So here we are, the first month of the year! The reset month, the start of the year month. No pressure, January, but we are here for it! But I kid you not, we also must balance umbrellas, gloves, and short sleeves all in one week with our unpredictable winter weather. So, with that type of day-to-day activity, you must be ready for anything.

So here are some suggestions on where to go to just be outside and have fun in Southeast Texas!

Cattail Marsh Wetlands Education Center – One of Beaumont’s top attractions where thousands of international guests fly into and unique reptiles like to reside. For many, this is a great place for bird watching, walking quiet trails, or being one with nature while saying “Namaste” with free yoga every Saturday morning. Whether on the accessible boardwalk or taking the elevator or stairs up to the observation deck, you do not want to fly past this outdoor place!  Take a look using the free webcam!

Tyrrell Park – How lucky we are to have this park in our city! With an asphalt/pavement road, it is perfect for cyclists, walking, running and even roller blading/street skating. (Yes, it’s true, I’ve seen a brilliant speed skater and I will eventually catch up to them to ask questions!) This park is full of people enjoying the outdoors, so be sure to give a wave to the golfers, disc golfers of Southeast Texas Disc Golf, horseback riders from the Tyrrell Park Stables, and groups of horticulturists keeping our beautiful gardens pristine at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens. The park is always active, with kids learning archery for the first time or even learning to ride a bike. It is a great outdoor space. The park is also equipped with an outdoor playground and picnic benches to relax in between activities too.

Beautiful Mountain Skate Park – Skates, scooters, skateboards, bikes, basically all things that roll will be here. Great for all ages. Whether you are reliving the Tom Petty “Free Falling” video or learning to skateboard for the first time, it’s a great place to be. Grab a sandwich from a local eatery and grab a camera to catch the action! 

Rotary Centennial Playground – Designed to be an all-inclusive park for all ages. I adore this park and have met some great families here. It has sun-shade sails and tables for snacking or even resting in between those freeze tag games. Secured by fencing all around, makes it an area for even the fastest kids to be in sight. If you need more room to run around, head over to The Great Lawn. Positioned in front of The Event Centre, would be a great place to fly that kite, walk the gravel path, have a mini picnic, or just sit and enjoy reading a good book. (Keep in mind, if scheduled events are taking place, then they get first dibs.) 

Big Thicket National Preserve – A gem of Southeast Texas! A recent trip took me to experience this preserve and there is so much to do here in the outdoors. If you want to learn to kayak or experience a guided hike for the first time and for free, then sign up for their many events in January! If you have experienced both already, then come volunteer and plant native grass and trees to help protect an endangered species of Southeast Texas. More information here: https://www.nps.gov/bith/getinvolved/volunteer.htm

Tennis Courts – It’s not just for tennis anymore. The courts have welcomed the new sport of Pickleball and hosts beginner clinics from SETX Pickleballers. This is the spot for local sport enthusiasts to gather, not to mention it is free for City of Beaumont residents. Thinking it’s too cold or too sunny? Then, head indoors and play underneath the covered courts, no problem!

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So, if you have all day, a few hours or even 20 minutes, step outside. A walk around your neighborhood, a blanket in the yard, or any destination you choose, and be reminded that moments outside, for any length of time, can be good for everyone.