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Dallas may not be near the mountains or the sea, but with over 22,000 acres of parkland, more than 125 miles of hike and bike trails, and an average of 232 days of sunshine per year, it is a city that takes outdoor recreation seriously. From beloved urban parks and scenic lakeside trails to nature preserves, historic plazas, and horseback riding through thousands of acres of Texas landscape, the Dallas outdoor attractions on this list offer something for every kind of visitor.
Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with the whole family, Red Roof® properties are conveniently located near Dallas's best outdoor destinations.
Plan your stay at redroof.com and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors in Dallas.
Free to visit and steeped in historical significance, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza is a cenotaph designed by architect Philip Johnson where visitors are welcome to step inside and reflect. Just down the road, Dealey Plaza, the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, is a National Historic Landmark District.
An overlook of DFW Airport featuring telescopes, picnic tables, and a radio broadcasting live air traffic control communications, DFW Founders' Plaza is a uniquely entertaining outdoor activity in Dallas for aviation enthusiasts. Open from 7 am to 7 pm.
One of the most visited parks in Dallas, Klyde Warren Park makes excellent use of its 5.2 acres with a packed daily calendar of free events, including yoga classes, concerts, and movie screenings. Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, it is one of the most accessible Dallas outdoor attractions in the heart of the city.
A thousand-acre lake within the city limits, White Rock Lake offers a nine-mile trail for walking, biking, picnicking, fishing, and kayaking, along with a dedicated dog park with its own swimming area. Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, it is one of the most scenic outdoor activities in Dallas.
A 3.5-mile historic path along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor, the Katy Trail is a car-free route for walking and cycling. The Katy Trail Art project has placed sculptures along the path, adding a creative dimension to one of Dallas's most beloved outdoor attractions.
Located in Dallas's southwestern reaches just 20 minutes from the city center, Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve spans 600 acres of native trees, plants, and a beautiful butterfly garden. Closed Mondays and temporarily after rain, so checking their Facebook page before visiting is recommended.
The Dallas Farmers Market offers a vibrant outdoor experience with both an indoor market known as The Market Shops and an outdoor pavilion called The Shed. Locally produced goods, regular live performances, and cooking demonstrations make it a great outdoor activity in Dallas. Both sections are open seven days a week.
Offering spectacular views of the Dallas skyline, Trammell Crow Park sits near the Trinity River and is a great spot for paddling, canoeing, and hiking. Hang-gliders and paragliders frequently use the area, and whimsical stone cow sculptures placed throughout the park add a distinctive and playful touch.
Encompassing 66 acres within Wagon Wheel Park, Coppell Nature Park is home to more than 130 bird species annually alongside resident hawks, bobcats, and coyotes. The on-site Biodiversity Education Center offers experiential environmental science education, making it one of the most enriching outdoor activities in Dallas for nature enthusiasts.
One of the best botanical gardens in the country, the Dallas Arboretum spans 66 acres open to the public year-round. Seasonal events include Trivia Thursdays, family fun Fridays, Frozen Fridays, and the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden with hands-on science exhibits and experiments.
Spanning 121 acres in the heart of Dallas, Oak Cliff Nature Preserve offers bird-watching, cycling, and hiking through scenic woodland filled with pecan trees and outdoor art installations, including a notable bicycle cemetery. It is one of the most characterful outdoor activities in Dallas for those seeking a natural city escape.
A 1.75-acre park at the east end of Dallas's Main Street District serving as an outdoor entertainment venue, Main Street Garden features a splash fountain, a renovated playground, an urban dog run, a café, public art, regular food truck appearances, and free Wi-Fi. It is one of the most versatile Dallas outdoor attractions for all ages.
The largest and oldest zoological park in Texas, the Dallas Zoo spans 106 acres with over 2,000 animals in habitats recreating natural environments. The 11-acre Giants of the Savanna is the only exhibit of its kind in the United States, and a 90-minute backstage safari option provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience.
Dallas Running Tours offers guided runs ranging from 3 to 18 miles covering the city's art, architecture, and history, with routes through the West End Historic District, the Katy Trail, and White Rock Lake. Tours cost $35 per person for the first four miles with an additional $5 per mile thereafter. A fitness walk option is also available.
Widowmaker Trail Rides offers two-hour group rides of up to 12 people through a thousand acres of scenic landscape along the shores of Lake Grapevine. Available every day of the year at $100 per person on weekdays and $120 on weekends, with most rides private due to the appointment requirement.
Home to birds, waterfowl, river otters, and the occasional snake, the Great Trinity Forest is a hardwood wilderness in Dallas's own backyard. Paved trails make it accessible for hiking through wildlife-rich areas, and the cooler fall temperatures make it a particularly enjoyable time to visit.
