Lisa N.
Yelp
We are new residents of Texas and have wanted to check everything out that we can. We have two girls, 6 and 2, so we love to find family friendly activities that we can all enjoy. Especially during COVID getting out in the fresh air is so important.
In truth we were going to check this place out sooner but decided against it based on the polarizing reviews here. I honestly don't get the negative reviews.
Where else are you going to go in Texas where you can actually hike with elevation changes and feel like at times you are in the middle of a rainforest, then a bayou, then a wide open prarie? It is stunningly beautiful. The trails are very well maintained and they are actually actively replacing the wood planks that you walk on. The only concern I had was with my 2 year old, I constantly was afraid she would be doofey and fall into the water or plants below the planks as there is nothing preventing that, even over the swampy wetlands area. Fortunately that did not happen but is something to keep in mind with kids. We also saw so much native wildlife on the trails, cardinals, turtles, fish, butterflies, dragonflies, and even a rattlesnake (he was in the water in the wetland area and far from the trail). We also appreciated that there are several areas to stop, rest, eat a snack etc. We did almost all the trails except for one that was muddy from the rain and both my girls were able to keep up, even uphill. Most of the trails are shaded and should be doable even in the warmer months.
We were really bummed to find out that the dinosaurs are not always out, that was one reason I wanted to come, but we look forward to coming back. Also, the inside museum exhibits are dated and could use some work.
All in all though this was an incredible family day. We enjoyed the trails, the animals outside, the beautiful butterfly area, and it is very well maintained. Staff was also very friendly and welcoming.
We are excited to come back again and encourage anyone who may be discouraged by the negative reviews to give it a shot themselves to see if they might see what we did, a gem!