While it is exciting to see state parks in Texas start to open back up this week, we are required to wear masks at those parks. So here are some alternatives that are free, no masks, and fun to go to!
#1 Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Plano, TX
With 3 miles of paved paths and 4 miles of trails, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve offers a wonderful experience for people who walk, hike, jog, or bike. Every time I have been in the preserve I have found new paths to explore within the forest and prairie biomes. While they are still open, they are limiting the number of cars in the parking lot by about half to encourage social distancing.
- 7 miles of paved and trail paths
- Observation tower
- Variety of paths you can take depending on the time you would like to spend at a park
#2 Colleyville Nature Center
Colleyville, TX
When you drive through a neighborhood to arrive at this location, you don’t expect to find the nature path this center offers. There are 3.5 miles of dirt paths to explore and you may be able to see many types of birds, including owls, depending on when you go.
- 3.5 Miles of dirt walking paths
- Owl sightings certain times of day
- Multiple ponds to relax by
#3 Prairie Creek Park
Richardson, TX
While I love the falls at Airfield in Fort Worth, Prairie Creek Park offers an even more beautiful and relaxing walk. Nestled into a neighborhood in Richardson, this park was worth the 45 minute drive, even before gas prices were low. The falls were hard to find the first two times, but the link above should take you right to it! There is no parking lot there, however, the streets are safe to park on.
- Beautiful waterfall
- Easy, paved walking path with a couple dirt trails
- Several bridges overlooking the creek
#4 Trinity Skyline Trail
Dallas, TX
This is not your everyday walk in a park, but a walk across the pedestrian bridge located next to the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. The view of the Dallas skyline is definitely worth seeing and it can add some diversity to your outdoor adventures! It is not the longest walk on the list, but is was a fun one!
- View of Downtown Dallas and Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
- Easy, concrete path
- Great photo spot
#5 Bear Creek Park/K9 Pointe
Keller, TX
Not to be confused with other parks with the same name, this park in Keller offers great biking, walking, and jogging trails. Personally, I like to start by the dog park (link here) and explore the trails by the creek, but there are paved paths that go from one park to the other.
- Easy, concrete paths
- Trails by the creek
- At least 6 miles of paths great for walking, jogging, and biking
#6 Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park
Mansfield, TX
This is one of the parks that I would love to go explore more of this next week! When I was asked to take senior photos at this park last year, I loved what I did get the opportunity to see and I cannot wait to go looking for the Treehouse Overlook and the windmill! Find a map of the park here.
- Two eco-regions: the easter Cross Timbers and northern Blackland Prairies
- Several walking paths
- Fishing pond
#7 Towne Lake Park
Irving, TX
While it is a smaller park, Cooper (my dog), my husband, and I spent quite a bit of time at this park when we lived in Irving! It is a nice path around a lake with a gazebo. My favorite part was sitting by the lake enjoying the peacefulness and watching the ducks.
- Easy, concrete walking paths around a lake
- Nice for walking around or sitting by the water, but some people bike or jog as well
If you are looking for other parks near you, here are some that other people have recommended to me from my Facebook Page. Happy exploring!
- Veterans Park in Arlington, TX
- Centennial Park in Irving, TX
- Frisco Commons Park in Frisco, TX
- Knob Hill Trail in Roanoke, TX
- Heritage Park in Flower Mound, TX
I had no idea there was a dog park at Bear Creek! Will have to check it out!