Dallas Trails with Playgrounds: Where to Run and Play
One of my favorite ways to exercise these days is by going for a run with my girls on one of the many beautiful trails in Dallas. After mama gets her workout in, we head to a nearby playground for a picnic and some play time. It’s the perfect way to wear my girls (and me) out, breathe in some fresh air, and soak up some Vitamin D. Here are a few of our family’s favorite Dallas trails with playgrounds!
Santa Fe Trail // Lindsley Park
- The Santa Fe Trail is a beautiful, quiet 4.2 mile trail in East Dallas that connects White Rock Lake to Deep Ellum. You’ll pass by a mural under the Brookside Dr. bridge, the greens of Lakewood Country Club, and maybe some rabbits along the way.Â
- Right off the Santa Fe Trail is Lindsley Park. This playground was recently rebuilt and is great for busy toddlers and older kids. There are plenty of picnic tables and shaded green space for a perfect picnic lunch or dinner.Â
- Tip: Park at Lindsley Park and start your run heading west on the trail until you reach the Brookside Bridge. Snap a quick pic in front of the mural and head back toward Lindsley Park. You can choose to continue your run east where you would go under an old railroad track and eventually meet White Rock Lake.
White Rock Lake Trail // T&P Hill Park and Lakewood Park
- The 9.2 mile White Rock Lake Trail offers gorgeous views of the lake and wildlife like ducks, rabbits, fish, pelicans, and more. It’s also a beautiful place to take in sunsets and has a great view of the Dallas skyline along the southeastern side of the trail.Â
- Along the are two playgrounds – T & P Hill Park and Lakewood Park. T&P Hill Has a smaller play area but is surrounded by gorgeous views of the lake. If you walk down by the boat house, you’ll almost always find ducks. Lakewood Park (also known as Williamson Park) is one of our favorite parks in Dallas. It’s shaded by towering trees, has a great playground, and even has a creek to splash in.
- Tip: Park near the Filter Building and begin your run North to T & P Hill. Either let the kids out to play now, or continue on to Lakewood Park. Have a picnic and some play time, then head back to T & P Hill or straight to the car if everyone’s ready for a nap!
Katy Trail // Reverchon Park
- Katy Trail is a lively, fun 3.5 mile trail in central Dallas that runs from the American Airlines Center in Victory Park all the way to the Mockingbird DART Station. You’ll pass colorful murals and Dallas staples like Katy Trail Icehouse.
- Reverchon Park features a fully shaded playground and plenty of green space to run or picnic. While this play area is great for older kids, it’s also one of my favorites for crawlers because of its padded ground.
- Tip: Park at Reverchon Park by the baseball field. Go past the playground and hop on Katy Trail heading northeast to begin your run. After your workout, head back to Reverchon Park to play and picnic.
These Dallas trails with playgrounds are sure to provide a fun (and scenic!) workout for the whole family. Let us know if we need to add your favorite to the list!
