Exploring the great outdoors can be one of the best ways to enjoy a vacation with travel companions (or solo). Going for a hike, canoeing on a lake or river, bird watching, going for a bike ride- the ways in which humans can explore and connect with Mother Nature are virtually endless. And, in this digital age, it can be nice to disconnect from devices and soak up the goodness waiting just outside. North Texas, and DFW specifically, is a great spot to enjoy a vacation that enables travelers to get outside and soak up some sunshine. From water activities to horseback riding and hiking, the Dallas/Fort Worth area provides numerous ways that visitors can explore and experience the natural environment around them. If you’re ready for a digital detox and a vacation that focuses on the simple pleasures of life, you’ll want to plan a vacation to DFW and add these fun activities to your to-do list.
Five fun outdoor activities in North Texas
- Go horseback riding. Widowmaker Trail Rides, despite the doom-inspiring name, is a fantastic trail riding experience not far from DFW Airport. You can book for a small group and enjoy winding through the beautiful trails at Walnut Grove in the Grapevine area of Dallas/Fort Worth. You’ll even enjoy splashing along the sandy shores of Lake Grapevine. This is a great activity for anyone looking to enjoy the scenic beauty in north DFW.
- Splish splash at a floating waterpark on Lake Grapevine. Whoazone is for the young- and the young at heart! Suit up in your favorite water wear and top it off with a life jacket for safety- and then have fun playing in the sun on a floating bounce house built for many! You’ll feel both challenged and exhilarated as you climb up and jump off the various obstacles and climbing structures tethered to the lake floor. Heart-pounding fun for groups of all sizes.
- Meander through the beautiful grounds of a botanic garden. Fort Worth Botanic Gardens has 120 acres of beautiful, lush gardens perfect for exploring, relaxing and enjoying. Explore diverse areas of rich vegetation, from the Japanese Garden to the Cactus Garden and the Rose Gardens to the Backyard Vegetable Garden. Pack a picnic and plan to stay the afternoon. This gorgeous setting is waiting!
- Watch planes take off and land. This activity blends nature with manmade wonder. Bring a picnic blanket and spread out on the lawn at Founder’s Plaza at DFW Airport to watch airplanes. Marvel at the blue skies as these behemoth inventions take flight. The plaza has different plaques and memorial areas where you can learn about the vision for this unique area as well as telescopes so you can view aircraft up close and a radio transmission tower so you can listen to Air Traffic Control.
- Go for a hike and enjoy scenic views over the lake. Rockledge Park at Lake Grapevine is a favorite in the area because of the stunning views offered at the park. The cliffs that overlook the water provide a peaceful spot to sit and enjoy time in nature. Rockledge Park also connects with the North Shore Trail, one of the most popular hiking and biking trails in the area. Pack a lunch, grab your sunscreen and plan to spend a whole day at this serene setting.
Grapevine lodging
When your travels take you to Grapevine, you need to book a stay at the Vineyards Campground & Cabins on Grapevine Lake. Guests can choose to stay in their RV or rent a cabin on-site to check out the beautiful grounds of this RV resort. Swim at the beach, rent kayaks, enjoy the playground, ride bikes, go for a hike, attend a group campfire and so much more. This is a spot you’ll want to visit again and again as a great spot to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the Vineyards Campground and the great state of Texas!