Donovan Park — photo 1 of 5

Donovan Park

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Price

Free

Duration

45 min–1.5 hours

Best Ages

0–10 (Heights neighborhood park beloved by local families)

About

Donovan Park on Heights Boulevard sits at the heart of one of Houston's most beloved family neighborhoods — and it shows. This is a park that earns its character not from spectacular facilities but from consistent community love and the exceptional location in the Houston Heights.

The playground is well-maintained, with equipment suited for toddlers and elementary-age kids, open lawn space for free play and picnics, and the social warmth of a park that local families use as a regular meeting point. Weekday mornings have a neighborhood coffee group energy — you'll often find parent groups who've made this a weekly tradition.

What elevates Donovan Park beyond its physical amenities is the location. You're on Heights Boulevard, one of Houston's most beautiful urban corridors, lined with historic trees and walkable to the Heights' excellent restaurant scene along 19th Street. The park + brunch combination is a Heights family ritual: kids play for an hour at Donovan, then everyone walks over to Common Bond, Coltivare, or one of the many excellent Heights breakfast spots.

It's one of those neighborhood experiences that makes living in the Heights feel genuinely special.

For visitors, Donovan Park is worth knowing about if you're spending time in the Heights area or staying nearby. It's not a destination playground worth a cross-town drive, but combined with a Heights stroll and a meal, it's a lovely way to spend a morning in one of Houston's most vibrant neighborhoods.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Limited

Kid Meals

Not Available

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings or weekend mornings in fall/spring

Wait Times

No wait

Nearby Food

The Houston Heights has excellent dining along 19th St including Coltivare (great brunch), Common Bond, and numerous casual spots within easy walking distance.

Why Kids Love It

Donovan Park is a well-loved Heights neighborhood park with solid playground equipment, open lawn space, and the social warmth of a community green space that Heights families use as a regular meeting point. The Heights location also means you're walking distance from some of Houston's best family-friendly brunch spots.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • The Heights brunch scene is within walking distance — make it a park-then-brunch morning
  • Heights Blvd is wide and tree-lined — a beautiful setting for a morning walk with a stroller
  • Weekday mornings have a pleasant community feel with neighborhood regulars
  • Dog-friendly area makes it social for families who have dogs
  • Check for Heights neighborhood events — Donovan Park hosts community gatherings seasonally

What to Bring

  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottles
  • Snacks
  • Dog leash if applicable
  • Picnic supplies

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

$0 — free neighborhood park

Tips to Save

  • Free.
  • The Heights neighborhood has wonderful walkable restaurants along 19th St — combine park time with brunch or lunch at a Heights eatery.

Hours & Contact

Contact

700 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

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