Ten Best Ways for Nature-lovers to Discover the Wilder Side of Dallas

Situated 3 miles south of downtown, the Dallas Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals (from roughly 400 species), including all the favorites – chimps, lions, elephants, camels, zebras, hippos and giraffes. But there's more going on here than your usual walk-through animal exhibits. Not only is the 106-acre zoo the oldest and largest zoological park in Texas (established in 1888), it's also one of only ten zoos in the country to house a koala exhibit. As well, the zoo is committed to conservation and breeding programs for numerous endangered species and as such has constructed many of the enclosures to replicate the animals' natural habitats. From a recreated Australian Outback to an African savanna and South American rain forest, everything is designed to show off the birds and the beasts without disturbing their daily habits. Along with a monorail safari through areas not accessible by foot, there's a children's area complete with interactive exhibits, a petting farm, pony rides and a nature-inspired swap shop where kids can exchange items. Daily presentations include animal encounters and special feeding times, plus the zoo hosts an assortment of special events throughout the year.

Nestled along the shores of White Rock Lake, this oasis of horticultural magnificence is arguably one of the most enchanting as well as most visited botanical gardens in the country, welcoming nearly a million visitors to its grounds each year. And with 66-acre acres of endless seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and exotic plants, there's plenty to marvel at. Families with younger children will want to also explore the Rory Meyers Children Adventure Garden, an 8-acre garden of delights boasting everything from cascading waterfalls and a treetop canopy walk to a two-story tree house and more than 150 interactive science exhibits. In addition to a slew of educational programs for children and adults, the Arboretum hosts a variety of public events, ranging from art shows to concerts and seasonal festivals. Try to plan your visit during the spring when the Arboretum puts on the largest floral festival in the Southwest, Dallas Blooms-- showcasing more than 500,000 blooming bulbs and annuals. And be sure to reserve a spot for high tea or lunch at the historic DeGolyer House restaurant, the views are as spectacular as the food.

Want to take in the sites of Big D and burn off a few calories along the way? Then hit the pavement with Dallas Running Tours where you'll learn about Dallas' history, architecture and art on the run. Choose from 3 to 18 mile tours through Downtown Dallas;the West End Historic District; the Katy Trail and White Rock Lake– or customize a run based on exactly what you want to see and do. Tours are priced at $35 per person for the first 4 miles with a $5 surcharge for each additional mile. For those who need a little extra incentive or are training for a race, the company offers running buddy services as well as tours geared for you and your four-legged friends. Best of all, you don't need to be a serious runner, you can also go for a fitness walk if that's more your speed.

Take a break from city life by exploring one of Dallas' hidden gems, the Trinity River, on a canoe. Trinity River Expeditions offers canoe and kayak rentals for those who want to explore the river on their own. But a better option is to take one of the guided river journeys offered by expert canoeist and avid naturalist, Charles Allen. Allen takes visitors on a 10-mile journey through some of the most remote reaches of the river. Along the way, passengers have the opportunity to view everything from wildlife and historic structures to remnants of ancient archaeological sights.

You've heard the saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Well, before this 120-acre nature preserve and environmental education center opened in 2008, the area was home to the largest illegal dumping site in the state. Nowadays, the center (located ten miles south of downtown) serves as a gateway to the 6,000-acre Great Trinity Forest, the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in North America. The area is home to a variety of wildlife and over sixty species of birds which can be viewed along five miles of hiking trails that meander through forests, blackland prairies and thriving wetlands. In addition to hiking trails and picnic areas there is a butterfly garden and a discovery garden for children, as well as a state-of-the-art visitor's center filled with hands-on exhibits. Keep an eye out for an assortment of activities, ranging from seasonal festivals and guided hikes to birding classes, kayak river adventures, camp-outs and owl prowls.

Perched atop a sunken freeway, this nationally acclaimed 5-acre oasis is just one of the examples of what makes Dallas' downtown area so dynamic. The park was opened in 2012 for the purpose of encouraging more pedestrian foot traffic to the area as well as to be a central gathering place for locals and visitors to enjoy. Today, the resplendent space is abound with year round programming, ranging from fitness sessions, dance lessons and lawn games to children's entertainment, musical performances and film screenings. There are also special areas within the park allocated for kids, for dogs and for playing board games. In case you work up an appetite after all of the activities, you can tempt your taste buds at the park's chic gastro-pub, Savor, or from a variety of food trucks stationed along the side.

It may be a stereotype that all Texans own horses, but that's not to say we don't enjoy channeling our inner cowboy (or cowgirl) every now and then. And one of the best riding adventures to take is with Widowmaker Trail Rides, which provides guided rides (for small groups ages 12 and up) along the scenic shores of Lake Grapevine, located 30 minutes from downtown Dallas. Trails wind through 1000-acres of stunning landscape that includes everything from lush forests to meadows, hills and creeks. The two-hour rides are priced at $90 per person and are offered year-round by appointment only. Best of all, because it's by appointment only most of the rides end up being private ones.

Just minutes from downtown Dallas lies Trinity Forest Adventure Park, a seven acre combination obstacle course and zip line park where families can soar, swing, scramble and climb to their heart's content. Designed for ages six and over, the park boasts over twenty zip-lines (from 10' to 75' above ground) and 70 different elements (cargo nets, wobble bridges, tight ropes and the like) which are spread out over six aerial obstacle courses, each with varying elevations and challenges. The courses are all self-guided to allow everyone to move at their own pace, but it's important to watch your time since tickets are only valid for three hours. In addition to aerial courses (weekends only) the ranch offers a slew of recreational activities during the summer-- which include everything from pedal boats and pony rides to swimming, rock climbing and fishing.

Located only five miles east of downtown, White Rock Lake Park provides an ideal escape without having to leave the city limits. And as one of Dallas' largest parks, over twice the size of Central Park in New York City, this urban oasis truly offers something for everyone. Visitors will find everything from vast forests and a variety of wildlife (it's an Audubon Society-designated bird watching area) to over 9 miles of trails for hiking and biking. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, a dog park and a cultural center, not to mention a 1,015 acre lake for activities like paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing and fishing. Speaking of activities, White Rock Lake also hosts a multitude of events, ranging from marathons to boat races and music festivals. Oh, and did we mention that there's a replica of George Washington's Mount Vernon house here? Head over to the west side of the lake if you want to take a look.

Contrary to common belief, Dallas' topography is not as flat as you think. At least not at this 600-acre paradise located 20 minutes south of downtown. Situated at an elevation of 755 feet, the preserve offers restrooms, water fountains, an outdoor amphitheater and 9 miles of unpaved trails that wind through a lush terrain filled with native foliage and wildlife. Best of all, there's a variety of trails, ranging from easy to difficult– to please any outdoorsy adventurer. Be sure to make your way up the Escarpment Trail to get a bird's eye view from the highest point in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Take note that no bikes are allowed, but dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.