Sunday, Nov. 1, is Texas State Parks Day, and day-use entry is free at more than 85 state parks across Texas. This is the fourth year Texas Parks and Wildlife has held the event, and it lines up well with a sunny, warm Sunday forecast after this week's rain.

Lake Travis residents have several parks within easy driving distance. Pedernales Falls State Park, west of Spicewood off FM 3232, should be worth seeing after the recent storms. Inks Lake State Park near Burnet and Colorado Bend State Park near Bend are also close enough for a day trip, and McKinney Falls is on the southeast side of Austin.

Popular parks can fill up, so TPWD recommends reserving a free "Save the Day" pass online or by calling its customer service center at 512-389-8900 to guarantee entry. Kids 12 and under always get in free. Daylight saving time also ends early Sunday, so you'll get an extra hour in the morning, but the sun will set around 5:43 p.m.

Source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.