Menil Park is the large field that is right next to the Menil Museum. If you're into arts and have not been to The Menil Collection, I highly recommend you check out this FREE museum. Make sure you reserve tickets during the pandemic. After the museum, spend some time outdoors at the Menil Park. This a great spot for a hangout with friends or a picnic in the field. While you have time, walk over the Rothko Chapel next door as well and enjoy some time in front of the Broken Obelisk structure. The Broken Obelisk is an iconic sculpture sitting atop a reflecting pool. Six of these sculptures exist across the US and the one in Houston was dedicated to MLK at the request of John and Dominique de Menil in 1971. Parking is available on the streets surrounding The Menil. The park is within a neighborhood in the Montrose District of town. This park may get busy during peak hours, but there is always a parking spot available. Just pay attention to the no parking signs as Montrose is a heavy tow district. read more

Doesn't look like much except a large green patch of grass with a random sculpture in the middle... but it's such a hidden gem!! Saturday (April 23) was such a beautiful day with just the right amount of sunshine and wind. A great location for a super affordable and low key date! Just grab your favorite snacks, a book, and a blanket! It's even quiet enough that you can take a nap and there's a cute swing attached to a tree too!! Super clean park. Very family friendly and I saw several people bring their dog(s). Available free street parking (on the weekends) and this park is near University of St. Thomas. Also, The Menil Collection art gallery is just walking distance and admission is free! The only con to this beautiful and well-maintained park is that there's only one trash can!!! read more

Menil Park - Menil park sculpture - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Museum District park! This wonderful, grassy park has lots of trees, grass, air, and a sculpture to take in. This park is flanked by the Menil Collection, a free art museum, and the Rothko Chapel, another free activity, a nondenominational house of worship. In the middle of the park is a big sculpture of a tilted metal cross lookin' thing, that's a good thing to hang out by. There were lots of people here having picnics, a glass of wine, doing yoga, walking dogs, sleeping, stretching, just hanging out. The parking was all along the streets, which was free. It's a nice park to cut through to go from one museum to another. Art abounds with a variety of sculptures around this Museum District site. It's not a very big park, but there's a number of shade trees. I wouldn't try to start up a football game or a cricket match here, there's not enough room. Be sure to check out the swing on the big oak tree. Wheeee! I did not see any restrooms in this park. But there are restrooms in the museums, which have free admission when they're open. read more

A nice, tranquil park nestled in the heart of Houston. Located in the gorgeous Menil area, this is a great park for picnics, lounging in the sunshine, and people watching. The park does not have a playground so you would need to pack entertainment for the little ones. There are many large oak trees here to provide shade on hot days and a couple of nice art sculptures to ponder as you enjoy the area. Parking is available around the perimeter of the park on the street. read more

Menil Park - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Lots of street parking, in a nice neighborhood, and loved the atmosphere. I went on a Wednesday evening. There are a few yoga classes going on in the grass and a few musicians under the covered part of the white building (I didn't go close enough to see what the building was.) You have to leave when the sun goes down. read more

Beautiful park right next to the Menil Collection with ample grass for a weekend picnic! I visited this past weekend for a socially distanced picnic with friends and found plenty of room for us to sit on the grass. We sat on the side next to the Menil Collection - in the evening there is good shade by the trees. We were there a few hours and the next door Menil Collection was kind enough to let us use the restroom without entering (although they are free for entry - you just have to reserve a ticket online). I parked on Branard St by a few of the houses across the Menil Collection - certain areas are ok to park in but make sure you read the no parking signs carefully. I heard there is also a lot across from the Menil Collection on Sul Ross St. Be advised - a police truck comes at sunset when the park closes (around 7:30 this past weekend) so you cannot stay past then. read more

There's no play ground. There are no restrooms ... no volleyball courts, no running trails or soccer fields, no picnic tables or barbecue pits ... and *still*, this is a five-star park. Why, you ask? Well, Menil Park isn't *that* kind of park. For me, I think it's the Menil Park patrons that make this outdoor retreat remarkable. On any given beautiful afternoon, you'll find a handful of hipsters playing hacky sack, art enthusiasts leaving the Museum, couples innocently flirting, girls basking in the sun, children running about, a few dogs playing fetch, opera students singing in a tree, and a few guys playing an upright bass and a banjo for kicks. I've enjoyed a few visits at Menil Park for some "me time" to catch up on a book or meet with friends for potlucks. I'm not sure if wine or other alcohol beverages are allowed - it certainly isn't a keg-kind-of-place - but we've paired a few glasses of vino with our cheese plates a few times. There aren't any on-site restrooms, but you can pop into The Menil if they're open or even a few of the non-profits housed in the nearby buildings; a few welcome visitors. (But it'd be kind of you to leave a small donation, I think.) Bring a blanket, kick off your shoes, and just take it all in. Menil Park, we come in peace. read more

Menil Park - Musicians quietly entertaining - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

I really really like this park. I love that Houston has these little hidden green spaces, and the Menil Park is one of the more natural and lovely ones. The parking is easy, as you can park on the street, and even on busy days, I've found parking within a block. I've been to two picnics at this park. There aren't any tables, but there are some large heavy metal benches. There are some shaded spots under large oak trees as well as some open grassy areas where you can set up some blankets or picnic tables and chairs. The park is used by young and old, couples and families, walkers with dogs... there is evening a doggie poop bag station so if you forgot your bags, there is no excuse! The last time I went it was a little soggy and muddy, but I can't complain about rain, because this is Houston and we're in a drought! I like the free Menil Collection Museum right next store and they have bathrooms too! So, bring some camping chairs, some food, and a few games and head over to the Menil park. read more

Menil Park - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

The Californian/Bay Area in me feels alive and at home at Menil Park. I love the metal structures, and the low hanging trees that are oh-so-perfect for climbing. I love how inviting the grass is for you to lay your blanket out and plop your body upon it for a fantastic picnic for two or three or four. More than anything, I love the people watching here. Seriously, WTF? Who knew Houston had such an eclectic collection of free spirits? Am I still in Houston?? Today, I watched a couple sitting in a tree K-I-S-S-I-N-G. I saw people contorting their bodies to be chairs for one another. I saw some ladies hula hooping with any limb or appendage of their body. I smelled some folks getting an herbal high (probably not appropriate for a park with children...). I saw frisbee players, hacky sackers, and giant inflatable ball throwers (wait, huh?). This park is awesome beyond words. Come here on a perfect weather day, and you will be sure to find a crowd. Come here any let your inner weird manifest. It's what everyone else is doing anyways... read more

Menil Park is a nice little green space that connects the various Menil Art/Chapel Campus together, including the surrounding non-profits. It also helps that it's in a pretty neighbourhood, with interesting architecture and the St. Thomas Campus nearby, and offering no immediate indication of Houston's liberal zoning practices. This is a good place for personal reflection after leaving the Museums or just to come and hang out. I enjoyed sitting on that big metal art piece in the middle or just hanging out on the grass. There's also plenty of shade options and the promise of a relaxing picnic or wandering conversation. It also helped that I came on a sunny day in the 70s with low humidity. read more

One of my favorite parks in Houston. Pros: Lots of HUGE beautiful trees for shade. A few benches, but LOTS of grassy areas. For the most part, friendly people that are there to enjoy the beautiful weather and/or reading, acroyoga, naps, picnics, tree swinging, sun-rays, hula hoops, juggling, QT with your furry friend.... and more! Cons: The pet stations have been out of baggies the last two times I've gone. Maybe it's just bad timing. Pack your own! :) read more

Menil Park - Plenty of trees for shade at the Menil Park. - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love this park. On a pretty day, there's nothing better than to lay a blanket out on the lawn, eat a picnic, and a read a book. On a nice day, there are tons of people out - playing music, reading, playing football, playing fetch with dogs, etc. But it's not too crowded. There are plenty of spots in the shade as well. read more

Menil Park - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a great park - everyone is very respectful of your space and it does not suffer from the out-of-hand shenanigans that can plague other park experiences. This is a good thinking place. This is a good meeting place if you want to just sit and talk about things with someone. It is a good date place if you want to have a picnic or something. Or just come with your dog and walk around. read more

After we grabbed our crepes from our food vendor we meeded a place to eat. I was like oh yeah there's a cool park near by with some benches. Sure enough the sun was still fighting to get out of the clouds and was holding back the rain so the park was a great place to finish our food. This park is a good spot for picnics, relaxing, reading, doing basically anything. After we were done eating I showed her all around the Menil Collection. This park did need it's own review. Thanks Gretchen! read more

This little park is a hidden gem. It is really the space that binds the Menil Campus together. The buildings revolve around its axis. It provides a stretch of green land so that you can turn a Menil visit into an all day event by taking a cool nap or enjoying a picnic. Actually, this is the perfect picnic park. Room for a volleyball net, croquette, washers, and hula-hooping. That's what we had at the last giant picnic here. Fifty people and four types of picnicky sports. We also had three tables weighed down with food. Weighed. Down. As there was no picnic tables, we brought our own card tables and camping chairs and blankets. Imagine a patchwork of about six or seven blankets, encircled by the sports, a few trees providing shade for our food tables, a sculpture*, and dogs, adults, and kids darting amongst the mix. Idyllic except for the trek to the bathrooms at the Menil Collection. I've also come to the park solo. Brought a small afternoon snack, a blanket, and a book. It was exceptionally relaxing until the student twenty feet upwind from me started burning Nag Champa. Ugh. Worse than a cigar. Instead of interacting with him, I closed up shop and visited Rauschenberg's paintings (Menil Collection), then headed on my merry way. Aurora Picture Show, next door to the Bookshop, occasionally presents (or rather, co-presents) films in the park, which are always worth a gander. If you've never checked them out, you must, especially when they have an event at the Menil. The space is so serene and the programming is intriguing, witty, and in this case, free. *Bygones, by Mark di Suvero, 1976 read more

Menil Park - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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What a tranquil place that isn't frequented by tourists too often. I could find myself relaxing here for hours with friends and family. Check it out! read more

Coolest park in Houston for people watching. Deep in the heart of Texas, this is a Hippie wonderland. Check them out on Sunday afternoons when the weather is good! read more

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Hasn't anybody called Nasa and told them that part of the space station seemed to have broken loose and landed here in a little field? No need for alarm, it was deemed non hazardous so they built a park around it. I finally got to meet a few more yelpers here and put some faces and personalities behind the reviews and it was a pleasure to meet all of them. The only thing that dampened the spirit was it was gloomy and mini rain drops kept on hitting me on the head every 2 minutes but no big deal. I think I came here at a not so good time for this place because the ground seemed pretty moist to where if I stepped in the wrong place I would get the unfortunate sound of "scruncge" of my shoe sinking in a puddle. Don't get me wrong, it's a nice park, but I would rather come back on a day when it finally dried out and less gloomy. Pretty peaceful place and that big tree everybody was talking about is a nice icon for it as well. I had no ideal that alcohol could be brought here until there was a rumor of "beer" in the cooler that I did not bother to open but the familiar "pop" or a cork from a champagne bottle about 10 yards away got EVERYBODY'S attention. Well, next time I'm here I will know. read more

This is a park that you can go to and read, relax on a blanket. Even have a picnic. I go here when I need me time. My friends and I will also meet up for a picnic from time to time. read more

It's a very quaint little park in Montrose. It's a lot smaller than youd imagine a park to be; I'd say it's more accurate to call a patch of grass than a park. There are some low hanging trees and benches, so it's pretty shady and comfortable. There isn't much privacy and there seems to always be people there, so if you're looking for a quiet place, you might not get it because of 1. People and 2. Cars. There's some street parking next to it, and since it's so small, you're basically in full view of anyone who drives by. It's located right next to an art museum, so it's really great to just stop by and chill for a bit. But I do have to admit that it was kinda difficult to navigate all the back roads to get there. read more

Love this space for a picnic with the baby and doggo. Lots of green grass. No bugs. Just the right amount of ppl where it's not empty but not overcrowded. read more

Menil Park is kind of hard to review. Let's see, if I just went with a description, I'd have the following: Menil Park is an expanse of green with no amenities. However, you can do things one might do on grass, including sitting, walking, and running. Oh, there's a sculpture of metal bars I haven't really figured out. Add "looking and wondering at sculpture" to the list of activities. Of course, you can bring your own activities. On a pleasant Saturday, you'll see large and small groups of people dotted all across the lawn, and it's a pleasant vibe. It's conveniently located at the center of the Menil complex (really?! whodathunk), so if you go the museum, you can chillax with your impulse-purchase of a cupcake before trotting inside (picnic of one, kids!). Also, the parking situation is a major win. There's side street parking, but the Menil parking lot, too. If you forget to bring food, half the time, on Saturdays, there's a food truck (pita, taco, cupcake) by the Menil. Menil Park's just so chill, which is what makes it awesome. read more

I work just two blocks from here and what a wonderful little piece of Eden the Menil Park is. It's not a "kid's" park, thankfully. It's a "chill out and enjoy nature and the sunshine" park. People eating their lunch, lounging in the grass, relaxing before or after seeing the museum. I love just sitting and thinking. *Contented sigh*, I wonder what the poor people are doing? If you just want to de-stress and soak up a bit of sun and enjoy the peace, you really will love Menil Park. I certainly do. If I don't say "hi" when you're there, sorry, I'm communing ;-) read more

this little neighborhood park offers something for everyone. whether you are doing a low key picnic, want to play your guitar, read a book, play frisbee with your dog or even paint a picture with your easel in tow - you'll see all of these things being done here on any given day. the lawn isn't THE lushest but the ancient oak trees provide for nice landscaping. what does bother me is the amount of TRASH that piles up and overflows - come on people, if the trash is full, take it with you and dispose of elsewhere! read more

This is a nice, clean, open but small park. It's in the middle of Montrose, right next to the Menil Collection and St. Thomas University. It's very plain jane but surprisingly enjoyable and relaxing. If you need a quiet place to ponder life or just sit around and people watch (weekends are best for this) then come to Menil Park! Be sure to bring a picnic blanket to sit on (there's PLENTY of room) or if not there are 2 or 3 benches you can lounge on also. There is one tree swing (not good for toddlers but great for big kids and adults) and plenty of shade. On the weekends I've see people doing acroyoga, people playing guitar, hipsters, group picnic parties with wine included, and tons of dogs just hanging out. I sometimes bring my dogs here on weekday evenings and if the other dog owners are cool (and there is no one else around to complain) we let our dogs run loose and romp around (this is not an off leash dog park though). This is also the perfect place to play fetch with your pup- so much wide open grass with no mud, my dogs love it!! If you happen to come foodless and get hungry, the Bistro Menil is a block away. There's also a Houston B-Cycle rental in the Bistro Menil parking lot if you wish to rent a bike to or from Menil Park. Come visit, you will definitely enjoy this tranquil park :) read more

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This park is an oasis settled in the middle of the Montrose area. Lucky for me, I live right around the corner so its an easy and lovely walk to this park. They keep the grass clean, green and cut. The trees seem well taken care of, and I love that the older trees are given so much room to grow. It does appear the some care is necessary. The trees that line the street require some trimming because when I last checked in here, a huge branch came crashing down in the center of the street, breaking upon impact!! Thank goodness no one was under neath and no cars were damaged! Since I witnessed it and being the good samaritan that I am, I quickly moved the branch to the side of the road so it wouldn't obstruct traffic because that branch was WAY too big for some to run over it. Anyway, just another calm and peaceful day at the park! hehe read more

Well this was a nice little green space that I wasn't previously familiar with. However, now that I know it exists I'm not sure why I would go back. The highlight to the park was my date informing me that the artist who did the large metal sculpture had another piece that once fell over and killed someone while it was being installed up in the DC area. read more

This is a nice little neighborhood park right next to the Menil Museum. On a nice day, it's great to just be out and about enjoying it. There's never much going on in terms of events (a la Discovery Green, Market Square, etc.) but there are always people out and about reading books, having a picnic, playing music, doing yoga, and whatnot. The adjacent Museums are all property of the Menil and are free admission. read more

Beautiful and well-kept park with a few architectural pieces, strategically placed benches, and lots of trees to provide shade. Perfect place for a picnic, to stare and think about nothing, or just read a good book. There's also a really cool tree that looks like it's leaning growing towards the ground. read more

Menil Park - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Menil Park sits in a quiet neighborhood between The Menil Collection and St. Thomas University, just south of W. Alabama. It's a nice place to sit outside and read or just hang out for a few hours on the weekends and soak in the environment. It covers about 1-1.5 acres and is usually pretty peaceful, even with 15 others in the park. It's rare that I see more than 20 people people in the park at the same time. This isn't a kid friendly park meaning that there are no bathrooms or playground equipment. Not a park you go to for sports (basketball, tennis, flag football, etc) Great place to just chill. read more

Best place to go to have fun or relax. You can meet new people or just simply people watch the yogis, drum circle, tons of photographers, and friends just having a great pick nick. Everyone should spend a day or two here. read more

This is a great little park across from the Menil Collection. There are benches in the shade, trash cans, bags for cleaning up after your dogs, and even a swing. There was plenty of grass, and if you bring a blanket it's a great place to eat your lunch. This is where I walk to after buying my lunch from the food trucks parked nearby. It's a nice, quiet neighborhood park. I wish there were more of them! read more

I love this park! Everyone is friendly, it's not packed and it's always clean. There is a cute red swing that I am a big fan of. Sometimes come here on my lunch breaks to get some fresh air and listen to music... the museum is great too. Super relaxing on a fall or spring afternoon. I have had many awesome days here. read more

Menil Park is a great place to hang out for an afternoon. There is plenty of space to bring a blanket, some snacks and even you dog! Although it is not fenced in the streets are pretty slow. Sit there for a while and you will see all sorts of people enjoying the sun. At my last visit I watched a group of yogis practice partner poses, pretty skilled! They have a swing (adult friendly) and large sculptures in the surrounding grass. The Menial Collection is across the street and a small cafe sits inside. read more

Great park to bring the dog to for morning walks. Not busy. Lots of shade. While there's not much amenities, it's a neat escape. You can spend hours here with a book. read more

It's a park. It's in the middle of Montrose. Now, try to imagine the crowd. Yep. Just what you expect. Come hang out for some outdoor fun, music playing, or to relax with your favorite book. read more

As someone described earlier, this park serves as a wonderful, quaint little escape in the middle of the hustle of Houstons inner loop. You will see college students, artists, yoga practitioners, people smoking in a circle singing and fooling around, frisbee, soccer -- all sorts of people enjoying the serenity and awesomeness that is known as Menil Park. Really speaks for the diversity of Houston. Come early in the day so you can visit the Menil art collection and Rothko Chapel. read more

Since my last review, the swing has been fixed and there is now a sign informing park patrons to leash their dogs! Yay!

One of the best things about houston. I love biking over and lying in the grass with a book, then strolling through the free museum before leaving. read more

What can I say about Menil Park that hasn't said before to further acclaim on just how wonderful it is? I was very fortunate to attend the university not even 2 minutes walk away from the park and that allowed my friends and I to frequent the grounds. It is a mixture of green, large trees, small trees, benches, a swing hanging from a very large tree, and huge metal sculpture... all of which we always try to climb on at least one of mentioned things. It really is a nice park for all ages to enjoy and all kinds of people as well. Whether you want to lie back to relax, read a book, play an instrument, sing a little song, play some sports, swing, run around, or be silly with your friends... there is much room and everyone is friendly enough to allow people their space and freedom. It's even better when people come together, for instance, a group who was hanging around joined our group in a game of soccer. Everyone always has a splendid time. Not to mention, it is located in between the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, both of which are pretty amazing themselves. After writing this review, I wish the sun was out so I could take a stroll over and welcome in the fall! read more