Armand Bayou Nature Center: 2,500-acre urban preserve features a boardwalk that winds through forest and marshes, live animal displays, educational signs, bison and prairie platforms, butterfly gardens and an 1800s farm site. 8500 Bay Area, in Pasadena, 281-474-2551; abnc.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wed.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. SE
Baytown Nature Center: Has fishing piers, birding trails, wildlife blinds, butterfly gardens, bicycle paths and playgrounds. 6213 Bayway, in Baytown, 281-424-9198; baytownnaturecenter.org. Hours: Gates open 30 minutes before sunrise; close 30 minutes after sunset. SE
Cockrell Butterfly Center and Rainforest Conservatory: While most visitors come to the butterfly center for the butterflies, there is also a simulated tropical rainforest that is filled with exotic plants to explore. 5555 Hermann Park, 713-639-4629; hmns.org. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sun. Cost: adults $9, children $8. Inner Loop
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Dr. Ned and Fay Dudney Nature Center: League City center offers amenities including picnic areas, covered pavilions, nature observation areas, hike-and-bike trails and bird-viewing areas. 1220 N. Egret Bay, in League City, 281-554-1181; leaguecity.com/index.aspx?NID=588. Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. SE
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary: 17.5-acre wooded sanctuary featuring a restored log cabin which houses a variety of education programs. 440 Wilchester, 713-932-1639; houstonaudubon.org. Hours: 7 a.m.-9 p.m. daily during summer season. SW
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: Visitors can wander the many trails through the 155-acre nonprofit urban sanctuary that anchors Memorial Park; it also offers a variety of classes and events celebrating the great outdoors, including nature-inspired art classes, bug's night out and programs for families and kids. 4501 Woodway, 713-681-8433; houstonarboretum.org. Hours: grounds and trails open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily; nature shop and discovery room open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Sun. Inner Loop
Huntsville State Park: Features camping, hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, paddling and geocaching, as well as 21 miles of trails and a nature center. 565 Park Road 40 West, in Huntsville, 936-295-5644; tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/huntsville. Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Cost: $5, children 12 and younger admitted free. NE
Kleb Woods Nature Preserve: Features 133 acres of wetlands, gardens and trails to explore all types of wildlife. 20303 Draper, in Tomball; 281-357-5324, www.pct3.com/parks/kleb-park. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. NW
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Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Center: 300-acre park includes miles of beautiful trails, boardwalks and more. Call nature center to arrange guided tours. 20634 Kenswick, in Humble; 281-446-8588; www.hcp4.net/Community/Parks/Jones. Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk daily. NE
Lake Houston Wilderness Park: Encompasses 4,786 acres of wooded land; amenities include cabins and campsites, 20 miles of hike-and-bike trails and 13 miles of equestrian trails. The nature center has displays of wetland and forest habitats, wildlife and more. Educational programs range from guided hikes to owl pellet dissection. 25840 FM 1485, in New Caney; 281-399-8464; www.houstontx.gov/parks/parksites/lakehoustonpark.html. Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun.-Thurs., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Fri.-Sat. NE
Lynn R. Lowrey Arboretum of Rice University: Home to the native trees and plants of the Gulf Coast and northern Mexico. 6100 Main, 713-348-5736; arboretum.rice.edu. Hours: dawn-dusk. Inner Loop
Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens: 300 acres of native and cultivated plants - the largest collection in the region - as well as natural wildlife, butterflies, birds and special seasonal events. 22306 Aldine Westfield, in Humble; 281-443-8731; themercersociety.org. Hours: 8 a.m.-dusk daily. NE
Nature Discovery Center: In the 4-acre Russ Pitman Park, center has two discovery rooms complete with hands-on, interactive exhibits, live animals, books and crafts. 7112 Newcastle; 713-667-6550; naturediscoverycenter.org. Hours: Park open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily; discovery rooms open noon-5:30 p.m. Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat.-Sun. SW
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Rainforest Pyramid at Moody Gardens: Interactive experience at Moody Gardens with more than 1,000 species of exotic plants and animals from Asia, Africa and the Americas. 1 Hope Blvd., in Galveston, 800-582-4673; moodygardens.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Cost: adults $21.95, seniors and children $17.95. SE
Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center: Known for its fishing and wildlife observation, but the learning center also offers nature studies, wildscape demonstrations, guided tours and educational programs. 14140 Garrett, 281-456-2800; www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/sheldon-lake. Hours: Park open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Lakes and levees open daily at dawn. SE
Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center: The 11,000-square-foot complex includes a nature center, community center, pavilion and nature trails. 1300 Riley Fuzzel, in Spring, 281-364-4225; springcreekgreenway.org. Hours: Nature center open 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat.; trails, pavilion, parking open 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. NW
