Frisco Public Library is a staple hangout spot for families all over the Dallas - Fort Worth metroplex, but it’s that time of the year when outside is the (second) best place to be! It can be hard to figure out which places are nice to venture to in your free time if you are new to the area, visiting temporarily, or just struggle to find free time on your days off. For me, shade, ambiance, and versatility in landscape are some of the top qualities to look for in an outdoor adventure. While there are many fantastic places to visit, here are four of my favorite spots in the DFW area to drop in for a breath of fresh air.
- The Farmer’s Branch Historical Park
The Farmer’s Branch Historical Park in Farmer’s Branch is an outdoor museum complex with structures that venture through the city’s history from 1840 to 1940. It’s also a great starting point to begin a relaxing stroll along the Coming Up Roses walkways. View a map of the entire area here. Extending north and south of Farmer’s Branch’s City Hall, the Coming Up Roses walking paths highlight five uniquely curated areas. These include the Bird Sanctuary, the Butterfly Garden, the Rose and Display Garden, the Ruthan Rogers Rose Garden, and the West Rose Garden.
- Erwin Park – McKinney
Tucked away in the northernmost area of McKinney, Erwin Park is 212 acres of woods and prairie land with something for everyone to enjoy. One could easily spend hours getting lost in the 10 miles of serene, rugged hiking and bike trails. The scene is breathtaking especially as the floral landscape comes to life in the spring. Erwin Park also offers campsites, playgrounds, and 2 minor bike repair stations. If you’re looking for a great place for photoshoots, this place is a win!
The Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) maintains the trails at Erwin Park and many other locations in the Dallas – Fort Worth area. You can view a map with trail status updates on their website here.
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve – Plano
If you’re looking for an extensive and shaded creekside stroll, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200-acre gem on the west end of Plano. It offers a large a playground, a paved recreational trail, unpaved trails for only pedestrians, and a designated off-road bike trail. Similar to Erwin Park, Arbor Hills has different sections with unique wooded, wetland, and prairie areas that make it easy to spend hours getting lost in the landscape. You can stop by the observation tower to get the lay of the land from up high! View the DORBA status tracker for this trail.
- Old City Park – Dallas
Old City Park is the first and longest standing park in Dallas. Sitting on 22 quaint and shady acres, visitors can roam this open-air collection of historic structures, each telling a unique story of pioneer life in the DFW metroplex for free. This park aims to continue to preserve this special history for generations to come and even sponsors educational programming for families.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to a picnic at any of these amazing spots at no cost for entry this season. You deserve it!
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