(credit: Texas Parks & Wildlife)
How can you escape the dog days of summer? Why not join thousands of Texans who take their families swimming in a Texas State Park to beat the heat — while enjoying a fun, healthy activity in the outdoors?
Benefits Of Swimming
- Swimming is good for your children’s health. It can assist in preventing obesity and juvenile diabetes in children.
- Swimming is good for your health. Check out this link to 10 Health Benefits of Swimming.
- Studies show that kids who play and learn outside are “healthier, happier, smarter.”
Where To Swim In Texas State Parks
- Lake/River/Creek Swimming (In 51 Texas State Parks)
- Ocean Swimming (In 4 Texas State Parks)
- Swimming Pools (In 8 Texas State Parks)
Swim Smart
Open bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, bays, ponds) are vastly different from neighborhood swimming pools and therefore warrant extra precuations.
The key differences are:
- There are no lifeguards — so you swim at your own risk.
- Water conditions can change rapidly, as can weather conditions (high winds, lightning).
- Underwater currents sometimes exist, as well as sudden drop offs, changing bottoms and potential for unseen limbs, rocks, etc.
If you are not a strong swimmer or are becoming fatigued, wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. (Children are strongly encouraged to always wear a life jacket while swimming in lakes and rivers.)
Swimming Safety Resources
- Water Safety: Before swimming in a Texas State Park, please visit our water safety page.
- Swimming Video: Watch “Fun Ways to Cool Off This Summer.”
And remember, KIDS PLAY FREE in Texas State Parks! Children 12 and under get free admission to Texas State Parks.
Outdoor Fun For Kids:
- Junior Ranger Explorer Packs
- Texas Geocache Challenge
- Outdoor Kids Journal
- Neighborhood Fishin’ Program
- Animal Trackers
- Ranger Talks
What Experts Say About The Benefits Of Nature Play
