April in Texas is a great time for outdoor adventures with the kids! Hopefully, most of the cold weather is gone and temps aren’t too hot yet. Dallas offers families a variety of opportunities to enjoy the spring sunshine and create new memories while discovering fun new places. Here are five great places to take kids in DFW (or near enough!).
Five Fun Things to Do with Kids in DFW
Go Ape in Plano
Do your kids have no fear? Do they dream of flying high in the trees? Well, then Go Ape is the place for them. Located among the trees in Plano, you can choose between the Treetop Adventure and Treetop Discovery, depending on which package you’d like. The Treetop Adventure takes approximately two to three hours and has Tarzan swings, tree-to-tree crossings, and a 423-foot-long zip line. The Treetop Discovery is a shorter version, about 90 minutes long, featuring a 246-foot zip line. There are height, weight, and age restrictions, so check the website before you go. They also have a frequent flyer program that you can join, and if you become an email subscriber, you’ll receive coupon information. As always, check their website for times and updates.
Lakeside Park in Dallas
Spring weather means picnic time. Pack a yummy lunch from home or swing by Eatzi’s and grab some mouthwatering vittles, then head over to Turtle Creek Lane. Lakeside Park has plenty of picnic spots, a walking trail, and ducks! When you’re done eating, cross the bridge and take a walk on the path that houses a secret trail of the teddy bear statues. The bears have been there since 1995 and are great for family photo ops.
Frisco Skatepark
Noted as the largest skatepark in North Texas with over 47,000 square feet of space, Frisco Skatepark screams outdoor adventure time. Skateboards, skates, bikes, and scooters are all welcome! The park features beginner to professional-level areas so no need to worry about prior experience. Hours are 8am–10pm, so visiting the park is super flexible. As always, check their website for times and updates.
The Heard in McKinney
Great spring weather also means a great time to explore. Take a short drive north to the Heard Natural Science Museum in McKinney and do just that! Opened in 1967, this 289-acre private nature preserve and museum offers a variety of family-friendly activities. They have trails, hikes, exhibits, and even zip line opportunities on select days. Our favorite is the Dinosaurs Live! exhibit, where you can walk among the animatronic dinosaurs (open September–February). As always, check their website for times and updates.
Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari in Jacksonville
Make the drive to Jacksonville, TX for an outdoor adventure that will thrill your animal-loving kiddos. Located in East Texas (just south of Tyler), Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari is a 300-acre preserve featuring dozens of different animals in open habitats. I recommend calling or checking the website first as weather and other factors may affect their hours.
Need ideas for summer adventures as well? Check out this post featuring 5 natural swimming areas in DFW!
