Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Goats at the Arboretum
2025-05-07 07:00 - 2025-05-19 19:30 (America/Chicago)
May 7-19, 2025 – Departure date is subject to change. Please check back for updates.7:00 am – Dusk

The goats from Rent-A-Ruminant Texas will be back at the Arboretum this May helping us mow down invasive species and clear our woodland understory to allow for increased biodiversity! This year the goats will be with us for nearly two weeks, splitting their time between two locations. For the first part of their visit, you can find the goats in the the area between the Display Walk, 610 Parking Loop, and Ravine Trail. After about a week, the goats will move to the area along the Inner Loop between the South Meadow Trail and Muscadine Trail. Read below for some helpful tips for viewing the goats at work!

Are you an Arboretum Member? If so, join us on Friday, May 9 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for a fun, free Members-only Meet the Mowers event!

2025 Goat visit map

Goat Viewing Tips

Park at either entrance and prepare for a walk! Follow the yellow arrows along the trails directing you from the Nature Center to the goats’ current location or look at the map to plan your walk.

Stay on sidewalks and trails.

Keep children and dogs away from the fence – it is electrified to keep predators like coyotes out of the area.

Do not try to feed or pet the goats. They are helping us clear species like poison ivy, and the oils can get on your skin.

Take lots of photos – if you post them on social media, tag @houstonarboretum so we can see them!

Meet the Mowers
2025-05-09 09:00 - 12:00
A special Arboretum Members-only event! Stop by any time between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.Space is limited—please RSVP by May 6, 2025. Your early RSVP helps us plan for a great experience (and ensures we have enough coffee and treats to go around)!

Start your morning with coffee and refreshments at the Nature Center, then meet some of our most unique seasonal helpers—150 hardworking goats from Rent-A-Ruminant Texas! These eco-friendly grazers play a vital role in our sustainable land management by clearing invasive plants and overgrown underbrush. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear directly from our Conservation team about the important work the goats do for the Arboretum.

Although petting is not allowed, you’ll have plenty of chances to capture fun selfies with our furry visitors before they embark on their next adventure!

sold out

become a member

This event will be held rain or shine and will be primarily outdoors. Please dress for the weather.

2025 Goat Visit Map

Second Saturday Bird Survey
2025-05-10 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-06-14 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-07-12 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-08-09 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-09-13 08:00 - 10:00, 2025-10-11 08:00 - 10:00
Work on your bird watching skills while helping the Arboretum monitor bird populations on a fun, relaxed morning walk. Join us on the second Saturday of each month in the courtyard behind the building for a two-hour bird survey led by Arboretum staff members, Kelsey Low and Theo Ostler. We welcome all levels of bird watching skill and all ages (as long as you’re quiet) – but no dogs, please! If you have binoculars of your own, please bring them. We have a limited number of binoculars available to borrow.

2nd Saturday of the month8:00 – 10:00 amFree, but donations appreciatedInstructors: Kelsey Low & Theo OstlerMeet in front of the Nature Center building

Adult Owl Prowl
2025-05-24 19:00 - 21:00
$35 member / $50 nonmemberInstructor: Wildlife Center of TexasAges 16+, all minors must be accompanied by an adult

Enjoy a unique night out in nature! Enjoy some refreshments (light snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, and Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer) while you meet live owl ambassadors. You’ll learn all about these wise and wonderful birds, and then you’ll join our Naturalists for a hike on our nighttime trails.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

SOLD OUT

Miss this one? Check out our Family Owl Prowl on 5/31/2025!

Family Owl Prowl

Instructor bio: The Wildlife Center of Texas is one of the largest rehabilitation centers in the country, admitting nearly 10,000 wild patients each year. Its mission is to care for all injured, orphaned, ill, and oiled wildlife through wildlife rehabilitation, public education, and oiled wildlife response.

Family Owl Prowl
2025-05-31 19:00 - 21:00
$35 member / $50 nonmember$20 child (5-12 yrs)Ages 5+

Looking for a family adventure? Come and enjoy refreshments (light snacks, hot chocolate, coffee, water, and – for the grown-ups – Saint Arnold Brewing Company beer) while you meet live owl ambassadors. You’ll learn all about these wise and wonderful birds and then you’ll join our Naturalists for a hike to search for nocturnal animals.

sold out

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

Instructor bio: The Wildlife Center of Texas is one of the largest rehabilitation centers in the country, admitting nearly 10,000 wild patients each year. Its mission is to care for all injured, orphaned, ill, and oiled wildlife through wildlife rehabilitation, public education, and oiled wildlife response.

Butterfly Tea Party
2025-06-07 14:00 - 16:00
$35 member / $50 nonmemberInstructor: Kelsey LowAges 12+, all minors must be accompanied by an adult

Celebrate our plants and pollinators with a delicious afternoon tea. Enjoy light bites like finger sandwiches and sweets while you learn how to make your own tea blend using wild and garden botanicals. Bring home a packet of wildflower seeds to feed your local butterflies and even make your own beautiful butterfly memento!

There is no dress code for this event – it’s meant to be fun and relaxed – but we do encourage creativity and celebrating the theme! If you have any fun tea party outfits, hats, or butterfly-themed attire, this is your chance to show them off.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

Register Online

Free Summer Thursdays
2025-06-12 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-08-14 17:00 - 19:00
FREE, with free parking on ThursdaysAll ages, minors must be accompanied by an adult

Join us on select Thursdays this summer for our Free Summer Thursdays series!Cool down and connect with nature while enjoying family-friendly fun on the trails and Nature Playscape. Bring the kids for outdoor adventures and enjoy a free sweet treat to beat the heat (while supplies last). Plus, food trucks will be on-site with tasty bites for purchase.

Free Summer Thursdays are rain or shine! In the event of severe weather, Free Summer Thursday activities will be cancelled, but we encourage you to join us the following month.

Please RSVP to help us plan enough goodies and activities for everyone!

June 12

july 17

august 14

food truck schedule

All Dates – Yeti Sunshine, free shaved ice while supplies last

June 12 – Foreign Policy, International

July 17 – Peppaz HTX, American Fusion

August 14 – Homies HTX, American

Escape the Arboretum
2025-06-28 18:00 - 20:00
$35 member / $50 nonmemberAges 16+, all minors must be accompanied by an adult

Something is hunting at the Arboretum – and you need to escape before you become the next victim! Work together (while you enjoy beer and light snacks) to discover the identity of the mysterious hunter and gather the clues you need to escape the Arboretum. Every station has a “crime scene” to examine or puzzle to solve; for every correct answer you’ll get puzzle pieces that you can assemble to help you reach the final solution.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

Register Online

Cooking with Honey
2025-08-23 15:00 - 17:00
$35 member / $50 nonmemberAges 12+, all minors must be accompanied by an adult

A great way to support pollinators is to cook with local honey! Join us for this fun cooking class and learn how to make a surprisingly savory honey grilled cheese sandwich and simple cocoa honey truffles. We’ll also taste different types of local honey to explore the flavor possibilities of this versatile ingredient.

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy and dress for the weather.

register online

Gardening with Native Grasses
2025-08-30 10:00 - 12:00
$20 member / $35 nonmember (per person)Instructor: Rafael RenteriaAges 12+

Experienced gardeners and landscape designers know: grasses are an essential part of a native garden! In this class you’ll learn how to use native grasses to benefit wildlife and add beauty and dimension to any space – even containers. Weather permitting we’ll also go on a walk to see different grass species in garden settings.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

register online

Instructor Bio: Rafael Renteria is a Certified Arborist who has worked with trees since graduating from Texas A&M in 2019. He has worked as a park ranger, tree climber, and tree farm manager with Trees for Houston, and now works as the Arboretum’s Forest Ecologist.

Beginner Birding
2025-09-06 09:30 - 11:30
$22 member / $37 nonmemberAges 12+, all minors must be accompanied by an adult

If you have always wanted to get into bird watching but you have never picked up a pair of binoculars, this class is for you! Join us for an introduction to birding, including how to choose binoculars and where to find them, how to read a field guide, and where to find birds in Houston. Weather permitting, we’ll also go out on the trails to practice real birding basics.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

register online

Tyke Hikes
2025-09-08 09:30 - 10:15, 2025-09-08 10:30 - 11:15
For children 18 months – 4 years

Encourage your child’s curiosity about nature and spend time with them exploring outdoors! Children with an adult companion can join a naturalist for a story reading, a simple nature or sensory development activity, and a stroller-friendly hike on the beautiful Arboretum trails. Arrive dressed in close-toed shoes and comfortable play clothes. Be prepared for the weather including hat, sunscreen, jackets, raincoat, or rain boots, as needed.

Select Mondays9:30 am-10:15 am10:30 am-11:15 am

pricing

Free for Family Tree Members and above (please have member card on hand)$7 per child for nonmembers, pay at the door (18 months and up; younger siblings welcome)

No registration necessary, however admittance will be limited to 20 children per session. Registration will be held in front of Beautyberry Classroom. Doors will close 15 minutes after starting class or when the sign up is full. Siblings older than 4 years may not participate in the sensory activity.

upcoming hikes

Tyke Hikes on January 26, 2026 have been canceled.

January 12, 19, 26February 2, 9, 23March 16, 23, 30April 6, 13, 20May 4, 11, 18

TYKE HIKES EN ESPAÑOL!

Is your child wild about nature? The Arboretum is the natural place to celebrate a birthday.

Latino Conservation Week
2025-09-13 08:00 - 2025-09-21 17:00
Únase al Houston Arboretum and Nature Center para participar en la Semana de la Conservación Latina, una iniciativa liderada por Hispanic Access Foundation para apoyar e involucrar a las comunidades latinas en esfuerzos de promover conservación, y recreación. Esta celebración anual destaca las contribuciones de las comunidades latinas a la conservación y brinda oportunidades para fortalecer su conexión con la naturaleza. Durante la semana, tendremos actividades de voluntariado, eventos educativos y mucho más.

Haga clic en cada evento para obtener más información.

13 de Septiembre

Manos a la Tierra: Volunteer Conservation Day

Big Owl Noche de Loteria

18 de Septiembre

Noche De Descubrir

20 de Septiembre

Caminata Guiada

21 de Septiembre

Tyke Hike en español

Join Houston Arboretum & Nature Center as we take part in Latino Conservation Week, an initiative led by the Hispanic Access Foundation to support and engage Latino communities in conservation efforts, outdoor recreation, and environmental stewardship. This annual celebration highlights Latino communities’ contributions to conservation and provides opportunities to build a stronger connection with nature. Throughout the week you can enjoy volunteer activities, educational events, and more!

Manos a la Tierra: Volunteer Conservation Day
2025-09-13 09:00 - 12:00
Gratis18 años +

El Arboreto y Centro de Naturaleza de Houston es una reserva natural sin fines de lucro de 155 acres que protege hábitats de bosques, praderas, sabanas y humedales. Como parte de la Semana de la Conservación Latina, lo invitamos a unirse a nuestro equipo de voluntarios para trabajar junto con nuestro Equipo de Conservación en la restauración de más de 5 millas de senderos peatonales. Recibirá el equipo necesario, instrucciones claras y supervisión del personal del Arboreto. El trabajo requiere esfuerzo físico y la capacidad de caminar y trabajar en terrenos irregulares.

FreeAges 18+

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre nonprofit nature sanctuary that protects forest, prairie, savanna, and wetland habitats. As part of Latino Conservation Week, we invite you to join our volunteer team and work alongside our Conservation Team to help restore over 5 miles of walking trails. You will receive the necessary equipment, clear instructions, and supervision from Arboretum staff. This work requires physical effort and the ability to walk and work on uneven terrain.

register online

Going Batty!
2025-09-13 18:00 - 20:00
$37 member / $52 nonmemberInstructor: DeAndra RamseyAges 21+

Did you know that bats are the pollinators of the tequila agave? Enjoy a delicious tequila popsicle as you listen to a local bat expert discuss the important role of bats in our ecosystem as pest control, seed dispersers, and pollinators. Then go on a bat hike and use special detectors to listen to bat sonar over the Arboretum.

Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes.

register online

Keep the batty fun going by joining us for our free, family-friendly Bat Fest on Saturday, September 27 from 10 am – 2 pm.

Instructor Bio: DeAndra Ramsey attended Texas A&M University where she obtained her B.S in Biomedical Science. DeAndra has worked in the conservation community for over 15 years. She began her career at Houston Zoo in 2010, where she was involved in many conservation initiatives ranging from pollinator conservation to habitat restoration. She was awarded the title of Conservation Champion due to her work with the Texas Bat Monitoring project she led at the Houston Zoo along with facilitating the partnership between the Houston Zoo and Bat Conservation International. DeAndra also works with Buffalo Bayou Partnership to further conservation education efforts in relation to our amazing urban wildlife we have right here in Houston. DeAndra was the Executive Director of the Hana and Arthur Ginzbarg Nature Discovery Center from 2021-2025.

Big Owl Noche de Loteria
2025-09-13 18:00 - 20:00
Big Owl Craft Brew House1848 Airline Dr. Suite CHouston, TX 77009

Gratis21 años y más

¡Únete a nosotros para una noche divertida de Lotería de Conservación Latina en la cervecería! Disfruta de buena música, refrescos y cervezas artesanales mientras juegas y aprendes sobre la conservación, cultura latina y la naturaleza. Ven con amigos y compite en esta tradicional lotería llena de color, risas y conciencia ambiental. ¡No te lo pierdas!

FreeAges: 21+

Join us for a fun night of Latino Conservation Lotería at the brewery! Enjoy great music, refreshments, and craft beers while you play games and learn about conservation, Latino culture, and nature. Bring friends and compete in this traditional lotería filled with color, laughter, and environmental awareness. Don’t miss it!

Noche De Descubrir
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00
GratisLos menores de 12 años o menos deben ir acompañados de un adulto.

¡Únete a nuestra Noche de Descubrir! Como parte de la Semana de la Conservación Latina, abriremos nuestro Centro de Naturaleza de 5:00 p.m. a 7:00 p.m. para que familias puedan explorar el Cuarto de Descubrimiento, un espacio lleno de actividades interactivas y educativas. ¡No te lo pierdas!

FreeChildren 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Join us for Discovery Night! As part of Latino Conservation Week, we’re opening our Nature Center from 5:00-7:00 pm for families to explore the Discovery Room—a space filled with interactive and educational activities. Don’t miss it!

Bat Fest
2025-09-27 10:00 - 14:00
Free, no registration requiredAll ages welcome

From pollinating to pest control, bats play an important role in keeping our ecosystems healthy! Join the Houston Arboretum and our community partners to learn more about local bat species and current conservation efforts being made to help stop the decline of bat populations. There will be fun bat-themed activities and crafts for the kids, story time, food trucks, and a blood drive with Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

Want more bat-themed fun in your life? Join us Saturday, September 13 for Going Batty, a fun event complete with a bat expert and adult beverages.

Presented By

Fall Plant Sale
2025-10-03 09:00 - 2025-10-04 14:00
Friday & Saturday, October 3 & 49:00 am – 2:00 pm

Fall is one of the best times to garden in Houston, so pick up some plants at our Fall Plant Sale! A variety of Texas natives will be featured, including perennial and annual wildflowers (including milkweed), grasses, shrubs, and trees – perfect for attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators to your yard or garden while helping to conserve water, reduce mowing, protect the soil, and save money on fertilizer and pesticides. Proceeds benefit the Arboretum’s conservation and education efforts. Members receive discounts on all Plant Sale purchases!

Plant List

Please note that this plant list is subject to change and quantities may be limited.

plant pricing

4-inch$4.501-gallon$14Milkweed$163-5 gallon$30

All proceeds support the Houston Arboretum’s dual mission of conservation and education.

Plant Sale Tips

Arrive early for your best chance at getting your desired plants

Become a Member for discounts on Plant Sale purchases

Enter via the 610 Entrance and park along the parking loop for easy access to the Plant Sale

Bring your own cart if you have one! Limited carts will be available to transport plants at the sale.

Pumpkin Planters
2025-10-11 13:00 - 14:30
$47 member / $67 nonmember (per planter; we recommend no more than 2 people per planter)Ages 5+

What better way to celebrate our fall bounty than with pumpkins and wildflowers? In this class we’ll learn how to properly plan, plant, and care for three species of native plants in a cute artificial pumpkin container, and then we’ll decorate our mini-gardens with ribbons, glass pebbles, and more.

Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy.

register online

ArBOOretum
2025-10-18 10:00 - 16:00
Last entry is 3:00 pm.No pets, please. This event is rain or shine.

FREE for Arboretum Members and children under 3No registration necessary for Members and children under 3*

*Arboretum Members should have their physical or digital Membership Card on hand for easy check in upon arrival.

become a member

$20 for nonmembers ages 3 and up*

*We will only be accepting credit and debit card payments for ticket sales at the door.

Online presale

Online ticket sales will end on Friday, October 17. Tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

This event is rain or shine. If the event is canceled, ticket price is considered a donation to the organization. Tickets are non-refundable.

Grab your costumes and get the kids together for the Arboretum’s biggest family event of the year! ArBOOretum features fun fall activities for all ages including live animals, pumpkin decorating, and Houston’s only Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail. Enjoy these fall classics and so much more!

featured activities

Carnival Swings

Trick-or-Treat Nature Trail

Halloween Market

Live Animal Encounters

Pumpkin Decorating

Face Painting

Photo Booth

Lawn Games

Train Rides

Food Trucks & Refreshments

Comfortable walking shoes and costumes are encouraged! There will be no onsite parking – see below for parking and shuttle details.

Interested in volunteering at ArBOOretum? Visit our Group Volunteers page and scroll down to the bottom to see our seasonal group volunteer opportunities!

a zero waste event

ArBOOretum is going Zero Waste this year! That means that the Arboretum is trying to divert at least 90% of the event’s trash from ending up in a landfill. Instead, we will be working with Zero Waste Houston to compost and recycle most of the waste from the event. Help us achieve a Zero Waste ArBOOretum by bringing a reusable water bottle and taking all of your waste to one of our festival’s Zero Waste Stations, where staff will help you sort it into the correct receptacle.

parking

Public Parking

1850 Post Oak Park Drive

Shuttles will be running throughout the day.

Elevator access available at the garage.

ADA Parking & Rideshare Access

4501 Woodway Drive

No other public parking or access.

food trucks

Berry’s Ices

Foreign Policy

Peppaz HTX

Texasiana Famous Food

The Toasted HTX

Uncle Louie G’s

Halloween Market

3 Shades of Crazy

Angie Spears

Apiece Puzzles

Calen

Eve Luxe Co.

Houston SPCA

Kaftan Kouture

LH Candle Studio

Math to the Point

National Museum of Funeral History

Otterwell Studio

Pet Wants WU

Popston

Renewal by Anderson of Houston

Rex and Bandon

Sugar and Fluff Lab

T’s Crafty Creations

UNICEF USA

Vibe & Glo Candle Studio

Worth the Calories

Your Unique Crystals

Please email Teri Hogan to learn more about having a booth at ArBOOretum’s Halloween Market.

become a sponsor

Interested in becoming an ArBOOretum sponsor? Open the Sponsorship Package below for more information. Please email Chasmine Anderson with any questions.

Sponsorship Package

sponsors

Presenting

Supporting

General

Zero Waste

Halloween Sip & Stroll
2025-10-30 17:30 - 19:30
$40 member / $45 nonmemberAges 21+

Enjoy a twilight hike on the Arboretum trails. Your spooky stroll will include a curated nature hike, two glasses of wine or Saint Arnold beer, and festive bites. Come for a meet-and-greet with our ambassador animals, then head out on your hike to spot critters along the route!

sold out

This event is rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes. Halloween costumes encouraged!

dietary options

Charcuterie cups may include allergens such as dairy, gluten, and nuts. A limited number of vegetarian cups will be offered upon request. Please email us at least 48 hours before the event to request vegetarian or vegan options.

parking

Parking is free for all guests on Thursdays. Please do not leave valuables in your car.

sponsors

Create smiles and capture memories at our event with Showtime Photo Booth, the premier photo booth rental service since 2013. Their innovative photo setups have made a mark at events in Indianapolis, Dallas, Raleigh, and Nashville.
