Best Outdoor Places in Dallas for Active Adults
Keep your golden years aglow with great outdoor activities in Dallas. Even the city’s surrounding areas are brimming with plenty of options for active adults to explore, such as taking a stroll through one of numerous gardens. Get ready to discover something amazing at these top-rated spots.
White Rock Lake Park
Come explore Dallas' spectacular White Rock Lake Park. This five-mile oasis northeast of downtown is mesmerizing with a 1,015-acre lake and nine miles of trails. Get ready to do it all: sailing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding (rentals available), cycling, and even wildlife-watching. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, like boat races and music festivals. Check their online events calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
For a show-stopping outdoor escape, head to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Located near downtown on White Rock Lake, this 66-acre oasis features 11 display gardens filled with everything from plentiful blooms to 90,000 pumpkins in the fall. Experience the beautiful illumination of over one million lights during the holiday season–it’s truly breathtaking.
Klyde Warren Park
This urban oasis in downtown Dallas is a must-see. Perched above the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, this over-five-acre deck park is owned by the City of Dallas. It’s an upcycled area that’s been transformed into a green space offering something for everyone. Think outdoor yoga classes, summer concerts, and movie screenings–all free of charge and open to the public.
Ronald Kirk Bridge and Felix Lozada Gateway
Take a stroll, grab some grub, and enjoy stunning views of the Dallas skyline. The renovated Continental Avenue Bridge is now an urban adventure for pedestrians and cyclists. Have fun in the splash fountain and bocce court, or challenge someone to a game of chess. Don't forget your camera so you can capture every moment and view!
Katy Trail
The Katy Trail has been around since the 1860s, so it’s no surprise that this beloved three-and-a-half-mile greenbelt escape is a popular destination for those looking to explore Dallas' outdoors. It's rich with history, as it winds through Uptown and Oakland Park, while allowing visitors to exercise their bodies and minds in one of Texas’ oldest trails.
Stevens Park Golf Course
Take a journey to North Texas' own version of the Masters Tournament course. Recently renovated and refreshed, this Kessler neighborhood golf course is the perfect escape for golfers. Enjoy rolling hills covered in lush greens, plenty of shade, and over 2,000 rose bushes.
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary
If you're a fan of all things nature, head to the Heard Museum in Mckinney. Just 30 miles north of downtown Dallas lies almost seven miles of stunning trails and an expansive bird watching area that even offers views into America’s unique past with its 1800s prairie settlement replica. Not only will it transport your imagination, but explorer souls are also sure to enjoy a two-acre native plant garden.
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Published 12.1.20
Contributed by Denise Decker, an avid hiker, cyclist, and runner who travels around the country, taking part in triathlons. When she’s not writing about her races or travels, you’ll find her biking along the trails in Austin.