Texas Dino-bility Day: Celebrating Accessibility and Adventure at Dinosaur Valley State Park

A Celebration of Inclusion in the Great Outdoors

This Saturday, November 8, 2025, Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas, will transform into a haven of accessibility, discovery, and outdoor adventure during Dino-bility Day—a free, family-friendly celebration dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to explore and enjoy nature. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., visitors of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to connect with Texas’s natural beauty through adaptive activities, inclusive recreation, and community partnerships that highlight the belief that nature is for everyone.

Hosted by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in collaboration with the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, Dino-bility Day aims to break barriers to outdoor access while fostering connection, learning, and fun.

Adaptive Recreation in Action

The event will showcase an array of adaptive outdoor opportunities designed to engage all participants—whether they’re seasoned adventurers or first-time visitors to the park. Attendees can take part in accessible hiking trails and sensory-friendly programs that bring the sights and sounds of Dinosaur Valley to life. A highlight of the day will be the Bird BINGO Sensory Hike along the Monarch Trail, where guests can listen for bird calls, spot wildlife, and fill their BINGO cards in a fun and interactive way.

The Adaptive Equipment Trials will give participants the chance to test state-of-the-art mobility devices such as the motorized Action Trackchair, GRIT Freedom Chair, and Huckleberry Tandem Hiking Cart—tools that enable people of all abilities to experience nature’s beauty up close. The park’s Fishing Pond, stocked with channel catfish, invites attendees to cast a line, thanks to the support of the Texas Game Wardens Association and the TPWD Inland Fisheries team.

Hands-On Learning and Family Fun

In addition to outdoor activities, Dino-bility Day will feature a variety of interactive learning experiences. At the Dino Discovery Zone, guests can uncover fossils, learn about Texas’s prehistoric past, and create their own take-home fossil crafts. Families can also enjoy Build-a-S’more Craft sessions using repurposed materials—no campfire required—and Signs of the Wild, a hands-on exhibit teaching visitors how to identify animal tracks and clues throughout the park.

Younger visitors will find plenty to engage their imaginations, from nature crafts to educational exhibits that promote environmental stewardship and appreciation for wildlife.

Community Resources and Support

Beyond the activities, Dino-bility Day doubles as a resource fair connecting attendees with DFW-area organizations that specialize in accessibility, recreation, and community support. Exhibitors will include the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Accessibility Program, Texas Workforce Commission, Rise Adaptive Sports, Camp John Marc, Freedom in Strides Equine Therapy (complete with miniature horses), REACH, Parent 2 Parent, and Partners Resource Network. These organizations will provide information, demonstrations, and personal support for families and individuals seeking inclusive opportunities.

Accessible by Design

Accessibility lies at the heart of the event’s planning. All booths, crafts, and sensory activities will take place on the paved roadway at the park’s Blue Hole area, ensuring smooth access for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Paved parking will be available nearby with attendants on hand to assist, and restrooms, water stations, and the park store will be easily reachable. ASL interpreters, provided by the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, will be present throughout the day to ensure full participation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.

Those interested in exploring beyond the paved areas can join guided hikes on the Monarch Trail, where adaptive hiking equipment will be available for use. Depending on river conditions, attendees may also view the park’s famous dinosaur tracks from a nearby overlook.

An Invitation to All

Whether you’re a person with a disability, a caregiver, a family looking for outdoor fun, or simply someone who values inclusive recreation, Dino-bility Day promises a welcoming and inspiring experience. By bringing together organizations, families, and nature lovers from across Texas, the event underscores the message that accessibility and adventure go hand in hand.

Entry fees will be waived for all visitors on November 8. For updates and more details, visit Texas Parks & Wildlife’s event page.