DOWNTOWN. A 124-acre greenway that stretches from Downtown to the River Oaks neighborhood, Buffalo Bayou offers great views of the city skyline. Within the park, paved trails welcome runners and bikers, and a disc golf course, boat launch, and children's playground draw visitors as well. Eleanor Tinsley Park rests within Buffalo Bayou Park (in the section from Taft Street to Sabine Street) and is the site of many city festivals, most notably the Fourth of July celebration.

HOUSTON. Not to be confused with Cullen Sculpture Gardens at the Museum of Fine Arts, Cullen Park ­ at 10,500 acres ­ is one of the nation's largest municipal parks. It's a prime destination for folks interested in outdoor pursuits, and at any given time, you'll find bikers, runners, and skaters getting in some physical activity alongside recreational soccer players and picnicking families. One of the park's prominent features is the Alkek Velodrome, a paved cycling track that's a favorite of serious cyclists.

DOWNTOWN. Sam Houston Park was carved from family-owned land and transformed in 1900 into a pastoral haven for city residents. In the 1950s, the Heritage Society was created to preserve the property's Kellum-Noble House; the group later began relocating other historic homes to the park and restoring them. Currently, eight structures exist, dressed in period-appropriate furnishings. They include a cabin, a home built by a freed slave, a church, and grander, oil-financed structures. The Museum of Texas History also sits in the park. The grounds and museum are free of charge, but the homes are accessible only by guided tour.

MUSEUM DISTRICT. Centrally located, Hermann Park boasts lots of attractions, including the zoo, an outdoor theater, a Japanese garden and a golf course. Visitors can enjoy a picnic under the pines, ride the miniature train, rent paddle boats, or simply stroll about and enjoy the scenery. Plus, Houston Museum of Natural Science is within walking distance, as is the Medical Center. Hermann Park is also home to a children's playground, a lovely reflection pool, and a jogging and exercise trail.

MIDTOWN. Adjacent to Memorial Park, the arboretum encompasses 155 acres of natural forest inside Loop 610 and showcases more than 450 native plants. It's a source of recreation for residents and a preserve for local wildlife, wisely protected by the city. Trails wind five miles through the parcel of land, inviting folks to immerse themselves in the natural beauty. Guided tours and educational programs are available, and the Nature Center holds classes and features regular exhibits.