News Release

Free Family Activities at Big Thicket

She caught her first fish at a free fishing day!

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

News Release Date: May 24, 2023

Contact: Megan Urban, 409-951-6700

KOUNTZE, Texas—Want to learn more about canoeing or fishing but don’t have the gear? Big Thicket National Preserve invites you to join park rangers at family-friendly events where you can learn about paddling and fishing in your park.

On Saturday, May 27th, and Wednesday, June 28th, learn how to paddle a canoe in Silsbee! During this drop-in event, you can learn about basic paddling techniques and safety and then get on the water for a short time. This is a great opportunity for beginner paddlers to get comfortable in a boat without the 3-hour commitment of our longer canoe trips. Reservations are not required; stop by the Baby Galvez Road boat launch on Village Creek in Silsbee any time between 10 am and 2 pm.

If you’ve ever wanted to try fishing, but aren’t sure where to start, then our free fishing days are for you! On Saturday, June 3rd, and Saturday, August 26th, rangers who are certified in angler instruction will teach participants basic fishing skills, including how to tie knots, fishing limits, and how to cast your line. You can borrow our fishing gear and see what’s biting or bring your own gear to use. Kids can also get a free activity book and earn a special Junior Angler badge. This event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm at the Texas Highway 327 boat launch on Village Creek between Silsbee and Kountze. Participants do not need a fishing license and registration is not required.

In addition to those special events, join park rangers for free nature walks and canoe trips throughout the summer season. For more information about ranger-led activities in Big Thicket, check out our calendar of events.

-NPS-

Big Thicket National Preserve is located in Southeast Texas, near the city of Beaumont and 75 miles northeast of Houston. The preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 113,000 acres. The Big Thicket, often referred to as a “biological crossroads,” is a transition zone between four distinct vegetation types – the moist eastern hardwood forest, the southwestern desert, the southeastern swamp, and the central prairies. Species from all of these different vegetation types come together in the thicket, exhibiting a variety of vegetation and wildlife that has received global interest.