Private Group Tour Planner
Welcome to the exciting educational programs offered by the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge (FWNC&R)!
Established in 1964, FWNC&R is a city facility dedicated to enhance the quality of life by enrolling and educating our community in the preservation and protection of natural areas while standing as an example of these same principles and values in North Central Texas.
PROGRAMS
The FWNC&R offers a wide variety of educational activities, hands-on experiences, and entertaining tours focusing on the interrelationships of plants, animals and people to their environment. To learn more about the FWNC&R’s programs, click on a side link. If interested, programs may be combined or tailored to specific topics for a specialized experience for your group. Let us design a customized program for your group. We also offer night hikes, birthday parties, scout programs, career presentations, service projects, and bus tours.
In addition, please contact the Nature Center for availability of tours conducted in Spanish or for Special Needs
Scheduling a Group Tour
Private programs are available seven days a week between 9:00am – 3:00pm. The FWNC&R is open to the public for self-guided tours during our standard hours of operations:
Winter Hours (Oct – April)
Sunday – Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00pm
Summer Hours (May – Sept)
Sunday – Saturday 7:00am – 5:00pm
Call 817-392-7410 for more information, otherwise complete the Group Tour/Group Reservation Form and send it to naturecenter@fortworthtexas.gov.
Due to high demand and preparation required for our programs, reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance. A deposit may be required. Check the link for specific tour information.
Note: Each reservation requires a minimum of 10 participants. Groups with more than 60 participants require special arrangements. Please call the Hardwicke Interpretive Center at 817-392-7410 for details.
Confirmation
A packet will be sent, upon receipt of request form, confirming your reservation, outlining the due date of your deposit (if not made at the time of booking), behavior guidelines, parking instructions.
Group coordinators must notify the FWNC&R one week in advance of a scheduled tour to confirm the final number of participants (head count), via email at naturecenter@fortworthtexas.gov or phone call 817-392-7410. Exact head count is important in order to determine final fees and provide proper staffing. We are unable to reimburse fee for fewer participants after the required head count date or on the day of the program.
Payments
Program costs vary, but all program fees include general admission. See the link to the various tours or call for cost information. A deposit may be required to lock in the booking date of your group tour and will come off the balance due on the total tour cost (due on tour date). Please make check out to City of Fort Worth. Credit and debit card payments can be taken over the phone.
Cancellations & Refunds
Cancellations must be made 72 hours in advance of the scheduled private tour to receive a refund. Tours are held rain or shine, in the event of inclement weather, tours will be modified or alternative activities will be provided inside as space allows. If the Nature Center cancels a tour, every effort will be made to reschedule or a refund will be provided. No refunds will be made on absentee children. No other refunds or credits will be issued.
General Guidelines
- Chaperones:
We allow 2 chaperone/parent per 10 students. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior and discipline of their group. - Dress for th Weather:
Long pants and closed toed shoes. - Arrive on time:
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before tour begins. - Water:
It is recommended that all particpants carry water. - Repellents & Sunscreen
Mosquitoes often enjoy tasty nature center visitors. Bring insect repellent. The Texas sun is strong! Wear sunscreen and/or hat. - Lunches:
The FWNC&R provides areas with tables and benches for visitors. Please notify us when you make your reservation if you plan to eat here. We recommend the Marsha Boardwalk Pavilion and Amphitheatre for groups. Please bring garbage bags for your trash. There is a dumpster located in the Hardwicke Interpretive Center parking lot for disposal. - Special Needs:
The FWNC&R site and programming may present difficulties for individuals with certain limitations. The FWNC&R makes every effort to serve participants with special needs. The Hardwicke Interpretive Center, Marsh Boardwalk and Limestone Ledge trail are wheelchair accessible; the rest of the trails are not. Please discuss any special needs your group may have with a FWNC&R staff member at the time of your reservation request.
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge staff and volunteers make every effort to keep private tours as fun and safe as possible, but potential hazards may arise. By taking a tour or participating in any other Nature Center activities, participants agree to hold Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge harmless for any injuries or damage that may arise.