When my son turned 1, we splurged on a photographer to take some family photos. Until then, we had gotten by with blurry smartphone snaps that rarely included all of us at the same time. My baby boy was growing so fast, and I wanted something tangible to remind me of that special time. The day of the shoot, we hiked out to a grassy knoll and giggled and tickled and frolicked while the photographer snapped away, and in the end, we got a series of candid and posed pictures that I still cherish years later.
In the crazy whirlwind that is life with young kids, having those precious moments frozen in time is a treasure. Thankfully, Houston’s warm weather and plentiful green spaces provide lots of opportunities for good, old-fashioned family photos. Whether it’s for a maternity shoot, newborn announcements, cake smashes, holiday cards, or just because, here are 10 great places in the Houston area for family photo shoots.
Pro tip: If you’re taking the photos yourself, bring your nanny or a babysitter along to help wrangle family members and faces toward the camera. You’ll appreciate the extra pair of hands!
McGovern Centennial Gardens
Address: 1500 Hermann Drive, Houston, TX 77004
Hours: Vary by season | See website for details.
Phone: 713-524-5876
Hermann Park
Address: 6100 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 713-524-5876
The playground located on the west end of the park near the Texas Medical Center is one of our favorite spots. In addition to three sets of equipment that cater to kids from infancy to school-age, there’s a splash pad and multiple swing sets — allowing for some great action shots.
Note: Like Centennial Gardens, if you’re using a professional photographer, be sure to get a permit before heading to the park.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Address: 1800 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Phone: 713-752-0314
Between the hike and bike trail, the natural waterway, and the breathtaking views of Houston’s downtown skyline, Buffalo Bayou Park houses tons of great spots for a photo session. The Sabine Street Bridge is one of the best locations to take photos. The bridge’s concrete columns make for an attractive backdrop for photos, and the stairways up from the bike path offer a flattering angle for live-action shots. For a unique perspective, have the photographer take the steps down to the bayou and snap a photo of the family looking down with the skyline in the background.
Note: Some of the paths were damaged during Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 and have yet to be repaired, and others come very close to the water. If you’re photographing young kids, be careful about where you go to shoot, and scope out the area beforehand, if possible, to ensure it’s safe.
The Beach Along Bolivar Peninsula
Address: Anywhere off Highway 87, between Galveston and Highway 124
Hours: Open 24/7
The 27-mile stretch of coastline that sits between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico is one of the quietest and most Instagram-worthy beaches in the Houston area. While there are other more manicured beaches to choose from, the strand along Highway 87 is significantly less crowded. Pull off anywhere along the stretch (you can drive right onto the beach), and set up your photo shoot with no worries of strangers getting in the frame — even on busy holiday weekends or when the weather is warm. When the tide is low, you’ll find copious seaweed and rocks, but plenty of sand, too, and the waves are typically pretty low. Come in the mornings for a gorgeous sunrise beaming colors onto the water, or in late afternoon to minimize the overhead glare bouncing off of the waves. At about an hour’s drive outside of the city, it’s a decent trek, but worth it if you want to grab some quality beach shots.
Graffiti Park
Address: 2102 Leeland St., Houston, TX 77003
Hours: Open 24/7
For something a little different, Houston’s “Graffiti Park” offers a colorful backsplash for family photos. There’s no sign announcing its presence, but it’s impossible to miss. The unofficial park gets its name for the many wall-to-wall murals in the space of just a few city blocks in East Downtown. Much of the art is the result of the HUE Mural Festival that takes place every fall, where predominantly local artists make their mark in Houston’s downtown. The murals vary greatly by style — from realistic to abstract — but most are full of color and give a shout-out to the city we call home.
Biscuit Paint Wall
Address: 1435 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77006
Hours: Open 24/7
And if color is what you’re after, the Biscuit Paint Wall in Montrose is another great bet. Located along Houston’s busy Westheimer Road on the wall of the old Biscuit Home store location, this mural is made for Instagram — literally. The #biscuitpaintwall hashtag is prominently displayed. The wall’s simple, but aesthetically stunning, array of dripping paint sets the stage for fun and modern photos for all ages and occasions.
Discovery Green
Address: 1500 McKinney St., Houston, TX 77010
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 713-400-7336
This downtown park has trees and grass and flowers to be sure, but its sculptures and art installations are the real draws for photographers. One of the most popular art pieces is called “Synchronicity of Color” and features a series of different colored boxes, some of which protrude, adding a little depth and dimension to photos. Discovery Green is also home to a splash pad, a small lake, and lots of serene pathways. Because the park is one of the busiest in the city, it’s best to try to get there early for photo shoots to ensure good lighting with minimal chances for accidental photobombers.
Note: The park enforces strict guidelines for commercial photographers and requires a permit and fees upward of $140. If you’re using a professional photographer, be sure to read the rules carefully to make sure you comply.
Address: 2441 Munger St., Houston, TX 77023
Hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 713-926-6368
One of the most eye-popping and eclectic public spaces in the city, Smither Park has become a favorite among Houston photographers, in part, because of the giant mosaic wall that lines its entire length. The art features a wide range of textures and styles for interesting backgrounds, and a series of interactive pieces — like a giant swing — provides opportunities for live-action or “play” shots, too. The artwork at Smither Park is made using reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials that can give your photos a modern (and totally unique!) aesthetic.
Note: There’s no fee to visit or photograph in the park, but if you do choose to host a photo shoot there, consider donating to the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, the nonprofit organization responsible for creating the space.
North & South Boulevards in Boulevard Oaks
Address: 1500 through 1900 block of North & South Boulevards, Houston, TX 77006
Hours: Open 24/7
Phone: 713-528-2622
Boulevard Oaks is one of the wealthiest — and most breathtaking — neighborhoods in Houston. Located north of Rice University and just east of the Museum District, the area is well-known for its mansions and gorgeous esplanade running down North and South Boulevards. A brick path extends through a tunnel of live oaks, and the trees provide shade against the glaring Houston sun and heat. Because it’s a residential area, there’s almost no car or foot traffic — and (bonus!) no photography fees.
Note: You’re free to take photos on your own or with a professional photographer on the esplanade, but be considerate of the families that live along the streets. Keep the sidewalks clear, the grass pristine, and the space exactly how you found it.
Memorial Park
Address: 6501 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77007
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Phone: 713-863-8403
For families wanting to look like they’re taking photos in the middle of nowhere — but who don’t really want to drive that far — it’s hard to go wrong with Memorial Park. The massive park inside Houston’s Inner Loop has nearly 1,500 acres of green spaces, including trails, grass-covered lawns, and tons of trees. While the park is well maintained, many spaces have a rugged, natural appeal that is in sharp contrast to the manicured gardens of Discovery Green and Buffalo Bayou Park. Like with Hermann Park and Discovery Green, a permit is required if you’re using a professional photographer.
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