Best hikes in Houston for children

March 11, 3:15 PMHouston Hiking ExaminerLaurie Roddy

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Houston Hiking Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Hiking With Children in Houston

One of the best ways to get kids outside and in nature is to take them on a short hike. Bring along plenty of water to keep them hydrated and snacks to keep them interested. Also, bring sun screen, bug repellant, and a hat. The more comfortable they are the longer and happier the hike will be. The following hikes are good for young children because they are relatively short and offer the possibility of seeing wildlife.

• Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Outer Loop Trail (2 miles)
• White Oak Bayou Hike and Bike Trail (1.97 miles)
• Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge: Big Slough Trail (1.24 miles)
• Brazos Bend State Park: Hale Lake Loop Trail (2.15 miles)
• Stephen F. Austin State Park: Sycamore to Cottonwood Trail (3 miles)
• Bear Creek Pioneers Park: Equestrian and Nature Trail (1.85 miles)
• Burroughs Park (1.22 miles)
• Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens: West Trails (2.54 miles)
• W. Goodrich Jones State Forest: Middle Lake Trail (1.46 miles)
• Kleb Woods Nature Preserve Trails (2.25 miles)
• Jesse H. Jones Park East Trails and West Trails (2.19 and 2.11 miles respectively)
• Huntsville State Park: Chinquapin Trail (2.23 miles)
• Lake Livingston State Park: Pineywoods Nature and Briar Loop Trails (3.02 miles)
• Big Thicket National Preserve: Kirby Nature Trail (3.3 miles)
• Village Creek State Park: Bike Trail (1.2 miles)
• Armand Bayou Nature Center: Lady Bird Trail (1.57 miles)
• Challenger Seven Memorial Park: Boardwalk Trail (2.22 miles)
• Galveston Island State Park (4.3 miles) (currently closed due to Hurricane Ike)

The above list is excerpted from the book, “60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Houston” by yours truly. Directions to each trail and a map of the trail are included as well as descriptions of each hike.