The John P. McGovern Playground

This whimsical playground is carved into a tree-shaded hill that shields youngsters from the surrounding streets. The theme of the playground is the major migratory flyway for birds that passes over Houston. Some species of these birds are represented in the play sets, which also include signs to educate visitors.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, Discovery Green manages park activity very carefully. Please click here to see other Park Rules pertaining to the playground.

Please take note of these Park Rules when visiting the playground:

• Children age 12 and under only
• No dogs
• Adults must be with a child
• No food, drinks or smoking
• No bikes, rollerblades or skates
• No coolers or chairs
• Playground access may be restricted for safety
• Playground may not be reserved
• No fighting or reckless behavior

Gateway Fountain

This fanciful fountain is one of the most popular features in Discovery Green, and indeed, the entire city. During Houston’s hot summer months, hundreds of children play daily in this perennial favorite “cool spot.” Lively jets create a joyful water park atop a gently sloping granite surface, with 14-foot high arcing jets.

Please note that the fountain is turned off if there is thunder or lightning.

Please note that swim diapers are required for infants and toddlers (available for purchase in the Park Office/Alkek Building). Water Shoes are strongly encouraged.

Please click here to see other Park Rules pertaining to the gateway fountain. Please take note of these Park Rules when visiting the fountain:

• No running
• No dogs
• No balls or other toys
• No towels on trees
• No food, drinks or smoking
• Adults must be accompanied by a child age fourteen or under
• Access for adults may be restricted for safety
• Do not sit on or near fountain jets
• Exit fountain if directed by Park Personnel
• No fighting or reckless behavior

Dog Runs

The Kinder Large Dog Run and the Harriet and Joe Foster Dog Runs offer a place at the park for four-legged members of the family. The areas feature crushed gravel, fountains and seating.

Please take note of these Park Rules when visiting the dog runs:

• Dog owners must remain with dog
• Time limit of 45 minutes for each dog
• Owners must pick up after their dogs
• Dogs must exhibit current license and vaccination tags
• Children must be with an adult
• No reckless play or fighting
• No spiked collars
• No dogs in heat
• Dogs taller than 15 inches must use the large dog run
• Dogs shorter than 15 inches must use the small dog run

Mist Tree

This focal point of the Sarofim Picnic Lawn is by Doug Hollis, an artist from the San Francisco area. Hollis likes to work with natural phenomena: in this case, water and mist. The mist is created by eighty nozzles that form a mist cloud in the bowl of the stainless-steel sculpture, while a circular pan creates a rain curtain around the perimeter. The water is re-circulated and filtered, and it automatically shuts off if the wind threatens to scatter the too much water. There are no set hours for the Mist Tree.

Kinder Lake

Spreading serenely over more than an acre of the park, Kinder Lake is one of the signature features of Discovery Green. Situated on the north side of the park near the Anheuser-Busch stage, the area also features:

• The Cooper Industries Water Garden
• The Merrill Lynch Co. Pier
• Carruth Lake Lights
• The Model Boat Basin, a shallow pool for remote-controlled battery-operated watercraft. Remote-controlled sailboats are available for rental on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the Spring, Summer & Fall seasons. The rate is $5.00 for 1/2 an hour. Visitors are welcome to bring their own battery-operated remote-controlled boats during park hours. Model Boat Rentals will not be available April 2-3.
• St. Joseph Medical Center Ice at Discovery Green. Every Winter Season from Thanksgiving Day through mid-January, the Model Boat Basin of Kinder Lake is turned into an outdoor ice skating rink!  The ICE is open daily during the holiday season and has become a favorite downtown holiday destination for the entire family. Tickets to the Ice Rink are $10 plus tax and include ice skate rentals.

Please take note of these Park Rules when visiting the lake:

• Do not enter lake
• Do not throw objects in water
• No dogs in water or on lake edge
• No boating except model boats
• No fishing except with permit from Discovery Green

Sarofim Picnic Lawn

Located adjacent to the Mist Tree and the John P. McGovern playground, the Sarofim Picnic Lawn is the perfect place for a sunny picnic lunch or dinner with the family.

Simmons Family Stage

The Simmons Family Stage, under the south overhang of the Alkek Building, is a popular area for families on the weekends, and provides the backdrop for Toddler Tuesday performances.

Jones Lawn

Jones Lawn is Discovery Green’s largest green space at 1.7 acres in the center of the park. It is the site of major events such as Discovery Green’s summer Dock Dogs competition or pick-up sports. The Convention District Garage lies directly below the Jones Lawn.

Andrea and Bill White Promenade

This walkway in the heart of the park offers a 360-degree view of Houston's skyline. Outside of Discovery Green, the White Promenade becomes Crawford Street connecting  Minute Maid Park on the north with the Toyota Center on the south.  The White Promenade is the location of arts and crafts fairs and other festive events.

Brown Foundation Promenade

This  limestone path  is shaded by majestic 100-year-old oak trees. The largest oak is the Nancy G. Kinder Oak, one of four large live oaks moved to the park during construction. In honor of George R. Brown's instrumental role in shaping downtown Houston as we know it today, a bronze statue of him stands under the allee of oaks on the promenade – exactly where he would feel most at home.

McNair Jogging Trail

Beginning on the north boundary of the park adjacent to Kinder Lake, the McNair Foundation Jogging Trail (made of decomposed granite) is an attractive feature on your downtown walk or running route.

HPL Express

The Houston Public Library’s innovative HPL Express is located adjacent to The Lake House. The library branch provides free wireless service for all to enjoy throughout the park as well as services, data, and collections of the entire library system. HPL Express also provides FREE use of recreational equipment, with Valid I.D.

Library hours are:
Friday - Sunday - noon to 5:00 p.m.
The library is closed on most holidays. Please call 832-393-1375 or
Click here for more information.

Reading Rooms

The Morgan Reading Room and Powell Foundation Outdoor Reading Rooms offer beautiful and serene settings to relax and enjoy a good book. They are located next to The Lake House and HPL Express.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, Discovery Green manages park activity very carefully. Please take note of these Park Rules when visiting the reading rooms and HPL Express:

The following activities are prohibited:

• More than two bags of any type; no spreading of contents of bags
• Any item that could be used as a weapon including sporting equipment
• Distribution of printed materials in the HPL Express not in accordance with HPL Express regulations
• Distribution of printed materials in the Powell Outdoor Reading Room not in accordance with Park rules
• Loud speech, noises or music
• Smoking, alcohol, food and beverages
• Entering without a shirt or shoes and offensive body odors
• Sleeping, putting feet/legs on furniture
• Abuse of furniture or HPL Express equipment
• Taking library materials into restrooms
• Use of HPL Express materials without properly checking them out
• Adults not with their child from 3 – 5 p.m. in the Powell Outdoor Reading Room
• Using the seating and furniture in the Powell Foundation Reading Room for any purpose other than reading, use of computers, table games and educational workshops unless otherwise posted.

Gardens at Discovery Green

Art at Discovery Green