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Armand Bayou Nature Center
Categories: Active Life Parks Active Life Boating Active Life Zoos Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Parks, Boating, Zoos, Botanical Gardens [Edit]
8500 Bay Area BlvdPasadena, TX 77507
(281) 474-2551
- Hours:
Wed-Sat 9 am - 5 pm
Sun 12 pm - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
7 reviews for Armand Bayou Nature Center
7 reviews in English
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Review from David N.
11/20/2010
I was just looking for some nature spots out in Clearlake for photography and I was lucky to find this place.
I was just planning on going to check out the nature, however, I was extremely fortunate as the day I went just happened to be the annual Fall Festival. They charged for parking since it was an event and I think the admission was increased but it was worth it.
The first plus about this park is that it's designed well. If you stay on the main path it makes a full loop from start to finish that puts you back near your car when you finish. This is a HUGE plus as back tracking is a pain, especially if you are lugging around a backpack.
There are lots of animals in this park that is in the natural environment and then others that are in cages.
This day though they have locals come in as blacksmiths, carpenters, candle makers, and many more.
One of my favorite nature spots in all of Houston!Listed in: Houston: Local Flavor
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Review from Ronni P.
Houston, TX
Our first and only time visiting ABNC was during the *Martyn Harvest Fest*.
Upon arrival, we paid $3 to park onsite. There was a shuttle from UH-CL but we had small children and slight showers. Entry to the fest was $10/adult and $5/child over 4yrs. Keep in mind that many (if not all) of the activities were free. You should have some cash on hand for concessions or handicrafts.
It was nice that it wasn't too busy - our only wait was for the wagon ride. The staff was very friendly and dressed in old-era garments. They gave us a map and we were a little confused since the buildings/activities weren't always indicative. The ponds and the foliage were very pretty and had benches to sit back and enjoy, although no shade for hot or inclement weather (it did drizzle a few times during our visit).
During this festival, my kids painted okra ornaments, washed and hung clothes, and made candles and rope. They also stuffed scarecrows, played tug-of-war, rode in a horse-drawn wagon, and peeked at bison, horses, bees, chicks, and a rabbit. We also snacked on sugar cane and some bake sale items. We stepped into the vintage-looking "general store" and purchased some scented wax and jellies. Things were priced pretty well compared to typical festivals.
Before leaving, we traversed the boardwalk to the "Interpretive Building" to peek at some reptile exhibits. That was also a wholesome segment to our visit.
A festival vendor mentioned to us that (sadly) attendance had been dwindling over the years and there was less concessions. Also, since we just had an extremely dry year, there was a limit to activities and trails. It was still an enjoyable day for our boys (aged 3 and 7). -
Review from Fujio W.
3/1/2009 4 photos
Best place to paddle inside a city limit!
"The Paddler's Review":
For those of you with canoes or kayaks, Armand Bayou is one of the nicest places to paddle within an hour of most Houstonians (just a few minutes if you live in Clear Lake). South from the park takes you into wide open water that will eventually lead into Clear Lake and civilization. North from the park leads you into the coolest pristine eco-system full of wildlife and meandering channels (I recommend this way).
Enter the park off the first entrance on Bay Area Blvd. past the bridge, and stay to your right. This will lead you to a dock and the best place to put your boat in the water. Note the "no motors beyond this point" sign. Your only on-the-water competition will be other paddlers and the wildlife (and not a speeding powerboat).
Ten minutes of paddling North past the bridge brought me sightings of cormorants, a heron, an osperey eating a fish, and a 4 foot alligator. Stay to your left, or you'll get into a channel that takes you into a flood controlled waterway that will eventually lead to a large industrial complex (interesting, but not natural). When the water's low (North wind) or the water vegetation really starts growing, you might find you have to stay to the deeper water channels, but overall it's a great, easy paddle that unless you're really hardcore will keep you busy and in the more natural area for a nice half day trip.
This last trip (Feb 27, 2009) was on a balmy "winter" day with temp running close to 80. A little windy with overcast skies (just spotty sunlight). I wasn't expecting any alligators, but I saw 17. From a juvenile 2 footer to what I estimate as up to 12 feet (my kayak is 16 ft), alligators were everywhere. On a previous trip several years back, I counted only two large gators - very exciting. Around gator #7, I admit that I was getting a little creeped out, and had to remind myself that my boat and I are not on the menu.
I hope the abundant and thriving wildlife is indicative of the improving quality of the water and the efforts that ABNC & other organizations are making (great job!). In past trips, I've seen wild hog, snakes & turtles, countless variety of birds and my most memorable sighting, an eight-point buck swimming across the bayou in front of me. That and the wide open sky with the sound of wind rustling through the trees just makes me feel like I got away from it all.
Sorry Buffalo Bayou, but Armand wins hand down as the best urban paddle for me. You'll love it, too!Listed in: Weird Places to take Kids...
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Review from Jenny M.
Austin, TX
9/2/2008
The peaceful hiking trails here lend themselves well to long conversations with a friend -- or jaunts with a child who imagines the nature preserve is another planet of wild jungle!
You will see all sorts of wildlife here -- so watch that trail for snakes! And bring the binoculars for birdwatching.Listed in: Clear Lake, in Houston, TX
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Review from Shana P.
Houston, TX
10/1/2007
Sometimes the zoo feels a little too distant. A place where you can view animals but not nature. When you want to reconnect with the wildlife that is native to the area head out to Armand Bayou Nature Center.
An educational and inspirational experience awaits you at Armand Bayou Nature Center. There are classes for all ages that will teach about the ecosystems through a variety of means. Whether you're looking for a place for the kids to get some nature time or want to escape the urban bumper to bumper, there's something for you here.
On the 2nd and 4th Saturday mornings you can paddle a canoe on a guided tour of Armand Bayou. On your journey you'll get to see wildlife up close and personal up and down the banks of the water. And if paddling isn't your thing, you can take to the water on a pontoon boat or join the group on a sunset cruise. There's always something on the schedule whether you're looking to head out early in the morning or you're a night owl (they also have owl watching).
Armand Bayou Nature Center isn't far from where you are but you'll feel like you're in a different world after spending a little time here. A nice way to take a break from interstates and the work week. -
Review from Jolyn B.
9/19/2007 6 photos
Now would be a wonderful time to visit the ABNC if you haven't yet. The kids love it! The ABNC works to presernve wetlands, prarie, forest and marsh along Armand Bayou. While there, you can take a guided hike, have a picnic, take a canoe (kids 10 and up) or the pontoon boat. They also offer special events like a creepy Haloween day, moonlight cruises, and owl hunts. It's a must see!!
Listed in: For us procreaters, Fun in the sun...
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Review from Annamarie M.
Pearland, TX
7/13/2010
I love kayaking here! Four stars because the gators scare me. It is really nice and serene though once you are away from them. I like to paddle out to clear lake from here. Makes for a good day trip. Plus you can fill up the cooler with hot dogs and burgers and grill when you get back! What's not awesome about that?!
