Searching for ways to spend more time outdoors with the family this summer? Well, the search ends here. We’ve put together a list of eight, family-friendly outdoor summer activities.
1. Explore the trails at Arbor Hills Nature Center
Where: 6701 W Parker Rd
Arbor Hills Nature Center is a 200-acre park and trail system that is great for walking, orienteering, jogging, and hiking with the entire family. At the park, sections of the trail s are divided up between a off-road biking trail that spans 2.8 miles, a paved 3-mile trail, and 3 miles of unpaved trail for walkers only. Pets are allowed at the park. Arbor Hills Nature Center can be accessed via Parker Road and is just a short distance from The Place at Harvestree.
2. Feed the animals at the Heritage Farmstead Museum
Where: 1900 W 15th St
What is now the Heritage Farmstead Museum was originally built in 1891 by wheat farmers Hunter Farrell and his wife Mary Alice. The 365-acre farmstead has several buildings on-site and plenty of opportunities to learn about Texas history. Families can walk the grounds and learn about what is was like to live on a farmstead decades and decades ago. Kids can pet the horses, feed the chickens and explore the farm. General admission is $3 per person.
3. Go on a public art walk
Where: Multiple locations
The city of Plano has nearly a dozen public artworks across the city. Take the family on an outdoor walking tour and explore some of the creative pieces around town. View the official City of Plano website for the exact locations and descriptions of each artwork.
4. Savor nature at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
Where: 5901 Los Rios Blvd
Enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer at Plano’s Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve. Comprised of walkable and bikeable trails, the nature preserve serves as a respite from the surrounding urban areas. The park even offers a zipline course, which is great for the kiddos. Visitors say that the park is “a great escape from the city†and “the best hiking experience you’re going to find in north DFW.â€
5. Have an aerial adventure at Go Ape
Where: 5901 Los Rios Blvd
At Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course families can fully observe themselves in the outdoors. With five ziplines, suspended obstacles and 39 crossings, visitors to GoApe can push it to the limits and have an exhilarating aerial adventure. The course takes about 2.5 hours to complete for most people and is definitely a workout. Be sure to plan accordingly. Admission for kids and teens ages 10-15 is $38, admission for teens age 16 and 17 as well as adults is is $58.
6. Visit the Connemara Conservancy
Where:Â Alma, South of Bethany Drive in Allen
Not only is a trip to Connemara Conservancy a great way to spend time outdoors with the entire family this summer, it’s also a great way for kids to learn about nature outside of the classroom. The conservancy has been protecting North Texas land for over three decades and aims to teach the future generations about the importance of conserving nature and its valuable resources. Guests can take self-guided tours, astronomy tours or visit the conservancy for one of its many events, like Meadow Fest as well as the free monthly activites. Pets are welcome at the conservancy.
7. Learn about railroads and trains at the Interurban Railway Museum
Where: 901 E 15th St
Located in Downtown Plano, inside of Haggard Park, the Interurban Railway Museum features interactive exhibits and summer camps, making a day spent here fun as well as a learning opportunity. The museum also offers scouting programs, children’s storytime plus a chance to take a look inside of old trains. Throughout June students at Plano ISD Title 1 schools can attend camp for free.
8. Go geocaching
Where: Multiple locations
Head out on a modern day treasure hunt and go geocaching! How does it work? First, an object is hidden, then the person who did the hiding posts the GPS coordinates online on a geocaching website. Then, geocachers can try their best to find the hidden object based on the coordinates alone. It’s free and it’s an easy way to spend more time outdoors this summer.
