Lakeside Park Dallas is a beautifully landscaped park along Turtle Creek in Highland Park, and most people know it as the Teddy Bear Park. It is also incredibly personal to me: Harrison proposed to me here, we took our engagement photos with the bears, and now we live in the neighborhood just five minutes away.
We come here often with our own kids, and I also use Lakeside Park as a backdrop when I photograph friends and clients. There are so many different photo opportunities packed into one park that a gallery can look like it came from several locations.
It is free, it is my favorite park in Dallas, and it is absolutely worth seeing—but there are a few local rules and parking quirks you should know before you go!
Lakeside Park at a Glance
| Also known as | Teddy Bear Park or the Teddy Bear Statues in Lakeside Park |
| Official address | 4601 Lakeside Dr., Highland Park, TX 75205 |
| Location | Along Turtle Creek between Beverly Drive and Armstrong Parkway, about 10 minutes north of downtown Dallas |
| Hours | 5 a.m.–midnight; photography is permitted only from 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free street parking along Lakeside Drive; park near Lexington Avenue for the quickest walk to the bears |
| Restrooms | None |
| Dogs | Bring a leash and clean up after your dog |
| Photography | Portraits are welcome from 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m.; no props, sets, artificial lighting, drones or commercial advertising shoots |
| Best time to visit | Late March–early April for azaleas; November for fall color; weekday mornings and evenings for fewer people |
One rule that surprises almost everyone: Highland Park’s park ordinance says picnicking and eating lunch are not allowed at Lakeside Park. So if you want to abide by the rules, come for a walk and photos, then take your picnic to another nearby park. (But as a frequent visitor, I’ve seen plenty of picnics happen here!)
Teddy Bear Statues in Lakeside Park
The “Teddy Bear Park” nickname comes from a family of four granite bears on the west side of Exall Lake: one giant bear that stands about 10 feet tall and three smaller cubs that are each about four feet tall.
The sculpture is generally credited to Vermont artist Jerry “J.T.” Williams. The Harlan Crow family donated the bears in 1995, and their design was reportedly inspired by the bronze bears that once greeted shoppers at FAO Schwarz at NorthPark Center. They have been sitting beside the lake for three decades now, which feels wild when I think about all the Dallas families who have photographed different seasons of their lives here.
The bears only occupy one small corner of the park. From Lakeside Drive, walk across the wooden pedestrian bridge over the dam. Once you reach the west side of the lake, look to the right and follow the path into the Teddy Bear Garden. The newer paved access and landscaping make them much easier to find than they used to be.
Can Kids Climb the Teddy Bears?
My kids have absolutely climbed into the bears’ laps, and you will see plenty of old photos of children doing the same. However, Highland Park’s current photography policy asks visitors not to climb on sculptures, rocks, trees or other park features. So while the bears are very tempting, the rule now is to keep kids beside them rather than on top of them.
What Else Is at Lakeside Park?
The bears get nearly all of the attention online, but they are only one reason I love this park. Lakeside Park covers more than 14 acres along Turtle Creek, and each little section feels different.
The Lake
Exall Lake is the heart of Lakeside Park. On a still day, the huge trees reflect in the water, and in spring, flowers add pops of pink and white around all that green. We also regularly see ducks, turtles, fish and large wading birds along the shoreline.
The areas beside the lake are some of my favorite places for family and engagement photos. The water creates a beautiful backdrop, while the surrounding trees give you soft greenery and more shade than you will find near the teddy bears.
The Pedestrian Bridge
The wooden pedestrian bridge crosses directly above the historic Exall Dam and gives you beautiful views of the lake on one side and the waterfall on the other. You will also cross this bridge when walking from Lakeside Drive to the Teddy Bear Garden.
The bridge is another one of my favorite photo backdrops. Its railings create pretty leading lines, and you can capture the water and trees behind your subject without walking far from the other photography spots in the park.
The Dam and My Favorite Hidden Spot
My actual favorite place in Lakeside Park—besides the bears—is down by the manmade waterfall created by the dam. South of the bridge, there is a wooded area where we have made our way down to the rocks beside the creek in the past. It feels completely different from the manicured lawn above.
You will sometimes see people fishing down there, and the view of the falling water is so peaceful. It is a true little hidden corner of the neighborhood and one of those places that makes it hard to believe you are still in Dallas.
I would not take young kids down there—or treat this as an official trail recommendation. There is no designated path to the rocks, the terrain can be uneven and slippery and the current park rules prohibit climbing on rocks. You can still see the waterfall safely from the designated path and railing above.
The Gardens and Landscaping
The rest of Lakeside Park is made up of winding paths, benches, huge trees and beautifully maintained landscaping. The contrast is what gives photographers so much to work with: polished bridge photos, soft greenery, open water, flowers and slightly moodier wooded areas all in one session.
The park closed during 2023 and 2024 for major improvements and officially reopened in July 2024. According to the Town’s project page, the work addressed grading and drainage, replaced deteriorating sidewalks and bench pads, rehabilitated landscaping and added an ADA-accessible route near the Teddy Bear Garden.
Wildlife Around the Lake
We regularly see ducks, turtles, fish and large wading birds around the water. Depending on the day, that might mean an egret or heron standing completely still along the shore. The wildlife is part of the charm, but give the animals space and do not chase or feed them.
The Homes Along Lakeside Drive
Even the drive to the park is beautiful. Lakeside Drive is lined with some of Highland Park’s most impressive homes and manicured lawns. Across the lake, you will also catch glimpses of private estates that look like they belong in the English countryside. Admire them from the public paths and remember that the homes, lawns and Dallas Country Club grounds are private—so we common folk will keep to the park!
Where to Park and How to Find the Bears
Put 4601 Lakeside Drive, Highland Park, TX 75205 into your map. That is the official park address and the most reliable destination for the park itself. Some social posts use 11 Willowood Street because that pin sits across the lake from the bears, but it can lead visitors toward a residential area and makes parking more confusing.
For the quickest route to the Teddy Bear Garden, look for free street parking along Lakeside Drive near Lexington Avenue. Walk toward the lake, cross the wooden pedestrian bridge and turn right after you reach the other side. The bears are tucked just beyond the bridge.
Parking is usually easy on a normal weekday because this is, first and foremost, a neighborhood park. Spring weekends and fall family-photo season are busier. Always check posted signs and be especially considerate of the people who live here.
The Best Time to Visit Lakeside Park
Because we live five minutes away, I have seen Lakeside Park in just about every season and type of light. It is pretty year-round, but the experience changes quite a bit:
- Late March through early April: This is the best window for azaleas and spring flowers. The exact peak shifts with Dallas weather, so watch local blooms rather than relying on one fixed date.
- April and May: Everything is green, and the temperatures are usually much more pleasant than summer.
- Summer: Go early. There is shade around much of the park, but the bear area can feel hot and exposed in the middle of the day.
- October and November: Cooler weather and softer light make this the busiest family-photo season. Fall color is usually better in November than October.
- Winter: The park is quieter, and mild Dallas days can still be lovely even without the spring flowers.
For photos, weekday evenings are my favorite. Golden hour gives the water and trees a soft glow, but remember that Highland Park only allows photography until 7 p.m. That means summer “golden hour” may technically extend later than the permitted photography window.
Lakeside Park Photos, Engagement Sessions and Proposals
I have photographed my kids, friends, and clients at Lakeside Park for years, and I have never needed a photography permit or been asked for one. The Town’s current photography policy specifically says professional portraits and personal keepsake photography are welcome, which includes the kind of family and engagement sessions you commonly see here.
There are still important limits. Photography is allowed only from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. You cannot use sets, furniture, backdrops, artificial lights or drones, and you need to keep paths open and stay out of landscaping and water features. Commercial shoots involving advertising, merchandising or product placement are not allowed. If your project falls outside a normal portrait session, contact the Town of Highland Park Parks Department before planning it.
Our Lakeside Park Proposal
Harrison proposed to me here one afternoon during Thanksgiving break while I was visiting Dallas during my senior year of college. Afterward, we took engagement photos with the giant bears.
Now we live five minutes away and bring our own children here. There is something really sweet about watching them explore the same park where one of the biggest chapters of our life began.
If you are planning your own proposal, the bridge and the quieter paths beside the lake feel more romantic than the bear garden itself. My two cents: keep it simple and skip elaborate setups, since props and staged installations are not allowed. For a wedding ceremony or anything involving chairs, decor or a group, contact the Town before making plans rather than assuming the public park can be reserved!
My Favorite Lakeside Park Photo Locations
- The teddy bears: The obvious choice for playful family photos and a uniquely Dallas backdrop.
- The pedestrian bridge: Great leading lines, pretty railings and water in both directions.
- The trees beside the lake: Soft, classic greenery that works especially well for family portraits.
- The flowering areas: Best during the short spring azalea window.
- The dam and wooded paths: Moodier and more natural-looking, but stay on the public path and designated viewing areas.
Is Lakeside Park Worth Visiting?
Yes—Lakeside Park is worth visiting if you want a beautiful, free and very local-feeling place in Dallas. Give yourself 30 minutes to see the bears and bridge or about an hour to walk the lake and explore the different sections.
I would not build an entire Dallas vacation around this one park, but I would absolutely add it if you are already exploring Highland Park, visiting NorthPark Center or walking the parks along Turtle Creek. It is also one of the best quick stops for families, couples and photographers because you get so many different scenes in a compact area.
And to avoid a very easy mix-up: this is Lakeside Park in Highland Park near central Dallas, not Lakeside Park in Duncanville.
More Parks Near Lakeside Park
- Turtle Creek Park and Trail: Follow the chain of creekside parks south toward Arlington Hall and Reverchon Park.
- Flippen Park: A tiny, gorgeous Highland Park garden with a gazebo and fountain, about a four-minute drive away.
- Davis Park: A peaceful stretch of Turtle Creek with stone paths and a nearby playground.
- Connor Park: Look for the circular drain that creates a surprisingly pretty waterfall effect (pictured above!)
- Katy Trail: A busier urban walking and running trail that connects near Reverchon Park farther south.
Lakeside Park Dallas FAQ
What Is Lakeside Park in Dallas?
Lakeside Park is a free, 14-plus-acre landscaped park along Turtle Creek in Highland Park. It has Exall Lake, a pedestrian bridge over the dam, walking paths, gardens, benches and the giant granite teddy bear statues that gave it the nickname Teddy Bear Park.
Is Teddy Bear Park Dallas Free?
Yes. Lakeside Park and the Teddy Bear Garden are free to visit, and street parking is also free. No ticket or reservation is needed for an ordinary visit.
Where Is the Teddy Bear Garden in Dallas?
The Teddy Bear Garden is inside Lakeside Park at 4601 Lakeside Drive in Highland Park. Park near Lexington Avenue, cross the wooden pedestrian bridge and turn right after reaching the west side of the lake.
Is Lakeside Park in Dallas or Highland Park?
Lakeside Park is officially in the Town of Highland Park, an independent municipality surrounded by Dallas. That is why people call it Lakeside Park Dallas even though the address and park rules belong to Highland Park.
Are There Restrooms at Lakeside Park?
No, Lakeside Park does not have public restrooms. Plan before you arrive, especially if you are bringing young children or staying for a photo session.
Can You Fish at Lakeside Park?
Fishing is allowed only with a permit issued through the Town of Highland Park. The park ordinance says resident permits are free and lists a $5 annual permit for nonresidents. Anglers may use no more than two poles, and trotlines are prohibited.
Can You Have a Picnic at Lakeside Park?
No. Although many older guides recommend bringing a picnic, the Town of Highland Park ordinance specifically prohibits picnicking or eating lunch at Lakeside Park.
Lakeside Park Dallas Guide: Conclusion
Lakeside Park has been part of our story for years—from our engagement photos to ordinary neighborhood walks with our kids—and I still think it is the prettiest park in Dallas. The bears might be what bring you here, but make time for the bridge, the lake, and the quieter paths too.
For more ideas nearby, read my guide to Turtle Creek Park and the trail or see six Dallas parks that feel like you have left the city.
Happy exploring,
Jasmine
