With its quaint charm, excellent schools, green spaces, parks, and small-town feel, it’s no surprise that Garden Oaks/Oak Forest is considered one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in the Houston area. Whether you are a local or a visitor, these family-oriented communities offer dozens of options to keep kids of all ages entertained. Here are a few of our favorite family-friendly activities in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest.
1. T.C Jester Park
Houston boasts many stunning parks and recreation areas, but T.C. Jester Park is a real treasure, located right in the Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area. This leafy neighborhood park provides ample choices for rest and recreation. Shady picnic areas, trails, and dog parks are tucked throughout its lush green expanse. Active families can try their hand at the 21-hole disc golf course or take a spin on one of the park’s bike trails which connect directly to the White Oak Bayou Trail.
Sports fields for virtually every pursuit give young athletes a place to shine. And if you want to cool off on a hot Texas day, the park’s community pool and splash pads are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Recently, the park announced a comprehensive state-of-the-art playground expansion with unique equipment designed to promote cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development. The $1 million parks improvement project will include innovative playground sections for various age groups, such as climbing structures, swings, and a boulder-themed water play area. The upgrade also includes expanded sidewalks, fencing, picnic areas, benches, and more.
2. Bayou Greenway trail system
Photo Courtesy of Houston Parks Board
Bike-friendly Houston is interlaced with miles of dedicated bike trails. So for families that like to hit the trail together, you can design your own adventure, length of ride, and level of difficulty. Cyclists can helmet up and start at Donovan Park which has an inspired children’s playground, then wind along the scenic Heights Hike and Bike Trail to the White Oak Bayou Trail, which slips right through Garden Oaks/Oak Forest and connects to the beautiful T.C. Jester Park, described above. For even more suggested bike routes that explore all corners of Houston, the Houston Parks Board has created itineraries and routes for all tastes, including custom trips to experience wildlife, arts and entertainment, relaxation, cycling, and hiking.
3. Candlelight Park and Community Center
Candlelight Park and Community Center, centrally located in Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, boasts amenities to keep kids of all ages entertained in active pursuits. Candlelight Park’s playground, basketball courts, and pickleball courts are fun for all ages, and the Community Center can be reserved to host family events or celebrations.
4. Shepherd Park and Shepherd Park Plaza
Photo Courtesy of Shepherd Park Plaza’s Facebook
With a charming play area, Shepherd Park is a popular destination for families with small children year-round. But around the holidays, Shepherd Park Plaza dons its sparkling finery for a dazzling light display that has drawn families here for generations. Since the 1960s, lighted arches have welcomed guests to celebrate the season in glorious splendor. The displays have grown more elaborate in scale over the years, expanding into a neighborhood-wide event. Each year, giant candy canes, snowflakes, ribbons, wreaths, snowmen, and of course, arches, transform the park and neighborhoods into a winter wonderland. Adding to the festive flair are Santa, hayrides, and hot cocoa. Locals and visitors alike return year after year to enjoy this festive family tradition.
5. Lovebug’s Playground
Photo Courtesy of Lovebug’s Playground’s Facebook
This local indoor playspace, Lovebug’s Playground, was started by a mom and former teacher as a playground where kids could learn and play. They host story time, science experiments, bubble parties, and more. The interactive play space has tunnels and slides, climbing blocks, and colorful play structures that captivate small children. It’s also a perfect place to host a playdate or special event.
6. The Little Gym
The Little Gym of Houston Heights provides innovative structured classes in a positive environment to foster growth, self confidence, and a love of active learning. Parent/child classes, gymnastics, parties, and camps provide a variety of formats for learning. The gym’s philosophy promotes holistic learning to develop curious brains, healthy bodies, and good citizenship.
7. Kidventure
For summer day camps, after-school care, and overnight camp experiences, Kidventure focuses on well-rounded activities that include athletics, art, science, team building, leadership, and more. Their mission is to build self-esteem through a thoughtful curriculum to encourage success and a lifelong love of learning. Programs are offered for a wide range of ages and formats, so parents can cater their child’s experience to meet their needs.
8. Little Beakers Science Lab
Photo Courtesy of Little Beakers Science Lab’s Twitter
For the budding scientist, Little Beakers Science Lab invites children to don lab coats and discover the wonders of science. Open Lab encounters provide more than 30 experiments to choose from while special guided one-hour lab lessons provide a more structured experience. Day camps, private parties, individual sessions, and more are available for kids of all ages.
9. Common Bond Cafe
For a treat the whole family will love, Common Bond Cafe serves up great food with great care. The charming bakery and bistro has plenty of kid-friendly fare, as well as custom
Find out more about Garden Oaks and Oak Forest
If you want to explore the family-friendly neighborhoods of Garden Oaks/Oak Forest, the professionals at the HTX Group are local experts. Josh Hill, Terence Barnes, and Rachel Wood can help you find the perfect home or family-friendly destination to meet your particular needs.
