May is the perfect time to explore Highland Lakes parks — not too hot and definitely not cold. The bluebonnets are fading, but the Texas wildflowers still growing strong bloom in sunset colors, covering fields, popping up around rocks, and lining the trails.

You can definitely choose your own adventure at the following national, state, and Lower Colorado River Authority parks, but why not participate in a structured (and fun) program highlighting these outdoor jewels. (And if you love s'mores, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge.) Here's what's on the May 2023 calendar by park:

NATIONAL PARKS

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Visitor Center, 100 Lady Bird Lane in Johnson City

Entrance: Free

Tour the Texas Oval Office — The new exhibit features the replicated workspace of President Johnson, a Hill Country native, as well as other memorabilia, including gifts from world leaders. Open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Friday and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday.

TEXAS STATE PARKS

Blanco State Park

101 Park Road 23 in Blanco, 830-833-4333

Entrance: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

We Love You S'more! — Celebrate 100 years of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with a campfire staple. Free s'mores fixings available at park headquarters from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. May 13.

Fishing 101 for All Ages — Learn the basics of fishing. Everything provided. No license needed. Practice casting with a backyard bass game. Takes place from 10 a.m. to noon May 13.

Blanco State Park Celebration — Enjoy free entry as the park celebrates its history, culture, and natural heritage. Takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 20.

Colorado Bend State Park

1201 Colorado Park Road in Bend, 325-628-3240

Entrance: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

A Day in the Life of a Cedar Chopper — Tour what tent life was like for Cedar Choppers. Takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 13.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

16710 RR 965 in Fredericksburg (near Llano County line), 830-685-3636

Entrance: $8 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

Hikes — Full Moon Summit Hike on May 5, Little Rock Wander on May 6 and May 13, and Guided Summit Trail Hike on May 7, May 21, and May 28

Granite Chef S'mores Cookout — Celebrate 100 years of the TPWD with s'mores around the campfire and guest chefs. Takes place from 10 a.m. to noon May 13.

Campfire Chat — Listen to stories about the park around the campfire. Takes place from 8-9 p.m. May 27.

Inks Lake State Park

3630 Park Road 4 West in Burnet, 512-793-2223

Entrance: $7 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

100-Year Celebration for All — Inclusive event filled with programs modified for different accessibility needs and celebrating 100 years of the TPWD. Includes water recreation, fishing, and maybe archery. Takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 6.

S'mores Galore cook-off — Inks Lake park departments compete for prizes. You can see their recipes and pick a version to make at the park. Ingredients and fire pit provided. Takes place from 11 a.m. to noon May 13.

Guided Nature Hike — Hike with a park ranger/volunteer to Devil's Waterhole and learn about native plants, animals, and geology. Takes place from 9-10 a.m. May 20 and May 27.

Fishing 101 — All ages can learn to fish. Everything is provided. No fishing license needed. Takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 20 and May 27.

LOOKING AHEAD: Inks Lake Star Party on June 27 and 100-Year Boat-A-Thon on July 15.

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site

199 Park Road 52 in Stonewall, 830-644-2252

No entrance fee

100 S'more Years of Campfire Cooking — Celebrate the TPWD's centennial at this sweet event. Takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 13.

Four Lives of a Fleece — Learn how to process wool from sheep to shawl. Takes place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 20.

Star Party — Join the Hill Country Astronomers for a night of stargazing. They'll bring their telescopes and knowledge. Takes place from 8:45-10:45 p.m. May 20.

LOOKING AHEAD:LBJ Fishing Day on June 3 and LBJ's 115th Birthday on Aug. 27

Pedernales Falls State Park

2585 Park Road 6026 near Johnson City, 830-868-6026

Entrance: $6 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

Set in Stone — A history and fossil presentation followed by a 30-minute hike. Takes place from 10:30-11:30 a.m. May 6.

Star S'mores: The Phantom Mallow — A TPWD 100-year anniversary celebration with s'mores and stargazing. Takes place from 8-9 p.m. May 13. More stargazing on May 27.

Prehistoric Hunting with the Atlatl — Learn how to use this ancient tool that predates the bow and arrow. Takes place from 3-4 p.m. May 27.

LCRA PARKS

Black Rock Park

3400 Texas 261 in Buchanan Dam, 512-369-4774

Entrance: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

Intro to Kayaking — Learn the basics, paddling techniques, and safety. Kayak rental included. Cost is $35 a person. Registration required. Takes place from 1-3 p.m. May 6, May 20, May 28, June 3, and June 10.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

2820 CR 414 in Spicewood, 512-473-3366

Entrance: $5 for ages 13 and older; free for ages 12 and younger

Muleshoe by Night — Join Naturalists on a night hike to learn about the natural nocturnal world. All ages. Cost is $20 a person, $35 a couple, $50 a family. Registration required. Takes place from 9-11 p.m. May 5 and June 2.

E-Bike Exploration — Tour Muleshoe Bend on a QuietKat E-Bike. Cost is $60 a person. Registration required. Takes place from 10 a.m. to noon May 13, May 27, and June 24; and 2-4 p.m. May 21 and June 4.

Intro to Kayaking — Learn the basics, paddling techniques, and safety. Kayak rental included. Cost is $35 a person. Registration required. Takes place from 1-3 p.m. May 13, May 27, and June 24.

REI: Introduction to Mountain Biking — Learn riding techniques, positions, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating from expert instructors. Cost is $109 for REI members and $139 for non-members. Registration required. Takes place from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 21 and June 11.

Browse the Outdoors Guide for even more parks in the Highland Lakes, many of which schedule regular events and hikes.

editor@thepicayune.com

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