Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cypress

"Hermann Park in Houston is perfect for shade on a hot summer day or if you want to make a splash in the fountain playground. This conservancy is a citizen's organization dedicated to the conservation of the community's natural environment. It features 445 acres to run, jump, and play on, along with walking trails, fishing, a railroad train and pedal boats."

"This sprawling park near the Museum District features a monument, the McGovern Centennial Gardens, a splash pad, reflection pool, walking trails, and the free Japanese Tea Gardens."

"The best Instagram spot in Houston may just be the Waterwall, a 64-foot semicircular fountain set among 118 Texas live oak trees. The fountain's water supply consists of 78,500 gallons recycled every three hours and two minutes. The Waterwall has hosted weddings and served as the backdrop of both Hollywood and Bollywood movies."

"This monumental waterwall was designed by Johnson/Burgee Architects and makes for a perfect selfie backdrop. This dramatic architectural masterpiece roars as water cascades down its wall to create a scene fit for a photo shoot!. The sculptural water feature stands 64 feet high and hugs the entrance in a semicircle."

"Go chasing waterfalls at this towering, 64-foot-tall urban wall of water that’s in the Uptown district; it’s nothing short of Insta magic. @augustoricardocembedded via"

"Discovery Green is a vibrant 12-acre park in the heart of downtown Houston that provides the public with a beautiful outdoor space in which to relax and participate various outdoor activities. Together, the City of Houston and the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy opened the park in 2008. Today, Discovery Green presents a variety of dynamic programs, workshops, and events throughout the year that are free and open to the public."

"This master-planned district also encompasses bayous, gardens, reservoirs, and 50 miles of trails. Are you an avid golfer?. Take your pick of four first-rate courses."

"After five blocks you’ll be at Discovery Green Park, which fronts the George R. Brown Convention Center. Rendering of Super Bowl Live at Discovery Green"

"Set on 160 acres that border the bayou and stretch to downtown, Buffalo Bayou Park offers something for everyone, including running and biking trails, a children’s play area, spectacular art sculptures like “Tolerance” by Jaume Plensa (seven silvery aluminum human figures that represent the seven continents), and The Dunlavy, a restaurant and event venue. There are also canoe and kayak rentals, a skatepark, a two-acre dog park, and 18 acres of wild flowers and prairies where you can spread out and picnic."

"2:30pm Explore River Oaks, Buffalo Bayou Park or Shop There are plenty of places to shop in Houston but the River Oaks area is the toniest neighbourhood in Houston. You can see some over the top, stunning homes - some feature in an annual azalea trail where they open up their homes for inspection. Rumour has it that if the azaleas bloom earlier than expected these uber wealthy residents bring in ice companies to cool the blooms down."

"Spotts Park is located west of Downtown near Buffalo Bayou between Waugh and Memorial, the 16-acre space delights Downtown visitors with its skyline views, winding paths, steep hills, basketball and sand volleyball courts, playground for kids, as well as plenty of open lands to hang out. It has bike share racks and connects to the larger Buffalo Bayou Park. So you can rent a bike and hit some of the nearby trails."

"Along the way, stop and admire the art installations including the Gus Wortham Fountain across from the AIG tower, Tolerance Statues just after the Montrose The Dunlavy at Lost Lake (Culture Map)"

"Why You’ve Got to Go: Dedicated to live steam modeling, the Houston Area Live Steamers is “the” organization for free rides aboard steam engine and diesel model trains, along a 4,700-foot track. What to Do: Take the Cypress Creek and Southern Railroad track for a scenic ride through the Northwest Harris County park, replete with miniature bridges and windmills. You can also picnic in Zube Park."

"Take a ride on a miniature model train with the Houston Area Live Steamers. With a 4,700-foot track in Zube Park in Northwest Harris County, the group operates monthly free ride days on the third Saturday of each month. The 15-minute rides are fun for the entire family."

"Benihana is a fusion of Hiroaki’s expertise and his father’s unique way of doing business. He started the restaurant in 1964 at West 56th street. With him is his memory of how his parents, specifically his father, created a profitable business."

"My favorite is Town and City: $5.00 gets you an amazingly huge pretzel, $9.00 for Seoul Burger and tots, $14.00 gets you a whole pitcher of their beer (they have smaller cheaper options as well). Careful of going on a Sunday, they get popular on the weekends and tend to run out of beer/food options.". Submitted by marshamaec"

": Wed 3:00 PM-10:00 PM. Thu 3:00 PM-10:00 PM. Fri 3:00 PM-12:00 12:00 AM. Sat 10:00 AM-12:00 12:00 AM. Sun 10:00 AM-10:00 PM"

"Beers: Stella Ella Kölsch, Heff Off Mate Hefeweizen, Bal-Drick Baltic Porter, Cherry Ripe Imperial Stout, The Bradbury Sour, Who’s the Bougie Tart Sour, (Not An) Oktoberpus Lager, Rough End of the Pineapple Sour, Ulured Imperial Red Ale, Out of Orbit Hazy IPA, Freckled Dingo IPA, Cadillac Ranch IPA. Noteworthy: Platypus is partly owned by Australians and its beers often reflect that."

"Platypus Brewing is a unique and interesting brewery that takes an Australian flare to its craft beer. It is here where you can find many beers that has been crafted with rare Australian hops that make your mouth water. Plus, they don’t just serve Australian style beer, but they also serve some food specialties from Australia as well like sausage rolls and meat pies."

"The brainchild of husband, wife, and pal trio, Platypus Brewing boasts brews and bites inspired by flavors from Australia and Texas as a nod to the background of the owners. Think Bobby Dazzler, an Australian blonde ale brewed with local Houston honey and Australian topaz hops, or a Freckled Dingo Pale Ale, perfect with a side of crispy fried curry Brussels sprouts."

"If bargain hunting is what you're after, you can't go wrong with Houston Premium Outlets. It's a bit of a drive to get there — the strip is about a 30-45 minute drive from downtown — but with roughly 150 outlet stores, it's well worth the trip. Armani, Burberry, Kate Spade and Michael Kors are just a few of the high-end brands in the mall."

"When it comes to high-end shopping at big-box prices, you just can’t beat the retail outlet. Houston Premium Outlets offers a variety of stores full of kids’ fashions, along with plenty of major labels for adults. Shop for the entire family in one trip, and stock up on the great deals available in every store."

"If you are good at hunting for deals when it comes to shopping then Houston Premium Outlets is a paradise for you. You will have to drive for a bit to reach that place; you will easily take 40 minutes from downtown Houston. But with almost 150 retail stores the trip is worth it."

"Any crafts connoisseur will swoon over the collections at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft. Home to the CraftTexas 2016 exhibition, which showcases the talent of 38 artists in sculpture, jewelry, installation, and cut paper, the museum also offers a variety of children’s programs. The first Saturday of each month is the “Hands-On Houston” workshop, a free craft-making activity based on current exhibitions and hosted by local artists and guilds."

"Museum DistrictHours: Wed & Thurs, 11am-9pm; Fri, 11am-5pm; Sat & Sun, 11am-7pmNotes: Hit HCP’s free galleries (donations appreciated), where you’ll find some truly fine works of contemporary photography that will have you second-guessing yesterday’s #burritogram. Don’t worry, it also offers over 300 photography classes and workshops year-round, though you’ll have to shell out some cash for those."