Just an hour southwest of Fort Worth, the little town of Glen Rose has some major attractions, being the Dinosaur Capital of Texas! People come to see the dinosaur tracks in the river at Dinosaur Valley State Park, take a drive through Fossil Rim Wildlife Center to see exotic animals from around the world, or enjoy a day learning at little more about the huge dinosaur behemoths at Dinosaur World, but one of the most fun activities is FREE, a visit to Big Rocks Park! This fun river park has a nice swimming area, as well as plenty of room to just get out and splash in the river!
The park sits on the clear Paluxy River, which flows down from Dinosaur Valley State Park.
Parking is available in the parking lot off Barnard, or you can park at Heritage Park and walk down the Riverwalk to Big Rocks Park.
A small dam impounds the Paluxy, making a nice swimming area or place to fish. Known as Glen Rose Town Lake, each winter the lake is stocked with rainbow trout.
Below the dam the water is shallow, great for wading and playing in the water.
Bring a tube to ride down the dam, my kids just did it on their bottoms, and still had a great time! Obviously, you shouldn’t play on the weir (small dam) if the river current is strong or running over the weir.
Above the dam, the water is deeper and great for swimming! Bring a tube to float or let the kids enjoy the rope swing! A rope swing should be a part of every kids summer!
One of the great features of the park are the Big Rocks, for which the park gets it’s name! You can run around the rocks and through them!
Know Before You Go
Parking is FREE.
Big Rocks Park is a day use only park. Hours are 8am – 10pm.
Bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic tables, on the rocks, or under the trees.
There’s not a lot of shade, but pop-up type canopies are allowed.
Wear shoes on the rocks, they get hot during the summer.
The rocks in the water are slippery, bring water shoes.
The restrooms at the park are only open during the summer, but Oakdale Park across the street has public restrooms.
More Things To Do in Glen Rose
Play
Dinosaur Valley State Park draws visitors from all over the state, and beyond, to see the real dinosaurs tracks that line the Paluxy River! The park also offers camping, hiking and much more!
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a drive-thru animal safari, where antelope, red deer, zebras and even giraffes come right up to your car!
The Promise is a huge outdoor musical following the life of Jesus Christ, and runs Friday and Saturday evenings in September and October.
Eat
You and your kids will love Storiebook Cafe!
Sleep
Anderson Creek Cabins offers 4 cute little cottages on the creek.
Big Rocks Park
1014 SW Barnard, Glen Rose
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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