Best Things to Do in Houston This Spring

Spring in Houston brings outdoor programs, seasonal festivals, and reliable attractions across parks, gardens, and cultural spaces. This guide gathers the best things to do in Houston this spring, focusing on specific locations and annual spring events that run each year. Everything on the list is verified, steady, and suitable for building simple spring plans around the city. The selections highlight places that remain active throughout the season, giving residents easy options for short visits or relaxed outings.

Spring Annual Events

Houston Art Car Parade

This parade features hundreds of decorated vehicles moving through downtown. Residents gather along the route each spring for casual viewing opportunities.

Location: Downtown Houston (starting area varies – typically around Smith St & Pease St)
Time: April
Website: https://www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

Pasadena Strawberry Festival

This annual spring festival features large activity zones, vendor booths, and themed attractions centered around strawberries. Visitors move between outdoor areas for stage programming, contests, and family-friendly sections throughout the day.

Location: 7603 Red Bluff Rd, Pasadena
Time: May
Website: https://www.strawberryfest.org

Houston Barbecue Festival

This annual spring event brings together barbecue vendors from across the region, offering tasting areas and open-air food sections. Visitors walk between booths, watch demos, and spend time in the festival’s outdoor zones at their own pace.

Location: Humble Civic Center, 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble
Time: April
Website: https://houbbq.com

Houston International Film Festival

This annual event presents screenings, panel sessions, and industry gatherings across multiple venues. Attendees move between auditoriums and event spaces to view programmed titles and participate in scheduled activities.

Location: 310 Memorial City Mall, Houston
Time: April
Website: https://www.worldfest.org

The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival

This annual spring festival features artist booths, performance areas, and sections arranged along the waterway. Visitors walk between exhibits, view displayed works, and stop at activity zones set up throughout the grounds.

Location: 2099 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX
Time: April
Website: https://www.thewoodlandsartscouncil.org/events/festival

Outdoor & Nature Activities

Hermann Park Japanese Garden

This quiet garden includes landscaped paths, ponds, and shaded seating areas. Visitors use the space for low-key walks and short breaks during the spring season.

Location: 6000 Fannin St, Houston

McGovern Centennial Gardens

Featuring structured plant beds and open lawn areas, the gardens offer a calm setting for daytime strolls. Spring blooms draw steady foot traffic from residents looking for simple outdoor time.

Location: 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston

Buffalo Bayou Park

The park offers long walking and biking trails, green spaces, and open areas near the water. Spring temperatures make it suitable for casual visits throughout the season.

Location: 105 Sabine St, Houston

Waterwall Park

This public structure features a tall water installation with a surrounding lawn. Spring weather draws frequent casual visits for short photo stops.

Location: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

This nature center includes woodland trails and small educational features along the paths. Spring months bring increased activity from visitors taking self-guided walks.

Location: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston
Website: https://houstonarboretum.org

Memorial Park Eastern Glades

A large section of Memorial Park with boardwalks, wetlands, and open lawns. People often stop here for easy outdoor time during spring gatherings or exercise routines.

Location: 6502 Memorial Dr, Houston

Eleanor Tinsley Park

A section of the bayou park system with open grass areas and a skyline viewpoint. Spring events and picnics often bring steady movement through this space.

Location: 18-3600 Allen Pkwy, Houston

Recreation, Activities & Attractions

Houston Botanic Garden

Visitors walk through themed plant zones, water gardens, and open paths. Spring is a steady season for plant growth, making it a popular time for simple garden walks.

Location: 1 Botanic Ln, Houston
Website: https://hbg.org

Downtown Aquarium

The venue includes aquatic exhibits, small rides, and indoor viewing areas. Visitors move between displays for a short indoor break during spring outings.

Location: 410 Bagby St, Houston
Website: https://www.downtownaquariumhouston.com

Discovery Green

An urban park with art installations, lawns, and spring programming. Visitors stop here for outdoor movement between nearby attractions.

Location: 1500 McKinney St, Houston
Website: http://www.discoverygreen.com

Houston Zoo

Located within Hermann Park, the zoo features animal habitats and shaded paths. Spring months typically bring more visitors exploring multiple sections.

Location: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston
Website: https://www.houstonzoo.org

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