Houston Arboretum & Nature Center has holiday events in abundance
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is the perfect place to visit with your family, friends and out-of-town visitors during the holidays. With five miles of walking trails accessible free of charge and observation decks that showcase a relaxed setting and insta-worthy view, this urban oasis is the ideal escape this holiday season.
The Houston Arboretum offers fun nature events and classes for people of all ages in addition to its free trails.
Art & Photography-Coffee, Coloring & Conversation on Dec. 17
10 am – 12 pm; $10 member / $25 nonmember; Instructor: Kelsey Low
Yes, coloring books for adults! Come check out the hobby that’s taking the world by storm. Whether it’s a fun reminder of childhood, a tool for relaxation, or a great excuse to get together and chat, adult coloring books and coloring clubs are becoming extremely popular. Along with a brief introduction to coloring as a hobby, we’ll provide coffee, tea, treats, coloring pages, and colored pencils for you to enjoy. We will also have frames available to finish your beautiful works of art – they make great gifts! Note: Ages 13 and up.
Arbor-EAT-um: Holiday Treats on Dec. 17
12:30 – 2 pm & 2:30 – 4 pm; $30 member / $45 nonmember (per pair)
Instructor: Kelsey Low
Unleash your creative side without making a mess in your own kitchen! In this class you’ll work together to make three delicious nature-themed holiday treats: a chocolate peanut butter pine cone, a marshmallow reindeer, and a festive Christmas tree. You’ll also decorate a bag to carry your confections home with you. Note: Ages 5 and up.
Buffalo Bayou Christmas Bird Count on Jan. 2
6 am – 12 pm; FREE; Instructors: Kelsey Low & Theo Ostler
Why get up at the crack of dawn in the middle of winter just to count birds? Because it’s a great chance to see American Woodcocks, Rufous Hummingbirds, American Kestrels, and more! Join your fellow bird watchers in this amazing 117 year-old tradition – the longest-running citizen science project in the world. The count is run by the National Audubon Society and provides crucial data for monitoring North American bird populations. You don’t have to be an expert, just enthusiastic. Pre-registration is required. Note: Ages 13 +
Schedule: Bring your own snacks, camera, notebook, weather-appropriate clothing, binoculars if you have them (we’ll have some available to borrow), and money for lunch. At 6:15 am we’ll head straight to the Meadow, then split up to cover the trails. We’ll meet back at the building at 9:00 am for a coffee break. We’ll split up again to cover any remaining trails, then meet back at the building at noon. Afterwards, we’ll head to an optional lunch at Beck’s Prime in Memorial Park to compile our results.
For a complete list of classes and prices this season see below or visit www.houstonarboretum.org. Pictures can be shared on social media by tagging @HoustonArboretum on Facebook and Instagram or @HoustonArboretu on Twitter.
photos courtesy of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center