Beautiful autumn weather is here! Time to get outdoors with our children and enjoy the season and have fun together.
If you are up for a day trip the picture above is from Shangri La Gardens in Orange Texas, a pleasant 2 hour drive from Houston. This is a true wonderland full of activities and natural beauty. The Stark Foundation funds the gardens, a museum, a theater and a historical home in Orange. From October 14 to November 7 there is a scarecrow festival where the garden paths are lined with creative scarecrows and pumpkins. There is a children's garden, a lake, a pontoon boat ride on the bayou, an amazing nature center with children's activities and much more. Go to http://starkculturalvenues.org/shangrilagardens/ for all of the activities and other informaltion.
Boy Baking Stick Bread
A not to be missed and free event is Pioneer Days at Jesse Jones Park and Nature Center located at 20634 Kenswick Drive Humble, Texas 77338 www.hcp4.net/jones
Saturday, November 14, 2015 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
DEMONSTRATIONS Pioneer construction skills, Spinning and weaving ,Daily settler chores, soap making Settler crafts,“Native” lore, Survival skills, Reenactments Heritage music Pioneer cooking a much more. Chidren can participate in churning butter, grinding corn, pumping water, shooting an arrow, just to name a few. The Pioneer homestead features a Corn crib and shed, Chicken house, Smokehouse, Wagon rides, Root cellar, Log cabin, Wood shop, Bread oven, Settler garden, Blacksmith shopm Mountain man camp and an authentic Akokisa Indian.
Visit the web site above for more events: An Old Fashioned Christmas, boat rides on Cypress Creek, fishing, nature walks, etc. The park has picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails and fishing.
We don't have to spend a lot of money, fight crowds of people or travel many miles to have a great week.
Picnics at nearby parks can be wonderful. Pack a lunch, grill a burger, go kayaking, hike or bike the trails, play games or read a book near a lake or under a tree. With a little planning you have all you need for days of family fun.
We are fortunate to have many beautiful and free places close by. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Alexander Deussen Park: http://hcp1.net/Parks/AlexanderDeussen.hiaspx
Fishing, swimming, hiking, a great dog park, many playgrounds, kite flying, boating, picnic areas..this free park has it all. Lake Houston is at our doorstep...enjoy!
Jesse Jones Park: http://www.hcp4.net/community/parks/jones
This treasure on the far north side of the city has a lot to offer. Visit the web site for a list of ongoing activities. Pontoon boat rides, a visit to a pioneer and Native American village, a nature center, miles of hike and bike trails and fishing in Cypress Creek, plus lots of playground and picnic opportunities will make any family happy.
Galveston Island State Park http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island
Just a short trip down I45 and a day of beach, sun, sand and picnicking waits your family. For a small fee the day is yours. Grills and covered picnic tables are just steps from the beach and on the bay side of the park miles of trails and lots of beautiful birds will entertain you for hours.
On the east end of Galveston Island there are miles of beaches, great fishing and the Galveston/Bolivar ferry. This free ferry ride goes to Bolivar Peninsula. You can park your car and walk onto the ferry for a round trip ride, or take your car aboard and explore the peninsula. Dolphins play alongside the ferries and gulls swoop down to catch bits of bread from the passengers. Great fun! http://www.galveston.com/galvestonferry/
Brazos Bend State Park http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend
Screened in shelters and campsites are available if you would like to spend a few days with nature at its best. The George Observatory located in the park gives a stunning view of the night sky. More information is on the above web site. Hiking, fishing and alligator watching provide thrills and picnic areas and grills are ready when you are hungry.
These are just a few of the opportunities nearby. For the best time include the children in the planning. Older boys and girls can do research and plan the route to the park. Everyone can help pack supplies and food. The whole family can make a list of what to take along! Don't forget kites, balls, blankets, bubbles and books. The preparation for the outing can be as much fun as the trip.
This is a good time to leave the electronic games at home, relax and enjoy this special time with the children!
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