Bayou

A beautifully renovated 160-acre urban park stretching along Buffalo Bayou with wide paved trails perfect for family biking and an incredible destination playground with climbing nets and hillside slides. Kayak and bike rentals are available on-site and the park runs a popular free bat viewing program at the Waugh Drive bridge where thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at sunset. The Johnny Steele Dog Park is one of the best in Texas.

The only natural lake in Texas surrounded by one of the largest cypress swamps in the world with moss-draped trees rising from dark tannic water that feels straight out of a storybook. Kayaking and canoeing through the maze of bayous and sloughs is an unforgettable family adventure. The CCC-built cabins are among the most charming in the state park system. Kids are mesmerized by the otherworldly atmosphere and the abundance of turtles and wading birds.