Go on a hayride or a hike this spring at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
Spring break for Fort Worth families doesn’t have to mean long drives or pricey day trips.
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge at 9601 Fossil Ridge Road has a full week of hikes, canoeing, wildlife programs and family activities that give visitors an easy way to spend time outdoors.
“We have roughly 3,700 acres of land and over 20 miles of hiking trails that take you to various habitats like the forest, the prairie, the wetlands and the Trinity,” said education director Michael Perez. “We just want to give families an opportunity to experience nature firsthand and what better time to do it than spring, when everything comes alive.”
Here’s what to know if you’re adding the center to your plans for the week.
What’s happening at the Fort Worth Nature Center during spring break?
The heart of the center’s spring break activities runs March 13–22, with a mix of guided walks, water activities, and its popular bison feeding hayrides spread throughout the week.
The schedule starts March 13 with a Friday morning yoga class from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by spring nature hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Those hikes continue on March 14 at the same times, giving families two chances to explore the trails with staff.
Canoe Fest, which lets visitors drop in and test paddle canoes in a designated cove, is set for March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A guided bird walk is scheduled for March 16 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. to help families learn how to spot and identify different birds along the water.
The bison feeding hayrides follow from March 17–19, with rides offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.
On March 21, families can join a guided kayak tour from 10 a.m. to noon for a more structured look at the wetlands.
The week wraps up on March 22 with another round of spring hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
What should I know about the bison feeding hayride?
The bison feeding hayride is one of the center’s most popular offerings.
Perez said families typically get to board a trailer and ride across the prairie for a close look at the herd.
“We have 16 bison at the moment, and visitors get to feed them treats as staff teach about the history of the bison, why we have them, and their significance here,” he said. “They’re one of the biggest draws that we have during spring break.”
The bison feeding hayrides often fill quickly, so signing up early is recommended.
Perez said guided hikes are also scheduled on the same days for visitors who aren’t able to secure a hayride spot.
Do the activities cost money?
Yes, general admission is required to enter the refuge.
Adults pay $6, seniors pay $3, children ages 3 to 12 pay $2, and children under 3 are free.
Some programs, such as the bison hayrides, spring hikes, and kayak tours, require advance registration and a separate program fee.
Canoe Fest is the only major activity that does not require preregistration, though daily admission still applies.
Is anything else happening at the Center during Spring?
Yes, the center’s largest spring festival, Nature Con, returns March 28.
“It’s where we have close to 50 exhibitors, hayrides, canoeing, crafts, and just all sorts of things celebrating conservation,” Perez said.
The event reflects the center’s broader mission.
“We’re a year round facility with year round opportunities to learn and have fun, not just spring break.”
