Photo courtesy of Andrew Loudermilk

• Jan. 1: MINERAL WELLS – First Day Hike – Penitentiary Hollow Wild Walk, 10 a.m. – noon and 2 – 4 p.m. at 100 Park Road 71, Mineral Wells
  Park Interpreter David Owens will lead a group through remote areas at Penitentiary Hollow. This will be a strenuous walk that requires crawling and scooting through tight spaces, so be prepared with sensible shoes and long pants and shirt. Reservations are required for this event, but the program is free with a paid park entrance fee or a State Park pass. For more information, click here or call 940-328-1171 ext. 222.
• Jan. 2: GRANBURY – First Saturday Bird Walk, 7 – 9 a.m. at Acton Nature Center, 6500 Smoky Hill Court, Granbury
  This monthly tour is directed by Dr. Billy Teels, who earned a Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University and worked as a biologist for 30 years.  Now retired, Dr. Teels leads a monthly bird walk through the town of Granbury. Bring your binoculars and plenty of water!  For more information, click here.
• Jan. 2: ABILENE – Running to 2021 5K, 10 a.m. – noon at 1525 11^th Ave. SE, Abilene
  Join the Abilene Sports Alliance for the inaugural “Running to 2021 5K,” a great way to start the new year by supporting high school athletes and local sporting events. Want to bring your kid along? There is a 1-mile Kids Fun Run as well! For more information regarding the 5K, click here.
• Jan. 23: LUBBOCK – American Legends “Windmills & Corvettes” Indoor Car Show at American Windmill Museum, 1701 Canyon Lake, Lubbock
  With more than 50 Corvettes and 150 windmills to view, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this car show! Admission is $5, but kids 5 years and under have free entry. To learn more about this event, click here.

Central Brazos Basin

• Jan. 1: WHITNEY – First Day Scavenger Hunt Hike, 2 – 4 p.m. at Lake Whitney State Park, 433 FM 1244 Whitney, Texas 
  Enjoy a 1-mile trail while participating in an exciting scavenger hunt while viewing beautiful Lake Whitney. To compete in the scavenger hunt, locate the three hidden pictures and take a picture of them with your phone with the rest of your group. This event is free with a valid park entry permit. Interested in attending? Click here for more information.
• Jan. 9: KILLEEN – Christmas Tree Recycling, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 3301 S. WS Young Drive, Killeen
  Drop off your Christmas Tree at the Special Events Center in Killeen! For more information about the event, click here.
• Jan. 15: TEMPLE – Very Special Family Fun Night, 6 – 8 p.m. at 1516 W Avenue H, Temple
  Enjoy a fun game night with other individuals with disabilities and their families at the Gober Party House! Pre-registration for this event is required. To register for the event and learn more, click here or call 254-298-5690.

Lower Brazos Basin

• Jan. 1: NEEDVILLE – First Day Hike, 9 – 11 a.m. at Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762, Needville
  Join Texas Parks & Wildlife for a First Day Hike at Brazos Bend Park. On-site registration is required, and the hike will be staggered with groups of 10 people or less. Masks are required for this event. Be sure to bring plenty of water and sensible shoes! To learn more, click here or call the park at 979-553-5101.
• Jan. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: BRYAN – Brazos Valley Farmers Market, 8 a.m. – noon at 500 N. Main Street, Bryan
  

  Photo courtesy of Hebron Burkhall
  The Brazos Valley Farmers’ Market offers quality vendors that sell a variety of local products. The market is pet friendly! For information about the market, click here.
• Jan. 25: SUGAR LAND – Learn Digital Painting and Color Workshop, 10 – 11 a.m. at 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land
  If you are an inspiring artist, this workshop is for you! Learn how to paint, color composition and more with this educational workshop. The workshop is free for all to attend. To learn more about the workshop, click here. 

Virtual Events

• Travel Texas Live Cameras
  Explore the Lone Star state virtually with Travel Texas’ live looks from across the state. With live cameras at South Padre Island, the El Paso Zoo Giraffe Exhibit, Big Bend National Park and more, you can explore the entire state from the comfort of your home. Click here to access all the live cameras.
• Waco’s Parks and Recreation Department’s RECess
  Waco’s Parks and Recreation Department has launched RECess, a new interactive experience that offers virtual recreational activities for the whole family. Each week has a new lineup of activities, from making your own lava lamp, painting ladybug rocks, learning how to recycle a T-shirt into a tote bag, and there are online guides for fitness for kids! Click here for more information.
• Jan. 22: TPWD Wildlife Tax Valuation Webinar, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  This free online workshop is perfect for any Texas landowner interested in and eligible for wildlife tax valuation for their property. Biologists will present a general overview of the wildlife tax valuation, management practices, habitat evaluation and more. To learn more and register for the event, click here.