When the blazing heat of the summer drags you down, explore the cooler side of Texas State Parks – at night! Texas State Parks offers some of the best stargazing opportunities far from the bright city lights. Some of the hikes and nature walks in the parks are even at night.

• Austin Area
• Dallas/Fort Worth Area
• East Texas
• Houston Area
• Panhandle
• San Antonio Area
• South Texas
• West Texas

Austin Area

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing at Inks Lake (Aug. 11) – Join the park ranger and watch the spectacular Perseid meteor shower! Bat Hike - 6:30 PM at Colorado Bend (Aug. 11) – Hike with a park ranger to view the emerging bats at Gorman Cave. More Austin Area Events

Dallas/Fort Worth Area

Night Hike at Lake Mineral Wells (Aug. 17) – Discover fun nighttime activities in the outdoors! Star Party at Lake Whitney (Aug. 18) – Come out and view the waxing moon at our Night Sky Party. More Dallas/Fort Worth Area Events

East Texas

Nighttime Scavenger Hunt at Caddo Lake (Aug. 17) – Explore Caddo Lake State Park at night! Nocturnal Hike - Marching in the Moonlight at Mission Tejas (Aug. 25) – Experience the trails in a new light - moonlight! More East Texas Events

Houston Area

Star Party at Sea Rim (Aug. 11) – Join us for a stargazing party Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing at Huntsville (Aug. 12) – Watch the Perseid Meteor Shower late at night in a state park! More Houston Area Events

Panhandle

Starwalk at Copper Breaks (Sept. 1) – Join a park volunteer or ranger for a presentation on the night sky. Star Party at Caprock Canyons (Sept. 8) – It's a party under the stars! Join astronomer Arthur Schneider to view celestial bodies of the night sky with his large telescopes. More Panhandle Events

San Antonio Area

Devil's Sinkhole Night Sky Program/Perseid Meteor Shower at Devil's Sinkhole (Aug. 11) – Join us for a night of star gazing and learn about celestial bodies from the San Antonio Astronomical Association. Citizen Science - Frog Watch at Palmetto (Aug. 18) – Broaden your night knowledge with a brief frog watch training followed by an informal walking survey of the frog populations in the Ottine Swamp. More San Antonio Area Events

South Texas

Full and New Moon Parties at Estero Llano Grande (Aug. 10, 24) – This is an especially kid-friendly Ranger-led hike and may include stargazing, owls, scorpions, tarantulas, alligators, frogs, bats and more! Night Hike at Resaca de la Palma (Aug. 31) – Join a ranger on a nighttime hike to witness the nocturnal world of Resaca de la Palma State Park! Limited space - reservations required. More South Texas Events

West Texas

Star Party at Franklin Mountains (Aug. 11) – Join the Franklin Mountains Park Rangers and the Sun City Astronomers for an evening of night sky fun!

More West Texas Events

Download the Texas State Parks Official Guide to your Apple or Android phone or tablet for free. The app lets you search for parks by activities or accommodations, look at photos and videos of each park, and more. Watch this video to see the how it works.