Natural Wonders

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SERVING STUDENTS WITH LEARNING CHALLENGES SUCH AS DYSLEXIA, DYSCALCULIA, ANXIETY AND ADD/ADHD All children are unique and marvelously made by God.

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Take the glass elevator 470 feet up to the

GEO-DECK to experience panoramic views of the Dallas skyline from the city’s own iconic landmark. You’ll be able to peer over all of downtown and beyond from their indoor and outdoor observation decks. Look online for their latest Summer Heights event series, including craft fun with Crayola Experience. Dallas, 214/712-7040; reuniontower.com

TRANSIT AUTHORITY, aka MATA, is home of the vintage M-Line Trolley. Each car has a bell, or string that rings a bell, that you can ring to let the driver know you want off. Dallas, 214/8550006; mata.org

Take a day trip and hop aboard TRINITY METRO TEXRAIL to explore more of Tarrant County or to catch a flight at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. This speedy train is a quiet, smooth ride. Fort Worth, 817/215-8600; ridetrinitymetro.org

Step away from modern technology and take a ride through the piney woods of East Texas on the TEXAS STATE RAILROAD. This 25-mile track stretches from Rusk to Palestine. The Rusk depot has a vintage movie theater and overnight camping accommodations for

an extra dose of family fun. Rusk and Palestine, 855/6327729; texasstaterailroad.net

TRAINTOPIA is a miniature exhibit inside Frisco Discovery Center and part of the Museum of the American Railroad. Immerse yourself in the history of the locomotives during open hours Wednesdays through Sundays or join a scheduled walking tour of the vintage locomotives out back. Frisco, 214/428-0101; historictrains.org

EXPRESS is a convenient, accessible option for travel from Dallas to Fort Worth, including all the stops in between. Multiple locations, 817/215-8600; trinityrailwayexpress.org

Learning to love Mother Nature

Explore the beauty of the butterflies at the NATIVE

& GARDEN, on the grounds of the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary. McKinney, 972/5625566; heardmuseum.org

Walk into a world of wonder at the Rosine Smith Sammons Butterfly House and Insectarium at TEXAS DISCOVERY GARDENS at Fair Park. This two-story, glass enclosure transports you into a tropical landscape with exotic plant species and daily butterfly releases. There’s even an emergence chamber for you to observe butterfly chrysalises and moth cocoons. Dallas, 214/428-7476; txdg.org

line in the pond at CARUTH PARK, a destination with many more opportunities for family fun, like soccer and T-ball fields, a double tennis court and two playgrounds. Note that a valid freshwater fishing license is required for all anglers over 16 to fish in public water. University Park, 214/9875488; uptexas.org

natureCEDAR HILL STATE PARK, which sits on the shores of Joe Pool Lake, has its own perch pond for kids, as well as its namesake 7,500-squarefoot lake containing largemouth black bass, catfish and crappie. Cedar Hill, 972/291-3900; tpwd.texas. gov/state-parks/cedar-hill Cast a line and you might catch a big one at KELLER TOWN HALL POND. Visit in June for a pond stocked with catfish. Keller, 817/743-4000; cityofkeller.com Go get your line wet at RUSSELL CREEK PARK, a community park in Plano that offers solid fishing, especially considering the smaller size of the lake. Plano, 972/9417250; plano.gov The south pond at SOUTH LAKES PARK in Denton is regularly stocked with fish that are fun and fairly easy to catch. Denton, 940/3497275; cityofdenton.com The urban fishing initiative was created by the TARRANT

TRICT to restore and protect the natural species and educate the community. Anglers will find an array of fish from the banks or kayaking down the Trinity River. Fort Worth, 817/335-2491; trwd.com Try out the pond and hiking trails at WILLIAM BLAIR JR. PARK, on 900 acres not far from Fair Park. The fishing pond is part of the park’s front section, which also includes a pavilion, fishing pier, and picnic areas. Dallas, 214/670-4100; dallasparks.org

Beauty abounds at the 200-acre ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE. Give a boost to your endorphins by hiking or biking the peaceful trails up to the observation tower and, of course, don’t forget about the playground. Plano, 972/941-7250; plano.gov yoga class for kids on Saturdays and Sundays this summer. Allen, 469/200-4085; connemaraconservancy.org

DALLAS ARBORETUM is

TION CENTER at Coppell Nature Park helps build your connection to nature by providing hands-on nature environmental educational programs for schools and the community. Coppell, 972/304-3581; coppellnaturepark.org Immerse yourself in the Cross Timbers ecosystem at BOB JONES NATURE CENTER & PRESERVE. The center of this massive preserve is nestled in more than 700 acres of natural habitat, with 20 miles of hiking trails. Southlake, 817/748-8019; experiencesouthlaketexas.com Resembling the Hill Country, CEDAR RIDGE PRESERVE is a 600-acre natural habitat of native trees, grasses, wildflowers and wildlife. Jog, bike or stroll along the 9 miles of shaded hiking trails and enjoy the scenery. Dallas, 972/7097784; audubondallas.org Stretch your legs and take a hike in the tranquil

CENTER PARK. This 46acre natural refuge is home to nine ponds, a fishing pier and winding paved and dirt trails for a walk. Colleyville, 817/503-1180; colleyville.com

NATURE PRESERVE is a consistently recognized as one of the top botanical gardens in the nation, in part due to its elaborate seasonal exhibits. In the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden, your children can explore even more age-appropriate garden habitats. Dallas, 214/515-6615; dallasarboretum.org You can reach some of the highest points in Dallas County on the trails of

AUDUBON CENTER. Where Texas Hill Country meets Dallas County, Audubon preserves natural habitat of over 200 acres. There are over 2 miles of hiking trails allowing visitors a view of Joe Pool Late and the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Cedar Hill, 469/526-1980; dogwood. audubon.org At ELMER W. OLIVER NATURE PARK, climb into the forest canopy via the treehouse, gaze out from the Rocky Ford overlook, fish the ponds, gaze at the blooming wildflower meadow and hike along the crushed granite trail. Download the GooseChase app for a scavenger hunt hike. Mansfield, 817/4731943; mansfieldtexas.gov In the FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN, you’ll find the most breathtaking views from the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden, interactive fun on the Native Texas Boardwalk, and more natural beauty. Fort Worth, 817/463-4160; fwbg.org The FORT WORTH NA-

Unwind from the day by taking a peaceful stroll through the GRAPEVINE BOTANICAL GARDENS at Heritage Park. The garden includes a koi pond. Grapevine, 817/410-3122; gograpevine.com Visit the butterfly garden, go down the zip line on select days, and explore the trails on guided or self-guided hikes through the HEARD NATURAL

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY. There’s plenty to see and do indoors as well, including digging for fossils and interacting with the 4-foot Magic Planet. McKinney, 972/5625566; heardmuseum.org You can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities—fishing, camping, birding, canoeing and kayaking—at the

AREA (LLELA). You’re welcome to hike through the trails or enjoy one of the many guided nature walks, like the A Chance to Hike program for those with special needs. Lewisville, 972/219-3550; llela.org Take your littles to OAK

SERVE to spot birds and enjoy the wooded vista. For a touch of oddity, look for the artsy area, with a bicycle cemetery among the pecan trees, a spider sculpture and other random pieces. Dallas, 972/696-9810; texaslandconservancy.org

runs along the curves of the Trinity River and is a great spot for riding bikes or taking a stroll. There is also a forest-themed playground, along with picnic areas, a canoe launch station and scenic overlooks. Arlington, 817/860-6752; riverlegacy.org The SHERI CAPEHART NATURE PRESERVE (formerly known as the Southwest Nature Preserve) has hike and bike trails and three ponds, including one with a fishing pier and terraced outdoor seating. A high bluff gives you an outstanding look at as far out as downtown Fort Worth. Arlington, 817/4595474; arlingtontx.gov Feel as though you stepped out of the city as you head into the forest at

PRESERVE, where you can wander the paved or natural surface trails. In addition to the wooded areas, there is also prairie acreage and a flowing creek. Garland, 972/205-2750; springcreekforest.org The land surrounding

AREA is highly developed, but the park itself is as nature intended: uninterrupted and peaceful. Richardson, 972/744-4310; cor.net

72-acre of natural habitat of diverse flora and fauna. Take a family nature walk or unwind with a yoga class. There’s even an aerial is a historical representation of how north central Texas looked like before highways, buildings and houses were constructed. Register online to take advantage of the robust educational programming, including Preschool Discovery Club and hayrides to visit the resident bison herd. Fort Worth, 817/392-7410; fwnaturecenter.org

is Plano’s largest park at 800 acres. Take a family walk on paved or soft surface trails along Rowlett Creek, fish or use the pond for kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding. Plano, 972/9417250; plano.gov

RAL AREA encompasses continuous parkland that nears 160 acres. Come relish in the nearly 1,500 species of prairie wildflowers, animals, and insects. Fort Worth, 817/731-2787; tandyhills.org

BON CENTER is considered the gateway to the Great Trinity Forest. The center includes diverse habitats, hiking trails and stellar birdwatching. Dallas, 214/309-5801; trinityriver. audubon.org

The 4-mile COTTON BELT TRAIL is a favorite among avid cyclists and long-distance runners due to its clear signage and long stretches of paved pathways. Never overly crowded, this regional trail intersects with different trails and is situated in the cities of Colleyville, Grapevine and North Richland Hills. 817/427-6620; nrhtx.com

OF MCKINNEY is an appealing park showcasing all varieties of Crape Myrtles. Catch sight of these blooming beauties on your walk here in the park. McKinney, 972/547-7330; crapemyrtletrails.org

KATY TRAIL is a 7.7-mile urban trail built on an old freight-rail line near the Turtle Creek and Oak Lawn area of Dallas. The landscaped paths provide