Lifestyle

Take a Hike: Arlington River Legacy Science Center and Park

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Located at 703 NW Green Oaks Blvd. in Arlington, Texas, the River Legacy Living Science Center’s exhibit hall features interactive displays, live animals, a simulated river-raft ride, as well as a gift shop. Wheelchair accessible, a nominal admission, and good hours (Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) the center holds animal presentations, family activities (i.e. nature programs, kite-making, and night hikes), they also provide guided hikes on Saturdays at 10 a.m. Educational programs are also a highlight at the center, and preschoolers, teacher workshops, and school field trips can learn more about local plant life and various natural species to the area.

Take a Hike! At Arlington River Legacy Science Center and Park

Photo: Flickr/QuesterMark

Combined with that, River Legacy Park is located immediately next to the Living Science Center. They too are wheelchair accessible, and with a number of nature trails, they provide a great opportunity to get outdoors, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery along the banks of the Trinity River. This forest floodplain consists of 1,031 acres, and is Arlington’s component of a 75-mile greenbelt section and planned parkland stretching from west Fort Worth to east Dallas. Containing a hardwood forest made up of 28 species of trees, the parks entail 400 species of wildlife and 193 species of birds.

Take a Hike! At Arlington River Legacy Science Center and Park

Photo: Facebook/Vandergriff Toyota

Designed to be an urban oasis where flora and fauna could live with little disruption from the human visitors to the area that number in the hundreds, there are planned paths that allow for the pursuit of recreational activity including biking, jogging, and one of our favorite activities – picnicking. And Dallas Off-Road Bicycling Association (DORBA) has identified that the 10 miles of cross country trails in the parks are “some of the best around.” There are also nature study and bird watching opportunities that can’t otherwise be had in the immediate vicinity. As well, the park features an unparalleled children’s playground which was designed and installed in 2012. Connected to the surrounding trees, and home to a life-size T-Rex dinosaur skeleton the kids can play on. The crown jewel in the Arlington Parks system, River Legacy Park and Science Center are two great places to take a hike!