A compact but well-designed nature center with paved and unpaved trails looping through forest and around a small pond. The nature playscape lets little kids build with natural materials and the small indoor exhibit area has live reptiles and amphibians. It is a perfect low-key outing for toddlers and preschoolers who are building their stamina for longer hikes.
Over six miles of trails and an observation tower with panoramic Hill Country views make this one of the best family hiking parks in San Antonio. The playground near the main entrance keeps younger kids occupied while older siblings hit the trails. Paved paths are suitable for strollers and the pavilions with grills make it easy to turn a hike into a full afternoon with a cookout.
A 600-acre urban wilderness park with 10 miles of trails through classic Hill Country terrain of live oak and juniper right on the edge of San Antonio. Some trails are paved and wheelchair accessible making them great for strollers while the dirt trails climb to ridgeline views. The park is free and rarely crowded which makes it a peaceful escape from the city that kids and parents both appreciate.
A popular DORBA mountain bike area along the Trinity River with trails that are excellent for kids transitioning from paved paths to real dirt riding. The beginner loop is short and confidence-building with smooth flow features. More advanced trails wind through dense riparian forest with drops and rock gardens for older riders who want a challenge.
A 26.5-mile trail circling Lake Georgetown that is one of the longest and most scenic hiking trails in Central Texas. Families do not need to tackle the whole loop because several trailheads let you hike shorter sections. The Overlook Trail segment has dramatic canyon views and the Cedar Breaks section runs right along the lakeshore. The terrain is rugged Hill Country limestone so sturdy shoes are a must.
A natural horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Guadalupe River near the charming Hill Country town of Comfort where kids can play in the shallow rapids above the falls and wade in the calm pool below. The spot is accessible from a roadside pull-off and local families have been coming here for generations. There are no facilities so pack what you need but the natural beauty more than makes up for the lack of amenities. The town of Comfort itself has great food and antique shops for a post-swim stop.
A 312-acre park along Spring Creek where families can hike boardwalk trails through bottomland forest and swamp habitat without driving far from Houston. The nature center has live animal exhibits featuring local species and the staff runs free guided canoe trips and nature programs year-round. The Redbud Trail boardwalk through the cypress swamp is magical and kids are fascinated by the knobby cypress knees poking up from the water.
A network of easy lakeside trails on the south side of Grapevine Lake that are perfect for families who want a scenic walk without a difficult workout. The packed dirt paths wind through open meadows and wooded areas with constant lake views. Kids enjoy spotting great blue herons on the shoreline and the trails connect to Oak Grove Park with picnic shelters and a playground.
A 20-mile converted rail trail connecting Weatherford to Mineral Wells that is one of the best family biking routes west of Fort Worth. The crushed granite surface is smooth enough for kids on training wheels and the gentle grade means no tough hills. The trail crosses several old railroad bridges that give kids a sense of adventure and the midpoint trailhead has restrooms and water. It is an excellent introduction to longer distance riding for kids building endurance.
Over 20,000 acres of rolling prairie and oak savanna just north of the DFW metroplex managed by the US Forest Service. The TADRA Point trail system has excellent mountain biking for older kids and the Black Creek Lake area offers primitive camping where families can really get away from it all. Wildflower season in spring is spectacular across the open grasslands.
One of the only places in Texas where families can legally dig for and keep real fossils including 300-million-year-old marine specimens. Kids are thrilled to crack open rocks and find ancient crinoids, gastropods, and brachiopods that they can take home. No tools or experience are needed as the fossils are abundant in the exposed shale. This is a free outdoor activity that keeps kids engaged for hours.
Over 26 miles of singletrack winding along the north shore of Grapevine Lake through dense oak and cedar forest. Older kids who are ready for real mountain biking will find trails ranging from beginner-friendly smooth sections to rocky technical descents. The lake views along the eastern sections are gorgeous and there are plenty of spots to stop and rest or skip rocks on the water.
A 330-acre urban park in San Antonio connected by a stunning land bridge that lets wildlife cross safely over a busy road and gives families a unique elevated walking experience. The nature playscape is one of the best in the state with climbing structures made from natural materials and a sand and water play area. Over eight miles of trails wind through restored savanna and woodland and the Urban Ecology Center has live animal displays.
The crystal-clear San Marcos River flows through this park with three small drops known as Rio Vista Falls that kids treat like a natural water park. The river is spring-fed and stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round. Families can tube from City Park upstream and float down to Rio Vista in about an hour. The park is free and has restrooms and easy river access from grassy banks.
A 524-acre nature preserve with over five miles of dirt trails winding through bottomland forest along Rowlett Creek. Kids love the creek crossings where they can splash and look for crawfish and tadpoles. The mountain bike trails maintained by DORBA give older kids a fun challenge with berms and tabletops on the skills loop.
A surprisingly wild 2,800-acre park on the east side of Houston built around a 1,200-acre reservoir that is a magnet for wading birds and alligators. The pond dipping station and hands-on nature exhibits inside the learning center are designed specifically for kids. An observation tower gives panoramic views over the wetlands and the fishing ponds are stocked and free to use.
A 58-acre urban nature preserve with three miles of trails through forest and tallgrass prairie right in the heart of Arlington. The Loop Trail is short enough for younger kids and leads to a scenic overlook above a small lake. It is one of the quieter preserves in the metroplex and rarely feels crowded even on weekends.
The Trinity Trails is a massive 100+ mile network of paved trails running along the Trinity River through Fort Worth and into surrounding communities. It’s completely free, open year-round, and one of the best urban trail systems in Texas for families who want to bike, walk, jog, or just get outside without leaving the city. Best sections for families: The stretch from Trinity Park (near the zoo) to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is one of the most scenic and family-friendly segments - about 3 miles of flat, paved trail along the river with shade trees, playgrounds, and restrooms along the way. The Gateway Park section on the east side is another great family route with wide paths and river views. ...
A 758-acre preserve protecting one of the last intact stretches of Cross Timbers forest in North Texas. The trails are short (topping out around two miles) and easy enough for toddlers, which makes this an excellent first hiking spot for very young families. Over 1,100 species of plants and animals have been documented here, and the nature center runs hands-on programs for kids throughout the year that are consistently well-organized and engaging.
A surprisingly rugged 600-acre preserve tucked into the southwest corner of Dallas where kids can explore nine miles of trails through rocky terrain and dense forest. The scenic overlooks reward the climb with sweeping views, and the butterfly garden near the trailhead is a great warm-up for younger explorers. It is maintained by Audubon Dallas, so the birding is excellent and nature walks are offered regularly.