Fall is (thankfully) approaching and that means the potential for pleasant outdoor time in Texas. Texas offers numerous ways to enjoy the outdoors, some of which we have already covered. If you have children that can walk, stay close to you voluntarily, and respond well to verbal commands, the list of options gets much bigger and starts to include overnight camping. With this in mind, we have put together (another) list of things to do with your children on a free weekend. Holiday weekends not recommended if you are the type that avoids crowds.

– Big Thicket National Preserve. We have mentioned Big Thicket before as it is both incredibly interesting and – relative to the first statement – underutilized. Wildlife combines with some unique landscapes and natural features to provide a great deal of visual interest for young children. Bring insect repellant if you go when it is warm (there is a lot of water) and wear comfortable shoes.
https://www.nps.gov/bith/index.htm

– Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The foundations of the Texas Republic lie a mere 75 minutes away. Located onsite is a working living history farm and there is plenty of room for children to safely run and explore. There are wildflowers in the spring and Brenham is a quick trip if you wish to make a full day of it.
https://www.thc.texas.gov/historic-sites/washington-brazos-state-historic-site

– Guadalupe River State Park. This is an overnighter, but campsites are very affordable. Beside the river and the recreation opportunities it offers, there are miles of hiking trails to enjoy. This park is best for kids who are comfortable in the water. If they are – a good time is waiting.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/guadalupe-river

– Big Bend National Park. We agree that this one is a stretch for a weekend. Maybe even an impossibility. But the only National Park in Texas is worth the drive. The park is home to some interesting wildlife including bobcat, black bear, and javelina, as well as some amazing vistas. There are numerous hikes that children can navigate as well as some nice drives that offer air conditioned sightseeing. BBNP is worth the trip. Bring sunscreen even in the fall and spring as shade can be a luxury.
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

– Lake Mineral Wells State Park. Located 45 minutes from Fort Worth, Lake Mineral Wells offers water for play and trails for exploration – including a 20-mile trek that is simple enough for young children to navigate. There are hotels in Mineral Wells if you want, but camping at the lake is the real treat. The lake is stocked with crappie, catfish, and black bass if you want to try your hand.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells

– Colorado Bend State Park. Located between Lampasas and San Saba, Colorado Bend is both beautiful and fun. There are caves to explore as well as plenty of hikes through scenery you will never find in the Houston area. This is one we don’t recommend for children below age 4 or 5 as there is some physical coordination required in some areas. The park is particularly beautiful to visit in early fall and late spring.
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/colorado-bend

– Padre Island National Seashore/Mustang Island State Park/Port Aransas Nature Preserve. Camping on the beach is always an interesting adventure. Be sure the car isn’t parked in the soft sand. There is a ton to see and due in the area including the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center at the Nature Preserve which is home to not only a large variety of birds, but also wild alligators. We love roaming the beach at Mustang Island as well as discovering dolphin skeletons and sea turtle preservation efforts at the Malaquite Visitor Center at Padre Island National Seashore. The weather is more temperate in the fall – but watch ahead for rain.
https://www.nps.gov/pais/index.htm
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/mustang-island
https://cityofportaransas.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/nature-preserve/birding-center/

Its a big state and there is a lot to do. Starting with the list above and spending a night or two in the great outdoors is a fantastic recipe for building some fond childhood memories. If you go, or if you know of other places that really get your kids riled up, let us know. We are always interested in getting out of the daily grind.