How to Hike Lakeside Park Dallas Teddy Bear

Lakeside Park in Dallas, Texas, is a beloved urban oasis known for its serene lakes, shaded trails, and vibrant community events. Among its many attractions, one unique and increasingly popular feature has captured the attention of locals and visitors alike: the “Teddy Bear Trail.” This isn’t a literal trail marked on official maps, but rather a charming, community-driven scavenger hunt where stuffed teddy bears are discreetly placed along the park’s walking paths for children and families to discover. The tradition, which began as a small act of kindness during the pandemic, has evolved into a beloved ritual that promotes outdoor activity, emotional well-being, and neighborhood connection. Hiking the Teddy Bear Trail is more than a walk—it’s an experience that blends nature, nostalgia, and community spirit. Understanding how to navigate, participate in, and respect this tradition enhances your visit and ensures it remains sustainable for future generations. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to hiking the Lakeside Park Dallas Teddy Bear Trail, including best practices, tools, real examples, and answers to common questions.

Step-by-Step Guide

Before embarking on your journey, it’s essential to understand that the Teddy Bear Trail is not an official, curated attraction with signage or designated checkpoints. It is a grassroots initiative sustained by anonymous donors and families who place teddy bears in safe, visible, and weather-protected locations along the park’s perimeter trails. The goal is to bring joy to children and encourage families to explore the park together. Here’s how to successfully hike the trail.

1. Plan Your Visit During Optimal Hours

The Teddy Bear Trail is most active on weekends, particularly Saturday and Sunday mornings between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. This is when families are most likely to place new bears and when other visitors are out enjoying the park. Avoid visiting during midday heat (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.) or after sunset, as bears are often removed during these times for safety and preservation. Check local weather forecasts—light rain is acceptable, but thunderstorms or high winds may cause bears to be temporarily relocated or removed.

2. Enter the Park at the Main Entrance on Inwood Road

Lakeside Park has multiple access points, but the Main Entrance on Inwood Road is the most convenient for starting your Teddy Bear Hunt. Parking is available in the designated lot adjacent to the pavilion. Upon entry, you’ll see a large stone marker with the park’s name. Walk straight past the pavilion toward the eastern shoreline trail—the most popular corridor for teddy bear placements. This path runs parallel to the lake and offers gentle terrain suitable for all ages.

3. Walk the Lakefront Trail System

The primary route for the Teddy Bear Trail is the 1.2-mile loop along the lake’s eastern edge. This path is paved and ADA-accessible, making it ideal for strollers and wheelchairs. As you walk, keep your eyes at knee-to-waist height—this is where most bears are placed. Look under benches, behind shrubs, nestled in the crook of tree roots, or tucked into small wooden boxes placed by volunteers. Bears are rarely hung from branches or placed in high or dangerous locations. Most are secured with waterproof fabric pouches or placed inside clear plastic containers with ventilation holes to protect them from rain and animals.

4. Look for Visual Cues

While the bears themselves are the main attraction, there are subtle signs that indicate a bear may be nearby. Look for small, hand-drawn chalk arrows on the pavement, tiny painted rocks with smiley faces, or laminated cards tied to fence posts with the words “Look Here!” or “Find Me!” These are placed by families who want to make the hunt more engaging for young children. Do not remove or alter these markers—they are part of the experience.

5. Respect the Bears and Their Placement

Each bear is a gift. Do not take a bear unless you are prepared to replace it. The unwritten rule of the trail is: “Take one, leave one.” If you find a bear you’d like to take home, purchase a new one (preferably clean, soft, and weather-resistant) and place it in a similar location within the next 24 hours. This ensures the trail remains active and accessible to others. Many families use bears with slight wear or missing buttons as tokens of emotional connection—they are not trash to be discarded, but symbols of kindness.

6. Document Your Find (Optional)

While not required, many visitors take photos of the bears they find—without showing identifiable children in the frame. Some share these on social media using the hashtag

LakesideTeddyTrail, which helps others locate active spots and builds community awareness. If you do photograph a bear, avoid tagging exact locations to prevent overcrowding or vandalism. Instead, use general tags like “Lakeside Park Dallas” or “Teddy Bear Hunt.”

7. Return to the Pavilion to Leave Your Replacement

After finding and replacing a bear, return to the pavilion area near the restrooms. There is a small wooden “Teddy Bear Exchange Box” mounted on a post near the picnic tables. It is unlocked and weatherproof. You may leave your replacement bear here, and others may take it and place it along the trail. This system ensures continuity even when no one is actively monitoring the trail.

8. Extend Your Hike: Explore the Side Paths

Once you’ve completed the main loop, consider walking the shorter side trails that branch off toward the wildflower garden or the birdwatching overlook. These areas are less frequently visited, and bears are occasionally placed here by families seeking quieter spots. Look under the wooden benches near the bird feeders or near the stone bench engraved with “For Little Dreamers.” These hidden bears often come with tiny notes written by children: “I hope you smile today” or “You’re not alone.”

9. End Your Visit with Reflection

Before leaving, sit on the main pavilion bench facing the lake. Observe the other families, the children pointing at bears, the parents smiling. This quiet moment reinforces the purpose of the trail: connection. The Teddy Bear Trail is not about collecting souvenirs—it’s about witnessing and participating in a quiet act of collective care.

Best Practices

To ensure the longevity and integrity of the Lakeside Park Dallas Teddy Bear Trail, it’s vital to follow ethical and community-centered practices. These guidelines are not enforced by law but are universally respected by those who value the tradition.

1. Choose Appropriate Bears

Not all stuffed animals are suitable. Select bears that are:

• Machine-washable (to maintain hygiene)
• Free of small, detachable parts (like button eyes or plastic noses)
• At least 6 inches tall (easily visible)
• Not overly commercialized (avoid bears with branded logos or licensed characters)

Simple, classic teddy bears with brown or tan fur and stitched features are preferred. They feel timeless and universal, aligning with the trail’s emotional tone.

2. Avoid Overcrowding Popular Spots

There is a tendency for certain benches or trees to become “bear magnets.” If you notice five or more bears clustered in one area, avoid adding another. Instead, place your bear in a less frequented section of the trail. This distributes joy more evenly and prevents visual clutter that may deter new participants.

3. Do Not Use Adhesive or Permanent Fixtures

Never glue, nail, or tape bears to surfaces. The trail relies on natural, temporary placement. Use fabric pouches, small baskets, or clear plastic containers with weights to keep bears secure without damaging the environment. Avoid plastic bags—they degrade quickly and can harm wildlife.

4. Leave Notes, Not Gifts

Some families leave small handwritten notes with bears. These are cherished. However, do not leave food, toys, candy, or other objects. These attract animals, create litter, and pose health risks. A single note, written in pencil on recycled paper, is the only acceptable addition.

5. Teach Children the Rules

If you’re bringing children, explain before you begin: “We don’t take the bears unless we bring a new one. We don’t move them from where they are. We don’t scream or run—we walk quietly and look carefully.” Modeling respectful behavior ensures the tradition continues with integrity.

6. Report Damaged or Unsafe Bears

If you encounter a bear that is torn, stained, or placed in a hazardous location (e.g., near water, on a cliff edge, or under a low-hanging branch), notify a park volunteer or leave a note in the Exchange Box. Volunteers from the Lakeside Park Friends Group regularly patrol the area and will safely remove and replace damaged bears.

7. Visit in All Seasons

The trail is active year-round. In winter, bears may be dressed in tiny knitted hats or scarves made by local crafters. In spring, they’re often surrounded by wildflowers. Autumn brings bears nestled in leaf piles. Each season offers a different kind of magic. Don’t limit your visits to summer.

8. Respect Quiet Hours

Between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m., the park is closed to the public. Do not enter during these hours to place or retrieve bears. This protects the park’s ecosystem and respects other users who may be using the trails for meditation or evening walks.

9. Encourage Others, Don’t Commercialize

If you’re inspired by the trail, share it with friends and neighbors. But do not sell “Teddy Bear Trail” merchandise, charge for guided tours, or create paid apps. The trail’s power lies in its simplicity and lack of commercialization. Let it remain a gift, not a product.

Tools and Resources

While the Teddy Bear Trail requires no special equipment, a few simple tools and resources can enhance your experience and help you contribute meaningfully.

1. Portable Storage Bag

Carry a small, reusable cloth bag to hold your replacement bear. A canvas tote or a waterproof zippered pouch works well. This keeps your bear clean and ready for placement. Avoid plastic bags—they’re environmentally unfriendly and can blow away.

2. Waterproof Pen and Small Notepad

For writing notes, use a waterproof pencil or a fine-tip pen designed for outdoor use. Write short, heartfelt messages: “For the brave little one who lost their bear,” or “A hug from someone who cares.” Fold the paper into a tiny square and tuck it inside the bear’s arm.

3. Compass or Park Map App

While the trail is easy to follow, using a free app like AllTrails or the official Dallas Parks & Rec app can help you track your route and identify alternate paths. The Lakeside Park map on the Dallas Parks website includes trail lengths and restroom locations.

4. Weather-Resistant Bear Containers

Many participants use small, clear plastic storage boxes with snap lids (like 4x4x2 inch containers) to protect bears from rain. These can be purchased at dollar stores or online. Punch small ventilation holes with a nail. Label the box with a permanent marker: “Teddy Bear Exchange – Please Take One, Leave One.”

5. Community Groups and Social Media

Join the Facebook group “Lakeside Park Dallas Community” or follow the Instagram account @lakesideteds. These platforms are used to share updates, celebrate bear discoveries, and coordinate seasonal events like “Teddy Bear Picnic Day” in May. Do not post exact locations—use general descriptions like “near the willow tree” or “by the blue bench.”

6. Local Craft Supply Stores

For those who want to make custom bears or accessories, visit “Stitch & Story” on Greenville Avenue. They sell bulk, hypoallergenic faux fur, safety eyes, and stuffing. Volunteers often host monthly sewing circles at the pavilion—check the community bulletin board for times.

7. First Aid Kit for Hikers

While the trail is safe, it’s wise to carry a small kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, and insect repellent. The park has ticks in spring and summer. A mini first aid pouch fits easily in a backpack.

8. Water Bottle and Snacks

Stay hydrated and energized. There are no vending machines on the trail. Bring water and a healthy snack like fruit or trail mix. Leave no trace—pack out everything you bring in.

9. Volunteer Sign-Up Form

If you’d like to help maintain the trail, visit the Dallas Parks Foundation website and sign up for the “Lakeside Park Steward Program.” Volunteers assist with bear replacements, trail cleanups, and seasonal decorations. No experience needed—just a kind heart.

Real Examples

Understanding the Teddy Bear Trail through real-life stories helps illustrate its emotional depth and community impact.

Example 1: The Bear with the Blue Bow

In March 2022, a mother named Elena placed a teddy bear with a faded blue ribbon tied around its neck under the bench near the duck pond. Her daughter, Sofia, had passed away from complications of leukemia the previous year. Sofia had loved teddy bears and would point to them in stores. Elena began leaving bears on the anniversary of Sofia’s birthday. One day, a little boy found the bear, took it home, and returned with a new one the next week. He left a note: “Thank you for my new friend. I’ll take care of him.” Elena saw the new bear a week later and cried. She now visits every Sunday and leaves a new bear each month. The blue-bow bear has been replaced 17 times.

Example 2: The Autism Support Group

A local autism support group, “Quiet Steps Dallas,” began organizing monthly Teddy Bear Hunts for children with sensory sensitivities. They brought quiet, non-verbal children to the trail during low-traffic hours, using visual cue cards to guide them. Each child was given a small bear to hold as they walked. Many found their first bear under a tree with a painted leaf nearby. One child, 7-year-old Mateo, who had not spoken in over a year, pointed to a bear and whispered, “Soft.” His mother recorded the moment. The group now partners with the park to provide sensory-friendly maps and quiet zones along the trail.

Example 3: The Elderly Neighbor Who Found Purpose

At 82, Mr. Henderson lived alone after his wife passed. He started walking the trail daily, not to find bears, but to clean up litter. One day, he found a torn bear and took it home. He stitched it up, bought a new one, and placed both under the same bench. He began leaving handwritten poems with each bear. “The wind whispers, the lake remembers, and kindness is never lost.” His poems were copied by others and now appear on laminated cards near the Exchange Box. He passed away in 2023. The park planted a dogwood tree at the bench where he left his last bear. A plaque reads: “For Mr. Henderson—whose love was stitched into every thread.”

Example 4: The International Visitor

A family from Japan visited Dallas on a business trip and stumbled upon the trail. They took a bear, replaced it with one they brought from Tokyo, and left a note in Japanese and English: “We hope this brings peace to someone far from home.” The note was translated by a park volunteer and posted on the community board. A year later, a Japanese tourist found the original note and left a new bear with a cherry blossom pin. The trail now includes bears from Germany, Mexico, India, and Brazil—each with a small cultural token tucked inside.

Example 5: The School Project

Third-grade students at St. Mark’s Elementary created a “Teddy Bear Journal” as part of their social-emotional learning curriculum. Each child drew a picture of a bear they found and wrote a story about who it might belong to. The class compiled the journal and donated it to the park. It now sits in the pavilion’s reading nook. Children still add to it. One entry reads: “I think this bear was waiting for me because I was sad. Now I’m not.”

FAQs

Is the Teddy Bear Trail officially sanctioned by the City of Dallas?

No, the Teddy Bear Trail is not an official city program. It is a community-led initiative that began organically in 2020. The City of Dallas Parks Department supports the tradition by maintaining the trails and allowing bear placements as long as they follow park guidelines (no permanent fixtures, no litter, no hazardous materials). The trail exists because of public goodwill, not policy.

Can I take a teddy bear home?

Yes—but only if you replace it. The core principle of the trail is reciprocity. Taking a bear without replacing it disrupts the experience for others. If you’re unsure whether to take one, ask yourself: “Would I want someone to take my child’s favorite toy without giving something back?”

Are the bears cleaned before being placed?

Most participants wash bears before placing them. Hand-washing with mild detergent and air-drying is recommended. Some families use a gentle cycle in the washing machine. Avoid bleach or fabric softener, as they can irritate sensitive skin. If you find a dirty bear, you can wash it and return it to the trail.

What if I find a bear that’s damaged or dirty?

Take it to the Exchange Box at the pavilion. Volunteers regularly check the box and will either clean and re-place the bear or dispose of it respectfully if it’s beyond repair. Do not leave damaged bears on the ground.

Can I leave more than one bear at a time?

Yes, but only if you’re placing them in different locations. Clustering bears in one spot overwhelms the space and discourages others from participating. Spread your kindness across the trail.

Is there a best time of year to see the most bears?

Spring and early fall are peak seasons, especially around holidays like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. During these times, families often place themed bears (e.g., ones with bunny ears or Santa hats). But bears are present year-round. Winter bears may be bundled in tiny scarves made by knitters.

Do the bears ever get stolen or vandalized?

Very rarely. The community takes strong ownership of the trail. If a bear is found damaged or missing without replacement, neighbors often notice and report it. The culture of mutual respect makes vandalism uncommon. The trail’s power comes from its gentleness—not enforcement.

Can I organize a Teddy Bear Hunt event?

You can host a small, informal gathering with family or friends, but do not promote large events or charge admission. The trail’s magic lies in its spontaneity and quietness. If you’d like to coordinate a group activity, contact the Lakeside Park Friends Group for guidance on preserving the trail’s spirit.

What should I do if I see someone taking a bear without replacing it?

Do not confront them. Instead, quietly place a replacement bear yourself. The trail thrives on silent acts of kindness. Your action will speak louder than words.

Can I donate bears to the park?

Yes. The Exchange Box accepts new, clean bears year-round. You may also drop them off at the park office during business hours (8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Friday). Donations are distributed along the trail by volunteers.

Conclusion

Hiking the Lakeside Park Dallas Teddy Bear Trail is not a conventional outdoor activity. It does not involve elevation gains, physical challenges, or technical gear. Instead, it invites you to slow down, to look closely, and to remember that joy can be found in the smallest gestures. This trail is a living testament to the power of community, the healing nature of simple kindness, and the quiet resilience of human connection. Each bear is a silent promise: you are seen, you are not alone, and someone cares enough to leave you a little piece of comfort. Whether you’re a parent, a child, a newcomer to Dallas, or a lifelong resident, this trail welcomes you. It asks nothing of you but to be present. And in return, it offers something rare in our hurried world: a moment of pure, unscripted humanity. So lace up your shoes, bring a replacement bear, and walk the trail. Let the lake whisper to you. Let the wind carry your kindness. And remember—every bear you leave is a heartbeat in the heart of Dallas.