The Best Family Friendly Houston Bike Trails
Houston is not just something astronauts say from the moon, but a bustling city full of a variety of industries and interests for every family. For those that want to share their love of cycling, we’ve gathered our top 7 Houston bike trails for families. Grab the kiddos, your Hamax biking gear, and get ready for take off in 10…9…8…7…
1. Buffalo Bayou Trail
Cutting across Houston for 15 miles this paved trail offers the perfect getaway for families. The trail meanders through several parks including Tony Marron Park, Eleanor Tinsley Park, and Spotts Park. These are the perfect starting or ending points and will give your kiddos a chance to get out and run around as well. The west end of the trail tends to be more popular. Don’t miss the Waugh Drive Bat Colony, but make sure to brush up on your bat viewing etiquette first.
2. George Bush Park
George Bush Park spans over 7,800 acres in the midst of Houston and offers 11 miles worth of paved bike trails. There are also a number of other recreational activities available in the park including sportsfields, picnic areas, a dog park, and a wildlife habitat. It is of note that the majority of the paved trail is not shaded – so don’t forget to bring the sunscreen. When needed restrooms are located near the soccer fields. To plan your route, check out a map of the park here.
3. Library Loop Trail
If you’re already out and about and are looking for a quick ride then this is the trail for you. At just under 1.5 miles, this concrete loop is perfect for a family of beginners or those not sure how long the kiddos will last. The trail backs up to office buildings and residential areas and isn’t crowded – which makes it perfect for strollers, bike trailers, and littles just learning to ride. Make sure to pack water and sunscreen as the trees alongside the loop aren’t quite tall enough to provide shade yet.
4. Terry Hershey Park
With over 10 miles of trails and all types of surfaces, the trails located in Terry Hershey Park are perfect for families of all experience levels. The main body of the trail runs from East to West along the Buffalo Bayou from Barker Dam to the Sam Houston Tollway. There is parking located along the trail at several points so you can adjust your starting and ending points as needed. The park also offers a playground for the kiddos, several picnic areas, and restrooms. Check out a map of the park and trail to familiarize yourself with the route.
5. White Oak Bayou Trail
This 7.4-mile paved trail is a perfect place to practice your cycling skills as a family. The paths are wide enough for trailers or older children on bikes and the trail does not intersect with roads in the area. We do recommend bringing appropriate clothing (and sunscreen!) as the few trees do not provide much cover from the weather. There are several locations that would make a great resting stop so don’t forget to pack that picnic! View the route with this map.
6. Memorial Park
Memorial Park has a special place in many people’s hearts as one of the first to run there was Seymour Lieberman, also known as the Father of Jogging. While this park attracts many runners, there are plenty of trails perfect for cyclists. View a map of Memorial Park to start planning your day. Don’t forget to stop by the Arboretum and Nature Center to let the kiddos roam free for a while.
7. Hermann Park
There is much to see and do at Hermann Park and with trails that traverse the entirety of the park, you can see it all from your bike. The mostly paved trails allow for riders of every ability to get in a ride that is just the right length and see a few sights along the way. Don’t miss the Hermann Park Railroad, Houston Zoo, and Japanese Gardens among the many points of interest. Check out this interactive map to find your next adventure.
Whether you’re ready to see the sculptures in your favorite park or get your shopping on, Houston is an ideal place for cyclists. From quick, easy rides to longer, more challenging trails we hope you enjoyed our list of top Houston bike trails that are perfect for any family. If the kiddos aren’t on board yet, pretend they are astronauts heading to space in their Hamax Multi-Sport Bike Trailer + Stroller and take a night ride on your new favorite trail.
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