Join us for s'mores around the campfire, stargazing, and guided night hikes into the canyon to check on our nocturnal residents. This year, we are expanding the event to two nights - join us either Friday or Saturday. We've also made improvements to the booking process, allowing participants to select which group hike to join. We've also added opportunities to join longer adult-only (18+) guided hikes. This year, we will have more adult-centric activities onsite, such as Giant Jenga, available at no extra cost.
All participants must purchase a General Admission ticket, which includes a S'more, telescope viewing, crafts and free activities. During the checkout process, you will be given options to purchase timed tickets for guided hikes and animal encounters. We are also offering a limited edition t-shirt and souvenir package for purchase. During the event, we will offer special discounts in our gift shop. All purchases support Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. We appreciate your generosity and support!
Please note that guest parking will be at Newman International Academy, located next door to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. Please program your GPS to direct you to Newman International at 1114 W. FM1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104. Look for signs directing you to the correct parking lot where our white 15-passenger Ford Econoline vans will stop to shuttle guests to the center. Vehicles with handicap placards or license plates will be accommodated at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center's parking lot at 1206 W FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104.
Due to the time needed to park, shuttle, check-in and navigate up to the building where timed activities take place or depart, arrive at the Newman parking lot at least 30 minutes prior to the reservation of any timed activity.
Children ages 2 and under do not need tickets, but may not join the adult-only guided hikes. We recommend taking very young children on earlier hikes due to darkness increasing throughout the evening.
As guided hikes fill, we will open waitlists online.
All guests participating in hikes should dress for the conditions and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Please do not bring flashlights on the hike. Trekking poles are permitted, but not necessary or required.
All timed events begin on time. Guests should time their arrival at Dogwood Canyon at least 30 minutes prior to their first timed activity. This will allow time to park next door at Newman International Academy, hop on one of our free shuttles, get checked in at the event gate/table, and make your way up to the building where the hike will depart. Keep in mind that the event ends at 9:00p and there are many activities to enjoy, so plan your arrival, departure, and any ticketed event times accordingly.
Due to the limited nature of the event, tickets are not refundable. However, we do permit the transfer of tickets. If you are unable to attend and want to transfer your tickets, please contact [email protected] no later than noon, Thursday, January 16, 2020. We cannot guarantee the transfer of tickets after that time.
Please note that this event is weather-dependent. In the event that we are experiencing heavy local precipitation at the time of your scheduled hike, the hike will be canceled. Telescope viewing is dependent on weather and sky conditions. S'mores are dependent on our ability to safely manage contained fires within the forest. Crafts and other activities may have limited resources and, therefore, are subject to depletion and availability.
If the event is canceled due to weather, please consider your ticket purchase to be a contribution to Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, a non-profit operation of National Audubon Society, Inc., federal tax ID number 13-1624102.
Please also consider making a donation at https://act.audubon.org/onlineactions/wQkATYDzQ0SoSSsQvVIjsw2.