You might be surprised to discover how many nature preserves can be found in Dallas and other cities nearby

When it comes to outdoor activities in North Texas, fall is one of the best times to explore. Not only is the weather perfect, but in many places, you can see the glory of fall foliage. So it’s time to get out there and enjoy the natural beauty DFW has to offer before the chilly winter months set in. From the Trinity Audubon Center to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, we’ve rounded up 13 of our favorite nature preserves in Dallas and beyond. 

Trinity Audubon Center

From the impressive visitors center to the marshlands and the river trails, the Trinity Audubon is a hidden gem of a nature preserve in Dallas. There are over 6,000 acres of the Great Trinity Forest to explore, and it's just 10 miles away from downtown Dallas. They have guided hikes, bird-watching events, kid programs, and much more. 

6500 Great Trinity Forest Way or 6500 S. Loop 12.
Dallas, TX 

Online: trinityriver.audubon.org

Cedar Ridge Preserve 

One of the best places for real hiking in DFW (imagine that on the prairie!), there is a nice mix of flat trails and elevated trails that come with stunning views. Leashed dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of opportunities for bird-watching as well. 

7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy.
Dallas, TX 

Online: audubondallas.org

John F. Burke Nature Preserve - Farmers Branch 

This 104-acre retreat is only 10 miles away from DFW but feels like a different world! Wander along the Elm fork of the Trinity River to explore wetlands and upland forests, look for birds, or plan an overnight camping trip! 

1111 Valley View Ln. 
Farmers Branch, TX 

Online: farmersbranchtx.gov

Related: The Best Hikes for Families in Dallas

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a nature preserve in Dallas Fort Worth
Gabby Cullen

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - Plano

Nestled on the edge of western Plano, the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is popular with families. Follow the trails along the creek, ride bikes, wander through the wildflower pasture or stop for lunch at one of the picnic tables located in the 200-acre park. 

6701 W Parker Rd.
Plano, TX

Online: plano.gov

Spring Creek Forest - Garland

There have been over 650 species identified in Spring Creek Forest. This bottomland forest has been protected from development and offers paved trails that are perfect for families. And, if you have a fossil enthusiast in your group, be sure to check out the cliffs to see if you can spot any! 

1770 Holford Rd.
Garland, TX 

Online: springcreekforest.org 

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge - Fort Worth

One of the best nature preserves in DFW, it’s easy to spend a whole day at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. There are over 20 miles of trails in the 3000+-acre open space, making it one of the biggest city-owned nature centers in the country.  You’ll have fun spotting wildlife (including alligators, so keep littles close), exploring the beautifully maintained trails, and even meeting some bison! 

9601 Fossil Ridge Rd,
Fort Worth, TX 

Online: fwnaturecenter.org

Nature Preserves in Dallas
Gabby Cullen

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center - Cedar Hill 

Another great place for an uphill hike, the Dogwood Canyon Audubon also has a fun natural play space for kids and an interesting visitors center. Both are still closed due to COVID, but be sure to set aside time to explore when they open back up. They also usually have kayak tours, summer camps, guided tours, and Birds of Prey encounters!

1206 FM1382 
Cedar Hill, TX 

Online: dogwood.audubon.org 

Trinity Forest Gateway and Horse Trails

This is a smaller nature preserve in Dallas. It's on the edge of the Trinity River Corridor Project, but it still offers plenty to do! There’s a fishing pier, ½ mile of paved trail around the pond, open prairie space, pavilions for picnics, and for those with horses, there’s access to four miles of soft trail.

21611 Dowdy Ferry Rd.
Dallas, TX 

Online: trinityrivercorridor.com

Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center - Denton

This nature center acts as a gateway to over 2,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, water habitats, and upland prairie—things North Texas is known for! There are five miles of family-friendly hiking trails, some of which will give kids a chance to look for beavers, herons, and other aquatic species. 

3310 Collins Rd. 
Denton, TX 

Online: cityofdenton.com

Related: Where to See Waterfalls in Dallas & Beyond

Pettinger Nature Preserve & The Trails at Squabble Creek - Rockwall

If you live on the east side of the metroplex, cross Lake Ray Hubbard and spend a day in Rockwall. Pettinger Nature Preserve, a 26-acre space with a one-mile loop that opened in the spring of 2020, borders Squabble Creek and has a beautiful meadow with a butterfly garden and two outdoor picnic areas. Across the creek are the Trails at Squabble Creek. With a combination of mountain bike and hiking trails, there are six loops to choose from, and they vary from an open meadow walk to more dense trails along the creek.

450 W. Quail Run Rd.
Rockwall, TX

1401 Dickson Ln.
Rockwall, TX

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary - McKinney 

One of the best places to learn about nature and wildlife in DFW, the Heard Museum is a curious kiddo’s wonderland! Wander through 6.5 miles of trails, explore the butterfly house, play in the pioneer museum, dig for fossils, and more! 

1 Nature Place
McKinney, TX 

Online: heardmuseum.org 

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

Located in the heart of Dallas, this open space offers 121 acres up to the public. With over eight miles of biking/walking trails, it's the perfect place to enjoy nature without having to drive too far.

2875 Pierce St.
Dallas, TX

Onlinetexaslandconservancy.org/oak-cliff-nature-preserve

From the famous Texas Buckeye Trail to hidden gems on the outskirts of town, here are the best kid-friendly hikes in the Dallas area

When you want to take the kids to explore all that Dallas has to offer, this list is for you. We’ve got a handful of our favorite hikes for kids in Dallas that have epic views, flat terrain for strollers and loads of animals. Each spot and season offers its own opportunity to encounter natural beauty, from spring wildflowers and autumn leaves to winter landscapes. Take your family on these treks within Dallas or just outside in neighboring regions. Get ready to explore the DFW.

Hikes Within Dallas

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

Tucked into an Oak Cliff neighborhood, the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is 121 rolling acres of woodlands and wildflower meadows, with eight miles of hike-and-bike trails. 

2875 Pierce St.
Dallas
Online: texaslandconservancy.org

Related: 35 Amazing Hikes Every Kid Should Take at Least Once

Piedmont Ridge Scyene Overlook

The fall is the best time of year to hit this trail as it offers some of the best leaf peeping in Dallas. Once you arrive at the overlook, you will be treated to a great view of the vast Great Trinity Forest and Grover Keeton Golf Course.

N. Jim Miller Road near Lacywood Lane
Dallas
Online: salcedotrailmaps.com

Texas Buckeye Trail

To hike on the famous Texas Buckeye Trail, travel to the trailhead at Bexar Street. This important mile-long trail takes hikers to a large stand of Texas Buckeye trees that bloom white in spring. The rest of the year, you can walk in the shade of towering bur oaks, pecans, and cedar elms. 

7000 Bexar St.
Dallas
Online: trinityrivercorridor.com

Hikes Outside of Dallas

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Just 14 miles from downtown Dallas, this hiking spot has several trails to choose from. From the east parking lot you'll find a flat, paved loop that's good for strollers, and from the west lot you can take a mile loop to see some wildflowers in the spring.

1770 Holford Rd.
Garland

Online: springcreekforest.org

Related: The Most Walkable Cities in the US (Even with a Stroller)

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Located on the western border of Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre park featuring vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering, and other outdoor activity. The observation tower gives a spectacular view of the city.

6701 W. Parker Rd.
Plano
Online: plano.gov

Related: No-Work Scavenger Hunts You Can Print Out Now

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center

Dogwood Canyon has more than three miles of trails into the forested canyon. Choose from the easy Canyon Floor Trail or the more strenuous West Loop Trail. Check the trail status before you go to see if it has recently rained, as they will often close trails. 

1206 FM1382
Cedar Hill
Online: dogwood.audubon.org

Spring has sprung in NYC, and that means the city is soon going to be full of flowers. From cherry trees in Central Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, to displays of daffodils, tulips and more at parks in every borough, Mother Nature is giving us lots of reasons to get out of the house with kids and soak up some sun. Read on to find out where, and when to catch the best spring flowers in bloom in NYC.

Manhattan

Central Park

Samuel Stone Pixabay

Central Park's massive size and diverse topography provides a wide variety of places to see flowers in bloom. 

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir Bridle Path: In early and mid-April you'll find a stunning display of cherry trees in bloom along the reservoir. Enter at 90th and Fifth at the Engineers' Gate and walk north. 

Pilgrim Hill: Popular with sledders in winter, this spot at E. 72nd and Fifth is also a prime place to see Yoshino cherry trees in bloom in mid-April. 

Swedish Cottage (Marionette Theater): This famous venue is charming any time of year, but in April and May, when the surrounding landscape is dotted tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs, it looks straight out of a fairy tale. Find it on the Park's west side near 79th Street.

Cherry Hill: A gentle slope named for the trees that bloom delicate white and pink flowers Cherry Hill overlooks the park's lake. It's mid-park at 72nd Street. 

If you're looking for something specific, check out the Central Park Conservancy's Bloom & Tree Guide, which you can search by plant, type, month and more. 

Riverside Park

Janet Lombardo

This large park along the west side of Manhattan runs from 72nd Street up to 158th Street, and you can find lots of fabulous displays at various points. Check out:

Sakura Park at 122nd St: Named for the cherry trees you'll find in bloom here, usually in mid-April

83rd Street: near Mt. Tom and Warsaw Ghetto Memorial

91st Street, at the Promenade: The Garden People’s Garden is a community garden that has been maintained by volunteers for decades And if you keep walking north, you’ll come up to Crabapple Grove, which has gorgeous blossoms in the spring)

 

Hudson River Park

Max Guliani for Hudson River Park

Spanning 550 acres along the west side of Manhattan (from the northern end of Battery Park City to W. 59th Street in Hell's Kitchen), Hudson River Park offers four miles of waterside recreation. 

Find out what's in bloom at any given time in the park with the Hudson River Park Conservancy's Bloom Guide, which you can find here.  

March typically brings Star Magnolias and Saucer Magnolias, and cherry trees should be blooming in early April, along with tulips. (You can see 2021's bloom timetable here.)

Online: hudsonriverpark.org

Randall's Island

Jason P. via Yelp

Another spot to catch some cherry trees in bloom is Randall's Island. The island's display is so impressive there is a Cherry Blossom Festival here, as well. (No plans for a  2021 fest though.) The cherry trees of different species start blooming in early April and continue through the month and into May. You can see a guide to the Island's cherry tree bloom here

Online: randallsisland.org

Brooklyn

Prospect Park

Cameron K. via Yelp

Sprawling over 600 acres, this Olmsted & Vaux urban green space includes open spaces, woodsy enclaves and waterside spots. (Not to mention lots of places to play.) 

You can see what's in bloom in Prospect Park thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance's spring bloom guide

Highlights include:

Grand Army Plaza: Early spring brings early-blooming cherry trees, tulips and daffodils; later you'll see Eastern redbuds, and pink, late-blooming cherry trees. 

LeFrak Center at Lakeside: Find an early spring display of bright yellow and orange Witch Hazel here. With warmer temps in April comes a profusion of white blossoms from Serviceberry, Chokeberry, Witch Alder, and Foxglove Beardtongue. Late spring brings a final act of flowering dogwoods and dewberries. 

Litchfield Villa: In front of this stately pre-Civil War era mansion on Prospect Park West, you'll find Carmen’s Garden, which features an impressive tulip display in April. May brings pink and white blossoms of crabapple and hawthorn trees, with an assist from colorful annuals. In back of the building you'll find Korean dogwood trees with cream-colored flowers. 

Long Meadow: A popular spot for lounging, sunbathing and picnicking, the Long Meadow is also home to several kids of fragrant flowering trees. At the north end, peach and white magnolia and dogwood trees bloom in early spring, and later lilacs bloom along with hanging yellowwood blooms. 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Charm T. via Yelp

Not too far from Prospect Park is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, home to one of the biggest cherry blossom festivals in the city, which takes place in mid-April. No word on if that is happening in 2022, but hours are extended from April 15-May 15 to allow extra time to enjoy the cherry blossoms. (Want to know when the trees will bloom? It's not an exact science, but this may help. Many continue into May. For the latest on what trees have bloomed check out this bloom tracker which is updated daily.)

Early spring brings lots of other gorgeous blooms though: the garden's display of magnolia trees is gorgeous and luxurious, and you can see many, many spring bulbs here, such as daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops and tiny dutch irises. Also in April, the tulip display around the garden's central pool is striking. 

Lilacs start in April and go through June, depending on the variety. 

You can see a bloom guide for the entire year here

The garden is closed on Mondays. 

990 Washington Ave.
Crown Heights
718-623-7200
Online: bbg.org

Green-wood Cemetery

Amy Nieporent

Founded in 1838 and now a National Historic Landmark, Green-wood Cemetery welcomes the public seven days a week. Its 478 acres are filled with natural beauty in the form of towering trees, flowering shrubs, blooming perennials and returning bulbs. It is another place you'll find gorgeous cherry trees in bloom in April and May; look for them in the areas of Valley Water and Battle Hill. To make navigating the cemetery easier, download the Green-wood app, which includes maps and lots of info and media (video, audio) on the history, nature and art of the Landmark. 

500 25th St. 
718-210-3080
Windsor Terrace
Online: green-wood.com

Bronx

New York Botanical Garden

Katrina M. via Yelp

As one would expect, the New York Botanical Garden is a spectacular place to see spring (and summer!) blooms. (The Garden's annual Orchid Show, featuring Jeff Leatham's Kaleidoscope, is also on display until May 1.)

The Garden's impressive collection of daffodils numbers is literally the hundreds of thousands, and you can find the yellow flowers in several places here.  and don’t miss In April, Daffodil Hill is covered with them, and you'll find many antique cultivars that were planted in the early 20th century. The Rock Garden is home to tiny species of daffodils no more than three inches high, still more varieties can be found on the Daylily/Daffodil Walk, and Daffodil Valley is where the Murray Liasson Narcissus Collection is located. See how far along the daffodil bloom is with the Garden's Daffodil Tracker.

You'll find all kinds of spring-flowering trees here, including crabapple, magnolia and cherry trees, and Mother's Day is about when the NYBG Azalea Garden puts on an amazing display. (You can follow the azalea bloom with this tracker.)

The lilac collection, which blooms in early and late spring thanks to a wide variety of plants, dates to 1896 and has been a popular draw for more than a hundred years. It was expanded in 2016.

2900 Southern Blvd.
Bronx
718-817-8700
Online: nybg.org

Wave Hill Public Garden

Wave Hill

This public garden and cultural center in the Bronx has extended its hours for spring from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. It's a pleasure to visit any season, but spring highlights are tulips, magnolias, trillium and glory-of-the-snow. 

Wav Hill hosts many programs for kids and families including weekly family art projects, bird-watching, and more. 

Note that you must reserve tickets in advance to visit Wave Hill. 

Tickets: $10/adults; $6/seniors, $4/kids
4900 Independence Ave. 
Bronx
718-549-3200
Online: https://www.wavehill.org

Queens

Queens Botanical Garden

Pinky and the B. via Yelp

Spring at The Queens Botanical Garden brings blooming cherry trees on Cherry Circle, magnolias on Magnolia Path, vibrant displays of daffodils and tulips, viburnum, dogwood, eastern redbud and more. To see what's blooming when, click here.

43-50 Main St. 
Flushing
718-886-3800
Online: queensbotanical.org

Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Joanna V. via Yelp

Not too far from the Queens Botanical Garden is Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the former site of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fair. The park's impressive Unisphere is surrounded by scores of flowering trees throughout April, and there's lots more to explore once you've taken in the display. Check out the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum, the Queens Zoo, 

The Queens Museum (where you'll find the New York City Panorama); the New York Hall of Science (where you can catch a drive-in movie; the Queens Zoo, and Citi Field, home to the Mets

Grand Central Parkway & Van Wyck Expressway
Corona
718-760-6565
Online: nycgovparks.org

Staten Island

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Nadia Z. via Yelp

This 83-acre campus on Staten Island is home to numerous cultural institutions and gardens, including The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden (NYCSG), one of two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens built in the United States. Built entirely with architectural elements created in Suzhou, China, the NYCSG puts on a beautiful show in spring with flowering magnolias, cherries, mahonia, jasmine, and redbud. Much of Snug Harbor is free to explore, but admission to NYCSG is $5 per person, with kids under five admitted for free. (Staten Island residents are free the first Saturday of every month.) 

Another must with kids is the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, an enclosed space with a shrub maze and three towers that resemble castle turrets. It is inspired by the book The Secret Garden and admission is $3 for kids and free for adults accompanied by a child. (It recently has only been open on Sundays.) 

Need more to explore? Check out the Staten Island Museum, the Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection, all of which are also at Snug Harbor. 

1000 Richmond Terr. 
718-425-3504
Staten Island 
Online: snug-harbor.org

—Mimi O’Connor

RELATED STORIES:

Fresh Air Fun: The Best Spring Day Trips From NYC For Kids

Spring in Your Step: Kid-Friendly Hikes Near NYC

For the Birds: Where to Go Birding With Kids in NYC

 

Spring time in Portland is dazzling! With a rainbow of colors cast by a large array of flowers, bright green grasses, and an ever-changing skyscape that is as moody as your toddler, this time of year is perfect for capturing dramatic images of your loved ones. Whether you use pics for Instagram, holiday cards or to decorate your home, we’ve put together a list of the best places to head for your next family photo session. Read on to find out where your next shots should be taken.

photo: Noel via flickr

Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival

Open from Mar.23-Apr. 30, this festival gives your family access to 40 acres of blooming beauty. Is there really anything better than a backdrop filled with row after row of flowers and Mt. Hood in the distance? Every year the owners arrange their varieties of tulips, daffodils and other flowers differently to create new patterns of colors for your camera to capture along with the smiling faces of your wee ones. But the flowers aren’t the only setting for your family photo session.

For a fun shot, put your little on the cow train or search out the photo cut-out boards for loads of giggles and great snaps. The festival even hosts a photo contest, so your pics could really pay off!

Check out our guide to the festival to learn more.

Details

Cost: $40 for a season pass, $5 per person ages 13 and up. Family car is $20 for one day. Additional activities include additional pricing.
Address: 33814 S Meridian Rd, Woodburn, Or
Dates: Mar. 23-Apr. 30.
Online: woodenshoe.com

Leach Botanical Gardens

Referred to as the crown jewel of public park spaces in Southeast Portland, this garden has grown to nearly 17 acres and features a diverse collection of over 2,000 hybrids, cultivars, and native and non-native plants that serve as a perfect environment for your outdoor shoot. If you are looking to go green, this is the place. And in April you’ll find trillium, phlox, arisaema (Jack-in-the-pulpit); erythronium (fawn lily), dodecatheon (shooting star) and western flowering dogwood for the perfect flash of color. There are plenty of trails to wander on while trying to find your perfect spot. Search for the stone cabin for a fun adventure with a fresh approach to your framing. Or find the blue dinosaur to add some adventure. Don’t forget to bring snacks to help you sustain your day full of fun.

Insider tip: You can download the Leach Garden scavenger hunt ahead of time to keep the little ones occupied and eager to hunt down that perfect photo spot.

6704 SE 122nd Ave.
Portland
Hours: Tues.-Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun., 1-4 p.m. Closed Mon.
Cost: Free. Donations encouraged.
Online: leachgarden.org

photo: Matthewzumwalt via Flickr

Camassia Natural Area

Sculpted by prehistoric floods, this area’s rocky landscape is the surprising home to an array of sunning flowers. Located in the hills of West Linn, above the Clackamas and Willamette this 26-acre natural area is owned and maintained by the Nature Conservancy and during spring and summer and volunteers lead guided hikes and teach visitors about the ecology of the preserve. During April and May flowers burst into bloom and provide a striking contrast to the dark basal bedrock and green mosses. You are sure to get some standout shots. Hiking through the area also gives you the opportunity to get snaps of your kids or yourself in the midst of more than 300 plant species. Your little models might even learn something along the way.

5000 Walnut St.,
West Linn, Or.
Hours: No set hours but morning light is wondrous for photos.
Cost: Free
Online: nature.org

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

With simple to splashy waterfalls, rocks from Mt Hood and Mt Adams, a towering fountain, over 2500 species rhododendrons and azaleas plus other gorgeous flowers and trees you couldn’t find a more magical place to create memories. The flowers make a magnificent display of colors for family photo shoots and Crystal Springs Creek flows along the westside of the garden. The manicured areas offer awesome opportunities for a variety of portrait settings which can include small lakes, paved and unpaved paths, fountains and waterfalls.

5801 SE 28th Ave.
Portland
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. through Mar. 31, open until 10 p.m. beginning Apr. 1
Cost: $4 admission fee is charged from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wed.-Mon., March through Labor Day, but it is free for children under 12.
Online: portlandoregon.gov/parks

photo: Jessica Tutton via Flickr

Portland Japanese Garden

The beauty of Portland’s Japanese garden is undeniable. Portland’s own Japanese garden is considered one of the best in the world and offers  tranquil environment for family members young and old to enjoy. This garden has been designed to give its visitors a real taste of what the seasons are like in Japan. There are five garden styles over the 5.5 acre area for you to and your kids to explore through the lens including the Tea Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Natural Garden, Sand & Stone Garden and the Flat Garden.

It’s not hard to find a perfect place to stop for shots as you run across cascading water features, a chabana garden and a bonsai terrace. Expect to see cherry blossoms in April along with azaleas. If you are wanting to capture the garden at it’s most colorful, it is recommended to  wait for mid-May when other plants like wisteria and rhododendrons come into bloom. But, it’s no stretch to say that the Portland Japanese Garden is beautiful all year round.

611 SW Kingston Ave.,
Portland
Hours: Mon. 12-7p.m.; Tue.-Sun.10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cost:  $16.95/adult, $14.95 /senior (65+), $13.50/college student (w/ID), $11.55/ Youth (6-17), children 5 and under free
Online: japanesegarden.com

The Oregon Garden

Located in Silvertion this beautiful space has over 23 different gardens for you and your little beauties to explore. With areas that feature ponds and sculptures, oak groves and even a hobbit hole, there are plenty of great shots to be had. Your kids will love looking for wildlife and pretending like they are forest gnomes. It makes for an easy way to while away a whole day while getting print-worthy images for your home your to send off to your loved ones.

879 W. Main St.
Silverton
Hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. until Mar. 23- Apr., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. May-Sept.
503-874-8100
Cost: Starting at $8
Online:
 Oregongarden.org

 

Do you have a favorite spring spot for family photos? Share it with us  in the comments!

—Annette Benedetti

RELATED STORIES

Awesome Spring Festivals

Spring Activities For Portland Families

Best Spring Break Destinations for Families Near Portland