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Texas is a place where people love to play outdoors. The city of Dallas and its surrounding area have a great deal to offer the visitor in regard to outdoor adventures. On your next visit to the Lone Star State, spend some time enjoying the best outdoor activities in Dallas for 2021.
The Best Outdoor Activities in Dallas
Spend Some Time at Cedar Ridge Preserve
This nature preserve is located just a 20 minute drive from downtown Dallas. Hikers will love navigating the nine miles of trails that go through the lush landscape of foliage and wildlife. Cedar Ridge Preserve has an elevation of 755 feet, which is the highest point in the Dallas metropolitan area. Make your way up to the top of the Escarpment Trail to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. Bikes are not allowed at the preserve, but dogs are permitted on a leash. The preserve is open Tuesdays through Sundays 6:30 AM to dusk.
See the Sites and Get Exercise on a Dallas Running Tour
Runners can see the all the sights and sounds of Dallas while getting that vital workout. Dallas Running Tours has many tours that range from 3 to 18 miles long and cover a range of interests. The operator has tours that go through Downtown Dallas, the West End Historic District, the Katy Trail and White Rock Lake. The tours generally run about $35 per person for the first four miles, then each additional mile is $5 per person.
Get Back in the Saddle on a Trail Ride
There is nothing like riding along the Texas landscape on horseback. Widowmaker Trail Rides has horseback riding excursions for small groups of people ages 12 and up. The two hour rides make their way through 1000 acres of beautiful landscape along Lake Grapevine. The horseback rides are made by appointment only, cost $100 per person and are available year round.
Get Wild at Trinity Forest Adventure Park
Active people will have the time of their lives with an aerial adventure at Trinity Forest Adventure Park. This obstacle course and zip line park is a three hour adrenaline rush. Guests ages 16 and up can make their way through the six aerial obstacle courses and 20 ziplines located here. There are also several other age appropriate courses for children under 16. Trinity Forest Adventure Park has other activities available including outdoor laser tag, parties and special events.
Enjoy the Plant Life at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Considered one of the best botanical gardens in the United States, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is 66 acres of total bliss. This stunning garden contains seasonal flowers and plant displays. There is also an interactive children’s garden on site that has a tree house, cascading waterfalls and a treetop canopy walk. The garden hosts many events on a regular basis including Garden Teas, trivia nights, cooking classes, concerts and art exhibits, educational programs and much more. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and is closed on thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Have a Brew and Hear Live Music at a Beer Garden
Cool off and relax on a hot Texas day with a beer from one of Dallas’ outdoor beer gardens. While you sip that draft, you can listen to live entertainment from local bands. Some of the most popular beer gardens in and around Dallas include Katy Trail Ice House, Truck Yard, Ten Bells Tavern, Luck, and The Rustic, plus many more.
Take a Backstage Safari at the Dallas Zoo
You can get a unique zoo experience and help conservation efforts at the Dallas Zoo. During the safari, guests go on a guided tour with zoologists and divulge inside information on caring for the zoo’s many species. There are also many programs and events occurring at the zoo including Wild Adventures Camps, Animal Adventures Outreach and Wild Earth Preschool. The Dallas Zoo is open daily year round except Christmas Day from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Be sure to visit Texas in 2021 and experience the best outdoor adventures in Dallas.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.