Want to commune with flora and fauna? Check out these nature centers around Houston
ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER
The 2,500-acre urban preserve features a boardwalk that winds through forest and marshes, live-animal displays, bison and prairie-viewing platforms, butterfly gardens, 5 miles of hiking trails and an 1800s farm site. A special gated children’s discovery area offers educational exploring. 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena, 281-474-2551; abnc.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: $2-$4.
BAYTOWN NATURE CENTER
The 5,000-acre peninsula in Baytown has picturesque birding trails, wildlife blinds, butterfly gardens, bicycle paths and playgrounds. Fishing piers on the bay are available for use with a license. 6213 Bayway, Baytown, 281-424-9198; baytownnaturecenter.org. Sunrise to sunset daily. Cost: $1-$4.
EDITH L. MOORE NATURE SANCTUARY
The 17.5-acre wooded sanctuary features a restored log cabin for educational programming. Winding creekside trails are joined by shaded bridge crossings and lookout points for the chance to spot birds and wildlife. 440 Wilchester, 713-932-1639; houstonaudubon.org. Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily during summer. Free.
HANA AND ARTHUR GINZBARG NATURE DISCOVERY CENTER
The 4-acre Russ Pitman Park in Bellaire is home to four types of habitats, including prairie wetland and woodland. Using guides, visitors can spot a number of butterflies, amphibians, birds and even edible plants. Discovery rooms with hands-on, interactive exhibits, live animals, books and crafts help young visitors apply nature lessons. 7112 Newcastle, 713-6676550; naturediscoverycenter.org. Park open 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily; discovery rooms open noon-5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free.
HOUSTON ARBORETUM AND NATURE CENTER
The 155-acre nonprofit urban sanctuary anchors Memorial Park. Miles of trails allow visitors to take advantage of a ravine overlook, observation decks, a sensory garden and a special platform above Buffalo Bayou. The center offers a variety of educational classes and events for adults and families. 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433; houstonarboretum.org. Hours: 7 a.m.-dusk daily. Free.
KLEB WOODS NATURE CENTER
Approximately 133 acres of natural wetlands, gardens and granite trails to explore all types of wildlife. The nature center has books for kids and offers classes and educational materials. 20303 Draper, Tomball, 281-357-5324; pct3.com/ Parks/All-Parks/kleb-park. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free.
JESSE H. JONES PARK AND NATURE CENTER
The 300-acre park with 100-year-old cypress trees boasts miles of trails, boardwalks, sandy beaches and ponds. 20634 Kenswick, Humble, 281-4468588; hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Jones. Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk daily. Free.
LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK
Spanning nearly 5,000 acres, the forested park has 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, in addition to equestrian trails and creek and pond entry points. The nature center has displays of wetland and forest habitats and live wildlife. Educational programs range from guided hikes to owlpellet dissection. Several campsites are available, including lakeside A-frame cabins for rent. 25840 FM 1485, New Caney, 832-3957690; houstontx.gov/parks/ parksites/lakehoustonpark.html. Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Admission: $3, free for children 12 and younger.
SHELDON LAKE STATE PARK AND ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
Known for its fishing and wildlife observation, the learning center offers trails that traverse naturalized ponds that are home to alligators, wildscape demonstrations, guided tours and educational programs. 14140 Garrett, 281-456-2800; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ sheldon-lake. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Free.