Cedar Ridge Preserve

Cedar Ridge Preserve is a 633-acre natural area in southwest Dallas managed by Audubon Dallas, offering 9 miles of hiking trails through cedar-juniper forest, limestone escarpment terrain, and open grassland habitats. For families with school-age children who crave a genuine nature experience within reasonable distance of the DFW metroplex, this is one of the best free options available.

The terrain is noticeably more rugged than typical Dallas parks — limestone ridge formations, steep escarpment faces, and dense cedar woodland give the preserve a distinctly Hill Country feel that's a surprise to find within the city limits. The Escarpment Trail is the signature hike: a moderate loop that climbs to limestone ridge overlooks with surprisingly expansive views across southwest Dallas and beyond.

For families with budding naturalists, the birding at Cedar Ridge is exceptional. The preserve sits along a major migration corridor, and fall (September–November) and spring (March–May) bring waves of migrating warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other songbirds. Resident species include painted buntings, canyon wrens, and multiple owl species.

Experienced birders consider it one of the top five birding spots in the entire DFW area.

This is firmly a hiking destination — there are no paved paths, no facilities on trail, and no stroller access beyond the parking lot area. Kids need to be able to walk the trail under their own power; a minimum age of about 5–6 is realistic for the easier loop trails, and 8+ for the Escarpment Trail.

Pack everything you'll need: water is essential (no water on trail), snacks, bug spray from late spring through fall, and real shoes — sandals are not appropriate for the rocky terrain. Arrive early, especially in fall and spring when the parking lot can fill on weekend mornings.