Armand Bayou Nature Center050

Over five miles of hiking trails wind through several diverse ecosystems, including bayou, prairie, forest, and marshland, in the area's largest nature park.

The Discovery Loop takes visitors past the Bison Enclosure, the Texas Raptors Exhibit, platforms with scenic views of prairie and marshland, a butterfly garden, a pond teeming with turtles, great picnic spots, birdwatching areas, and more. Along the way, the Educational Center houses live snakes, fish, scorpions, and a tarantula, plus a tableful of animal bones and skulls to handle and examine. In back of the Educational Center are clean, large restrooms.

New to Armand Bayou is the John P. McGovern Children's Discovery Area, located behind the Educational Center. Fenced-in and well-shaded, with bench swings, flower gardens, a walking path, and a picnic table, this area is ideal for little ones who might not hold up well on a long nature walk. The Discovery Area also includes a crawl-through alligator, colorful information signs, and a sandbox with buckets and shovels.

Other activities include pontoon boat tours and canoe trips, available by advance reservation.

A re-created 1800s farmhouse includes a house full of antiques, a barn, organic garden, windmill, and a sugarcane press. The farmhouse is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm for tours and interactive demonstrations.

EcoCamp is a summer day camp for children ages four to 13. Activities include fishing and canoeing, while campers also use the Nature Center as a living laboratory to explore the world around them. Winter camp provides an opportunity for outdoor fun and learning during kids' Winter Break. The Center also hosts Creature Corner classes for preschoolers; call for the latest schedule.

Birthday party packages offer a choice of activities, recommended for kids ages five to 12 years old. Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance.