Best DFW Places For Outdoor Winter Adventures
Texas winter is rough, but we have it relatively easy. We can still enjoy the great outdoors all winter long in the company of good friends. The best cure for the cold is to get moving. Lucky for us, DFW has a winter wonderland full of places that stay open for year-round enjoyment. Put on a few layers and get out there before the roads freeze over!
Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 716-4500
www.klydewarrenpark.orgThere is so much to see and do at this urban escape that the cold will soon be forgotten. From the ice skating without the ice, petanque and croquet games and group exercise classes, staying warm will just be a matter of movement. During down time, check out the food trucks for a hot bite or hot drink and enjoy Texas' version of winter outdoors.
Zero Gravity
11131 Malibu Drive
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 484-8359
www.gojump.comThe chills that run up your spine just before jumping off a tower with only a bungee cord preventing your death don't rely on the temperature outdoors. The thrills experienced at Zero Gravity, including bungee jumping, the Skycoaster, Nothing But Net and Blastoff, are heart-pounding in every season. Try one ride, or if you can handle it, try them all for a day-long adventure that will get your blood racing.
11131 Malibu Drive
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 484-8359
www.gojump.comThe chills that run up your spine just before jumping off a tower with only a bungee cord preventing your death don't rely on the temperature outdoors. The thrills experienced at Zero Gravity, including bungee jumping, the Skycoaster, Nothing But Net and Blastoff, are heart-pounding in every season. Try one ride, or if you can handle it, try them all for a day-long adventure that will get your blood racing.
NorthStar Carriage
4774 Jackson Road
Krum, TX 76249
(214) 441-9996
www.dfwcarriages.comNovember first through December 31, NorthStar Carriage creates fantasies for those who appreciate the beauty of landscapes, cityscapes and Christmas lights. NorthStar Carriage's most popular DFW route highlights homes in Highland Park near SMU and tells of the history of the homes in the area. Perfect for a snuggle, the family can all sit warm and tight and take a traditional adventure together.
4774 Jackson Road
Krum, TX 76249
(214) 441-9996
www.dfwcarriages.comNovember first through December 31, NorthStar Carriage creates fantasies for those who appreciate the beauty of landscapes, cityscapes and Christmas lights. NorthStar Carriage's most popular DFW route highlights homes in Highland Park near SMU and tells of the history of the homes in the area. Perfect for a snuggle, the family can all sit warm and tight and take a traditional adventure together.
Related: Best Winter Getaways In America
Fort Worth Zoo Penguin Tour
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110
(817) 759-7555
www.fortworthzoo.orgAt 3 p.m. daily, the Fort Worth Zoo offers a special VIP-level tour where guests in groups of up to six people can observe penguins up close. Participants will see first-hand how trainers feed and train African penguins. Included in the tour is a gift bag and admission to the zoo for the day. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, but meeting penguins in the winter is an adventure that will stay in your memory for years. After spending quality time with the penguins, have a stroll through the rest of the zoo, admiring the animals and their winter coats as you show off yours.
1989 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, TX 76110
(817) 759-7555
www.fortworthzoo.orgAt 3 p.m. daily, the Fort Worth Zoo offers a special VIP-level tour where guests in groups of up to six people can observe penguins up close. Participants will see first-hand how trainers feed and train African penguins. Included in the tour is a gift bag and admission to the zoo for the day. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, but meeting penguins in the winter is an adventure that will stay in your memory for years. After spending quality time with the penguins, have a stroll through the rest of the zoo, admiring the animals and their winter coats as you show off yours.
TRE Winter Whistler
221 W. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 215-8600
www.trinityrailwayexpress.orgStarting Friday, November 29 and every Saturday afterward through December 21, The TRE Winter Whistler will entertain families as they journey from Dallas to Fort Worth with carolers, storytime and even visits from Santa. For those traveling from Dallas to Fort Worth, this would be a great excursion to the Stockyards for a brisk walk, hot food and to observe the year-round cattle run. This itinerary has all of the ingredients for a Texas-style winter adventure for the whole family that will have the kids talking well into the spring.
221 W. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 215-8600
www.trinityrailwayexpress.orgStarting Friday, November 29 and every Saturday afterward through December 21, The TRE Winter Whistler will entertain families as they journey from Dallas to Fort Worth with carolers, storytime and even visits from Santa. For those traveling from Dallas to Fort Worth, this would be a great excursion to the Stockyards for a brisk walk, hot food and to observe the year-round cattle run. This itinerary has all of the ingredients for a Texas-style winter adventure for the whole family that will have the kids talking well into the spring.
Kena Sosa is a freelance writer in Dallas. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
