9 Fun Family Outdoor Adventures in Dallas You Can Check Off with TrailBingo
Looking for things to do with your family in Dallas that are fun, educational, and outdoorsy? Whether you're entertaining kids, visiting from out of town, or just want to get outside more, Dallas has no shortage of unique nature-focused destinations—and you can make exploring even more exciting with the TrailBingo app!
The Dallas Family Outdoor Outings Bingo Card on TrailBingo helps you track visits, earn digital badges, and even redeem points for rewards. It's a free, gamified way to get kids off screens and into nature.
Let’s explore some of the amazing family destinations featured on the card:
🌿 1. Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary (McKinney)
This 289-acre preserve offers hiking trails, rotating exhibits (currently its bugs!), and hands-on nature education for all ages. Kids love the animal encounters and seasonal events like the Butterfly Garden.
Tip: Pack water and wear closed-toe shoes—the nature trails are the real adventure!
🐴 2. Heritage Farmstead Museum (Plano)
Step back in time at this 4.5-acre living history farm. Your family can meet farm animals, explore the old schoolhouse, and experience what rural Texas life was like in the early 1900s.
Tip: They also have homeschool days!
🌺 3. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
One of the most beautiful spots in Dallas, the Arboretum has over 60 acres of vibrant gardens, a massive children’s area, and seasonal exhibits year-round.
Pro Tip: The Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden is packed with STEM-based play.
🐦 4. Trinity River Audubon Center (South Dallas)
Built on a former illegal dump site, this center is now a reclaimed paradise for birds, wildlife, and hikers alike. Kids can learn about ecology and walk shaded trails near the river.
Leave No Trace reminder: Stay on the path and respect wildlife while exploring.
🌲 5. Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center (Cedar Hill)
Just south of the city, this is a quieter gem for hiking and birdwatching with kids. The trails are moderately challenging, but doable for active families.
Game idea: Play “Spot That Bird” along the trail and snap pics of your finds!
🐐 6. Cathy’s Critters (Princeton)
This hands-on farm experience lets your family pet and feed animals like goats, alpacas, kangaroos (!) and more. It’s educational and a guaranteed kid favorite.
Tip: Check out their summer programs and make sure to check open hours before visiting
🦁 7. Dallas Zoo
A classic for good reason! Ride the monorail, feed giraffes, and learn about wildlife from all over the world. It's large enough to count as a full-day adventure.
Sustainability tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and pack a zero-waste lunch.
🐘 8. Texas Zoofari Park (Kaufman)
Take a drive-thru safari right here in North Texas! You'll see zebras, ostriches, camels, and more—all from the comfort of your car.
Family bonus: They also have a petting zoo and gift shop after you finish your drive.
🐠 9. Dallas World Aquarium
Technically indoors—but with outdoor exhibits and an entire rainforest environment, this place still fits your nature-themed weekend. It's especially great when it's too hot or rainy outside.
Tip: bring some snacks and maybe check out a local restaurant or coffee shop close by during your trip.
🎯 How to Use TrailBingo to ExploreMore of Dallas this summer
Download the TrailBingo app for free and download the Dallas Family Outdoor Outings card. You’ll find all the places listed above, plus other local gems on other cards, mapped out and ready for adventure.
✅ Check off locations
🎯 Complete rows for bingos
🏅 Earn points and TrailBadges
🎁 Redeem rewards at the ExploreMore shop and with our partners
📍 Bonus Tips for Families Exploring Outdoors
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Always check hours, parking, and seasonal events before you go
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Bring sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of snacks and water, and your sense of wonder
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Take photos and tag @exploremore.fun on Instagram—we love seeing your adventures!
📲 Ready to Play?
Download TrailBingo today and make family time your new favorite game. Whether it’s petting alpacas, hiking through a canyon, or spotting penguins at the aquarium—Dallas is your playground.
👉 ExploreMoreDFW.com | Available on iOS & Android
