The great thing about Texas is that there is plenty to enjoy in the great outdoors. From football to golf, from hunting and fishing, to hiking and swimming, the Lone Star state is loaded with opportunities to enjoy life outside, in every season. North Texas happens to be home to some fun-filled parks with playgrounds that are especially appealing to the younger set (and their parents). Put down those screens, and head outside! Read on to learn more about some great outdoor playgrounds in North Texas:
- Creekside: Nothing is more idyllic than childhood days spent alongside the waters of a running creek. Opened in 2005, Creekside is the town of Fairview’s first park. This little haven is set along Sloan Creek, and it’s tucked away in the middle of the Oakwood Estates neighborhood. Its playground equipment including places to climb and a set of swings. The park is also home to a picnic pavilion, open greenspace for the kids who need to run, and about 500 feet of a paved trail for stroller-babies (and parents).
- The River Legacy Living Science Center Playground: In Arlington, this science center serves as a gateway to the River Legacy Parks. Set along the Trinity River, this park has wilderness and wide-open spaces, but it also has a great playground for the littles. There are dinosaur bones to climb through, a variety of slides, and an overall, adventurous woodsy-feel. Taking in the beauty of the land around the park is an added bonus.
- The Meadows: Let your kids run free in the Meadows. This 3+ acre park is located in the Villas in the Park, on Orchard Parkway between Bluebird and Hummingbird Lane in Fairview. Its features include a great climbing structure plus swings on artificial turf. For the bigger kiddos, there’s also a three-quarter sport court and basketball court for games. The park has a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, and there’s a walking path and benches for getting your steps in or for resting, respectively.
- Adventure World: Located in North Richland Hills, this park boasts a totally accessible playground with shaded, woodland-themed play structures for children of all abilities. There’s also a fun, woodland-themed excursion boardwalk, an observation deck, trails, picnic tables, and restrooms. Kids can climb on tree stumps and feel like they’re playing in a real tree-fort in this woodsy spot.
- Hope Park: At Frisco Commons, you’ll find sweet Hope Park, an inclusive playground that was planned for children of all ages and abilities. It has a tot lot for the toddler set, a big kid place for kids who are 5 to 12, a sensory area, and even a Friendship Park for all ages. Themed like a little town, kids can enjoy pretend play with all of the city-structures.
- Dove Park: Grapevine, Texas is home to Casey’s Clubhouse in Dove Park, a place that looks like a real-life cartoon land. This community park’s play structure is located at the southeast corner of the park. It’s a wonderfully renovated playground that has a huge network of slides, bridges, tunnels, and gazebos throughout. There are swings and a big tube slide. There’s also a seated zip line, a little clubhouse, and plenty of magical machines that have moving gears to play with. For water adventures, there’s even a Dove Park pool and spray-ground. As a bonus, in the surrounding community park, there are basketball, tennis, and sand volleyball courts for kids who want more sports-oriented play time.
- Cypress Park: If you’re looking for a hidden gem of a playground-park, head to the 400 block of Plumwood Way in Fairview. Cypress Park has a small playground with artificial turf, a bike rack, benches, a picnic pavilion, and even a grill. This is a dog –friendly spot with a sanitation station and water fountain access for dogs too. There’s also a paved walkway that encircles Cypress park and connects with Roadrunner Trail, a paved path that leads to Meandering Way.
- Fort Wildflower: At Heritage Park in Flower Mound, you’ll find Fort Wildflower, one of the most fun playgrounds in the DFW area. The playground features work by local artists. Its whimsical designs feature bears, birds, and all kinds of nature. Structures include a tee pee fort, a little cottage, a jail, a general store, and even a train to climb in. There are also plenty of other playground staples like slides, swings, and a spray-ground.
- Beaver Run: The town of Fairview is home to 6 great parks. Its second-oldest park, Beaver Run, is set in the neighborhood of Thompson Springs. This park, located at 110 Elisabeth Way, features a playground area with wood mulch, a basketball court, a big picnic pavilion, pits for horse shoes, a paved half-mile trail, and a nature trail. The nature trail conveniently connects to Fairview’s longest trail and the Parkside Trail Head. There’s also a large deck that overlooks the beaver pond, and a sign to learn a bit about the history of Fairview.
Outdoor play is so beneficial for children of all ages. Unstructured, imaginative, physical activity at playgrounds is the perfect way to spend free time when you’re out and about in North Texas. And the good news: public parks are in fact free! Be sure to visit these local favorites when you’re looking for your next playground adventures.