Time To Get Outside!

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Jesse H. Jones Park
We live in Houston, Texas. As summer nears, I have the task of finding cool places to take the kids. I have learned quickly in the three years we've been here to find water activities if we are going to survive outside.

However, right now is the perfect time to get outside and not die of heat stroke. As kids, and adults, are having to spend days inside as the promise of summer approaches, we can still find time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Whether you can take a day trip to a state or national park, zoo, beach or lake or just escape your normal routine for an hour, there are many options, no matter where you live.

Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
We live in the fourth largest city in the United States and yet in the midst of this urban environment we have found several beautiful places to hike in wooded areas that make us feel like we are in the country. For those living in smaller towns and cities, it should be even easier to find a place to play or hike outdoors.

My challenge for you is to make time to get outside and enjoy nature. Stop and smell the roses. Take a quiet walk and try to spot wildlife. On recent hikes, in and near Houston, I have spotted numerous birds, rabbits, deer, small non-venomous snakes, lizards, turtles and even fish leaping out of the Brazos River.

Getting out in God's beautiful creation is good for the mind and body. If you are fair-skinned, cover up and apply sunscreen. If you have allergies, take your medication. We are a family of fair-skinned redheads and my oldest son has allergies, but we don't let those things stop us.

East Beach (Galveston)
I will have future posts with links for state parks, zoos and more for those outside of the Houston area.

If you live in the Houston area, here are some links to places we frequent. Please note that there are fees for teens and adults at most Texas State Parks. If you plan to go a lot, you might want to invest in an annual state park pass. Also, there are often parking fees at Galveston beaches, although they also provide bathrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic areas.




Brazos River at Stephen F. Austin State Park
Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center
Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
Houston Arboretum
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary
Japanese Gardens at Hermann Park
Huntsville State Park
Sheldon Lake State Park
East Beach (Galveston)
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Bear Creek Park
W. Goodrich Jones State Forest



Here are some great links to the numerous parks in the Houston area. They have trails, playgrounds, etc. We have lots of parks to explore!
Jesse H. Jones Park
Precinct 4 Parks
Precinct 3 Parks
Precinct 2 Parks
Precinct 1 Parks
Katy Parks

Here is a link to a great list of parks, trails, playgrounds and skate parks in Houston. It even gives you trail lengths. Click here.


Would love to hear what you are doing to enjoy the great outdoors this month. Please let me know in the comments below!




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