Shhh… can you hear that? It’s Nature. Birds singing, a summer locust humming. The light wind stirring the leaves. Bob Jones Nature Center is a place to come and unplug, and let the kids run around for a while. Bring some magnifying glasses to observe, or let them video a caterpillar inching it’s way across the forest floor. There’s so much happening all around if you just slow down and look!
We’ve loved the Bob Jones Nature Center since our first visit in 2011, as part of the Texas Nature Challenge. It was one of our first challenges! To participate in the Texas Nature Challenge, and read more about it, click HERE.
In 2018, it was revamped as the City Nature Challenge. Click HERE to read more about it!
Open 6 days a week, and closed on Mondays, the Nature Center and Trails are FREE to the public. Donations are appreciated very much!
Dogs are not allowed at the Nature Center or on the trails to protect the wildlife.
I love the Please Touch table! My son was all about everything in this room!
During our first visit, we learned how to make Wildflower Seed Balls, something we have loved making each year at home since then! Click HERE to see how to make them!
The BJNC also host Mommy and Me classes, birthday parties, a camera club, trail running club, gardening club and more! Click HERE to visit their calendar for upcoming events!
Professional photographers also frequent the BJNC to take advantage of the unique backdrops, like this old barn! Professional Photographers are asked to register and pay a $50 fee.
Trails
The Bluebird Trail is .8 trail, on compact dirt and mowed grass.
The much larger Walnut Grove National Recreational Trail is accessible through the Bob Jones Nature Center and the Bluebird Trail. The WGNRC is 6.5 miles along Lake Grapevine. It is a shared trail for hikers, runners and equestrians. No bikes are allowed, and dogs must be kept on a leash.
Speaking of dogs, the nearby off-leash dog park, Boo Boo’s Buddies Dog Park, is a fun dog park!
Take a book to sit back and read, or pack a picnic lunch to eat along your hike!
I hadn’t packed a lunch, so we went to Lo-Lo’s Chicken and Waffles in Southlake Town Square. Sorry, not sorry. Click HERE to visit their website.
We loved our day at the BJNC!
Know Before You Go
Pets are not permitted at the Nature Center or on the trails.
Wear close-toed shoes, and remember sunscreen, bug repellent and water.
There are restrooms inside the Nature Center.
Things To Do in Southlake
Play
Marshall Creek Ranch offers horseback trail rides along Grapevine Lake. Click HERE to visit their website.
Eat
Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine is the BEST pizza you’ll ever have, and maybe the most you’ll ever spend for pizza! One set price, the pizza is served gaucho style, with them serving different, delicious varieties to you at your table! It’s worth it! Click HERE to visit their website.
Stay
Cambria Hotel Southlake DFW North has a fun pool and big patio my kids love, with games like giant Jenga and cornhole! They can never get enough cornhole! Click HERE for more information.
Bob Jones Nature Center
355 E. Bob Jones Rd., Southlake
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
Having Fun in the TEXAS Sun is on PINTEREST! Use it as a quick resource to find activities in different Texas towns! Click HERE!
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