Parks are your low-cost summer solution to get kids off screens and active in the outdoors. Children 12 and under always get in free, and all parks have events for children, including special events for arts and crafts and wildlife viewing.

Our Junior Ranger program offers free activity guides and packs. Geocaching is a beloved treasure hunt, and everyone can fish for free at state parks. Some parks will lend you fishing gear – just bring bait and a smile. See you this summer! 

Summer in Texas is a lot of fun and a lot of hot. If you plan to visit a park during the day, activities will be more enjoyable and safer if you use these heat hacks:

1. Wear lightweight clothes, a wet neck bandana and a hat.
2. Hydrate by drinking 16 oz. of water each hour. 
3. Eat salty snacks to replace salt lost to sweating. 

Help keep your pet safe with these tips:

1. Bring a bowl and extra water just for the dog.
2. Check surface heat – paws can blister on hot surfaces.
3. Take breaks in the shade to let your dog cool off.  

Check out more of our heat hacks and our video Heat Safety for Dogs.