The gloomy weather is expected to go away this weekend and be replaced with bright sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s — typical Houston winter weather.

To me, this seems like the perfect time to take advantage of the East Texas climate and get away from the pre-holiday frenzy. While our friends up north chip ice off windshields and think wistfully about the last time their trees had leaves on them, we can pack up the Thanksgiving leftovers — I bet there's till eight pounds of turkey in the freezer — and head out for a picnic. Here are four places that provide the perfect setting for a mid-winter outing:

San Jacinto Battleground
Just east of town, this 1,200-acre state park features a bevy of activities to stave off between-holiday boredom. See the site where Texas won its independence, have lunch in one of several picnic areas or take a hike on a coastal nature trail. You also can tour the almost century-old battleship Texas that floats nearby or learn more about the state it was named after at the San Jacinto Museum of History. The monument is usually open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission aboard the battleship and at the historic site is free for kids 12 and younger. For everyone else, it costs $1 to visit the battleground and $10 to see the ship.

Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens
More than 300 acres of forest and gardens lovingly tended by volunteers border Cypress Creek in Humble. In addition to two playgrounds, 58 picnic tables and two barbecue pavilions, the Harris County Precinct 4 park offers visitors miles of piney woods walking trails and regular horticulture classes. The botanical gardens even protect 24 endangered plant species. Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, in the winter.

George Bush Park
Like the oversized lawns of the suburban homes surrounding it, the park boasts space aplenty, with a large lake, several jogging trails and room to spare. Beside the standard sports fields and picnic table, you can check out the amateur aeronautics at the Scobee Model Airplane Fields. Bring your dog to the bark park or bring your gun to the American Shooting Center just across the drive. Farther in the park, expansive wooded areas make it easy to forget it’s situated just south of Interstate 10 and west of State Highway 6.

Discovery Green
It’s hard to miss the frequent listings for performances, art exhibits and other events in this popular retreat. But don’t feel like you need a special event to visit. Andy Mann’s video Christmas tree has seen a rebirth in the park this holiday season. The permanent sculpture collection is also worth a look (check out Doug Hollis’ sound-amplifying Listening Vessels), and ice skating is available into January. You don’t even need to pack food to take advantage of a sunny day and stage an impromptu picnic downtown. The Lake House sells lighter fare, and you’ll still be eating in the park if you grab an outdoor table at The Grove.