Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, Houston

At the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, you might spy budding photographers snapping shots of herons in the wetlands. Situated on the western edge of Memorial Park, the 155-acre nature preserve acts as a sanctuary from the busy city that surrounds it. Visitors can walk along 5 miles of trails, which wind past forests, meadows, wetlands, and ponds.

The nature advocates at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center hope the Arboretum serves not only as a refuge from the urban bustle but also as a constantly changing outdoor classroom. In the Discovery Room, for instance, interactive exhibits help young explorers learn about the Arboretum’s diverse ecosystems. Classes and workshops range from hawk walks to backyard gardening for butterflies. The Arboretum also offers classes for kids, as well as other special events year-round.