SPORTS & RECREATION / PARKS & NATURE

Nature Centers

Armand Bayou Park & Nature Center
Houston 281-474-2551
www.abnc.org
One of the few native preserves in the nation, the park protects over 370 animal species and enjoys a prime location on a major migratory North American flyway. Nature trails, boat tours, and glimpses of the turn-of-the-century farm are just a few of the attractions to this popular center.

Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge
Angleton 979-964-4011
www.fws.gov/refuge/big_boggy
Habitat for migratory birds and other waterfowl includes 4,100 acres of coastal prairies and salt marshes, with three large saltwater lakes and three freshwater impoundments.

Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge
Angleton 979-922-1037
www.fws.gov/refuge/brazoria
Protected, quality habitat for migrating birds and other fowl covers a vast 40,000 acres that includes saline and non-saline prairies, salt and mud flats, fresh and salt marshes, saltwater lakes, and a freshwater stream.

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Houston 713-681-8433
https://houstonarboretum.org/
Three major habitats are available for exploration and nature study at the arboretum: the forest, the pond, and the meadow.

Jesse Jones Park & Nature Center
Houston 281-446-8588
https://www.hcp4.net/parks/jjp/
Natural beauty and history combine in a unique setting along the banks of Spring Creek. The park opens a window into the vast floodplain forest habitat of southeastern Texas. Diverse ecosystems include ancient cypress bogs, natural white-sand beaches, and wildflower meadows.

Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens
Houston 713-274-4160
https://www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/
Over 250 acres of East Texas piney woods showcase the region’s largest collection of native and cultivated plants. The east side features the botanical gardens, while the west end offers the arboretum, outdoor classroom, picnic areas and walking trails.

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge
Angleton 979-964-3639
www.fws.gov/refuge/san_bernard
Migratory birds and other fowl are protected in 28,000 acres of coastal prairies, salt and mud flats, saltwater and freshwater ponds, a stream, and a grove of trees.

Regional Parks & Recreation

City of Houston
Parks & Recreation 832-395-7000
www.houstontx.gov/parks/index.html

City of Baytown Parks
Parks & Recreation 281-420-6597
www.baytown.org/city-hall/departments/parks-recreation
Over 730 acres of parks, wildlife refuge areas, and outdoor recreational facilities include miles of trails, tennis courts, sports facilities, and regional attractions.

City of Bellaire
Parks & Recreation 713-662-8280
www.bellairetx.gov/673/Parks-Recreation-and-Facilities
The well-equipped recreation center serves the entire community and anchors a wide variety of sports facilities, classes, events, and programs for all ages.

City of Galveston
Parks & Recreation 409-797-3700
www.galvestontx.gov/169/Parks-Recreation
Parkways, lush parks, and recreation centers combine to provide residents of the Galveston area with first-rate facilities and spaces of natural beauty.

City of Pasadena
Parks & Recreation 713-475-7048
https://www.pasadenatx.gov/150/Parks-Recreation
Activities, classes, and programs combine with outstanding facilities from parks with fishing ponds to sports centers, swimming pools, and golf courses.

Harris County Parks
http://www.harriscountytx.gov/Visitors/Harris-County-Parks/More-Harris-County-Parks
Throughout Harris County, residents can access wonderful parks and nature centers that provide a wealth of opportunity for relaxation, adventure, special programs, and exercise. This large county divides its parks into precincts for better management of these premier facilities.

Fort Bend County Parks
281-835-9419
www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/parks-and-recreation
Residents enjoy 8 parks and 4 community centers that provide a wide range of facilities close to home.

State Parks & Forests

W. Goodrich Jones State Forest
Conroe District Office
936-273-2261
https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/
Located in Montgomery County, this forest covers 1,733 acres to offer opportunities for bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and biking. Two small lakes are available for limited fishing.

Texas Parks & Wildlife
State Parks Division
Austin 512-389-4800
Park Information 800-792-1112
https://tpwd.texas.gov/

State Parks, Region 4
LaPorte 281-456-8266
https://tpwd.texas.gov/

State Parks by Activities
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/things-to-do

Fishing in Texas
https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish

Houston Area State Parks

Galveston Island State Park
14901 FM 3005
Galveston 409-737-1222
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/galveston-island
This 2,013-acre site is believed to be the place where Cabeza de Vaca and his crew were shipwrecked in 1520. Fierce storms are common, including one that created the nation’s worst natural disaster in 1900. The seawall constructed along the northern half of the island still protects the area. Activities include camping, birdwatching, nature study, hiking, mountain bike riding, fishing, and beach swimming. Mary Moody Amphitheater offers a summer schedule of live stage performances.

Lake Houston State Park
http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/houston
Nearly 5,000 acres of natural beauty is available just 30 miles north of Houston in New Caney. Stretching from Harris County into Montgomery County, this vast expanse of land offers camping; nature study; birdwatching; hiking; biking; and horseback riding. Lake Houston is available for swimming and fishing.

Sheldon Lake State Park &
Environmental Education Center
14140 Garrett Road
Houston 281-456-2800
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sheldon-lake
Situated in northeastern Harris County at the edge of the nation’s fourth largest city, this park offers an oasis of water and woods in a 2,800-acre outdoor education and recreational facility. Sheldon Lake encompasses 1,200 acres including wetlands. Activities include fishing, birding, nature study, and canoeing.

San Jacinto Battleground
State Historical Park Complex
3523 Independence Parkway South
LaPorte 281-479-2431
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/battleship-texas
Located in Harris County 20 miles east of downtown Houston, the park is home to the 570-foot San Jacinto Monument that honors Texans who defeated the Mexican army in 1836 to win the area’s independence. In addition to historic events, the park is popular for picnicking and hosts a wide variety of festivals and celebrations.

Additional Websites

Outdoor Kid’s Network
https://tpwd.texas.gov/kids/

Trees For Houston
www.treesforhouston.org

Parks, Nature & Travel Guide
www.wildtexas.com