| Wondering what to do with the kids during Spring Break, next week? The answer is simple, and is right here in Fort Bend County: Brazos Bend State Park.
The 5,000-acre wildlife paradise will be open extended hours during March 17-21 and will feature additional activities for the general public.
The park's Nature Center will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., instead of its normal 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekday hours.
Staff members and trained volunteers are on hand at the Nature Center, which houses numerous exhibits depicting the parks three major ecosystems: prairies, forests and wetlands.
Visitors are invited to touch one of the captive non-venomous snakes and baby alligators at the Nature Center, where interactive displays teach such things as differences between alligators and crocodiles, bird calls, and even the sound of a rattlesnake's rattle.
Additional nature programs and hikes will be available during Spring Break as well, with at least three conducted each day. Hikes and programs will include general wildlife, birds, children's story time, snakes, skulls and, of course, the park's most famous residents: alligators.
Free nature programs are offered every weekend, and night hikes for ages 6 and up are offered by reservation only Friday and Saturday evenings in March. Night hikes begin at 7 p.m. and are limited to 15 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
The 1-mile hikes take about 2 hours to complete, and participants should bring flashlights and wear closed-toes shoes. Cost for campers is $5 per person. For others, the cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and under, and includes entry to the park.
Camping reservations are required for weekends and for Spring Break, when the park fills up quickly. Reservations may be made by calling the Texas Parks and Wildlife Central Reservations Center in Austin at 512-389-8900.
Park patrons who wish to visit only for the day should pack lunches. Snacks and drinks are available at the gift shops located at the Park Headquarters and Nature Center.
For those who want to stay longer, Brazos Bend has developed campsites that accommodate tent and RV campers. Fourteen screened shelters are available as well.
With nearly 40 miles of trails, Brazos Bend State park is the perfect place for families to play together, relax, discover nature or just enjoy each other's company.
For more information, visit Web site www.brazosbend.org or www.tpwd.state.tx.us or call 979-553-5101.
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