Free activities will be held in three Texas cities starting in Austin on April 13, (and later in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio), as part of a program to get urban youth involved in the outdoors.

Texas Parks and Wildlife will team up with parks and recreations departments and local community organizations in Austin, Houston and San Antonio to kick off free days of safe, educational, and fun events geared toward families.

The program aims to increase knowledge and appreciation of the natural and cultural resources of Texas and focuses on reaching youth who live in areas where they don't regularly get to experience outdoor activities. It includes kayaking, rock climbing, and fish casting games, in combination with educational activities such as knot tying, camping skills, and bird watching.

"We began three years ago doing what we are now calling Outdoor Kids Adventure Days to generate interest in local neighborhoods that we see facing barriers of participation in outdoor sports or outdoor activities," said Bob Murphy, TPW Outreach Coordinator.

Dates for the 2002 Outdoor Kids Adventure Days

Austin

Saturday, April 13 - Montopolis Recreation Center - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 4 - Fiesta Gardens, Little Cinco - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, May 18 - Dove Springs Recreation Center - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, June 15 - Rosewood Recreation Center - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, call Denise Leslie at 512-389-4361.

Dallas

Dates and locations to be announced.
Details will be provided at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/adv/kidspage/kidspage.htm.

Houston

Saturday, April 13 - Sheldon Lake State Park - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 - A Houston City Park (TBD) - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Johnny Jones at (281) 456-7114.

San Antonio

Friday, Aug. 9 - Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Siri Lindholm at (210) 688-2208.

For any general questions on the program, contact Bob Murphy at (512) 389-8194.