Take a D-Tour

Kids (and those young at heart!) looking to add adventure to their trip to Dallas will feel right at home at Trinity Forest Adventure Park. The park offers a variety of excursions depending on experience, making it an easy choice for families who are looking to add an outdoor activity.

Nestled in the Great Trinity Forest, a few miles south of Downtown, the Trinity River Audubon Center is the perfect place for amateur and lifelong nature lovers. The center's 100+ acres make it an ideal location to enjoy nature safely. Bird lovers will especially be fond of the variety of species found. Sean Fitzgerald Photo

Although mostly known as the location of the State Fair of Texas, there is still plenty to do year-round at Fair Park. Its iconic art deco buildings are reason enough to visit; the buildings are a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest collections of art deco architecture in the country. From Hall of State to the Children's Aquarium and African American Museum, the buildings' architectural design is a sight to see. Keep an eye out for opening announcements of Fair Park's museums.

Overlooking White Rock Lake and just minutes from Downtown, Dallas Arboretum's lush gardens and bright blooms offer a welcome bit of nature and greenery in the city. Visitors can expect seasonal flowers and colors throughout the year that match the seasons. Don't miss Autumn at the Arboretum, the garden's annual festivity with a seasonal glow of marigolds, pumpkins and gourds. Book your tickets online ahead of your visit.

It's hard to miss the Dallas Zoo's giant giraffe statue welcoming you as you drive into Dallas. Make a day of it and spend some time at the Dallas Zoo, feed real-life giraffes and enjoy the zoo's outdoor experiences. Make sure to purchase your tickets and parking online ahead of your visit.

An outdoor oasis on the outskirts of Dallas, Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve is the perfect escape from your road trip to the city and a great option to bookend  your trip due to its location outside of the city center. The preserve is a natural habitat of 600 acres, offering plenty of trails for running and hiking or simply taking in nature – specifically at the preserve's butterfly gardens.

Dallas Heritage Village sits where Dallas' first city park once was and has since played a big role in the city's history. Take a step back in time as you visit the 20-acre village and get a glimpse into Dallas and Texas history through its collection of shops and buildings, with some dating back to the mid-1800s.

Located above Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Klyde Warren Park connects Downtown Dallas to Uptown and offers an interactive green space for visitors and residents alike. It's the perfect spot to take a break and grab lunch. Take your pick from several food trucks that line the park or at Savor, a modern gastropub that offers great views of the park and Downtown, after a morning of museum hopping in the Dallas Arts District. If a fitness class feels right,  check the park's schedule for a weekend offering (you'll need to sign up in advance).