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The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge is known for its bison herd — and it’s annual Buffalo Boogie 5K and 1-mile run.<\/p>\n
Star-Telegram archives<\/p>\n
Spring break for Fort Worth families doesn\u2019t have to mean long drives or pricey day trips.<\/p>\n
The Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d said education director Michael Perez. \u201cWe just want to give families an opportunity to experience nature firsthand and what better time to do it than spring, when everything comes alive.\u201d<\/p>\n Here\u2019s what to know if you\u2019re adding the center to your plans for the week.<\/p>\n \ud83d\udd25 In case you missed it… <\/p>\n What\u2019s happening at the Fort Worth Nature Center during spring break?<\/p>\n The heart of the center\u2019s spring break activities runs March 13\u201322, with a mix of guided walks, water activities, and its popular bison feeding hayrides spread throughout the week.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Those hikes continue on March 14 at the same times, giving families two chances to explore the trails with staff.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The bison feeding hayrides follow from March 17\u201319, with rides offered at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each day.<\/p>\n On March 21, families can join a guided kayak tour from 10 a.m. to noon for a more structured look at the wetlands.<\/p>\n The week wraps up on March 22 with another round of spring hikes at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.<\/p>\n What should I know about the bison feeding hayride?<\/p>\n The bison feeding hayride is one of the center\u2019s most popular offerings.<\/p>\n Perez said families typically get to board a trailer and ride across the prairie for a close look at the herd.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re one of the biggest draws that we have during spring break.\u201d<\/p>\n The bison feeding hayrides often fill quickly, so signing up early is recommended.<\/p>\n Perez said guided hikes are also scheduled on the same days for visitors who aren\u2019t able to secure a hayride spot.<\/p>\n Do the activities cost money?<\/p>\n Yes, general admission is required to enter the refuge.<\/p>\n Adults pay $6, seniors pay $3, children ages 3 to 12 pay $2, and children under 3 are free.<\/p>\n Some programs, such as the bison hayrides, spring hikes, and kayak tours, require advance registration and a separate program fee.<\/p>\n Canoe Fest is the only major activity that does not require preregistration, though daily admission still applies.<\/p>\n Is anything else happening at the Center during Spring?<\/p>\n Yes, the center\u2019s largest spring festival, Nature Con, returns March 28.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s where we have close to 50 exhibitors, hayrides, canoeing, crafts, and just all sorts of things celebrating conservation,\u201d Perez said.<\/p>\n The event reflects the center\u2019s broader mission.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re a year round facility with year round opportunities to learn and have fun, not just spring break.\u201d<\/p>\n Related Stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram<\/p>\n
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