There’s barely a smidgen of tumblin’ tumbleweeds in the streets of Dallas these days. The Big D is lined with glassy monuments to big industry. It’s sharp. It’s polished. It’s every inch the graceful southern belle with a take-no-prisoners attitude. But amid the high-energy vibe of deal-making and innovating, there’s a bit of the cowboy vibe lurking in various back-to-nature attractions close to downtown. Fortunately for you, we know a few of the city’s best kept outdoorsy activities to check out with your family the next y’all are hopping on flights to Dallas!
Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is 106 acres of educational experience for animal lovers of any age. If hand-feeding giraffes or watching elephants take a mud bath is your thing, head to the Giants of the Savanna, a multi-awarded exhibit featuring elephants, zebras, ostriches and other prairie animals in their native habitat. Chimpanzees and gorillas at the Wilds of Africa never fail to amuse with their human-like antics. Close encounters with reptiles, koalas and wallabies can be had in the ZooNorth pavilion.
Trinity Forest Aerial Adventure Park
There’s an airborne adventure brewing right off Interstate 20 about 15 minutes from downtown. It’s a canopy tour and zip line thrill with varying challenge levels. The self-guided courses are designed with nets and climbing features connected through a series of bridges and zip lines. Challenge levels are color-coded based on difficulty, height limits and age level, so you won’t have to face down fearless 10-year old Tarzan wannabes. We recommend the beginner level for your group initially. Get familiar with the obstacles that trigger an adrenaline rush. Lose yourself in a traffic-free Dallas: No deadlines; no fear, just aerial adventure.
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L.B. Houston Nature Trail
The L.B. Houston Nature Trail is a wooded path through hardwoods and native vegetation along the Elm Fork Trinity River. This is our favorite secret getaway in the middle of bustling Dallas. Access to the 10-mile trail stems from two main trailheads at each side for convenient access from any direction in the metroplex. This greenbelt includes a golf course, tennis facilities, a gun range and places to launch rented kayaks. You can’t get more Texas than that. The hiking, jogging, mountain biking trail is cool and shady even in the summer.
River Ranch at Texas Horse Park
You haven’t really been to Dallas if you haven’t been on a horse trail ride with a real-life Texas cowboy. Yes, we still have some of those dudes around at the River Ranch at Texas Horse Park. The riding trails evoke visions of the old days of yore, but the park itself is equipped to host equestrian competitions, charity events and kids’ parties. Make sure to get your own cowboy hat to wear on your shadow riding adventure and for the photo ops, of course.
White Rock Lake
White Rock Lake is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Dallas. Here we have a hiking and biking trail with areas for bird watching or just viewing the Dallas cityscape. Rent kayaks, paddle boards or find a quiet corner to contemplate the water views. For a change of pace, drop in at the Bath House Cultural Center to view the works of local artists at the White Rock Lake Museum.
Fair Park
Fair Park is home to several cultural exhibits in a complex that includes landscaped walking paths, Art Deco architecture, a planetarium and a music hall. The main attractions are the Dallas Children’s Aquarium, eight museums and the Texas Discover Garden. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, Fair Park hosts the most anticipated outdoor event every October: the Texas State Fair.
Dallas isn’t just for wheeling and dealing. It has a lot to offer if your sense of adventure goes beyond derivatives and processors. If we missed any of your personal favorites, chime in below, and tell us about your Dallas outdoor getaway.
