Best Nature and Wildlife Areas in Grand Prairie

"Besides the Texas Boardwalk, an outdoor living classroom with whispering tubes, hollow logs, and interactive question boards for kids, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden has 16 exhibits and gardens that are filled with cherry trees, roses, oak trees, sculptures, streams, fountains and more. The indoor garden area, which is near the entrance, has tropical plants and flowers that bloom almost year round. Be sure to buy fish food at the front desk before you make your way to the highlight of the Botanic Garden—The Japanese Garden."

"As the oldest major botanic garden in Texas, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a must-visit for romantic, floral photography. The gazebos in the Fuller Garden and Rose Garden are gorgeous spots for photo ops. Bringing a little one with you as you search out Forth Worth photography locations?"

"I can’t speak for every kid but my three girls love the Botanic Gardens. We can spend hours walking through the beautiful gardens. For many visitors the Japanese garden is a highlight."

"As a slice of hill country in North Texas, Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve has plenty of options for great hiking (as featured in D Magazine) among its 600 acres of natural habitat. The best of these may be Escarpment Trail, a beautiful 2.5-mile roundtrip hike that ends at Cattail Pond. On this moderate trail, you’ll see native trees, grasses and wildflowers."

"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."

"Go au naturel at this haven for hikes, forest and prairie land, bird-watching, and the perfect Insta shot. The center itself is also a structural beauty for your background."

"The River Legacy Park is located on the side of the Trinity River. You’ll find beautiful views at every turn and it’s the perfect spot for a nice stroll in the park, bird watching, outdoor exercising, meditating, or just taking a day to relax in a gorgeous atmosphere. You’ll also find some other great activities like their River Legacy Fall Festival, clay shooting, cardboard boat regatta, and more."

"This pleasant three-acre stretch of green space is an important natural oasis amidst the sea of downtown buildings and dense development in Fort Worth. Designed by renowned landscape architect Peter Walker, Burnett Park is shaded by groves of beautiful oak, magnolia, and crape myrtle trees. It sometimes serves as a special event space and public art venue, but it’s mostly just a wonderful little pocket of nature in the heart of the city."

"Start off with a bang by heading to Sundance Square on your first morning in town. This entertainment district is home to Yolk, a creative breakfast spot that offers an upscale urban setting. Dine on creative dishes like green eggs and ham, banana nut bread French toast, bacon waffles, a pot roast Benedict or grilled salmon with eggs."

"Fort Worth has a long aviation history—it's the home of American Airlines and a massive Lockheed Martin aeronautics plant, after all. Embrace the city's unique history at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum. Plane nerds can get up close and personal with more than 25 warbirds, including an F-18 Hornet and an F-4 Phantom II."

"Next up is the Northside's Fort Worth Aviation Museum, situated at 3300 Ross Ave. With five stars out of 10 reviews on Yelp, the museum has proven to be a local favorite. The museum is home to dozens of historical aircraft units that you can walk right up to and touch yourself."

"The Fort Worth Aviation Museum tells the history and accomplishments of aviation in North Texas. The museum houses indoor and outdoor displays along with cockpit and flight simulations. A tour guide will be happy to assist all visitors with a personalized tour of the property."