# Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Winter Forest & Sensory Trails > Place to go for families in the Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands area (TX). Times are Central Time. - When: Open daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Nature Center Building open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) - Dates: Sun, Nov 1 – Sun, Feb 28 - Where: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024 - Ages: All ages; stroller and wheelchair accessible crushed-granite pathways and wooden boardwalks - Price: Completely free grounds admission (parking is $5.50 or free on Thursdays) - For kids with sensory or other needs: Sensory-friendly - Schedule: Open daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Nature Center Building open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) - Organizer: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center - Official page: https://houstonarboretum.org/visit/ - Last checked: Wed, Nov 4 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/houston-arboretum-and-nature-center-winter-forest-and-sensory-trails--listing-6f4b79606b01ebd2aeede93e ## About Nestled on the western edge of Memorial Park just 4 miles from Downtown, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers 155 acres of tranquil native forest, meadow, and wetland habitats. The winter season brings cool, comfortable breezes perfect for exploring 5 miles of walking trails, including the ADA-accessible Sensory Trail and Outer Loop. Children can investigate interactive nature exhibits in the Discovery Room, spot turtles and herons along the Ravine and Pond trails, and play on natural balance logs in the Nature Playscape. Admission is always completely free. ## Similar picks in Houston - [Rec For All: Sensory Adventure Trail — Deer Park](https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/rec-for-all-sensory-adventure-trail-deer-park--listing-f0184dffa662a9b4df601ea3) — Sat, Nov 14 · 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM · Dow Park, Deer Park · Free · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 20. A sensory-themed nature outing in Deer Park's Dow Park, part of the city's Rec For All programming. Participants explore their surroundings using their senses to discover colors… - [Hatchlings at Houston Arboretum & Nature Center](https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/hatchlings-at-houston-arboretum-and-nature-center--listing-8ce33bfcbf2d52f85dcc221f) — Wed, Nov 11 · 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Houston Arboretum & Nature Center · checked Nov 9. An outdoor nature play session where young children and their caregivers interact, explore and bond together in the natural world of the Arboretum. - [HMNS Sensory Friendly Day — Houston Museum of Natural Science](https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/hmns-sensory-friendly-day-houston-museum-of-natural-science--listing-a449d6d11d500770c1b6e0e8) — Mon, Dec 7 · 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Houston Museum of Natural Science · All ages · With admission · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 30. The museum modifies its exhibit halls for visitors with sensory sensitivities, and the planetarium and giant-screen theatre run 2D shows with house lights on and lower volume… - [Sensory Friendly Day — December at Children's Museum Houston](https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/sensory-friendly-day-december-at-children-s-museum-houston--listing-566b52c52cc9843109de29db) — Mon, Dec 14 · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Children's Museum Houston · All ages · From $9.95 · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 16. On Monday, December 14, 2026, a day the museum is normally closed, Children's Museum Houston opens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. exclusively for children with autism, sensory processing… - [Guided Nature Hikes at the Houston Arboretum (English and en español)](https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/guided-nature-hikes-at-the-houston-arboretum-english-and-en-espanol--listing-dcc4e5003935d637a4178064) — Sat, Nov 14 (+2 more dates) · 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM · Houston Arboretum & Nature Center — information signage by the 610 parking loop · All ages · Free · checked Oct 20. Free 40- to 45-minute guided hikes through the Houston Arboretum, led by an Arboretum guide who explains the local plants, wildlife and natural history of the different habitats… - [Sensory Santa at The Woodlands Children's Museum](https://grassyknees.com/houston/activities/sensory-santa-at-the-woodlands-children-s-museum--listing-31bce41601c22172c24c6199) — Sun, Dec 13 · 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM · The Woodlands Children's Museum · From $10 · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 24. Sensory Santa is a calmer, quieter holiday afternoon for children who do better with smaller crowds and less noise. 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