Looking for a free, family-friendly outdoor adventure in Greater North Houston? Mercer Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a must-visit nature escape nestled in Humble, Texas. Spanning over 390 acres along Cypress Creek, this lush Harris County park is home to the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the Gulf Coast region.
What You'll Find
Mercer is divided into two sides:
- East Side Gardens (60 acres) – Themed gardens bursting with colorful blooms like camellias, dogwoods, and orchids. Don't miss the butterfly house and seasonal flower displays!
- West Side Arboretum – Nature trails, native habitats like the Bald Cypress Swamp and Hickory Bog, plus picnic spots and a children’s playground.
Family-Friendly Amenities
- Walking trails
- Picnic areas (in the Arboretum only)
- Playground
- Restrooms
- Education center
- Scheduled events year-round
- Wheelchair and stroller accessible (call ahead for accommodations)
Nature Meets Education
Pack your binoculars! Kids and parents alike will love spotting birds like Pine Warblers, Cardinals, and Black-capped Chickadees. The gardens also offer a living classroom for curious learners, with expert horticulturists and botanists on-site.
🚫 Know Before You Go
To preserve the peaceful beauty of the gardens:
- No pets (service animals only in the Gardens; leashed dogs allowed in the Arboretum)
- No outside food or picnics in the Gardens
- No balloons, confetti, or glass containers
- No bikes, skateboards, or sports equipment
- Children under 16 must be supervised
🌷 Whether you're planning a relaxing stroller walk, a fun nature scavenger hunt with the kids, or simply a peaceful escape, Mercer Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to explore the outdoors in North Houston.
Business Review
"This place is absolutely beautiful and really well maintained. We loved wandering around the botanic gardens; there are lots of pretty plants and flowers, nice water features and fountains, statues, and even a small lake. Many birds, butterflies, lizards, toads, and turtles. Everything was lush and green despite the heat. We particularly loved the gorgeous rose garden. Nice pathways that are easy to navigate and some neat features like gazebos and stone archways. Everything flows really nicely and feels natural even though you can tell a lot of effort has gone into making this place so wonderful. We were surprised to find that it was free. Across the street is the arboretum portion full of trees, pavilions, and a children's play area. I only wish we had discovered this place sooner and look forward to coming back in different seasons."
"Beautiful flowers and plants and humminbirds!! September is always magic for the migration of hummers. Find the slavia and turks caps."
"The gardens are amazing and endless. A joy to behold. Thank you for passionate gardeners who continue to inspire novice gardeners! Enjoy!"
