Welcome to the Recreation Blog!

On the Recreation Blog you will find information on parks and lakes, outdoor activities, and exciting outdoor events! We are huge supporters of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department so much of the information will pertain to Texas State parklands and activities. Garner State Park’s spring through summer dances, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park’s “Texas” play are two of the most popular and longest running state park events. Garner State Park camping reservations should be made months in advance! The park permits reservations to be made 11 months in advance. Children thrive in the outdoors, and we highly recommend the Texas Outdoor Family Camping Workshops for those new to camping. These fun events teach camping and outdoor skills to families, and provide many great children’s activities! These events are held year round at various Texas Parklands so watch the Schedule  for one taking place in a park near you. November’s camps are being held at Lake Mineral Wells, Dinosaur Valley (Glen Rose), and Pedernales Falls (Johnson City), State Parks.

Garner State Park Dances, Spring Through Summer:

The dance tradition began during the depression when inexpensive entertainment was the only entertainment people could afford. When the park first opened in 1941, local bands played dance music in the CCC built pavilion. Later a jukebox replaced the bands. Children played at the adjacent miniature golf course. Generations of locals have been attending the dances ever since. The first dance of the season occurs during spring break. Dances are then held every weekend until Memorial weekend. After Memorial Day, dances occur nightly until after the 2^nd weekend in August when it occurs on Saturday nights only; Labor Day weekend offers the last dances of the season on Saturday and Sunday nights. Dances begin 30 minutes after dark and end at 11pm. When the park is full, cars are permitted to enter the park as others leave. These dances are extremely popular so if you intend to lodge at the park during the dance season, make your reservations months in advance. 

Garner State Park Hiking  TPWD Copyright

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Pioneer Amphitheater Theater & the Play “Texas:"

This 1,742 seat amphitheater hosts the musical “Texas” which is performed annually from June into August, Tuesday through Sunday evenings. The show features fictional characters acting out the struggles and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle. A steak dinner is served on the patio prior to the show. Reservations are highly recommended. For ticket Information and reservations call the Pioneer Amphitheater box office at (806) 655-2181. Tickets may be purchased at the Pioneer Amphitheater box office beginning at 6pm, Tue-Sun. They may also be purchased at the TEXAS Box Office in Canyon on the square at 1514 5^th Avenue, or by calling (806) 655-2181.

Learn to Camp at Texas Parks & Wildlife State Parks' Outdoor Family Camping Workshops:

These workshops are family camping sessions designed to teach camping skills to those who do not know how to camp; everything is provided from tent to broom. Gear includes a coffee pot, dishes, cooking pots, a camp stove, a battery operated fan and lantern, air mattresses, and a tent. Basic skills taught include pitching a tent, making a campfire, cooking on a propane camp stove, geocaching and using a GPS. Wildlife viewing, fishing and kayaking are available depending on the park and its facilities. After making reservations, families will be sent a packet of information which includes a grocery list. Those interested in this program may sign up for E-Mail Updates on Currently Scheduled Workshops. (512) 389-8903. Calendar