Texas winters may not be as cold as in other parts of the country, but you can’t exactly call Texas weather mild. Only the most dedicated aficionados of the outdoors spend a lot of time outside in the summer. Temperatures in the summer frequently exceed 90 degrees, and the landscape doesn’t include many trees to provide a breeze or shade. When you want to enjoy the outdoors, particularly with children, spring is the best time to do it. Here are some of the top attractions you want to visit before the weather really heats up. 

Cedar Ridge Preserve - South Dallas

Photo courtesy of Cedar Ridge Preserve

Think you can’t find rustic hiking trails, wildlife, and acres of trees in the city? Think again. This Audubon nature preserve is one of the most beautiful spots in South Dallas. The Cedar Ridge Preserve puts you up close and personal with 600 acres of real nature. Enjoy nine miles of hiking trails surrounded by dragonflies, natural trees, and wild grasses. This natural habitat is an absolute can’t-miss site. But make sure you visit when the forecast is dry, as mudslides can occur. This is no stroll through a neighborhood park – bring lots of water, avoid hot days at the preserve, and don’t bring young children along. These trails are best for adults and older kids who are more experienced hikers. 

Dallas Arboretum - Dallas

Photo courtesy of Dallas Arboretum

This 66-acre botanical garden is located in Dallas near the southeastern edge of White Rock Lake. You’ll see a stunning area of flowers, including expansive tulip exhibits in the spring. The arboretum is a popular backdrop for photos, especially bridal pictures. The facility is much larger than you would imagine, all of which is an explosion of bright color. There are few places in Dallas with as much natural beauty. If you visit before the weather gets hot, you can really enjoy the arboretum at a leisurely pace. 

Six Flags Over Texas - Arlington

Photo courtesy of Six Flags Over Texas

Plenty of people go to Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington in any weather. The amusement park is one of the top attractions in DFW. But there’s no question that waiting in long lines to ride amusement park rides can get pretty miserable in the summer heat. Especially if you’re taking young children with you, going to Six Flags before the season really heats up will make sure the experience is more likely to be filled with fun rather than whining.

River Legacy Parks - Arlington

Photo courtesy of River Legacy Parks

River Legacy Parks in Arlington is a great place to spend the day. This 1,300-acre nature preserve along the Trinity River features eight miles of paved walking trails that wind through forests. The center highlights the natural ecological diversity in North Texas with wetlands, prairies, and bottomland forests. The facility also features custom playgrounds and playscapes, mountain biking trails, and a canoe launch. There are lots of activities here that are great for the whole family. Because it’s located along the river, a lot more bugs will come out in the summer, so the park can be a lot more enjoyable and comfortable before prime bug season. 

Fort Worth Botanic Garden - Fort Worth

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a beautiful place to walk among the flowers and fountains. Best in later spring when more flowers are likely to be in bloom, this is a peaceful and quiet place. Like the Dallas Arboretum, this is also a popular site for taking photos. Although admission to the main part of the botanic gardens is free, the Japanese gardens have a small admission fee. This beautifully landscaped section is definitely worth the extra cost, however.

Fort Worth Zoo - Fort Worth

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth

Dallas and Fort Worth are often seen as being in competition with one another. Dallas often wins simply because it’s a much bigger city, but one notable advantage of Fort Worth is the Fort Worth Zoo. Fort Worth Zoo has been ranked among the best zoos in the nation in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice awards. Home to more than 7,000 species of native and exotic animals, there’s a lot to see at this very well-maintained zoo. Even though the zoo has shaded areas, it will be much more comfortable spending a long day there if you go early in the year.