Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Arlington

"The Fort Worth Botanic Garden was established in 1934, making it the oldest major botanical garden in the state. The garden has numerous collections that are worth exploring. If you're looking for a more tranquil nature experience, plan a visit to the Japanese Garden, which is a traditional stroll garden with paths that wind around ponds and through the beautiful landscapes."

"The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Texas, is a lush 110-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. 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard – 817.871.7686"

"Opened in 1934, the state’s oldest botanical garden lures visitors with its 110 acres of fragrant blooms and manicured landscapes."

"Those in the mood for a serious hike or bike ride would be wise to check out this nature center located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Take in the native trees and wildflowers are you enjoy the nine miles of walking trails in a range of difficulty levels. There are butterfly gardens, areas for picnicking, and fishing is even allowed on a catch-and-release basis."

"Cedar Ridge Preserve is a place that is dedicated to the land and wildlife. It’s maintained by the Dallas Audubon and is free to the public. There is a lot of hiking going on here, and many people come and let their dogs get in on the challenge with their trails."

"You've heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Well, before this 120-acre nature preserve and environmental education center opened in 2008, the area was home to the largest illegal dumping site in the state. Nowadays, the center (located ten miles south of downtown) serves as a gateway to the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in North America. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and over sixty species of birds which can be viewed along five miles of hiking trails that meander through forests, Blackland prairies and thriving wetlands."

"Trinity Audubon Nature Center lit up at night|© Jeremy Woodhouse / Courtesy of Trinity River Audubon Center. Opened in 2008 along the banks of the Trinity River, this center is at the entry of the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest. The Trinity River Audubon Center offers each of its visitors a chance to discover miles of trails that feature local birds, vegetation, and wildlife and features public programs like guided hikes, bird watching classes, and the chance to learn more about the four breeds of owls that are native to Dallas."

"Just ten miles south of Dallas is the Trinity River Audubon Center, a completely free thing to do in Dallas for nature lovers. The 6,000 acres of the forest is the largest urban hardwood forest in all of the US, and within it you’ll find loads of plants and animals (and even different habitats). Part of the center is actually an old dump site, which has now been reclaimed and is home to birds and other wildlife."

"Why You’ve Got to Go: Another spot the nature lovers will enjoy, the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge gives you a glimpse of the flora and fauna of 20th-century Fort Worth, with its natural wetlands, forests and prairies. What to Do: The center offers a range of scenic trails that visitors can hike through. The park also hosts activities such as the Buffalo Boogie Run, Trails and Treats, and School Break Hayrides, to name a few."

"The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge boasts more than 20 miles of hiking trails. Just a half-hour from downtown Fort Worth, the nature center features wetlands and forest that make trail runners feel further out of town than they really are. Free-roaming wildlife including prairie dogs and bison, and educational programs throughout the year, mean even the youngest guests will love a day at the refuge."

"Another great place to hike in North Texas is the Fort Worth Nature and Refuge Center. The park is over 3,000 acres with 20 miles of trails. The trails themselves cut though forests, prairies and wetlands."

"River Legacy Park, encompassing 1,300 acres, featuring a boat-load of amenities, like 8 miles of hiking trails and a canoe launch."

"The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History opened in 1945 and concentrates on information relating to teaching children, with some fascinating projects and exhibits. There is, for example, an excellent science section in which kids can learn how to figure out the workings of a pinwheel, why a beach ball floats, and all about shadows, light and reflections. There is a very well supplied Lego and art room too."

"In addition to the Dallas Cowboys, there are two art centers and two university galleries in Irving, just West of Dallas. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5, Thur until 8, Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5."

"You will find Panther Island Pavilion located on the waterfront of the Trinity River in Forth Worth. It’s an action-packed place with water sports, hiking, biking, concerts, and festivals happening on the grounds. You can float in a tube on the river and enjoy a free concert from the water every Thursday in the summer (barring pandemic restrictions)."

"The best way to explore the Trinity River is by being in it. Backwoods Paddle Sports offers paddle board, kayak and canoe rentals that launch out of Panther Island Pavilion. If you are visiting with a group, Backwoods offers customized tours and packages for the ultimate boating experience."

"Panther Island Pavilion is a popular event space and music venue in Fort Worth, but for the purpose of this article, I suggest you BYOF. That is, Bring Your Own Floatie. Grab your favorite inflatable (I recommend a pink llamacorn from Target) for Instagrammable fun on the Trinity River."

"If you're in the mood for laughs that venture beyond stand-up gigs and open-mic, then this is your place. Located in the heart of Uptown, this in-the-round theater serves up an eclectic repertoire that includes comedies, dramas, musicals, and sometimes, a combination of all three. Expect to find everything from campy horror spoofs, like Charles Busch's Psycho Beach Party–to comedy-dramas and comedy musicals such as The Wedding Singer."

"Combine the magic of stories come to life with the comfort of settling into a dark, cool room for a bit, and you get happy, refreshed families every time. The Dallas Children’s Theater has been producing shows for children and families since 1984. Family-friendly originals and literary classics grace the marquee, all of which are meant to inspire children to embrace their creative gifts."

"Ranked as one of the top five theaters in the nation by Time, the Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) offers wide-ranging performances with an emphasis on kindness, including puppetry, circus, and classics like Beauty and the Beast."