Take your blanket, picnic baskets, and some outdoor toys. This is a perfect setting for a day in the park. If you are goint to be visiting the museum district, this park makes a nice rallying point and relaxation opportunity. Many tourist opportunities are within close walking distance which makes for a great location. Be careful not to get caught by the rain like we did.
This is a nice place to come for a walk with the kids - don't expect anything too structured. There is a discovery centre with lots of interactive displays at the visitors centre but other than that, it's just walking on your own, looking for stuff and enjoying the outdoors. It hasn't been crowded any of the times I've been, the trails are easy, well kept and posted, there are benches around the pond area. They're in process of making a small playground next to visitors centre which looks quite fun for the kiddos. Bring your own food and drinks and make a good half-day of it.
The Houston Arboretum is an environmental education center with classes and programs for children and adults and a preserve area for plants. Five miles of relaxing nature trails wind through 155 acres of woodlands, ponds, and prairie. Located near Memorial Park and the Galleria area.