B: Bicycles, Birdies, & Books
Hop on a Beaucycle, Beaumont’s bike rental program, and enjoy a scenic ride around Beaumont’s beautiful, historic downtown! Did you know that Beaumont’s Downtown Commercial District is listed as a US Historic District on the National Register? There are only a few areas like it in the entire country! You can use a suggested bike route, or simply roll where the breeze takes you. For only $5 per bike for the first 3 hours, then $1 for every additional hour, why not both?!
Wheel on in to any of our downtown museums for a cool down and some culture. As you go, you can also collect stamps on your Beaumont Birdies Passport and work towards your very own Beaumont Birdie! Before heading home, make sure you stop by the Downtown branch of the Beaumont Public Library system and pick up a Summer Reading calendar of activities and some reading materials.
E: Edison & Empanadas
Since we’re already talking about museums (and how to earn stamps towards Beaumont Birdies), did you know that Beaumont is the museum capital of Texas, with more museums per capita than any other city in the state? And the majority of them are free or extremely affordable! One such is the newly renovated Edison Museum, located at 350 Pine St. It’s back after a 2-year hiatus for renovations that DOUBLED their exhibit space.
If taking in all that science and history works up an appetite, swing by Beaumont’s newest and by far most affordable Mexican bakery, Super Antojo de Hidalgo, for some authentic empanadas. Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
A: Art Museum & Audiobooks
Are you tired of museums yet? The Art Museum of Southeast Texas, located at 500 Main St, offers esteemed artwork in the form of a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibits showcasing local talent. It’s also completely free, open to the public, family-friendly, and air-conditioned. A winner all around!
If you can’t handle another museum, don’t fret. How about an audiobook? The Beaumont Public Library System offers thousands of audiobooks via apps like Libby, all included with your regular Library card! Grab some snacks (maybe apple slices or animal crackers?) and choose a family read-aloud, or settle in for some escapism a la fiction. (By the way, if you live in an unincorporated area of Jefferson County that does not have a library, the county will reimburse you same-day for the cost of a non-resident Library card!)
U: U-Pick & Umbrellas
U-Pick season in SETX is May through July and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Find a local farm near you using the U-Pick guide on 409Family.com. Pick some delicious, refreshing snacks, then make memories by baking delicious treats! Don’t forget your umbrellas to create your own shade - it’s hot out there!
M: Murals & Movies
How about a day full of visual arts? Start with a mural crawl - there are dozens of new murals in and around Beaumont thanks to the 1st Annual Beaumont Mural Fest this past March! They’re all must-see in my book, but pick your favorites with this guide. If you’d prefer to take in art with less physical exertion, how about a movie day? Many local theaters are hosting discount summer deals for kids, with movies as low as $1.50 per person, and there are even more opportunities for Movies in the Park, Movies on the Lawn, Movies Sort of Near Historic Theaters - basically any kind of location you could want. See the full Summer Movie Scene guide on 409Family.com.
O: Outfield & Oil
Have you ever heard of Beep Baseball? This inclusive form of baseball uses a ball and bases that - you guessed it - beeps for the visually impaired. Beaumont is hosting the 2022 National Beep Baseball Association World Series! If you’re looking to give back this summer, consider volunteering to reset bases, welcome teams, and even dog-sit during games! Click here to volunteer.
In the meantime, and if you’re not too salty about the price of oil and how it’s influencing current gas prices, step back in time to the moment where it all began at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown. The museum commemorates the discovery of oil at Spindletop that marked the beginning of the petroleum age. Go on a self-guided tour around the replica Boomtown that includes a printing press, a hotel, a blacksmith, and more. The newest exhibit, “Cawley’s from Machining to Automation,” is the first new exhibit in several years and tells the story of local businessman Clifton Cawley. Be sure to ask for a scavenger hunt for the kids! Don’t miss the FREE re-enactments of the Lucas Gusher - pack a picnic and make a day of it!
N: Neches & Nederland
We’ve talked a lot about things to do in Beaumont, but we absolutely love our neighboring communities and everything they add to the charm and culture of our area! Visit Nederland’s Historic Boston Avenue for some retail therapy or window shopping, see the Dutch Windmill Museum, take in some fantastic murals, and more before popping over to Port Neches Park for a stroll on the riverwalk overlooking the Neches River. If you’re feeling adventurous and you’d like a closer look at the Neches, consider booking a boat tour on the Ivory Bill.
T: Tacos & Tie-Dye
If you’re really just craving some social time, get some friends together and book a workshop at MAKE Creative Space on Calder Ave! You can choose from a variety of projects, including tie-dye, door hangers, art journaling, paint with your pet, a splatter room, and more! You are also allowed to bring in food for your event, so tell everyone to grab a tray of tacos from their favorite food truck or restaurant on the way over.
Hopefully, this helps you create summer fun on the tighter budget we’re all operating under these days. Throw each letter in a jar and randomly draw one for spontaneous adventures, or carefully plan out your itinerary in your calendar - either way, make memories, have fun, and love where you live!
Thank you to 409Family for contributing to the Beaumont CVB!