Question 1

Where is the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center located and how do I get there?

Accepted Answer

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is located on the southwest corner of Memorial Park, at 4501 Woodway Drive. Our new 610 Entrance is located at 120 West Loop North on the 610 West northbound feeder road just south of Woodway Drive. Both entrances are open to the public, however deliveries and service technicians are encouraged to use the 610 Entrance.

Question 2

Is there parking available?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available at both the 610 Entrance and the Woodway Entrance. Parking on the Arboretum grounds is extremely limited and fills up quickly on weekends. School bus parking for School Tours is available on the 610 Parking Loop. Paid parking is available at both the Woodway and 610 Parking Loops. Parking is free on Thursdays and free for Arboretum Members.

Question 3

What are your hours and admission fees? (PART I)

Accepted Answer

Admission to the Nature Center and trails is free. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a non-profit organization and donations to help maintain trails and wildlife habitat are appreciated. Programs are available for schools, scouts and other groups. (Reservations are required for group programs.)

Question 4

What are your hours and admission fees? (PART II)

Accepted Answer

The grounds of the Arboretum are open daily from 7 am to dusk. The Nature Center building which houses the Nature Shop, the Discovery Room, classrooms, and bathrooms is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Outdoor bathrooms at the Nature Center building are open during park hours. The building and grounds are occasionally closed for holidays and special events.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center?

Accepted Answer

As one of the oldest nature education facilities in Texas (founded 1967), the Arboretum is dedicated to our mission to provide education about the natural environment to people of all ages and to protect and enhance the Arboretum as a haven and as a sanctuary for native plants and animals.

Question 6

What plants and wildlife may I see when I visit?

Accepted Answer

The Arboretum is home to a wide range of plants and animals. Please note that we DO have poisonous plants like Poison Ivy and venomous snakes like copperheads and coral snakes on site, which is why we ask that all visitors (and their pets) stay on the trails. We also ask that visitors not try to feed, pick up, or touch any wildlife for the safety of both the wildlife and our visitors.

Question 7

How is the Arboretum funded?

Accepted Answer

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization funded exclusively through our members and supporters, including corporations, foundations, and individual contributors. We do not receive any tax revenue.

Question 8

Are dogs allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes! As a responsible pet owner we ask you to abide by all city ordinances including controlling your dog on the leash at all times and cleaning up after your pet while visiting the Arboretum. As with our 2 legged visitors, dogs must be kept on the trails at all times (no swimming in the ponds). Dogs are allowed in the building lobby – tiled areas only.

Question 9

Do you allow photography on your grounds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We welcome all nature/wildlife photographers, individuals, and families to tour our grounds for the various wildlife found here year round. We also welcome other types of professional and nonprofessional photography for a fee. Details can be found on our Visitor Policies page.

Question 10

How do I pay for parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking fees can be paid via credit card at the parking meters or through the ParkHouston app, available for Apple or Android devices. There are two parking meters at each parking loop.

Question 11

How do parking fees help the Arboretum?

Accepted Answer

All revenue from parking fees goes directly back to the Arboretum to continue to restore much needed native habitat and provide nature education experiences for Houstonians and out-of-town visitors alike. The Arboretum does not receive tax money for maintenance and operations, so these funds will help keep the Nature Center and trails free and open to the public daily.

Question 12

Is there free parking?

Accepted Answer

Arboretum members will receive free parking. Additionally, there will be free parking on every Thursday throughout the year. To become a member, please visit our Membership page.

Question 13

I have a disabled parking placard or license plate – can I park for free?

Accepted Answer

No – per City of Houston policy, all individuals with a disabled parking placard or license plate must pay for parking while parking in a metered parking lot.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center located and how do I get there?

Is there parking available?

What are your hours and admission fees? (PART I)

What are your hours and admission fees? (PART II)

What is the purpose of the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center?

What plants and wildlife may I see when I visit?

How is the Arboretum funded?

Are dogs allowed?

Do you allow photography on your grounds?

How do I pay for parking?

How do parking fees help the Arboretum?

Is there free parking?

I have a disabled parking placard or license plate – can I park for free?

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