The Great Outdoors

Learn to Camp This Weekend—for Free

The Baytown Nature Center and REI are teaming up to offer a Camping 101 course for the whole family.

09/01/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Get Out

The 10 Best Activities at Discovery Green

The downtown park offers Houstonians everything from free fitness classes to young writer workshops.

07/25/2016 By Miranda Proctor

Play It Cool

Ways to Stay Cool This Summer: Houston's Shadiest Spots for a Stroll

Under the leafy oaks and tall pines of our three favorite walking paths, you’ll be hard-pressed to tell you’re in the city at all.

07/25/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Play It Cool

100 Ways to Beat the Houston Heat

Summer may be our winter, but at least no one has to shovel the sunshine, so chill out—we’ll show you how.

06/20/2016 Edited by Katharine Shilcutt With Ellie Sharp, Marianella Orlando, Layne Lynch, Sarah Rufca Nielsen, Jeff Balke, and Alice Levitt

Postcards From Beyond the Beltway

Best of the Burbs: Welcome to Katy

Did you know Katy has one of the nation’s only velodromes?

05/31/2016 By Ellie Sharp

Duck, Duck, Goose

Bird-Watching for Beginners at Brazos Bend

And if you're not into birds, how about bobcats?

05/26/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Arts & Rec

Get Out: The Houston Ballet at Miller Outdoor Theater

A free ballet performance is just one reason to visit Hermann Park.

05/05/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Gung-Ho Glampers: Daingerfield State Park

For those times when you just can't camp without a hot shower at end of the day.

04/28/2016 By Sarah Rufca Nielsen

The Great Outdoors

Get Out: Parkour in Discovery Green

Tonight's free class will teach you how to treat the city like the giant jungle gym it is.

04/28/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Fishermen (And the Wannabe Fishermen): Lake Livingston State Park

Think you can beat the record catch at Lake Livingston? You'll have to hook a 115-pound catfish first.

04/28/2016 By Catherine Matusow

Best State Parks

For the City Slickers: Huntsville State Park

Horse stable? Check. Spec's for champagne? Also check.

04/28/2016 By Marianella Orlando

Best East Texas State Parks

Cowboy Coffee & Chili: Campfire Cooking 101

Need tips for cooking in the wild? Ask a cowgirl.

04/28/2016 By Alice Levitt

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Happy Hikers: Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Don't mind the alligators—no, seriously.

04/28/2016 By Nick Esquer

Best East Texas State Parks

The Fauna of the Piney Woods

From water moccasins to woodpeckers, what to watch for—and what to watch out for—in East Texas.

04/28/2016 By Roxanna Asgarian

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Canoers and Kayakers: Caddo Lake State Park

A potential Bigfoot sighting is far from the only reason to visit Texas's largest—and only—natural lake.

04/28/2016 By Roxanna Asgarian

Best State Parks

For the History Hounds: Mission Tejas State Park

More than mounds abound in this part of Texas, where the Caddo Indians once reigned.

04/28/2016 By Alice Levitt

Best East Texas State Parks

The Flora of the Piney Woods

Did you know? Spanish moss is neither a moss nor a lichen.

04/28/2016 By Roxanna Asgarian

Best East Texas State Parks

For the Casual Campers: Martin Creek Lake State Park

It may be the loudest state park in Texas, but it's still one of our favorites—and here's why.

04/28/2016 By Katharine Shilcutt

Public Art

What's Behind the Big Burp in Buffalo Bayou

Who fixes the Big Bubble when it breaks, and other important questions.

04/28/2016 By Marianella Orlando

Ice House

May's Perfect Party

The exclamation-point-happy edition.

04/28/2016 By Catherine Matusow