There are certain times of the year when Dallas/Fort Worth shines in all its natural beauty. While fall has its moments, spring definitely wins the beauty contest year after year. Around Collin County especially, there many places you can see your favorite Texas wildflowers, such as bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, poppies, and planted varieties like tulips and roses.
>> RELATED READ :: Best Bluebonnet Patches in North Texas <<
Since Texas wildflowers bloom at different times of the year, I’ve sorted this list by the month they are most plentiful in North Texas. I hope this roundup of my favorite places to see wildflowers in Collin County helps you you branch out to see more wild blooms here and in the surrounding area.
March :: Tulips, Laurels, Cherry Blossoms
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Dallas :: Again, not Collin County, but the sheer amount of tulips you’ll find at the Arboretum in March means it has to hold a spot on this list. In addition to tulips, you’ll find my favorite flowering trees at the Dallas Arboretum this month, mainly the Texas redbuds, dogwood, Texas mountain laurel, and even cherry blossoms! Admission is $13 for children ages 2-12, and $22 for adults. Check out its calendar before you go for some incredible opportunities for the family and even your pets!
Texas Tulips in Pilot Point :: Okay, while this first one isn’t technically in Collin County, it’s close enough to warrant a spot on this list. As the name suggests, you can find beautiful tulip varieties for sale at this Pilot Point farm. Admission is a minimal $6, and flowers are available for purchase at $2.50 each. These flowers are in bloom from late February to early April. 
April :: Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes
Beginning in early April, but in full-force by mid- to late April, you will find bluebonnets throughout North Dallas. Beal Media has a terrific round-up you can peruse (click here to see the whole list), but here are three of my favorites in the Collin County area:
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano :: Along with wildflowers, this preserve offers walking trails, too. The area gets quite busy on the weekends because it is so beautiful, but if you’re willing to risk the crowds, it is worth it. It also has a playground and — get ready for it — bathrooms open year-round!
>> RELATED READ :: Inexpensive Picture Perfect Family Photos <<
Coppell Nature Park in Coppell :: Another nature preserve, Coppell Nature Park is host to a plethora of wildflowers along with a shallow stream for kids to play in. Near the entrance are bathrooms, an enclosed garden fountain with a sitting area, as well as a sports complex.
Freedom Meadow at the Warren Sports Complex in Frisco :: This park includes a fish-filled pond, tennis, basketball, baseball, and soccer fields as well as a playground for the littles and a bathroom. If you come towards the start of May, you’ll find Mexican hat flowers, too!
Mary Heads Carter Park in Carrollton :: Frolic through the open fields, feed the turtles and fish in the stream, and play on the inclusive playground. It also has a pavilion and bathroom — can you tell I’m big on restroom access? — life of a mom!
Meyers Park in McKinney :: This open park boasts a gorgeous, little pond and is right next to the Collin County Farming Museum. Across the street, find the Wayback Barn where the family can play after looking at flowers, and use the bathroom, of course.
In addition to bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush flowers tend to flourish this time of year. See these dazzling reds in the wild at these Collin County locales:
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney :: Find Indian paintbrushes, milkweeds, Texas dutchman’s pipe, and more. The flowers start to bloom in April, but in May, they are in full force! The museum sports live animal exhibits as well as a pioneer village for the kids to play pretend. Bonus: In mid-April, you can purchase native plants and flowers for your own home in the annual spring native plant sale. Admission is $9 for children ages three and up, and $12 for adults.
>> RELATED READ :: 10 Tips to Help Kids Cope with Seasonal Allergies in North Texas <<
May :: Poppies, Larkspur, Roses, and Crape Myrtles
Claiming May as springtime is a bit of a stretch depending on the year, but if you haven’t visited the following places yet, you are in for a floral treat:
Crowley Park in Richardson :: Every fall, the city of Richardson sows a variety of wildflowers throughout their parks. Crowley Park is one of my favorite spots to see wildflowers in full bloom as it typically sports the biggest flowerbeds. The park also has two playgrounds and a stream that my kids love to poke around in.
>> RELATED READ :: 9 Family-Friendly Farms and Petting Zoos in North Texas <<
Green Valley Gardens in Aubrey :: This petite wildflower garden is a pick-your-own farm that boasts colorful florals from the first of May to the first frost in October or November. Fill a 20-ounce paper cup with as many flowers as you like for only $30 (instead of paying per flower stem). For a little extra, you can opt to bring your flowers home in one of the assorted vases for sale.
The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch in Farmers Branch :: If roses are your flower of choice, this is the place for you. A beautifully manicured garden, this gem is home to more than 500 varieties. Connected to the garden, you will also find a playground, tennis court, and bathroom.
World Collection Park in McKinney :: Beginning late May, you’ll see the biggest variety of crape myrtles in the area begin to bloom. However, if you’d prefer to check out these trees from the comfort of your car, you can download a printable driving tour of the crape myrtle trail here.
If you’d like to learn more about the flowers you’ll see at all the locations above, check out the Dallas Arboretum website where they share more info about the plants growing each season in their gardens. You can also visit the Texas Highways website. Happy Spring!
