77079, USA

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center | Nature for Adults

One core philosophy behind the success and reputation of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is to never stop learning. No matter how old you are. So aside from the expected programs for kids, the center has programs dedicated to adults who love to take baby steps on anything nature-related. From birding and photography classes to gardening, and of course, food, beer, and wine classes to improve your lifestyle, the center makes sure that the adults don’t get bored.

 Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024

Armand Bayou Nature Center | The Wetland Beauty

The wetlands have beauty unique to them. The water glistens at specific times of the day. The animals interacting with the shallow waters vary depending on the season and time. Armand Bayou Nature Center for example has an interesting array of flora and fauna living symbiotically in its perimeters. When Mother Nature is with you, expect to see deer, bison, and even alligators. And at some nights, experience the beauty and mystery of fireflies.

Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507

Bay Area Park | Picnic With a View

Overlooking the stunning Armand Bayou, this 64.3-acre park is a place for serene and breezy afternoons. Bay Area Park is an awesome place for families traveling with kids. Give them a break from gadgets and let them sweat, run, and have fun in the sun. Don’t forget to pack some food and refreshing drinks with you.

Address: 7500 Bay Area Blvd, Houston, TX 77058

Hermann Park | A Place to People-Watch

A public park, Hermann Park is one of the most popular parks in Houston. With the size of 445 acres, this historical park is home to cultural institutions such as Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, and Houston Garden Center. A walk around this park takes at least a day. Take your time to walk around, sit in a café, and watch different affairs of the day.

Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030

Jona of Backpacking with a Book

Hi there, I’m Jona, originally from Cebu, Philippines, had live in Hanoi, Vietnam, and now currently based in Munich, Germany. This blog used to house thoughts on life and books, but eventually it morphed into a travel blog. For collaborations, projects, and other things, please email me at backpackingwithabook@gmail.com. For essays, creative nonfiction, and others, find me elsewhere.

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