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Pedal your way around the lake in Hermann Park.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
The Hermann Park Railroad takes a two-mile, 18 minute journey around Hermann Park with three stops along the way.
Mid-size zoo with several large animal exhibits worth visiting such as the gorillas and elephants. Visiting early in the day is advised as most of the zoo-keeper talks are before noon and the animals go into hiding if the day is hot.
Approximately 455 acres (about half the size of Central Park in New York City). George Hermann gave the parkland to the City of Houston in 1914. It is accessible via the MetroRail. Encompasses the Miller Outdoor Theater, the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Hermann Park Golf Course.
Free professional theater, music, dance and other performing arts shows in from June to October.
Designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect, Ken Nakajima, the garden was built to symbolize the friendship between the United States and Japan, and to recognize Houston's thriving Japanese community.
Permanent venues include the butterfly center, exhibit halls, planetarium, and IMAX theater, others vary by availability.