Best of 18 Kid-friendly bike trails in Dallas
Discover the best kid-friendly bike trails in Dallas for a fun and safe family outdoor activity. These trails offer scenic views and varying difficulties, perfect for young bikers. Top locations include Oak Cliff Nature Preserve, Katie Jackson Park, Harry S Moss Park, Gateway Park & Horse Trail, and Big Cedar Wilderness Trail.
- 1. Katie Jackson Park
- 2. Harry S Moss Park
- 3. Boulder Park Trail
- 4. Boulder Park MTB
- 5. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
- 6. Santa Fe Trail
- 7. Preston Ridge Trail
- 8. Big Cedar Wilderness Trail
- 9. White Rock Creek Greenbelt
- 10. L.B. Houston Nature Trails - California Crossing Trailhead
- 11. Gateway Park & Horse Trail
- 12. Santa Fe Trestle Trail
- 13. Preston Ridge Trail
- 14. Coombs Creek Trail
- 15. White Rock Creek Trail
- 16. SoPac Trail Fisher Road Trailhead
- 17. Santa Fe Trail - Deep Ellum Trailhead
- 18. Dallas Creekside MTB Park and Trail DORBA
1. Katie Jackson Park
Scenic pond with ducks and geese

The bike trails in this location are a big hit with families, particularly those with children. They are well-maintained, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for young riders. The trails are suitable for beginners, making it an ideal location for families looking for a fun day out.
This place offers a great opportunity for a family outing, with bike trails that are perfect for kids and beginners. The trails provide plenty of shade and scenic views, enhancing the overall experience. The area is highly recommended for those seeking an enjoyable and easy-paced activity that the whole family can enjoy.
2. Harry S Moss Park
Dog-friendly and home to various wildlife

The parkland located near upper Greenville Avenue, stretching from Walnut Hill to Royal Lane, is a popular spot for various activities. To children, it is primarily known as the local soccer complex, where they can play and enjoy the sport. For off-road cyclists, it offers a 5.46-mile single-track dirt trail, perfect for biking enthusiasts seeking a challenging and fun experience.
Walking through this parkland provides a pleasant experience, with the path offering some nice views. While it is a recommended place to visit for a peaceful stroll, the scenery does not necessarily stand out as exceptionally stunning. Nonetheless, it remains a worthwhile destination for those seeking a bit of nature and outdoor activity within the city.
3. Boulder Park Trail
Dog-friendly trails, bird-watching spots

Following the blue route offers a more leisurely and accessible option for hikers of all skill levels and ages. This path avoids the more challenging terrain and technical climbs found in other parts of the trail. It provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while still offering a sense of accomplishment.
The blue route is perfect for families, casual hikers, or those looking for a scenic walk. Along the way, hikers will encounter stunning views, peaceful forests, and a variety of wildlife. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it easy to navigate. With its moderate level of difficulty, the blue route offers a pleasant and enjoyable outdoor experience.
4. Boulder Park MTB
Popular for MTB enthusiasts, family-friendly

Following the blue route offers a relatively easy hiking experience, making it a great option for families and hikers of all skill levels. This path avoids the more challenging terrain and technical climbs, allowing for a more leisurely and enjoyable journey through the landscape. The blue trail is marked by distinctive blue blazes, making it easy to follow and navigate.
As you make your way along the blue route, you will encounter a variety of scenic landscapes, from dense forests and tranquil streams to open meadows and sweeping vistas. The trail is designed to showcase the best of the area's natural beauty, with many opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the fresh air and sunshine. Along the way, you may also encounter historical landmarks and other points of interest, adding an educational element to your hike. Overall, following the blue trail is a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors and connect with nature.
5. Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
Part of the larger Dallas Park System

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is an excellent destination for hiking and mountain biking, featuring a well-designed trail system that gives the impression of 30 miles of trails, although it is significantly less. The trails, while not marked, are easy to navigate, with signage at various junctions indicating loops, jumps, and bypasses. The landscape is adorned with flowers and cacti, some of which are shaded, while others are fully exposed to the sky.
The trails are well-maintained, but hikers should be prepared for rock ledges, loose stones, and exposed roots. While some trails seem more suited for mountain bikers, there is sufficient space for everyone. The park offers hand-curated trail maps, driving directions, and reviews from visitors, making it a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts.
6. Santa Fe Trail
Follows Santa Fe Trail's historical path

The Santa Fe Trail is a 4-mile pathway in Dallas that is suitable for families, offering a calm and scenic route. The trail's end provides access to numerous cultural and natural landmarks, making it an ideal destination for a family outing.
I frequently use the Santa Fe Trail as it connects White Rock Lake and Deep Ellum, providing a safe and enjoyable path for exercise and transportation. The trail is popular with people of all ages, including bicyclists, runners, walkers, and commuters. Additionally, the trail offers beautiful views of Dallas and is perfect for accessing nearby restaurants and entertainment venues.
7. Preston Ridge Trail
Panoramic views of Dallas skyline

The Preston Ridge Trail is an excellent option for families with young children, including those with strollers or wheelchairs, thanks to its smooth and paved surface. The trail features gentle slopes and is well-maintained, making it easy for young cyclists to navigate. Additionally, there are ample rest areas along the route, providing convenient spots for families to take breaks and recharge.
In summary, the Preston Ridge Trail is a top pick for families looking for a kid-friendly bike trail. Its smooth pavement, gentle slopes, and regular rest areas make it an ideal choice for families with young children, while its wheelchair accessibility and stroller-friendliness make it an inclusive option for all. Whether you're looking for a fun family activity or a way to get outside and enjoy nature, the Preston Ridge Trail is a great choice.
8. Big Cedar Wilderness Trail
Natural swimming holes

The Southwest Nature Preserve in Dallas is a fantastic location for walking during the week and offers excellent trails for mountain bikers, maintained by the Dallas Off Road Biking Association (DORBA). The area is also open to walkers, although it's essential to step aside when bikers approach, as the trails are designed for both activities. These trails are considered the best in the DFW area, with varying levels of difficulty for mountain bikers.
The Southwest Nature Preserve trails are private but welcome visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery and outdoor experience. To support the maintenance of the trails, visitors are encouraged to sign a waiver. The trails cater to both biking and walking, offering different difficulty levels depending on the user's experience. The trail habitat is lively, with various wildlife such as rabbits, tarantulas, spider webs, and snakes. Prepare for a trail with many zigzags and ups and downs for an exciting outdoor adventure.
9. White Rock Creek Greenbelt
Dog-friendly areas

White Rock Creek Trail is one of the best paved trails in the Dallas area, known for its heavy use and scenic route. The trail extends from North Dallas to White Rock Lake, following a green belt alongside White Rock Creek and avoiding street crossings for a uninterrupted journey. It's a great option for families looking for a safe and enjoyable outdoor activity.
The trail offers a refreshing variety of scenery and caters to a range of activities, including walking, biking, jogging, and rollerblading. It connects several parks and recreational areas, such as Anderson Bonner Park, Harry S. Moss Nature Area, and Fair Oaks Tennis Center. This makes it an ideal spot for family outings, providing plenty of options for recreation and leisure.
10. L.B. Houston Nature Trails - California Crossing Trailhead
Historic Civilian Conservation Corps site

L.B. Houston Nature Trails - California Crossing Trailhead is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a perfect setting for birding, hiking, and mountain biking. Its year-round accessibility allows visitors to enjoy the area's natural beauty anytime. The trail is well-maintained and welcoming to dogs, as long as they remain on a leash, making it a great spot for pet owners. With its kid-friendly trails, the L.B. Houston Nature Trails - California Crossing Trailhead is an ideal location for family outings, combining physical activity with nature exploration.
At L.B. Houston Nature Trails - California Crossing Trailhead, families can spend a day bonding while biking and exploring the area's picturesque scenery. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. In addition to the various recreational opportunities, the trails also allow visitors to connect with nature and engage in birdwatching, thus fostering environmental awareness and appreciation. Consequently, the L.B. Houston Nature Trails - California Crossing Trailhead provides an excellent platform for people of all ages to explore, learn, and enjoy the great outdoors.
11. Gateway Park & Horse Trail
Spacious park with a variety of activities

The Santa Fe Trail, a serene 4-mile pathway, offers a perfect family outing, leading to numerous cultural and natural landmarks at its endpoint. A great way to spend quality time with loved ones, this trail caters specifically to families.
On the other hand, the Trinity Skyline Trail spans 4.6 miles of paved surface trails, free from vehicles, making it another excellent choice for families with children. The cherry on top is the stunning view of the Dallas skyline that accompanies you throughout the journey.
12. Santa Fe Trestle Trail

13. Preston Ridge Trail

14. Coombs Creek Trail
Historic sites, beautiful sunsets

Coombs Creek Trail is a 2.5-mile multiuse path that runs alongside Kessler Parkway in Dallas, Texas. The trail stretches from Stevens Park Golf Course to Kessler Parkway Park, providing access to the Trinity River levee and the Oak Cliff neighborhood. This trail is set to connect with the Trinity Skyline Trail in the future. One interesting feature of the Coombs Creek Trail is the rumor that it is haunted.
The Coombs Creek Trail is a scenic and tranquil spot for biking, walking, or jogging, situated in the picturesque Kessler Park. Despite the lack of public restrooms, there are plenty of benches where one can rest and enjoy the surrounding nature. The light car traffic in the area adds to the trail's peaceful atmosphere.
15. White Rock Creek Trail
Historic sites and art installations

White Rock Creek Trail is an excellent location for families to enjoy a bike ride together. The trail is well-maintained, safe for children, and features numerous parks along the way for families to take breaks and play.
The trail is paved and mostly flat, making it perfect for kids on bikes. Families can enjoy a leisurely and enjoyable bike ride while taking in the scenic views of the creek and surrounding parks. Overall, White Rock Creek Trail is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun outdoor activity.
16. SoPac Trail Fisher Road Trailhead

17. Santa Fe Trail - Deep Ellum Trailhead
18. Dallas Creekside MTB Park and Trail DORBA
