Texas has over 80 state parks, natural areas, and historic sites. Beaches, lakes, mountains, sand dunes, caves, dinosaur tracks, all of these and more can be found throughout the many state parks. Whether your interests lean to fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, star gazing, geocaching, or more, there’s a park in Texas for everyone. The Texas State Pass only costs $70 for an entire year and gives everyone in the passholder’s car free daily entrance to any state park. It’s an amazing deal for a year of entertainment for a family.

Brazos Bend State Park lies about 30 minutes southwest of Houston. Originally a hunting ranch, the approximately 5,000 acre park was purchased by the state of Texas in 1976 and opened as a state park in 1984. The park offers miles of hiking and biking trails and 13 miles of equestrian trails. There are multiple picnic areas and two playgrounds for children.

If you’re into star gazing, the park is home to George Observatory, which is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. There is a separate entry fee to the Observatory, and tickets have to be purchased online through the museum. On any given Saturday night, amateur astronomers gather to view the stars and planets, and the domes and telescopes are open to visitors with tickets.

For many people, it is the nature and wildlife that draw visitors to the park. Bird watching is very popular in the park. If you’re lucky, you might see a wild boar in the distance, and deer often show up at dawn and dusk. The nature center has exhibits on the three ecosystems in the park and, if you’re lucky, they will have alligators and snakes on display. Sometimes the park rangers will even have a snake or baby alligator out to view and pet, should you wish.

And then there are the alligators. There are hundreds of alligators in Brazos Bend State Park. It’s estimated there are around 250 over 6 feet. The biggest known ones are 15-16 feet in length. They mate in May or June, and eggs hatch in late August to early September. The babies, when they hatch, are only about 8 inches long. They stay with their mother for at least a year, sometimes up to two years.

The alligators are the reason I return to the park again and again. The best place to see alligators is 40 acre lake and Elm lake. Spring and Fall, when the weather isn’t too hot or cold, are the best seasons for alligator watching. I’ve seen as many as 40 alligators on a good day, from babies to big ones. You have to be aware of your surroundings as you can come around a corner to find an alligator sunning on the bank. They won’t bother you if you don’t bother them, but it’s always best to cross to the other side of the path and move along so as not to disturb the alligator.

Alligators, stars, birds, fishing, whatever makes you happy, Brazos Bend State Park has something for everyone. It’s a great place for a family picnic, a hike or a bike ride. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the memories.