The first Saturday in June is always the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day, and several parks and nature centers in Dallas-Fort Worth are planning special activities for the whole family. Check out these six kid-friendly nature hikes near you.
Nature Hike at Fort Worth Nature Center
Join the hike from 10am–noon at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, but get there early. Space is limited and it’s first come, first in line on the trail.
Outdoor Fun Day at Clear Creek
Get more than a walk through the woods at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center in Denton. Take your pick between geocaching programs and hikes at 10am and 1pm, archery lessons at 10am and 12:30pm, and seedball crafts from 12:30–3pm. Don’t miss a look at live birds from the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center at 11:30am.
National Trails Day at River Legacy
Naturalists will host three guided hikes – at 10am, 11am and noon – at the River Legacy Living Science Center in Arlington. Call 817/860-6752 to register for the hike and for the Animal Exploration program to follow at 2pm.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park
This state park north of Denton is actually planning four hikes at the Isle du Bois and the Johnson Branch units for young hikers, bird lovers and dog lovers. Check out their schedule for hikes leaving at 8am, 10am and 1:30pm.
Cedar Hill State Park
Meet at the Duck Pond trailhead for one-mile hikes for beginners at 9am and 11am, or join the 3-mile hike at 9am. Make sure to bring sun protection, snacks and plenty of water. Sorry, these trails are not stroller friendly.
Birding Basics and Nature Walk
Also in Cedar Hill, the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center will be hosting its weekly half-hour guided hike at 1pm. However, consider an earlier arrival for their birding basics class for beginners. Get tips on how to identify local birds from 8:30–10:30am. $15 for nonmembers. Call 469/526-1980 to register.
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