30 Dallas Area Hikes & Trails for Your Family

Sarah D.:  Bonham State Park has several great trails ranging from easy to easy-intermediate. We are recommending the Gnarly Root Trail. This fun trail gets its name from the roots that grow thick through the unpaved trail (not stroller friendly). The trail meanders through a wooded and shady area. When you're through with the trail, rent a paddle boat, kayak or canoe or enjoy any of the other amenities from fishing to playgrounds to picnics. This is a beautiful place to spend the day in nature with the family!

Sarah D.:  The Chaparral Trail is the starting point and merely a small portion of the 130-mile long Northeast Texas Trail - a converted train bed used to enjoy nature! Starting in Farmerville's city center, the Chaparral trail is partially paved (2.5 of 5 miles) - fully paved throughout section one: trailhead to Merit. Section one is our family-friendly hiking recommendation, complete with parking, picnic areas, benches and a work out station along the route. The stretch is a little over .5 mile, making dinner and downtown Farmersville an appealing post-hike plan!

Sarah D.:  The East Texas Arboretum is an idyllic 100 acres of trees, flowers, and wildlife. This arboretum boasts an array of quaint attractions sure to be enjoyed by children of any age. With a variety of gardens and trails, the East Texas Arboretum is a fantastic way to spend a peaceful day in nature in with the family.

Sarah D.:  Herman Baker Park has a 1.5 mile nature hike along a 34 acre lake! It's known for its scenic lake views and considered an easy natural trail system (though the trail is not paved and is notoriously speckled with rocks and roots). The park has a picnic area, great for after hike snacks! The park also offers clean bathroom facilities and benches sporadically throughout the hike.

Sarah D.:  Purtis Creek State Park is home to many trails, but our family-friendly trail vote goes to the Green Trail! Described as easy hiking through a shaded canopy - used by families on both foot and bikes - this trail is great for the kids! The trail begins close to the entrance and takes hikers along a one mile route along a lake, viewing birds and wildlife. The State Park maintains the lake and there is a store on the grounds so water activities are an added bonus after a long hike!

The Heard has indoor exhibits on the Texas natural environment, plus miles of nature trails that wind though the diverse habitats of the 289-acre wildlife sanctuary. Don't miss the Animal Encounters Trail, home to non-releasable animal ambassadors like lemurs and bobcats.

Sarah D.:  The trail at Serenity Park offers hiking and biking in a family-friendly park setting. Serenity Park covers almost 17 acres and includes two neighborhood parks, a picnic shelter and open space for running around! The park has a pond with a fishing pier and the hiking trail is wide and loops around the pond, so bring some poles along!

Sarah D.:  Breckinridge Park and Trail in Richardson is an ideal family nature hike. There are over 7 miles of multi-use trail in this park alone, and it is laid out through an expanse of natural habitats including prairie, forest. creeks and ponds. The Park boasts an array of family-friendly spaces including sporting areas, picnic areas, a pavillion and playgrounds. These trails are perfect for any age!

Sarah D.:  The trails at Rowlet Creek Perserve traverse an incredible 97-acres of woods and prairie running along the Rowlett Creek. The preserve is generally flat land making it a leisurely hiking area, though the trails are not paved. If the kids like to fish, Rowlett Creek is known for the Sand Bass spawning in April. In addition to hiking, the preserve has been adapted for challenging biking, so some children might enjoy off-road biking while the others hike, picnic, or grill. A lovely place to spend the day with kids!

Sarah D.:  The city of Allen boasts an impressive 65 miles of paved hiking and biking trails. The Watters Creek Trail is likewise paved with many access points as it weaves down Watters Creek - making it ideal for families with strollers or other special access needs. The path wanders through a nature preserve and provides a great birding experience all who are interested.

Sarah D.:  The trail at Bob Woodruff Park is one of Plano's best nature hikes! This paved trail winds through Bob Woodruff Park circling the pond and with access to drinking fountains, benches, restrooms, a wonderful children's playground (with an adapted swing for children with special needs) and a beach volleyball court. A smooth and enjoyable nature hike for anyone in the family!

Sarah D.:  The Spring Creek Nature hike is a hidden garden trail in the middle of an urban area! The multi-use trail traverses hardwood forest that travels along the Spring Creek. The path is paved, making it an ideal destination for stroller or wheelchair access. The Nature Area boasts picnic benches and a horseshoe pit for enjoyment after a hike! The entire Nature Area is well maintained, meticulously cleaned and teeming with wildlife.

Sarah D.:  Richardson is another Texas city with an array of well-maintained trails sure to have something for everyone! Along with Breckinridge recommendation on our site, we are also recommending the Duck Creek Trail as a perfect family-friendly nature excursion. Duck Creek Trail winds along the Duck Creek with access to a park of the same name. The trail is quiet, scenic and well-maintained with a variety of access points.

Sarah D.:  Another Richardson nature-trail treasure! The trail at Cottonwood Park, located at the park of the same name, offers 1.1 miles of paved walkway that traverses 25 acres of park with picnic areas, playground equipment, two lakes, swimming pools (including a baby pool), tennis courts, sand volleyball and clean, well-maintained restroom facilities - making it an idyllic outing for anyone in the family.

This popular lake in Dallas is an urban oasis, with a 9-mile running and biking trail around the lake, as well as several playgrounds, picnic areas, bird-watching areas, and kayaks available for rent. The Dallas Arboretum sits on the lake, too.