What are your hours?
The park is a City of Bellaire Park and is open from 5:00 am to 9:30 pm. Our Discovery Rooms are open to the public from 10 am to 12 noon and from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday through Thursday.
Where are you located?
The Nature Discovery Center is located in Russ Pitman Park at 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401. Directions
Do we have to be members to come to the Discovery Rooms?
No. The Discovery Rooms are open to the public.
How much does it cost to visit?
Visiting our nature park and our Discovery Rooms is free, but donations are always welcome! Some programs require registration fees.
We are members of an ANCA affiliated nature center, what benefits do we get when we visit the NDC?
We are members of the Association of Nature Center Administrators and we participate in the ANCA Reciprocal Membership Program. Visitors who are members of ANCA affiliated nature centers receive a 20% discount on NDC merchandise when available.
Where can we park?
The park has two small parking lots, one lot off Newcastle by the nature center, and the other off Evergreen Street to the south (near the playground). If both lots are full, there is additional parking available on side streets in the neighborhood.
Are dogs allowed in the park?
No, dogs are not allowed in the park per City of Bellaire ordinance.
Are bicycles and scooters allowed in the park?
Non motorized bicycles and scooters are allowed to be ridden in the park as well as on the path down Newcastle.
Are there public restrooms in the park?
Yes, there are two outdoor restrooms at the north end of the park behind the nature center by the pavilions.
How can I donate to the Center?
Please see our Donations Page.
Do you accept teenage or adult volunteers?
Yes, we accept volunteers ages 13 and up. Please see our Volunteer Page for additional information and for downloadable application forms.
Can we picnic in the park? And are BBQ grills allowed in the park?
Yes, you may picnic in the park. There are picnic tables available first come first serve, and there are picnic pavilions available if they are not in use for Center programs or reserved for scheduled Birthday Parties. BBQ grills are allowed in he park, but you must take all of your hot coals and debris with you when you leave the park.
How can I become a member?
Please see our Membership Page.
Can we have our child's birthday party at the Center?
Yes. Please see our Birthday Party Page for more information and be sure to fill out a Birthday Party Inquiry Form so that we are best prepared to answer your questions and schedule your party. Inquiries will be answered within 24 – 48 hours.
Can our playgroup come for a visit?
Yes, but Playgroup Visits must be scheduled in advance so that we can have staff on hand to assist your group during your visit. Please see our Playgroup Page for more information about cost and scheduling.
Is smoking allowed in the park?
No. Smoking is prohibited in the park per City of Bellaire ordinance.
Is alcohol allowed in the park?
No. Alcohol is prohibited in the park per City of Bellaire ordinance.
Can we rent the facilities for a wedding, company retreat, etc.?
We do rent our facilities for some company retreats, weddings, and other events. Please review our Facility Rentals Page and call 713.667.6550 (ask to speak with Pam or Bethany) with the specifics of your inquiry to determine if we can meet your needs.
Can we arrange family photo shoots in the park?
Yes, family photo shoots are welcome in the park. No photographer fees are required. Donations by the photographer and/or the family are welcome. Please remain on trails or lawns and do not trample plants in flower beds.
