10 Places to Spend the Day Outdoors in Dallas
While Dallas is known for its urban energy, you might be surprised to find plenty of outdoor adventures waiting to be explored. From parks and green spaces to hiking and bike trails, there's an abundance of ways to spend your time outdoors.
1. Mountain Biking at Boulder Park
Twelve miles of biking trails wind through fields, dense woods, rocky sections, and creek crossings in Boulder Park. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, the park’s trails cater to all levels with plenty of climbs and twists to keep things exciting. The RED trail features challenging hills, rocky descents, and wet creek crossings, perfect for those seeking adventure. For an easier ride, the BLUE trail bypasses the tougher sections, making it a family-friendly option.
2. Go Birding at Cedar Hill State Park
Nestled along the shores of Joe Pool Lake, Cedar Hill State Park is a haven for birding enthusiasts. The park is home to more than 200 bird species over its 1,800 acres. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just like birds, you’ll have plenty to spot while exploring the park’s trails and open fields. In addition to birding, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, running, geocaching, and swimming in the lake. For a longer stay, there are 350 developed campsites equipped with electricity and hot showers, as well as more primitive hike-in sites for those looking to get even closer to nature.
3. Cycle the Santa Fe Trail
Located in East Dallas, the Santa Fe Trail offers an easy and enjoyable ride that connects White Rock Lake to the vibrant neighborhood of Deep Ellum. Start your journey just north of Gaston Avenue and Garland Road, and ride down to Deep Ellum, where you'll find plenty of spots to refuel with a bite to eat or a drink. But don’t overindulge—you’ll need the energy to bike back! For the best experience, pair this ride with a loop around White Rock Lake, making it a full day of cycling and exploring the city’s green spaces.
4. Hike The Trinity River Forest
As part of the Trinity River Corridor Project, the Trinity River Audubon Center is the perfect place to enjoy nature as a family. Just ten minutes south of downtown Dallas, it feels like you are a world away. Enjoy the hiking trails, hands-on exhibits and the Children's Discovery Garden. While you're there, check out the more than 50 species of birds or hike the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in the country. And the icing on top of the cake? Free admission. In order to make the outdoors accessible to everyone, the project has eliminated all admissions fees for the foreseeable future.
5. Paddle the Trinity River Paddling Trail
Launch your kayak along the Trinity River Paddling Trail and paddle part of the 130 mile trail. With 21 official launch sites across nine municipalities, this trail provides a unique way to experience Dallas and Fort Worth from the water. Paddle through peaceful landscapes. If you need a break, stop at spots like the Trinity River Audubon Center.
6. Take A Walk On The Green Side
Klyde Warren Park is a 5.2-acre park that delivers a comprehensive activities calendar for locals and visitors, including daily food trucks and fitness classes, a dog park, a children's center, games and live music. Connectivity was key in picking the spot above Woodall Rogers Freeway for the park; visitors can get to Klyde Warren via foot, trolley or bicycle from multiple neighborhoods.
7. Unleash Your Inner Foodie
The Dallas Farmers Market is a one-stop-shop for a weekend adventure. Head outside to The Shed for fresh produce and local goodies, then head inside for lunch. The Market, the indoor food hall and artisanal vendor market, houses more than a dozen food options, and you'll have to pick between tacos, seafood, Vietnamese food, tamales, Cajun dishes and others. Good luck choosing!
8. Go On A Wilderness Retreat
Just a short drive from Downtown is the Cedar Ridge Preserve featuring 600 acres of preserved wilderness. Explore nine miles of hiking trails, butterfly gardens native-plant nurseries, as well as wild mammals, birds and reptiles. Pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area while taking in the great scenery and nature of the outdoors.
9. Hit The Trails
The Katy Trail is a popular spot for jogging, walking, inline skating, and cycling. Stretching through the Uptown and Oak Lawn areas of Dallas, it offers a scenic escape within the city. This 3.5-mile trail follows the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, known as the MKT or "the Katy."
10. Kayak Around White Rock Lake
For an invigorating run (or walk) do a lap at White Rock Lake. With an incredible view of the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake is an urban oasis that spans more than 1,015 acres and more than nine miles of trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, biking and hiking.
BONUS: Texas Discovery Gardens
Texas Discovery Gardens stands out as one of Dallas' premier outdoor destinations because it offers something truly rare in an urban environment: a chance to disconnect from the city's hustle and immerse yourself in a thoughtfully curated natural sanctuary. Unlike typical parks, this 7.5-acre organic garden provides a multi-layered experience that appeals to all ages and interests—from toddlers clambering over the playscape's rock climbing wall to nature enthusiasts studying native Texas plants and pollinators in their natural habitat. The highlight is undoubtedly the tropical butterfly house, where you can spend a peaceful hour surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies in a lush rainforest setting, creating an almost meditative escape without leaving the city. What makes it especially valuable for a full day's visit is the blend of education and recreation: children can learn about ecosystems and sustainability through interactive exhibits while adults appreciate the garden's commitment to organic, environmentally conscious practices. Located in the historically significant Fair Park, it combines natural beauty with cultural context, and at just $10-15 for admission, it's an affordable way to spend quality time outdoors while supporting conservation and environmental education in your own community.
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