Introduce Kids to Nature

Many folks visit Guadalupe River State Park to swim, but the park is more than a great watering hole. It’s a classroom, too! Beautiful scenery and colorful history await, along with 17 free, nature-filled educational opportunities for families this July.

The park boasts four miles of river frontage for canoeing, fishing, swimming, tubing, picnicking, hiking, bird watching, and camping — and, the intrepid ranges and naturalists who work to preserve this treasure in Spring Branch.

Remember — Guadalupe River State Park closes when too many people visit. Check this Facebook page — Guadalupe River State Park – Texas Parks & Wildlife — for park status before visiting. All programs are free with a park pass or $7 daily pass. Children ages 12 and under can join for free!

For more information, call 830-438-7653 or email craig.hensley@tpwd.texas.gov.

Don’t miss these opportunities to learn more about the Canyon Lake area’s ecosystem:

9 to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 7

Tracks and Traces Hike – Join Ranger Patti for a hike in search of birds, bugs and more, all of whom call the park home. Bring water and your sense of adventure for this sure-to-be fun program. Please meet at the amphitheater located behind the Discovery Center.

8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, July 7

Goodness Snakes Alive! – Explore the world of snakes and meet a live, native snake, too! Join Ranger Craig for an introduction to the world of snakes. You’ll find out how they work, their value, and even meet a live one up close and personal. Gather at the amphitheater located behind Discovery Center.

9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 8

Fishing 101 – Bring your child(ren) ages four and up to learn tips for successful fishing. Meet promptly at the Discovery Center at 9 a.m. Class is limited. Please email Ranger Craig to reserve a spot for your children. Please provide their ages and names.

8 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Saturday, July 8

Aquatic Chorus – Ribbet, Chrip, Blurp! Join Rangers Meagan and Allison to go looking for a variety of frogs and toads around our park using both sight and sound. These fun amphibians know how to put on a show with a giant splash. Meet at the amphitheater located behind the Discovery Center. Be sure to bring a flashing and water bottle.

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 12

Bugs-R-Us –  Let your kids will enjoy a six-legged adventure of the fun kind. It’s a morning of six-legged wonders from butterflies to grasshoppers! With nets in hand, kids can discover who’s who among world of insects. Please meet at the amphitheater behind the Discovery Center.

9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday, July 14

Friday Morning Story Time: Lessons from a Rattlesnake – Join Ranger Craig for a reading of the insightful children’s book “Lessons from a Rattlesnake” by Michelle LoConte. Meet at the Discovery Center, head over to the Reading Tree. Head back to Discovery Center to learn more about snakes through artifacts, and even meet a live, native snake by the name of Cornelius. This fun hour is perfect for children 10 and under.

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 15

All-a-Buzz About Bees and Other Pollinators – Kids will love this fun-filled and tasty program. Get the buzz on bees and other pollinators that live in the park. Join Rangers Patti and Allison for a short walk to find some of our pollinator stars at our Butterfly Habiscape. Discover what pollinators do for us then “wrap” up the morning by making a take-home beeswax candle – and perhaps have a sweet treat, as well!

8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 15

Prowlin’ for Owls –  Join Ranger Craig for the final owl prowl of the summer. Learn about the owls of Texas and then head out in search of resident Barred Owls and whoooo knows what else? Be sure to bring a flashlight and meet at the amphitheater located behind the Discovery Center.

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 19

Geocaching – Join our park rangers to learn how to use a GPS unit to geocache. They’ll provide the GPS units and instruction – you’ll then practice your newly acquired skills on a practice course. This program is limited to the first 10 families/people.

9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 21

Yucca With a Twist: Rope-Making Fun – Join Ranger Meagan to learn how to make a rope out of yucca! Discover how it was done before the advent of modern technology, as well as about yuccas found in our area and other uses made of these important plants. This great activity for all ages will be held at the amphitheater located behind the Discovery Center.

8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, July 21

Bats of Texas – Join Ranger Meagan for a look at the world of the only true flying mammals. From red bats to free-taileds, learn about the wide variety of bats that live in Texas. Then head out with  bat detectors in search of these nocturnal predators.

9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, July 22

Camping Games for the Entire Family – Join Rangers Allison and Patti for fun at the Discovery Center amphitheater. Play camping games and learn how to keep the little ones entertained while enjoying the park. Life is better outside-especially if you know some games to play!

7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22

Evening Archery in the Park – Join Ranger Craig for a evening of bows and arrows! Learn safe techniques for archery success then hone newly learned skills. Meet at the Rust House to begin sharply at 7 p.m

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 26

Morning Story Time and Art Adventure – Join rangers for a reading of “If You Hold A Seed” under the Park’s Story Time Tree. Meet afterwards at the Discovery Center to learn more about seeds and plants through art with the little ones. Meet at the amphitheater behind the Discovery Center.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, July 28

Mountain Pies and Banana Boats at the Campfire – Rangers Patti and Allison conjure up some yummy campfire goodies on the campfire. Learn how to make banana boats and mountain pies, and then get to eat these yummy snacks while relaxing around the fire. Meet rangers at the Rust House.

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 29

Bugs-R-Us – It’s a morning of six-legged wonders from butterflies to grasshoppers! With nets in hand, discover who’s who in the world of insects.

8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 29

Stories in the Stars – Join members of San Antonio Astronomical Association and park staff for a night of stargazing! Check out the moon and other celestial wonders following a presentation at the Amphitheatre, located behind the Discovery Center.