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Fort Worth, Texas

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge Picnic Guide

Park fee Solo Family Group

More than 3,600 acres of prairie, forest and wetlands on the West Fork of the Trinity, with a resident bison herd and a boardwalk over the marsh.

Open in DFW PicnicsPack a Picnic for This Spot

Wooded hills seen from a scenic overlook at the Fort Worth Nature Center
Photo: Simmy27star · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Lake Worth seen through bare trees from Lone Point Shelter
Photo: Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Stone arch of the Rest-A-While shelter above Lake Worth
Photo: Larry D. Moore · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

At a Glance

EntryEntry fee applies Verified
Paid admission. Listed on the official site: adults $6, seniors $3, children 3–12 $2, under 3 free.
HoursDaily, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct–Apr; 7 a.m.–5 p.m. May–Sep; no entry after 4 p.m. Verified
Picnic RulesPicnic in designated areas only. No grills or fires, no alcohol, and no loud music or radios; daytime use only. Verified
PetsLeashed dogs welcome Verified
Leash no longer than 6 ft; dogs pay a small admission fee and can't go inside the Hardwicke Interpretive Center.
Best ForSolo, Family, Group
ShadePlenty of shade
RestroomsYes
PlaygroundNo
PavilionsYes
Water ViewsYes
ParkingFree parking inside the refuge (to verify).
Local tip: Arrive early — no new entry after 4 p.m.

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Entry status checked against the official site on Oct 20, 2026. Amenity, shade and parking details are a general guide. Prices and rules change; always confirm with the park before you go.