The Buffalo Bayou Barbara Fish Daniels Nature Play Area has re-opened! (It was closed with the citywide park closures starting March 2020.)
Right along Buffalo Bayou is the Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play Area at Buffalo Bayou Park.
This play area has a slide, climbing structures, and water features built in to the landscape. It also has an amazing view of the downtown skyline, access to the Buffalo Bayou trails, restrooms and a historic cistern.
Accessible from Sabine Street is the Fish Family Play Area. Park in the free lot at the building or along the street. If everything is full, there is metered parking along Allen Parkway.
If you walk to the top of the Water Works, you will be on top of the cistern and by the stage, grass and picnic spot. Walk around the skate park and you will find the gated entrance to the playground.
Right near Buffalo Bayou, but behind a short fence, is the coolest 2 story park. There is a giant 33 foot slide that rushes you down the bank of the bayou. It takes you to a climbing net (and back up a 2 story treehouse), to a sandpit, and tunnel.
Climb up the net, up the wooden stumps next to the slide, or go through the tunnel. If you choose the tunnel, you will find a water table you turn on with a button and a tall log climbing structure.
Just beyond the water is a climbing structure that is made from telephone poles.
Making a loop back up to the start you will find another water feature, where you can turn the knob to start the faucet. Back at the start you will find drums and a music station.
The Buffalo Bayou nature playground is multi-level so it is a little difficult to watch little kids. You should plan to tag along as they climb and slide.
The playground is full sun but has the pavilion for shade. The Water Works building also has shade, tables and chairs. It also has the mysterious cistern under it!
Kids need to be 9 years old to tour the cistern (and you need to reserve a spot), but everyone can see it through the periscope.
Buffalo Bayou Fish Family Play Area:
Click here for a map: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
Kara Johnson says
Hello Jill!
I need a moment of your time.
My son is turning 7 and I would like to celebrate his birthday at the Barbara Fish Park I cannot get through using the phone number to rent out the Pavilion are there places to set up outside of the Pavilion or do I need to look into renting it further.
Thank you for your time I just need help and answers I do not mind paying for the pavilion rental.
I just cannot figure out what I need to do and don't know who else to reach out to thank you very much for your time.
Jill Jarvis says
The play area has been closed because of the pandemic, but it might be opening up next week with the other Houston playgrounds. Let me see if I can find out some more information for you!
Jill Jarvis says
The website still says the playground is closed until further notice. I don't know if that will change in late March, but maybe you should consider plan B!
Jill
Cassandra says
Are u able to actually Fish at this park?! Is there water near by to cast into?! Have you seen others fish here ?
Jill Jarvis says
Cassandra - No fishing here! Jill