What a better way to kick start your New Year than by enjoying the great outdoors – specifically the great outdoors of the Lone Star State! Rejuvenate and revel in mother nature with these five fun outdoor activities. From hikes and parks to gardens and underground caverns, here are some ideas for all kinds of adventure seekers!
Hike Lake Tawakoni State Park—Wills Point, TX
Ring in the New Year with a beautiful hike along Spring Point Trail in Lake Tawakoni State Park located in Wills Point, Texas. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars because you are sure to see some fantastic lake views and wildlife. The Park has nearly five miles of trails to explore.
Lake Tawakoni State Park (10822 FM 2475 Wills Point, TX 75169) It’s open daily from 7 a.m. – 10- p.m. and park entrance fees range from free to $5.
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area—Austin, TX
You’ll understand why it’s called Enchanted Rock when you visit the massive pink granite dome rising above Central Texas! Pick from any one of the natural area’s hiking trails and take in the amazing scenery and rock formations; don’t forget to read about the historical legends plaques all along the way!
Enchanted Rock is located at 16710 Ranch Rd. 965 Fredericksburg, TX 78624. It’s open daily from 8 a.m.- 10 p.m., but they do have a scheduled closure from 4 p.m. Jan. 13 until 2 p.m. Jan. 17, 2020. Entrance fees range from free to $7.
Polar Plunge Special Olympics Texas— Choose your location!
Does the thought of plunging into freezing water send shivers down your spine? Then challenge yourself this January and jump into some cold water with friends at the Ninth Annual Polar Plunge! This unique event is a great opportunity for individuals, businesses, and organizations to have fun while also supporting the Special Olympics Texas – East Region area athletes. All money raised will go toward providing year-round sports training and competition, health and inclusion programs for local individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The Polar Plunge takes place at various locations around the state but if you’re in the Galveston area, grab a costume and take the plunge on Saturday, January 18, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Stewart Beach Park. The entrance fee ranges from $30-$60. Find the rest of the Polar Plunge locations here:
CLYDE LAKE (January 1st, 2020)
GALVESTON (January 18th, 2020)
RICHLAND HILLS (NRH20 Park) (Feb 1st, 2020)
WICHITA FALLS (Boomtown) (Feb 1st, 2020)
EAST TEXAS (Lake Gladewater) (Feb 7th, 2020)
Inner Space Cavern—Georgetown, TX
Talk about “deep in the heart of Texas”! Be adventurous and explore Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown. Previously hidden for over 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern and is one of the best-preserved caves in Texas. Take the all-ages Adventure Tour, where a guide will lead you on a paved, lit trail to see the largest, most decorated rooms and formations.
Inner Space Cavern is located at 4200 S. I-35 Frontage Rd. Georgetown, TX 78626. Tour tickets range from $21.95-$14.95, and their hours are:
Monday-Friday: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas—Austin, TX
January may seem like an odd time to visit an Arboretum, but not in Texas! Our mild winters produce some visually stunning gardens year-round, like at the Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas in Austin. This garden displays native plants from across the state in its arboretum and serves as a model for creating beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Behold nearly 900 species of Texas native plants across their 284-acre site.
Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas is located at 4801 La Crosse Ave. Austin, TX 78739. They are also open daily from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (closed January 1), and entrance fees range from free to $12.
Texas is a stunningly scenic state that is rich in history with lots to explore. Just like these five outdoor adventures will prove, there are a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy! As you set out on your adventures please be sure to tag us in your social media posts so we also catch a glimpse at the true beauty of Texas through your eyes!