White Rock Lake sprawls over 1,015 acres (410.75 hectares). It boasts picturesque picnic spots and recreational areas that provide great respite from city life. Numerous waterfront trails are popular among local hikers and bikers as well as those visiting Dallas. A complete loop around the lake takes about three hours. The adventurous can indulge in an array of outdoor activities on offer like fishing, sailing and, horseback riding. Bird enthusiasts have reason to rejoice, as the area attracts beautiful, exotic species. The panorama of verdant landscapes that enclose calm waters is the very definition of tranquility.
Off the shores of White Rock Lake lies the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The 66 acres (26 hectares) of lush, perfectly manicured landscapes hold a treasure trove of trees, bushes, and flowers that are sure to make anyone green with envy. The DeGolyer House, a 1940s-style Spanish mansion, is also located on the grounds. Tours of the house and its sculpture garden are offered. The Jonsson Color Gardens, A Woman's Garden, and the Lay Ornamental Garden are all exquisite features of the picturesque grounds.
A visit to the Dallas Children's Theater is entertainment for the entire family. Introduce your little ones to the world of live theater by involving them in activities here. Classes are offered here, and are conducted by established artists. A number of excellent plays including Rumpelstiltskin, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs and several musicals have been shown here.
If you're looking for fun outdoor activities in Dallas, head over to Klyde Warren Park. Built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, this park gives city-dwellers a much needed green space. Dogs can run free through the water fountains in the dog park to keep cool. Concerts and other events open to the public are held here often. Bask in the sun, play some chess or ping pong, or take the kids over to the playground - make a day of it!
This historic site sprawls over 227 acres (918,636 square meters) and has one of the nation's largest collections of Art Deco buildings. Built in 1936, Fair Park is registered as a National Historic Landmark. It was built by the WPA to house the Texas Centennial Exposition, celebrating Texas' independence from Mexico. It boasts an inspiring list of museums including the African American Museum, Age of Steam Railroad Museum, Museum of Nature and Science, Music Hall At Fair Park, Dallas Aquarium and Dallas Horticulture Center. You will also find concerts at the outdoor Coca Cola Starplex, college football in the Cotton Bowl, and the annual State Fair of Texas. The Visitor Center shows a 10-minute film about the park and offers walking tours by appointment.
Dallas Zoo encompasses 106-acres (42 hectares) of exotic and traditional zoo animals. Visitors are greeted at the entrance by one of the tallest statues in Texas - a 67.5 foot (20.5 meters) giraffe. The Wilds of Africa attraction includes the chimpanzee forest, the gorilla center and an aviary on a quarter-mile nature trail where six natural habitats are featured: forest, mountain, woodland, river, desert and brush. A 20-minute monorail ride runs the course of the attraction and costs an additional fee. The ZooNorth attraction includes a bird and reptile building, children's zoo with touchable animals, cheetah exhibit, elephants, giraffes, flamingos and other traditional animals.
Neal Wilson Stadium or Neil E. Wilson Stadium is an outdoor and and indoor stadium built in 1999. The stadium is owned by Flower Mound high school and is the home ground of Flower Mound Jaguars. It is a multipurpsoe stadium and hosts soccer and track and field games for its home team. The stadium underwent renovation in 2003, in order to expand its boundaries and has field turf ground.
The Dallas Firefighters Museum is a historical landmark in the city. Built in 1907, this building was a functioning fire station for more than 60 years. The museum has over 2000 items on exhibit, including photographs and trucks. The most famous item here is a steam pumper from the 19th century which was pulled by horses. The visitors here are mostly kids in school groups.
Located in the Hilton Anatole, the Geppetto's Theater & Workshop is a charming marionette theater that's certain to entertain! Set in an intimate theater, this unique performance is sure to spark a love of live theater in any child's heart. Bring your kids and watch as puppets act out engaging stories. Make sure to ask about the behind-the-scenes tours that will teach your family all about marionettes.
Legends Hall at The Marq Southlake is a beautiful event venue space in Southlake. In the color scheme of off white, beige and furnishing in gold, the hall looks elegant and exudes a royal-like feeling. Beautiful French windows adorn the space and is well lit with modern lighting fixtures. It is ideal for hosting a wedding or any grand cultural event.