North Texans have plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors during the holiday season, thanks to a plethora of state parks within a half-day drive of the metroplex.
Many of the parks are offering special holiday-themed activities as an inexpensive way for families to enjoy the holiday season together. Most of the programs are free after paying the park entrance fee. However, some events require a reservation, so check the details carefully on the park webpage.
Cedar Hill State Park, just 10 miles southwest of Dallas, is offering an opportunity to “Walk off your Thanksgiving Day meal and explore nature in the cool fall air!” On Saturday from 10 to 11:30 a.m., the park invites visitors to “explore the creatures who might be showing their faces as we have been enjoying the holiday festivities.” The hike will follow the 2.5-mile Talala Trail.
Lake Ray Roberts State Park, located just north of Denton, is about an hour’s drive from Dallas. This week, the park invites visitors for Turkey Talk at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lost Pines Amphitheater. Park guests can learn about turkey adaptations and then hit the trail to see if they can spot any wild turkeys that live in the park.
On November 24, guests are invited to Walk Off the Stuffing with Ranger Brett. Beginning at 10 a.m. at the Dogwood parking lot, park rangers will lead visitors on a five-mile hike.
The following weekend, the focus at the park shifts to Christmas activities, beginning with a Woodland Ornament craft project on December 2 at 2 p.m. If you can’t make it that day, the park will host two more Woodland Ornament projects on December 16 and 23.
On December 8, park rangers present A Very Wild Christmas from 5 to 6 p.m. The event will include Christmas stories, a campfire, s’mores, and apple cider.
The next day, kids can learn about the six deer species in Texas. Could there be some reindeer? Meet up with Ranger Izzy at the Kid Fishpond at 10 a.m. to find out. Stick around a little longer, and Ranger Izzy will host Mistletoe: Pucker-up for a Parasite. The program starts at noon at the Headquarters parking lot.
On December 16, Santa will drop by the Nature Center at 11 a.m. to visit with guests, read stories, and hand out some hot cocoa and coffee.
Tyler State Park, about 100 miles east of Dallas, invites guests to avoid Black Friday madness and instead join the 16th Annual “Walk Off the Bird” Bird Walk on Friday morning, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Bring your binoculars and see how many birds you can spot along the 2.1-mile trail by the lakeshore.
On the first Saturday in December, park-goers can learn how to build a Survival Fire without matches, beginning at 2 p.m. Once the campfire is burning brightly, guests can settle in for Reading Ranger Campfire Stories at 3 p.m.
The following weekend, park guests can enjoy a Pineywoods Christmas by driving through the Lakeview and Big Pine Campgrounds to see a “camper-made holiday wonderland,” with each camper decorating their site in their own unique way. The drive is open to visitors from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on December 8 and 9. Come a little early on Saturday and take part in a Winter Wonderland Hike around the lake at sunset.
And to ring in the New Year on the right foot, the park invites guests to discover the benefits of a walk in the forest for the body, mind, and soul, with a “moderately challenging” 2.5- to 3-mile hike at 2 p.m. on January 1.
Turkeys are on the Trail! at Lake Whitney State Park, about 80 miles southeast of Dallas. On November 25, “walk, wobble, or strut” your way around a one-mile trail to find hidden ‘turkeys,’ decode their secret message, and collect a prize. The fun event is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lockhart State Park, located just south of Austin, is offering some interesting winter activities for families. On November 25 at 11:30 a.m., the park is presenting a Dutch Oven Cooking Demo.
On December 13 and again on December 23, guests are invited to “join the elves in Santa’s workshop” to make bird feeders. On December 16, visitors can learn how to make pulled taffy at 1 p.m. and then create some nature-inspired Christmas cards and ornaments at 3 p.m.
Visitors to Lake Tawakoni State Park, 75 miles east of Dallas, are invited to take a Twinkle Tour of the park on December 16, beginning at 5 p.m., and then stick around for a reading of The Night Before Christmas starting at 7 p.m.
Eisenhower State Park presents its annual Christmas spectacular, Light Up the Park, on December 8 and 9 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. In lieu of entrance fees, the park will accept unwrapped toys to donate to families in need. The festivities include a drive-through holiday light tour “with an interactive stop for Santa Meet & Greet/pictures, DIY activities, and more!” The park is located about a two-hour drive northeast of Dallas.
This is just a sampling of the activities offered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. Texas is home to more than 80 state parks, with plenty of outdoor space and events for family fun all year long.
