Guadalupe River State Park offers a wide variety of programs for the public most weekends throughout the year. All programs are free with park admission of $7 for ages 13 and above (12 and under free) or a current TPWD park pass. Unless otherwise indicated, programs do not require pre-registration. Programs meet at the amphitheater behind the Discovery Center, unless otherwise noted.
Our programs are engaging, hands-on and also designed to connect children and adults alike to the nature of the Park. If you are looking for a positive learning experience in the outdoors, please consider attending one or more programs at the Park. We believe you and your family will find the drive worthwhile!
And while you are in the Park, be sure to make plans to enjoy a picnic near the river or take a swim, or do a little fishing (we have a tackle loaner program in the Park). In addition, be sure to stop into our Discovery Center, complete with hands-on exhibits and all sorts of wonderful skins, skulls, skeletons and more to enjoy (Hours are 10 am – 4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays).
You can also check out a free backpack with binoculars, magnifiers, field guides and more to make your own discoveries along the trails of the Park.
Have you ever wondered what the Hill Country looked like 500 years ago? You can gain a glimpse by joining the guided hikes every Saturday morning at 9:00 am, weather permitting, into the pristine Honey Creek State Natural Area. There is also a second hike at 10:00 am on second and fourth Saturdays, except during the hot summer months. Please note that no dogs are allowed in the State Natural Area.
January 2019 Events
January 25 — 9:00 am Birding with the Ranger
January 25 — 2:00 am Oak Savannah Loop Hike
January 26 — 9:00 am Honey Creek Hike
January 26 — 10:00 am Honey Creek Hike
February 2019 Events
Honey Creek Hikes – Honey Creek State Natural Area (inside the park), Meet at the Rust House
Saturday, February 2nd and 16th, 9:00 – 11:30 am
Saturday, February 9th and 23rd, 9:00 – 11:30 am and 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Join our trained volunteer guides each Saturday morning for a walk to and along Honey Creek. You’ll be immersed in both the natural and cultural history of the area as well as come to understand the importance of Honey Creek and our efforts to conserve this important area. These hikes, sponsored by the Friends of Guadalupe River & Honey Creek, request a $2 donation per person to support ongoing Friends Group support for the park and natural area, in addition to park admission of $7 for ages 13 and above (12 and under free) or a current TPWD park pass.
Japanese Fish Printing
Saturday, February 2nd, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Stop by and try the ancient art of Gyotaku — a method that Japanese fishermen used to record their catch. Block ink, paper, and rubber fish all provided – all ages welcome!
Honey Creek Night Hike – Honey Creek State Natural Area (inside the park), Meet at the Rust House
Saturday, February 2nd, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Come experience Honey Creek State Natural Area at night! Access to this protected area is limited to guided hikes only, so you won’t want to miss it! Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a flashlight or a headlamp (these work better than cell phone flashlights). This moderate hike is about 2 miles. All ages welcome! No dogs, please.
The Magical World of Geocaching
Wednesday, February 6th, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Saturday, February 16th, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Join us for an introduction to the magical world of Geocaching, where we’ll discover a whole new way to explore the outdoors! Loaner GPS units will be provided, but are limited in number. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. All ages welcome! Friendly dogs allowed on a leash.
Birding with the Ranger – Meet in front of the Discovery Center
Saturday, February 9th, 9:00 – 10:00 am
Come birding with us! We’ll check out the bird blind to see what birds are coming in to eat, bathe, and drink. Then if time permits, we’ll take a short walk. A limited number of loaner binoculars provided, or bring your own. All ages welcome!
River Overlook Trail Hike
Saturday, February 9th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us for a hike on the Live Oak and River Overlook Trails! Along the way we’ll find out more about the nature of this area. This moderate hike is about 2.5 miles. Wear good walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring drinking water. All ages welcome! Friendly dogs allowed on a leash.
Star Party with San Antonio Astronomical Association – Held at the Overflow Parking Lot
Saturday, February 16th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
The San Antonio Astronomical Association will have a variety of telescopes for viewing and will be glad to explain their operation and more. Cloud coverage could cancel this program – check the park’s Facebook page or call the park the day of the event for updates.
Birding 101 – Meet at amphitheater behind the Discovery Center
Friday, February 22nd, 10:00 – 11:00 am
How do you tell all those birds apart? Join the park ranger to find out! We’ll also go over binocular tips and tricks, and then see what birds we can spot at the bird blind. If time permits, we’ll take a short walk afterward. All ages and skill levels welcome! Binoculars provided, or bring your own.