The wait is finally over! A new family-friendly attraction has arrived in Houston, and it offers a chance to enjoy some outdoor fun. The Houston Botanic Garden officially opens to the public Friday, September 18th after months of anticipation.
The Houston Botanic Garden boasts over 130 acres of natural space, giving visitors the chance to enjoy some nature right here in our city.
The Houston Botanic Garden is located in the Hobby and brings to the city a huge living collection of plants. Think of it as a museum for plants. There are plants from all over the world for visitors to admire and learn about.
“Adding a world-class botanic garden to enhance the breadth and depth of Houston’s cultural offerings has been a long time in the making,” said Claudia Gee Vassar, president and general counsel of the Houston Botanic Garden. “We believe the benefits of an extensive outdoor museum like the Houston Botanic Garden will be especially desirable at a time when so many are looking to engage with and be inspired by nature.”
What to Expect at Houston Botanic Garden
Here are a few things visitors can look forward to when they have the chance to visit the Houston Botanic Garden:
- A beautiful tree-lined drive entrance that immediately makes visitors feel like they’re away from the “concrete jungle” of the city
- A Picnic Grove with preserved oak trees
- An aquatic garden with a fountain
- A huge Global Collection Garden with plants from around the world, including the Mediterranean, Asia, and more
- A Culinary Garden showcasing a variety of edible and medicinal plants that can be grown locally
- A Community Garden where anyone can volunteer and learn from experts
- The Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden which offers a sensory-engaging area that presents opportunities for families to engage with nature in a variety of ways, including a boardwalk maze around a lagoon; simple water machines, and nature play structures crafted from trees that previously grew on the property
- Fun, hands-on exhibits for kids
- Walking trails where visitors can experience nature
- Indoor and outdoor spaces for celebrations, meetings, and more
To kick off their grand opening, the Houston Botanic Garden will have “special educational opportunities to showcase how people groups connect with plants in several regions of the world from which plants in the Garden originate.”
Themes include:
- Sept. 18, 19, and 20 – Celebrating Latin America
- Oct. 2, 3, and 4 – Celebrating Asia
- Oct. 16, 17, and 18 – Celebrating Africa
- Oct. 30, 31, and Nov. 1 – Celebrating the Mediterranean
Given the current pandemic, the Houston Botanic Garden is exactly what our city could use right now — an outdoor space where Houstonians can rediscover nature while staying safe and socially distant.
Houston Botanic Garden Ticket Prices
Ticket prices to the Houston Botanic Garden are very affordable. You’ll get the best bang for your buck by visiting on Mondays-Thursdays when prices are $12.50 for adults and $8 for students (with current ID) and children age 3 and older. Weekend prices on Fridays-Sundays are a bit higher at $15 for adults and $10 for students (with current ID) and children age 3 and older. Kids 2 and under are always free.
Memberships are also available at different levels starting at only $50 allowing unlimited general admission and other perks.
Houston Botanic Garden Location
The Houston Botanic Garden is located at 8210 Park Place Blvd. — a little east of I-45, across from Park Place Elementary, in what used to be the Glenbrook Golf Course.
For more info on the Houston Botanic Garden, visit their website at HBG.org or follow them on Facebook.
