Plano’s biggest park sprawls across 800 acres with wide boardwalks that are perfect for strollers and little walkers, plus wilder dirt trails through old-growth forest and blackland prairie. Kids who are ready for a bigger thrill can try the Go Ape treetop adventure course, and the park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals on the creek. Picnic pavilions with grills make it easy to turn a morning hike into an all-day family outing.
A 1,300-acre urban oasis along the Trinity River with over eight miles of paved hike-and-bike trails shaded by towering pecans and oaks. Kids love the custom-built playgrounds, and older kids can tackle the 10 miles of off-road mountain bike trails. A canoe launch gives families easy access to the river, and the adjacent River Legacy Living Science Center has indoor nature exhibits with live animals that younger kids find fascinating.
One of the last patches of untouched native prairie in North Texas, right on the edge of downtown Fort Worth. In spring the wildflower displays are spectacular, with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush carpeting the hillsides. Kids love scrambling up the hills for the panoramic skyline views from the top, and the trails are short enough that even less enthusiastic hikers can handle the full loop. A playground and picnic area near the trailhead round out the visit.
One of the few spots in North Texas where kids can splash in a real sandy-shore lake beach without worrying about boat traffic, since the swim area is fully roped off. Free loaner life jackets are available right on-site, which takes a huge weight off parents’ shoulders. Between the swim area, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, and kayak rentals, there’s enough to keep the whole crew entertained for a full day.