The goal of this blog is to give you some places you can go during COVID-19 that are completely allowed for exercising (READ: keeping your sanity) near DFW. As a photographer, I have been to more parks than I can count in the area. That means this list is not only great for having outdoor adventures, but also for capturing photos of your kids or, in my case, dog. With these locations I have included some of the highlights, a quick description, and a link to the Google Map location. Here are 10 parks that you can visit as of April 16, 2020, with more locations to come next week!
#1 Grapevine Botanical Gardens
Grapevine, TX
I was pleasantly surprised to discover this garden is still open right now! The trees and flowers are beautiful year round and while it is not a large garden, it is one of the few I know open to the public right now!
- Beautiful flowers
- Easy paths
- Smaller than expected, but very pretty
#2 Airfield Falls
Fort Worth, TX
Definitely a favorite for a nice, relaxing walk! Within a quarter to a half mile walk on this trail, you come across the largest natural waterfall in Tarrant County. Situated close to the Naval Air Station, you will also find parts from an aircraft at the start of the trailhead!
- Waterfall
- Easy, paved walking path
- Aircraft parts on display
#3 River Legacy Park
Arlington, TX
I often think of River Legacy Park when I have an hour or two for a walk, jog, or bike ride. With the 8 miles of paved trails that take you through trees, around a pond, and over a river, there are plenty of places to explore here!
- 8 miles of easy, paved walking paths
- River overlook
- Great for walking, jogging, or biking
#4 Trinity Park
Fort Worth, TX
This may be the most well known of all the parks I have listed. As a part of the larger Trinity Trails, it is a great starting point to go walking, biking, or jogging along the river. What some people may not know is there is also a small, shaded duck pond towards the back of the park.
- Beautiful view of Downtown Fort Worth
- Paved trails along the Trinity River
- Great for walking, jogging, and biking
#5 Pecan Valley Park
Fort Worth, TX
Out of all the locations I have listed, this one has to be my favorite. It may be the nostalgia of revisiting where my husband proposed to me in 2014, but there are also the long walking paths with optional hiking trails for you to enjoy!
- Easy, paved walking path
- Opportunities to hike up hills
- Great for walking, jogging, and biking
#6 Gateway Park
Fort Worth, TX
This park is definitely a fun one to go walking, jogging, or biking through! I have done all three in the past several years and always enjoyed my time exploring there.
- Easy, paved walking paths
- Two river overlooks to rest at
- Great for walking, jogging, and biking
#7 Tandy Hills Nature Preserve
Fort Worth, TX
If you are looking to go on a hike instead of a walk, this location is for you! When I went jogging through this preserve, I found sometimes you feel so distant from the city. At the same time, there is a beautiful view of downtown Fort Worth on top of one of the hills.
- Hiking paths
- Beautiful wildflowers
- View of Downtown Fort Worth
#8 Arcadia Trail Park
Fort Worth, TX
I never expected when I went to this park to have as much fun as I did! There are nice paved paths, but we chose to explore the dirt paths by the creek and were not disappointed. My dog Cooper immensely enjoyed his time walking in the creek water and attempting to meet the ducklings.
- Easy, paved paths
- Dirt paths along the creek
- Disc Golf
#9 Marion Samson Park
Fort Worth, TX
It has been a while since I have been to this park, however, it is worth mentioning as one of the more challenging hikes I know of nearby that is open. I have heard to watch out for mountain bikers right now!
- Hiking paths – some steep
- Beautiful sunset view
- Waterfall at the bottom
#10 Mary and Jimmie Hooper Park
Arlington, TX
Maybe you aren’t looking for a big adventure, just a nice stroll around a pond with your kids (or dog). This park at half a mile is a quick walk for me, but I enjoyed seeing the flowers, caterpillars, and butterflies along the way.
- Butterflies and flowers
- Pond with a fountain
- Easy, paved walking path
