Enjoying the great outdoors is invigorating and, when the sun is shining bright, it adds even more to the day. For year-round destinations with fun in the sun for all ages, check out these local parks in Odessa. 
Monahans Sandhills State Park
For a full day of fun activities, plan a visit to Monahans Sandhills State Park where there’s plenty of sunshine and sand dunes. The park is scenic, with wide-open spaces bordered by sculpted dunes where you can hike, bring your horse and go riding, or surf the dunes on a sand disc. Explore the area at your leisure and observe the variety of wildlife and wildflowers, have a picnic, and visit the Dunagan Visitors Center.
If you’d like to enjoy a weekend getaway, the park offers 26 campsites equipped with a shelter, electricity, and water. There are also separate campsites and trailer parking if you bring your horse. The park is open daily.
Big Spring State Park
You’ll find plenty of sunshine at the 382-acre Big Spring State Park where you can enjoy the views from the 200-foot bluff. A scenic loop offers a place for walkers, joggers, and cyclists to enjoy a leisurely jaunt. Stop by the interpretive center to view Indian artifacts, go sightseeing, or enjoy a picnic at the park.
Comanche Trail Park
For a variety of things to enjoy outdoors, head to Comanche Trail Park. There’s something for everyone, with activities such as dropping a fishing line in the pond at the community lake, boating on the lake, playing a round or two, teeing time one of the three-disc golf courses and enjoying the scenic 3.2-mile trail for a leisurely hike.
Progressive Park
Progressive Park is designed for young children and those with special needs. There are ample places for kids to play, slides for sliding and swings for swinging. There are also swings designed for wheelchairs. The playground equipment is set lower to the ground for the little ones. The park is open and airy with a pavilion and places to sit and soak up the sun.
Central Bark Dog Park
If you want to share the sunshine with Fido, Central Bark Dog Park is the place to go. The park offers separate areas so small dogs and large dogs can play without worry. Water fountains provide cool water for your fur baby, and if you need to do a quick clean-up, bags are readily available. Bring a picnic and have lunch at one of the picnic tables while your best buddy socializes with four-legged friends.
Water Parks
When warm weather rolls around, soak up some sun at UTPB Park Sprayground, which features the Junior League Jurassic Jungle where kids can enjoy spraying and cascading water features. Another option for cool water fun is a visit to McKinney Park Sprayground with water features, shade umbrellas, and a picnic pavilion for special events. Both water parks are free.
Whether you’re out for a walk with your dog, hiking a trail, exploring the dunes, fishing for rainbow trout, or enjoying scenic vistas, you’ll find plenty of places where the sun is always shining.
Image via Pixabay.com by semperfistar
Connect with us
