Kayak Buffalo Bayou
Paddle through downtown Houston with skyscrapers on both banks, past turtles, herons, and the occasional alligator gar. Guided sunset and bat-colony paddles are the ones to book.
Insider tip
The Waugh Bridge bat paddle at dusk is the standout; book weeks ahead in spring and fall.
Located in Downtown. Theater District, ballpark, and 7 miles of tunnels.
Also in Downtown
Buffalo Bayou Park
FreeA 160-acre green ribbon along the bayou with skyline views, the Waugh Bridge bat colony at dusk, the underground Cistern art space, and kayak launches. The best free hour in Houston.
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Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
$A 1926 underground drinking-water reservoir with 221 columns, now an eerie art and sound installation space. Guided tours run every half hour. Unlike anything else in Texas.
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Discovery Green
FreeA 12-acre downtown park across from the convention center with free concerts, a winter ice rink, kayaking on Kinder Lake, and a packed calendar of free events. Downtown's living room.
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Downtown Aquarium
$$Part aquarium, part amusement park: a 500,000-gallon tank, white tigers, a Ferris wheel, and a restaurant surrounded by fish. Touristy, and kids love it.
Downtown · Indoor · Kids