You don't have to leave the city in order to enjoy the great outdoors. The sprawling 12 acres that comprise Discovery Green offer ample opportunities to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. And since there are things to do at Discovery Green all summer long, you'll never run out of entertainment, either.

Discovery at the Green plays host to countless outdoor fitness classes all season long, and they're almost all free. Come to Hatha yoga on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. for a slow flow that caters to all skill levels or check out Zumba every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. if you're looking for a fast-paced workout. Enjoy a concert on the lawn every Thursday evening starting at 7 p.m. or go kayaking on Kinder Lake ($5 per person) daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. These are just a few of the events at Discovery Green this summer, so keep an eye on the schedule to see what else is in store.

Public Domain/Pixabay/SofieZborilova

This Mother's Day, show your mom you care by taking her out to a special bunch. The Mother's Day brunch at the Houstonian Hotel Grande Ballroom is a solid option. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 13th, the restaurant will host a special meal for all of the hard-working moms in Houston.

Make reservations for brunch ($84 per person) to enjoy a morning of feasting with your family. The bottomless buffet showcases light bites like fresh fruits, artisan cheese, and even an array of sushi and sashimi. Nearby at the Breakfast Table, chefs whip up omelets to patrons' exact specifications and vanilla waffles topped with caramelized apples wait to be scooped onto a plate and devoured. Larger entrees range from herb-rubbed prime rib to ricotta ravioli dressed in the lobster ragu. Cap off your brunch with a mimosa, a piece of blueberry crisp, or a warm chocolate chip cookie.

Public Domain/Pixabay/jill111

Dragon boats bring beautiful mythical creatures into the modern age. They're traditional Chinese watercraft embellished in an explosion of bright colors to actually evoke dragons. With a crew of 20 paddlers, one steersperson, and a drummer on board, they race down rivers in a display of athleticism and teamwork. The Houston Dragon Boat Festival brings this Asian tradition to your city every year.

Head out to the festival on Saturday, May 5th at Allen's Landing to watch the show. The teams will face off against each other in the striking dragon boats, churning through the water as quickly as possible along courses that range from 250 to 1,000 meters. In between the feats of strength, which run every 10 or 15 minutes, check out cultural performances and live music or enjoy some hot food at the Houston Dragon Boat Festival.

Public Domain/Photo by Tarik Haiga on Unsplash