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
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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
