Texas Outdoor Family - "Life's Better Outside."
Admit it. Camping looks like fun. You’d like to try it, but you have questions.
We can help!
The Texas Outdoor Family program is designed to teach you and your family the basic outdoor skills you need to enjoy a great overnight camping experience.
Have you wanted to take your family on a camping trip, but you didn't feel you knew everything you might need to know to have a successful camping experience?
Texas Outdoor Family (TOF) workshops are hosted at state parks where your family receives hands-on experience learning basic outdoor skills. You will learn everything you need to create great memories enjoying the outdoors with your family, including:
- How to set up and break down camp (including your tent)
- Fire starting
- Outdoor cooking
- Guided walks
- Nature activities
- How to use a GPS
- Geocaching
- Introductions to a wide range of outdoor activities (such as fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching) depending on the site location, facilities and the season of the year
Best of all, no experience is necessary and you get all the help and advice you need from highly skilled outdoor specialists and trained volunteers!
For Questions About Texas Outdoor Family Workshops
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page
You can contact us by phone, Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at
(512) 389-8903
or by e-mail at tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us
To Sign Up for Updates When New Workshops Are Added
If you would like to sign up to receive email bulletins when new workshops are added, you can sign up at the "sign up for e-mail updates" page.
What Participants Said . . .
"Our kids loved all the events. Our family had a great day." – from a Texas Outdoor Family Workshop, Missouri City
"What a wonderful weekend we just had with TOF. As parents we often times think our kids want the latest video games, or to see the most recent movie or have the best toys. However, I was reminded this weekend that what our kids really want is our time. When I asked my 7 year old what the best thing about our camping trip was she replied: "the best part was just being together. You and daddy weren't working or on your blackberry. There was no computer or tv or toys. It was just the 4 of us spending time together." What a wonderful reminder. Thank you TOF for reconnecting me to my children and reminding me what is truly important to them." - Robin Dameron Ayers
"My family and I had a wonderful weekend at Lake Mineral Wells. This is a awesome program and I give Thanks to all the people that helped us get set up on the camp grounds. We enjoyed Kayaking, fishing, swimming, nature walks and spending time around the campfire. Thanks to Ranger Rose and Ted for making this a memorable experience for me and family." - Darlene Saulsberry
Donate to Texas Outdoor Family
Contributions are tax deductible and help introduce families to the outdoors by providing workshop support in areas such as equipment, scholarships, additional events, diversified activities, and more adventures to far-flung parks. Your support is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use! Click here to donate to Texas Outdoor Family.
- Our experts showing how to set up one of the tents provided to Texas Outdoor Family participants at a workshop in Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- A photo of a Texas Outdoor Family workshop kayak lesson at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
- A group photo at the Barton Warnock Visitor Center of the participants of a TOF workshop held at Big Bend Ranch State Park.
