Have Fun & Learn This Summer
Add some educational stops to your travels
By JOHNA UNDERWOOD
As I write this, the sun shines on a gorgeous 80-degree spring day, and I am reminded that it won’t be long before we can start enjoying the summer break. As you make your summer plans, consider adding some fun and educational stops to your itinerary.
Central Texas has an abundance of outdoor parks. These parks allow our students to put science discovery into real-life practice. Along with an array of local parks and hike and bike trails, many of our state’s most beautiful state parks are within a few hours’ drive. These parks often host special events just for kids and families. Check out the calendar on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for a list of family-friendly events at state parks. Even if you can’t make it to a state park, a short nature hike in one of our local parks gives students a chance to explore plants and wildlife. Younger students can observe the colors and shapes of plants and trees. Older students can practice map-reading skills by looking at trail maps. Students and adults of all ages can engage in fun geo-caching activities.
Continuing with our nature theme, the Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, and other zoos and aquariums within a short drive, are great places to enjoy exploring natural science, learning about ecology and protecting our natural resources. Students can practice reading skills by checking out the posted information about their favorite animals.
If the summer heat is too much, consider visiting a local museum. The Bell County Museum in downtown Belton displays historical and archaeological exhibits showcasing the history of Bell County and the surrounding areas. Temple, too, boasts several fun and educational museums. Learn about the history of the railways that helped build the city at the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum or learn about settlers who called Central Texas home at the Czech Heritage Museum. Gatesville, too, offers more opportunities to learn about the history of our area at the Coryell Museum and Historical Center. Younger students can have fun learning with hands-on experiences at the Temple Children’s Museum. And Waco offers a variety of historical and scientific museums including the Dr Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University.
If historical and scientific museums aren’t for you or your kids, consider a visit to a local art gallery or museum. Many of our Central Texas communities feature exhibits by local artists. That Art Place in Belton and several galleries in Salado offer an opportunity for kids and older students to try their hand at pottery, painting or glass-blowing. If you’re willing to make the short drive to Austin, your family can enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor art museums such as the Blanton or Umlauf Sculpture Gardens. Austin also has a unique literary museum at the Harry Ransom Center. While this would be a stop most enjoyed by high school-age students, the Ransom does showcase unique exhibits concerning literature, photography, art, film and the performing arts. Check out a Gutenberg Bible and a Frida Kahlo self-portrait as part of its permanent collection.
If you don’t want to travel far but need a quick trip out of the house for a few hours, don’t forget our local libraries. They host an array of daily and weekly activities for students of all ages including reading times for younger kids, summer day camps, and a variety of other fun and educational opportunities. And, of course, getting involved in a summer reading program always gives you and your kids an excuse to get out of the house to go check out new books.
Whether you’re planning a multi-day vacation to Waco or Austin, or just looking for some fun and local day trips, Central Texas offers many different opportunities to have fun while learning something new this summer.
Johna Underwood teaches English at Gatesville High School.
