Dallas is a bustling Texas metropolis … in fact, it’s one of the ten largest cities in the United States. Although downtown Dallas is an impressive array of skyscrapers and buildings, there are plenty of places in Dallas to hike and enjoy the outdoors. Dallas has green spaces, gardens, forest areas, and lakes for a variety of outdoor activities!
If you’re looking for easy hikes in Dallas that you can do with the entire family, RVshare has teamed up with All Trails to bring you some great recommendations. Try one of the following trails with the kids for a great day outside!
1.) The Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond
2.) The Katy Trail Hi-Line to Oak Lawn
3.) The Katie Jackson Trail
4.) The Boulder Park Trail
5.) The Little Bluestem Trail
Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail
The Cedar Brake Trail via Cattail Pond Trail is a 2.7-mile loop trail, so it’s manageable for many kids and adults. It’s a popular spot for runners and hikers, so you’ll likely meet people out on the trail.
Address: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249
Mileage: 2.7 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: The trail is not paved. It can get muddy, and will occasionally close due to weather. You can check the Cedar Ridge Preserve Facebook page to make sure the trail isn’t closed on the day you want to hike.
Difficulty: This is generally considered an easy trail and can be hiked by kids.
Open year-round: Yes
Miles from downtown Dallas: 16.3 miles
Pet-friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid-friendly? Yes, this trail is a short distance, and only gains 265 feet in elevation over the course of the loop. You may want a backpack for younger kids in case they get tired, but this is a good trail for kids.
Katy Trail Hi-line to Oak Lawn
The Katy Trail Hi-line to Oak Lawn is a converted rail line that follows Turtle Creek through parts of downtown Dallas. It’s a gentle, paved trail with separate lanes for pedestrians and for bikes. Begin at Reverchon Park and walk north to the end of the trail and back. This is a very popular trail, so you’ll encounter lots of fellow walkers, runners, and bikers.
Address: 3505 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75219
Mileage: 3.0 miles
In and Out Trail
Terrain: The trail is paved, with separate bike and pedestrian lanes. Those using wheelchairs and mobility equipment may need assistance about 0.2 miles in, where the trail is at its steepest.
Difficulty: This is generally considered an easy trail and can be hiked by kids.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Dallas: 2 miles from historic downtown district
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid friendly? Yes, this is a kid-friendly trail. Strollers can be used for very young children, and the gentle path means older kids can easily walk the trail.
Katie Jackson Trail
The Katie Jackson Trail is a great, family-friendly trail that is a popular spot for birdwatching, walking, or mountain biking. The trail can become muddy after rain, and is best used from spring through fall. It’s a moderately popular trail that follows the perimeter of Katie Jackson Park.
Address: 4900 Haverwood Ln, Dallas, TX 75287
Mileage: 3.1 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This trail is unpaved and can be muddy after rain. It’s multi-use and is shared by hikers and mountain bikers.
Difficulty: This is generally considered an easy trail and can be hiked by kids.
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Dallas: 17.6 miles
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid friendly? Yes, this trail is a shorter length, and only gains 111 feet in elevation total. You may want a backpack for younger kids in case they get tired.
Boulder Park Trail
The Boulder Park Trail is a little more challenging for kids, but older kids and those who do a lot of hiking can manage it! This is a popular spot for running, mountain biking, and hiking so you’ll probably encounter others on your hike. This park does close in bad weather, so be sure to check the park website for updates before going.
Address: 6600 Pastor Bailey Dr, Dallas, TX 75237
Mileage: 4 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is an unpaved trail that can be muddy in bad weather. The trail goes over tree roots in places, so it’s important to watch your step. It’s also heavily used by mountain bikers.
Difficulty: This is a moderately difficult trail that can be hiked by some kids.
Open year-round? Yes, but there may be park closures during inclement weather.
Miles from downtown Dallas: 10 miles
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid friendly? This trail is moderately challenging, making it a good choice for older kids or those who hike often. It’s 4 miles long, with a 259-foot elevation gain.
Little Bluestem Trail
The Little Bluestem Trail is a very short loop, but there is a butterfly garden that will delight kids along the way. It is wheelchair and stroller-accessible. This is a popular area for running, and you’ll likely see families and people exercising while you’re on the path.
Address: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249
Mileage: 0.5 miles
Loop Trail
Terrain: This is a gravel trail, so it’s easy to walk and is okay for strollers and wheelchairs.
Difficulty: This is a very easy trail
Open year-round? Yes
Miles from downtown Dallas: 16.7 miles from downtown Dallas
Pet friendly? Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be leashed. Be sure to bring bags and pick up after your pet!
Kid friendly? This is a kid friendly trail that is short, easy to walk, and passes by a butterfly garden where they can stop and explore.
Dallas Trails
There are plenty of trails in Dallas that are family-friendly and are great ways to get outdoors together! Several of these trails are perfect for strolling with small children, walking and looking for wildlife, or biking together. Whether you want a trail right through the heart of downtown Dallas, or trails on the outskirts of town that are closer to nature, there’s something for you and your family!
RV Camping in Dallas
Of course, RVing is a great way to enjoy time as a family, and it’s the perfect way to get closer to your favorite hiking trails and outdoor spaces! Many trails are in parks with great campgrounds, and you can continue your day outdoors after a hike by relaxing at your campsite or building a campfire.
There are many campgrounds in Dallas where you can set up camp, many with full hookups and other amenities.
RV Rentals in Dallas
RVshare has plenty of RV rentals in Dallas, so you can search for the camper, trailer, or motorhome that best suits your plans and needs. If you’re traveling light and alone or as a couple, a Class B campervan may be perfect for you! If you have a larger group or a big family, consider a Class A motorhome.
Other Things To Do in Dallas
Along with hiking, there are lots of other fun things to do in Dallas! Dinosaur Valley State Park is just about an hour away, and you can search for dinosaur tracks, hike, mountain bike, or swim in the Paluxy River. Try some delicious Mexican food at places like Meso Maya Comida y Copas, or watch the Dallas Cowboys play at AT&T Stadium.
Kids will enjoy the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas Zoo.
Happy hiking!
