The advent of summer means the kids are home from school, and there's still plenty of daylight when the work day is done. Whether you're looking for a nature-friendly date night or a place to entertain little ones for a few hours, these Dallas-Fort Worth parks have you covered. All that's left is to go outside and play.
Bob Woodruff Park
Plano has been called "one giant playground," and for good reason. With facilities ranging from fishing piers to sand volleyball courts to hard surface trails, Bob Woodruff is one of most fun parks in Plano. And, yes, there's also a playground.
Celebration Park
When you bring the kids to Celebration Park in Allen, you'll understand why the name is so appropriate. There are more than 100 acres to explore, and amenities include athletic fields, hike and bike trails, and a sprayground.
Centennial Park
If you like your parks with a dose of history, then Irving has just the ticket. Located in the heart of downtown, Centennial Park is home to several historical monuments, including a veteran's memorial and a tribute to Irving's founders.
Cottonwood Park
Richardson's Cottonwood Park packs a lot into 25 acres. In addition to the requisite playground and picnic equipment, there are two lakes, a swimming pool, lighted tennis courts and a sand volleyball court.
Klyde Warren Park
Nary an inch of this 5.2-acre park in downtown Dallas is wasted. In addition to walking paths and greenspace, Klyde Warren Park has an outdoor library, checkers, a dog park and its own restaurant. For organized outdoor recreation, check out the free weekly exercise classes.
Robert E. Lee Park
The perfect place for an unexpected date night, Robert E. Lee Park will surely score you some points with the nature lover in your life. Paved walkways allow you to take in the scenery without messing up your Jimmy Choos. The park's proximity to Oak Lawn and Lemmon Avenue make it a great choice for an after-dinner stroll.
Unity Park
The highlight of Highland Village's Unity Park is a wooden playground palace called Kid's Kastle. Children get the royal treatment with this deluxe playground, which is surrounded by a 38-acre park containing baseball fields, batting cages, a fishing pier and a sand volleyball court.
White Rock Lake Park
White Rock Lake is more than just a body of water. It’s a gathering place for friends and families that includes a museum, paddle board, kayaking and rowing rentals, and a fishing pier. For the water-averse, there's a 9.3-mile trail around the lake where bikes, strollers and runners are welcome.