Below is our online directory list of DFW Area Parks and TX State Parks surrounding McKinney Texas including the Dallas Arboretum, Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary or Dinosaur Valley State Park.
For a complete list of McKinney City Parks, please see our McKinney Parks Page.
Phone: 817-491-6333 Address: 355 E. Bob Jones Rd
Southlake, TX
Google Map:click here
An educational center that includes 76 acres on the Preserve with access to almost 400 acres of Cross Timbers habitat on U.S. Army Corps of Engineer land and almost 20 miles of trails on the Walnut Grove National Recreation Trail.
Phone: 817-332-4441 Address: 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76107-3400
Google Map:click here Hours: Mon - Fri @ 10am - 5pm; Sat @ 10am - 2pm Cost: Free Tours
An international scientific research and learning center focused on conservation and knowledge sharing. The main collections at BRIT are our botanical library and herbarium. Check the AroundTownKids event calendar for upcoming events such as Science Saturday and story times.
Phone: 972-291-3900 Address: 1570 F.M. 1382, Cedar Hill, TX Google Map:click here Hours: Open 7 days a week year-round, 6am – 10pm Cost: $7 Daily; Children 12 Years and Under - Free
Cedar Hill State Park is a 1,826 acre urban nature preserve located on the 7500 acre Joe Pool Reservoir. The Park's proximity to major metropolitan cities makes it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors without spending precious time driving.
Phone: 972-709-7784 Address: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX Google Map:click here Hours: Nov 1 - March 31 @ 6:30am - 6pm; April 1 - Oct 31 @ 6:30am - 8:30pm. CLOSED MONDAYS Cost: Free; Donations accepted
Cedar Ridge Preserve is a non-profit natural habitat of 600 acres featuring: About 9 miles of trails, Native junipers, grasses, wildflower, Butterfly garden, Limited picnic areas, Wild animals, birds, insects and reptiles.
Phone: 214-351-0990 Address: On Alma Dr, just south of Bethany Dr, Plano, TX Hours: See website for event hours
Connemara Conservancy is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting open space and the natural beauty in North Texas for both present and future generations. Check out our Plano or AllenDaily Event Calendar for our Upcoming Events! We host family events too!
Phone: 254-897-4588 or 1-800-792-1112 Address: 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, TX Google Map:click here Location: The park is located 4 miles west of Glen Rose. Take US Highway 67 to FM 205 for 4 miles to Park Road 59; then go one mile to the headquarters Hours: Open: 7 days a week year-round @ 8am - 10pm Cost: $5/Day/Person 13 and older - day only. Camping - additional fees apply
Dinosaur Valley State Park, located just northwest of Glen Rose in Somervell County, is a 1524.72-acre, scenic park set astride the Paluxy River. The land for the park was acquired from private owners under the State Parks Bonds Program during 1968 and opened to the public in 1972.
Phone: 214-309-5801 Address: 1206 W FM 1382 Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Google Map:click here Hours: Tues - Sat @ 9am - 4pm; Sun @ 10am - 5pm Ages: All Ages Cost: $6/Adults: $3/kids 3-12 yrs; $/seniors; Free - 2 & under
Imagine a place where every child – and the child within us all – can discover the joy and mystery of the world in which we live. A quiet place where families and friends can find their connection to nature and each other.
On 1st THURS ONLY - FREE admission all day. Join us throughout the day for guided hikes, animal encounters, and children's arts & crafts activities.
Phone: 903-465-1956 Address: 50 Park Road 20, Denison, TX
Eisenhower State Park, with 423.1 acres, is located in Grayson County, northwest of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. Some of the activities include picnicking, hiking, biking, nature study, fishing, boating and boat rentals, water skiing, swimming, wildlife observation, ATV and mini bike use (OHV permit required), and a variety of camping.
Phone: 972-466-9813 Address: 2335 Sandy Lake Road, Carrollton, TX Google Map:click here Location: Located within McInnish Park Hours: 5:30 am to 10 pm daily Cost: No admission fee to use the trails
The preserve offers an Interpretive Center with a nature education library, which is open for scheduled classes and hikes. Trails are open for hikes 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. A pond, environmental education classes and more are offered at the facility. Space in classes is extremely limited and because of their popularity they fill up quickly.
Phone: 817-871-7686 Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX Google Map:click here Hours: See website for hours Ages: All Ages Cost: Conservatory - $1/Adults; $.50/ Seniors & Children (4-12 yrs.); Under 4 yrs - Free
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Texas, is a lush 109-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the heart of Fort Worth's Cultural District, the Garden is home to over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants that flourish in its 23 specialty gardens. Gardens are free.
Phone: 817-871-7686 Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd, Fort Worth, TX Google Map:click here Hours: See website for hours Ages: All Ages Cost: $4/Adults on weekdays; Adults/$4.50 weekends & holidays; Seniors $.50 off regular admission; $3/Chil
Enter a world of mystery and enchantment in the Japanese Garden.
Serpentine paths entice you to surrender your senses and discover a new
treasure at every turn. Feed thousands of exotic Imperial Carp (Koi)
that beseech your attention; some will accept a gentle caress in
exchange for a few pellets of food. Stone, earth, leaf, and water become
one in this 7-acre land of wonder.
Phone: 817-392-7410 Address: 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, TX Google Map:click here Cost: $5/Adults; $2/Children ages 3-17 yrs; under 3 free; $3/Seniors 65+
The FWNC&R is a hidden jewel, a wilderness comprised of forests, prairies, and wetlands reminiscent of how much of the Fort Worth/Dallas metroplex once looked.
Replete with native flora and fauna, the area beckons to those searching for a piece of nature to refresh their spirits and reintroduce a measure of tranquility to their increasingly urban lifestyles.
Phone: 254-897-2960 Address: 2155 CR 2008, Glen Rose, TX Google Map:click here Hours: See website - hours vary per season Ages: All Ages Cost: See website - prices vary by day
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is one of the most progressive conservation and education centers in the United States. Drive-thru Safari Park, petting zoo & more.
Address: 411 Ball Street, Grapevine Google Map:click here Hours: open from Dawn until Dusk, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Ages: All Ages Cost: Free
Located in the heart of historic Grapevine this beautiful treasure is an excellent place
to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquil surroundings of nature. These lush gardens offer visitors hundreds of varieties of plants to admire.
Phone: 972-474-9100 Address: 655 Martin Lane
Seagoville, Texas 75159
Google Map:click here Hours: 1st & 3rd Sat 9am - 4pm Cost: $5/Adults; $4/Seniors; $3/ages 5-12; 4 & under - Free
3,100 acres of man-made wetland habitat. The Center includes interactive exhibits; a classroom for hands-on educational
and research use; and an observation deck to view the
wetland.
Visit our events calendar to stay updated on their ongoing events.
Phone: 940-686-2148 Address: 100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX Google Map:click here
Situated along the shores of a 30,000-acre reservoir Ray Roberts Lake State Park Complex consists of 2 state park units (Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch), 6 satellite parks, Wildlife Management Areas, wetlands, waterfowl sanctuaries and the 20 mile Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor.
Birdwatching, water sports, riding horses or backpacking along a scenic trail, Ray Roberts has something for everyone.
Leonard Park
Address: 1000 W. California St., Gainesville, TX Google Map:click here Hours: Open daily @ 10am - 5pm
Leonard Park includes an awesome playground and hosts the Frank Buck Zoo. The park features the Frankie Schmitz Express Miniature Train Ride. The Frankie Schmitz Express is a 1/4-size replica of an 1800s steam engine train. The train takes riders around Leonard Park and lasts about fifteen minutes.
Parkhill Prairie
Phone: 972-424-1460 ext. 3744 (Metro) Address: County Road 668, McKinney, TX Google Map:click here
A 436-acre preserve located in northeast Collin County. The park features a 52-acre relic of the Blackland tall-grass prairie and provides magnificent views of the countryside
Phone: 817-860-6752 Address: 703 NW Green Oaks Boulevard, Arlington, TX Google Map:click here Hours: Mon – Sat @ 9am - 5pm; Closed Major Holidays Ages: All Ages Cost: Parks & Science Center - Free
This 12,000-square foot nature center offers interactive exhibits, terrariums, aquariums, nature trails, and Saturday events. The Center also offers a variety of environmental educational programming for children and adults.
Phone: 972-205-2750 Address: 1770 Holford Rd, Garland, TX Google Map:click here
Spring Creek Forest Park Preserve features trees that are estimated to be 300 to 500 years old. This is the only known location in the world where eight species of oaks are found growing together in the same ecosystem. Many of these trees soar to heights of 100 feet on trunks four feet thick. Over 650 species of plants & animals have been observed.
Phone: 817-731-2787 Address: 3400 View Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76103 Google Map:click here Cost: Free Admission
Tandy Hills Natural Area is a 160 acre indigenous remnant of prairie located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. Noted for its unusually complete collection of prairie flora, THNA contains more
than 500 native plant species. The show of spring wildflowers is unsurpassed in
the Metroplex.
Phone: 214-428-7476 Address: 3601 Martin Luther King, Dallas, TX Google Map:click here Location: Fair Park Hours: Open Daily @ 10am - 5pm Ages: All Ages Cost: $8/adults; $6/ages 60+; $4/ages 3 to 11; Under 3 yrs - Free; Gardens only Free on Tuesdays
A year-round organic urban oasis filled with natural wonders for visitors of all ages. 10 different themed areas include a butterfly habitat, native wildlife pond, scent garden, shade garden and heirloom garden.
At family events offered throughout the year, children and parents can share the experience of being amazed and inspired by nature's intricate web of life. Gardening workshops and guided tours provide expert advice on using native and adapted plants to create backyard habitats for butterflies, birds and other native wildlife.
Phone: 214-515-6500 Address: 8617 Garland Road, Dallas, TX Google Map:click here Hours: Open Daily 9am - 5pm Ages: All Ages Cost: $15/Adults; $12/Seniors; $10/Children 3 - 12 yrs; Under 3 yrs - Free
Set beside White Rock lake framed by downtown's towers, the Arboretum features 66 acres of superbly of towering trees, flowering gardens and lush lawns. There's something to see year-round from the gorgeous blooms of springtime to the luscious leaves of fall.
Phone: 972-562-5566 Address: 1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX Google Map:click here Location: One mile east of S.H. 5 on FM 1378 Hours: Tues-Sat @ 9am - 5pm; Sun @ 1pm-5pm; See website for Summer Hours Ages: All Ages Cost: $9/Adults; $6/Seniors & children 3-12; under 3 are Free - Prices change per season
The Heard's indoor exhibits provide an interactive environment in which visitors can discover, enjoy and experience various aspects of the Texas natural environment. Several permanent and rotating collections.
Wildlife Sanctuary: Beautiful 289-acre sanctuary where visitors can walk on seven different nature trails. Five different ecosystems on the sanctuary including a wetlands and prairie. Home to a 2-acre native plant garden that has hundreds of native plant species. Check Heard website for seasonal garden classes and trail guide information.
Phone: 214-398-8722Trinity River Audubon Center Address: 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way Dallas, TX 75217 Google Map:click here Hours: Tues - Sat @9am - 4pm; Sun @10am - 5pm. Closed Mon & major holidays Cost: $6/Adults; $3/Kids 3-12 yrs: $4/Seniors; Under 2 - Free
The Trinity River Audubon Center offers something for the whole family – an interactive exhibit hall inviting hands-on exploration; 4 – 5 miles of hiking trails through the Great Trinity Forest and our prairies and wetlands; even our nature store offers enticing artwork from local artists and fun kids games. Want to spend some time together outdoors – then come on down to TRAC!
Phone: 214-335-5974 Address: 817 Mary Cliff Road, Dallas TX Google Map:click here
An urban preserve that serves as an
outdoor classroom and passive recreational area. It seeks to educate both adults
and children about environmental stewardship and community-building through the
grassroots creation and maintenance of a native Texas blackland prairie, and
small wetland.
Address: 8300 East Lawther Drive, Dallas Google Map:click here Ages: All Ages Cost: Free
This huge (1,015 acre) picturesque lake nestled in the city of Dallas includes a Hike and bike trail (9.33 miles), numerous scenic picnic areas, fishing piers and an Audubon Society-designated bird watching area and wetlands site.
Location: Southwest Corner of Duncanville and Wintergreen Roads
Windmill Hill Nature Preserve is 75 acres of land, set aside by the City of DeSoto and Dallas County as a nature preserve. Nestled in woods providing shade in the summer, there is a great hiking trail with gentle slopes and some very steep hills, which can provide a challenge at times.
DFW Area Parks & Nature 
We're all about Fun, but kids can also Learn at Nature Trails & Parks. Find out how in our exclusive book, Kidding Around Town.
