Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden in Houston's Hermann Park is a free, beautifully maintained garden that works surprisingly well as a family destination — mostly because of the koi fish and stepping stones that kids can't resist.

The garden is compact. You're looking at maybe 30-60 minutes to walk through it, which is actually perfect with kids because they don't get antsy. The main attractions for families are the bridges over the koi ponds (kids will park themselves there and stare at the giant fish), the stepping stones that cross the water (which feel like a mini adventure for 3-7 year olds), and the general peacefulness of the space.

On its own, the Japanese Garden is a quick stop. The real value is combining it with everything else Hermann Park offers. The Hermann Park Railroad ($3.

75/person) runs a loop through the park that kids love. The McGovern Centennial Gardens are free and right next door. The playground near the Miller Outdoor Theatre is solid.

And the pedal boats on McGovern Lake ($12 for 30 minutes) are fun for families with older kids.

Paths throughout the garden are paved and stroller-friendly. The space is open to everyone and free to enter. There's no food for sale in the garden itself, but the Pinewood Cafe in Hermann Park is nearby, or you can pack a picnic and eat on the park grounds.

Parking in Hermann Park can be a pain, especially on weekends. The parking garage on Cambridge Street is your best bet. Alternatively, the METRORail stops at Hermann Park/Rice University station, which is a short walk.

The garden works for all ages. Toddlers love the fish and stepping stones. Older kids appreciate it as part of a larger Hermann Park day.

Teens might not linger here long on their own, but it's a nice photo spot. The real target audience is families doing a Hermann Park morning — garden, train, playground, pedal boats — which makes for a full, mostly-free outing in one of Houston's best green spaces.