Menil Park

Menil Park is the large field that is right next to the Menil Museum. If you're into arts and have not been to The Menil Collection, I highly recommend you check out this FREE museum. Make sure you reserve tickets during the pandemic.

After the museum, spend some time outdoors at the Menil Park. This a great spot for a hangout with friends or a picnic in the field. While you have time, walk over the Rothko Chapel next door as well and enjoy some time in front of the Broken Obelisk structure.

The Broken Obelisk is an iconic sculpture sitting atop a reflecting pool. Six of these sculptures exist across the US and the one in Houston was dedicated to MLK at the request of John and Dominique de Menil in 1971.

Parking is available on the streets surrounding The Menil. The park is within a neighborhood in the Montrose District of town. This park may get busy during peak hours, but there is always a parking spot available. Just pay attention to the no parking signs as Montrose is a heavy tow district.

Doesn't look like much except a large green patch of grass with a random sculpture in the middle... but it's such a hidden gem!! Saturday (April 23) was such a beautiful day with just the right amount of sunshine and wind. A great location for a super affordable and low key date! Just grab your favorite snacks, a book, and a blanket! It's even quiet enough that you can take a nap and there's a cute swing attached to a tree too!! Super clean park. Very family friendly and I saw several people bring their dog(s). Available free street parking (on the weekends) and this park is near University of St. Thomas. Also, The Menil Collection art gallery is just walking distance and admission is free!

The only con to this beautiful and well-maintained park is that there's only one trash can!!!

Museum District park!
This wonderful, grassy park has lots of trees, grass, air, and a sculpture to take in. This park is flanked by the Menil Collection, a free art museum, and the Rothko Chapel, another free activity, a nondenominational house of worship.
In the middle of the park is a big sculpture of a tilted metal cross lookin' thing, that's a good thing to hang out by. There were lots of people here having picnics, a glass of wine, doing yoga, walking dogs, sleeping, stretching, just hanging out. The parking was all along the streets, which was free. It's a nice park to cut through to go from one museum to another. Art abounds with a variety of sculptures around this Museum District site. It's not a very big park, but there's a number of shade trees. I wouldn't try to start up a football game or a cricket match here, there's not enough room.
Be sure to check out the swing on the big oak tree. Wheeee! I did not see any restrooms in this park. But there are restrooms in the museums, which have free admission when they're open.

A nice, tranquil park nestled in the heart of Houston. Located in the gorgeous Menil area, this is a great park for picnics, lounging in the sunshine, and people watching. The park does not have a playground so you would need to pack entertainment for the little ones. There are many large oak trees here to provide shade on hot days and a couple of nice art sculptures to ponder as you enjoy the area. Parking is available around the perimeter of the park on the street.

Lots of street parking, in a nice neighborhood, and loved the atmosphere.

I went on a Wednesday evening. There are a few yoga classes going on in the grass and a few musicians under the covered part of the white building (I didn't go close enough to see what the building was.)

You have to leave when the sun goes down.

Beautiful park right next to the Menil Collection with ample grass for a weekend picnic!

I visited this past weekend for a socially distanced picnic with friends and found plenty of room for us to sit on the grass. We sat on the side next to the Menil Collection - in the evening there is good shade by the trees. We were there a few hours and the next door Menil Collection was kind enough to let us use the restroom without entering (although they are free for entry - you just have to reserve a ticket online).

I parked on Branard St by a few of the houses across the Menil Collection - certain areas are ok to park in but make sure you read the no parking signs carefully. I heard there is also a lot across from the Menil Collection on Sul Ross St.

Be advised - a police truck comes at sunset when the park closes (around 7:30 this past weekend) so you cannot stay past then.

There's no play ground. There are no restrooms ... no volleyball courts, no running trails or soccer fields, no picnic tables or barbecue pits ... and *still*, this is a five-star park.

Why, you ask?

Well, Menil Park isn't *that* kind of park. For me, I think it's the Menil Park patrons that make this outdoor retreat remarkable. On any given beautiful afternoon, you'll find a handful of hipsters playing hacky sack, art enthusiasts leaving the Museum, couples innocently flirting, girls basking in the sun, children running about, a few dogs playing fetch, opera students singing in a tree, and a few guys playing an upright bass and a banjo for kicks.

I've enjoyed a few visits at Menil Park for some "me time" to catch up on a book or meet with friends for potlucks. I'm not sure if wine or other alcohol beverages are allowed - it certainly isn't a keg-kind-of-place - but we've paired a few glasses of vino with our cheese plates a few times. There aren't any on-site restrooms, but you can pop into The Menil if they're open or even a few of the non-profits housed in the nearby buildings; a few welcome visitors. (But it'd be kind of you to leave a small donation, I think.)

Bring a blanket, kick off your shoes, and just take it all in. Menil Park, we come in peace.

I really really like this park. I love that Houston has these little hidden green spaces, and the Menil Park is one of the more natural and lovely ones. The parking is easy, as you can park on the street, and even on busy days, I've found parking within a block. I've been to two picnics at this park. There aren't any tables, but there are some large heavy metal benches. There are some shaded spots under large oak trees as well as some open grassy areas where you can set up some blankets or picnic tables and chairs.

The park is used by young and old, couples and families, walkers with dogs... there is evening a doggie poop bag station so if you forgot your bags, there is no excuse!

The last time I went it was a little soggy and muddy, but I can't complain about rain, because this is Houston and we're in a drought!

I like the free Menil Collection Museum right next store and they have bathrooms too!

So, bring some camping chairs, some food, and a few games and head over to the Menil park.

Love this park. On a pretty day, there's nothing better than to lay a blanket out on the lawn, eat a picnic, and a read a book. On a nice day, there are tons of people out - playing music, reading, playing football, playing fetch with dogs, etc. But it's not too crowded. There are plenty of spots in the shade as well.

What a tranquil place that isn't frequented by tourists too often. I could find myself relaxing here for hours with friends and family. Check it out!