30 Dallas Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Trinity has five miles of trails that traverse three different eco-systems (forest, prairie, and wetland). The Center provides a helpful trail map all of which are paved for easy access for strollers or visitors with special needs. The Center also provides programming for a more interactive experience including different guided hiking tours (birding, owl hikes, and more)!

Sarah D. said:  Trinity has five miles of trails that traverse three different eco-systems (forest, prairie, and wetland). The Center provides a helpful trail map all of which are paved for easy access for strollers or visitors with special needs. The Center also provides programming for a more interactive experience including different guided hiking tours (birding, owl hikes, and more)!

Sarah D. said:  You don't need to look far to enjoy some of the richest hikes with your family! Dallas' own Santa Fe trail traverses East Dallas' cultural landmarks. The four-mile stretch of former railway begins just east of Deep Ellum Park and runs all the way through to West Rock Lake. With multiple access points and paved surface, this is an ideal hiking escape within the confines of the concrete jungle.

The Katy Trail is a 3.5 mile walking and biking trail that runs throughout Dallas on what used to be railroad lines through the city. Open year-round, the trail has beautiful, lush scenery and parks, plus restaurants and residences that line its pathways. 

Sarah D. said:  The Colony, Texas offers an incredible array of hiking trails perfect for you and your family! This particular recommendation looks specifically at the Shoreline and Tribute Shoreline trails of The Colony's trail system. These two trails provide picturesque scenic vistas of the Lewisville Lake Shorline with access to benches and parks along the way. Both trails are easily accessible with trail head parking and trails are approximately 10 ft wide stamped concrete making it accessible for strollers.

Sarah D. said:  The Campion Trail is a 22-mile stretch of trail that runs along the Elm Fork and the West Fork of the Trinity River. This 12 foot wide, paved resource is available and often used by walkers, bikers and runners of all ages. The path contains some shaded sections, and has sporatic benches and vista points where your kids can enjoy the river! There are restrooms and water fountains along the path.

Sarah D. said:  The Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve (formerly the Dallas Nature Center) maintains 600 acres of extraordinary natural habitats and wildlife native to North Texas. The giant natural preserve is just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas! The preserve maintains 9 miles of walking trails - which range from easy to difficult - so you can ensure even your most avid little hiker will be satisfied. The Nature Center has butterfly gardens and picnic areas, perfect to enjoy a little downtime after the hike. The trail is also renowned for its bird watching - so don't forget the binoculars!

Sarah D. said:  The trails at the John F. Burke Nature Preserve are a great resource for hikers of any age! The Preserve is 104 acres of forest and wetlands running along the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. Hiking trails are natural surface (may not be suitable for stroller use). There are multiple routes all of which are under one mile with benches throughout the routes.

Lake Grapevine might offer the the most outdoor water activities for families of all the lakes in Dallas-Fort Worth! There are miles of running, walking, biking and hiking trails, numerous parks, fishing, skiing, sailing and more! Boating is especially popular, with several boat ramps located around the lake and rentals at the marinas. As for swimming, there are two designated swimming areas. Vineyard’s Campgrounds is only available to those who are staying on the campgrounds, but Meadowmere Park is open to the public and has a nice sandy beach with a large playground right on the water.

Stephanie W. said:  Crystal Canyon Natural Area, located in Arlington, is a lush 40-acre park with plenty of trees, walking paths, and bridges to explore. This is a lovely park to stop at anytime of year!

Sarah D. said:  River Legacy Parks is described as the "crown jewel of Arlington's park system." The park itself is over 1,000 acres with extraordinary park amenities including playgrounds, a world class nature center, and a life size skeleton of a T-Rex. The two options for a stroll in nature - River Legacy nature walk and River Legacy hiking trail - account for 8 miles of easy or easy/intermediate, paved excursions into a real urban escape. River Legacy is the perfect way to enjoy a day in nature with the family!

Sarah D. said:  Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge has an impressive trail system that ranges in difficulty from easy to intermediate. The trails traverse a diverse array of habitats from marsh to lake to prairie to canyon ridge. The Wild Plum & Wild Plum South trails are particularly family-friendly. The 1.1 mile stretch has multiple access points and brings children along the Center's Bison Range (the best chance to see buffalo) and around Prairie Dog Town (a great place to see critters).

This dinosaur park near Fort Worth has preserved Sauropod and Theropod tracks at multiple sites along the Paluxy riverbed. In addition to the dinosaur experience, families can hike, bike, camp, and swim or fish in the river.

Sarah D. said:  Clark Gardens is a 50-acre desert oasis of winding, paved paths that traverse gardens, ponds and more. The Historic Tree Trail is an easy stroll through a forest with an eclectic, cultivated history. The trail houses 86 historic trees - like a weeping willow that covered Napoleon's grave or a tree from Graceland (yes, Elvis' home). It's a one-of-a-kind trail full of trees from the history books! Clark Gardens also maintains a children's playhouse and a train station for some additional outdoor fun!

Sarah D. said:  Old converted railways make the best new hikes! The Lake Mineral Wells State Park boasts a "trailway" 20 miles long and 10 feet wide with 16 old railway bridges (for any train enthusiast in your family)! There are three additional access points (at Weatherford, Garner and Mineral Wells) all of which have drinking water, restrooms and paved, accessible parking. The first two miles out of downtown Mineral Wells are paved, the rest of the way is well-maintained, compact crushed limestone.

Sarah D. said:  This trail was voted the best urban, off-road trail in Texas and is used for mountain bike races! Witchita Falls has an extensive trail system. But, the off-road trail is best known for it's youth challenges (obstacles, short climbs and switchbacks). Enjoy a hike or take your bike! The trail is rated between easy and intermediate. It's a good challenge for older kids interested in a hearty hike or bike!