Best Places Near DFW To Get Outdoors With The Family

When it comes to the DFW area, there are entertainment options for just about anyone, from kids to adults to whole families. The best thing about Dallas and Fort Worth is that the spring and fall seasons are beautiful and even summer months are tolerable. The wonderful weather means there is plenty of options for entertainment outdoors for families. From amusement parks to nature parks and historic destinations, here is a look at the best places to get outdoors with the family in the DFW area.

Trinity River Audubon Center
6500 Great Trinity Forest Way
Dallas, TX 75217
(214) 398-8722
trinityriver.audubon.org

Just 10 miles to the south of downtown Dallas, the Trinity River Audubon Center is a getaway right next to the Great Trinity Forest. The forest itself is a 6,000-acre spectacle, advertised as the largest urban hardwood forest in the country. This used to be an illegal dump site that is now home to animals and birds of all species, something people inside the Dallas city limits won't see elsewhere. There are bike and running trails, waterways to take out a boat, classes and events onsite for families. They are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sundays. Entry fees are $6 for anyone over 13, $3 for kids aged three to 12, $4 for seniors over 60 and kids under two get in for free.

Six Flags Over Texas
2201 Rd to Six Flags
Arlington, TX 76001k
(817) 640-8900
sixflags.com

Six Flags Over Texas is named after the six flags that have flown over the state of Texas. While this theme park has expanded to other states, the Texas location is the original and the most famous. There are a ton of great rides, from the classic Judge Roy Scream roller coaster to the New Texas Giant, the world's largest wooden roller coaster. Six Flags teams with Warner Bros., meaning that there are rides and attractions associated with both the Looney Tunes characters and DC Comics characters like Batman and Superman for kids of all ages. The summer season officially kicks off on May 13 and the park is open every day after that.

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
6701 W Parker Rd
Plano, TX 75086
(972) 941-7250
pdf.plano.gov

Located in Plano, the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers a recreational paved trail that stretches about three miles in length, as well as natural trails for explorers that stretches about three miles. There are also great bike trails for off-roaders. This location has a mix of wild animals, snakes and poison ivy, so parents should exercise precautions when it comes to letting kids wander off alone. There are three natural preserves here for families to explore, including the Blackland Prairie, Riparian Forest, and Upland Forest. There are hiking and biking trails, a park, a pavilion, a playground, and restrooms on site. Hours are from 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.

Related:  Best Free Summer Activities For Kids In DFW

Stockyards Station
130 E. Exchange Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 625-9715
stockyardsstation.com

When visiting Fort Worth, the number one place to visit is easily the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. There is so much to do here for families that one day might not be enough to cover it all. There are historic walking tours and a giant cattle run for kids of all ages to enjoy. This is the location of the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Texas Trail of Fame. There are stables with horseback riding and the livestock exchange. Restaurants and shopping opportunities are locted throughout the stockyards as well. Young ones will enjoy the onsite petting zoo and a fun Cattlepen Maze.

Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden
8525 Garland Rd
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6615
dallasarboretum.org

Located in the heart of Dallas is the Dallas Arboretum. This is a giant botanical garden that promotes horticulture as art and enjoyment. The garden also provides a chance for research and education for kids and adults alike. This is considered one of the top Arboretums in the world, with 66 acres of land located just off the White Rock Lake. There is also a Children's Adventure Garden and a restaurant to relax while exploring the expansive gardens. Entry is $15 for anyone over 13, $12 for seniors over 65, $10 for kids aged three to 12 and kids under two are free. The Children's Adventure Garden is a $3 additional fee. They are open every day from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Related: Best North Texas Amusement Parks

Shawn S. Lealos is a freelance writer who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2000 with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism. He writes for a variety of national publications and has over 15 years of sports journalism experience. Follow Shawn on Twitter @sslealos. Examiner.com.