The Unique Allure of Big Bend National Park
Most national parks are full of visitors from spring through fall. Big Bend National Park turns that schedule upside down.
The ideal time to visit this southwest Texas wonderland of wild river canyons and stunning mountain vistas is from October through May — the offseason for most national parks. But summertime temperatures in Big Bend soar to 105 degrees F or more, too hot for safe vacationing, while wintertime is mild and usually sunny. Many tourists and vacationers have recently discovered the park, driving visitation 16% higher since 2018 to more than 511,000 people annually. Big Bend offers a diversity of sights and terrain. Elevations soar from about 1,800 feet along the Rio Grande River to almost 8,000 feet in the Chisos Mountains. Boating and rafting trips along the Rio Grande, which Congress designated as a free-flowing Wild & Scenic River, take visitors through the spectacular Santa Elena Canyon limestone cliffs. Options range from a leisurely float lasting less than a day to a seven-day wilderness adventure down the Lower Canyons. Big Bend is also a birder’s paradise, with 450 species sighted there on various occasions. The park also offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. A legal Port of Entry enables visitors who bring their passports to cross the Rio Grande River and visit the shops and restaurants of a rural Mexican village, Boquillas del Carmen. Families also enjoy stargazing at the Sotol Vista Overlook, scrambling over the boulders on the Upper Burro Mesa, and trekking the Grapevine Hills trails to see Balanced Rock, a giant boulder seemingly teetering in midair between two smaller boulders. Kids can also see dinosaur
HOW TO TEACH YOUR CHILD GOOD DENTAL HABITS Start Them Young Establishing good dental habits early on not only helps prevent cavities and other dental issues but also teaches kids how to maintain their own health. Let’s take a look at a few tips to help parents teach their children to take care of their smiles! Start early with dental care. Even before your baby’s teeth appear, it’s important to begin oral care routines. Wipe your child’s gums with a soft, damp cloth after feedings to remove bacteria. Once the first tooth arrives, switch to a soft baby toothbrush and a small amount of fluoride toothpaste. This helps keep their gums healthy and prepares them for regular brushing. Brush twice a day. Teaching your child to brush their teeth twice a day is one of the best ways to prevent cavities. For children aged 3 and older, use a pea- sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure your child brushes all surfaces of their teeth for at least two minutes, and supervise their brushing until they are old enough to do it properly on their own. Floss daily. As soon as two teeth touch, it’s time to start flossing! Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, areas that brushing alone can’t reach. Teach your child how to floss correctly or use flossers designed for children. Limit sugary foods and drinks. Sugary drinks and snacks, like candy, soda, and juice, are cavity culprits. Limit your child’s intake of sugar and offer healthier options like water, fruits, and vegetables. If your child consumes sugary foods, urge them to brush their teeth or rinse with water afterward to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Visit the dentist regularly. Schedule your child’s first visit to the dentist by their first birthday or when their first tooth appears. Regular dental checkups, typically every six months, allow us to keep an eye on your child’s oral health, provide cleanings, and detect any potential problems right away. By following these tips and instilling good oral hygiene habits early, you can help protect your child’s teeth and start them on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles.
remains at the Fossil Discovery Exhibit or explore the ruins of a mercury-mining ghost town, Terlingua.
Five visitor centers are usually open through the winter. Construction of a new visitor
lodge and water system will begin in late 2024, likely causing some
disruptions. However, Big Bend has four developed campgrounds and many backcountry camping opportunities. Most campsites are filled six months in advance, so reserve a spot early for your winter camping adventure.
2 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com
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