Spring Has Sprung in Denton: Your Guide to Outdoor Adventures!
With extended daylight hours and rising temperatures, add Denton to your spring must-visit list! Come explore the various opportunities Denton offers visitors and residents alike to experience the best of the spring season.
Hit the Trails
If you are interested in outdoor adventures, Denton is home to some of the best trails in North Texas.
The DCTA Rail Trail, also known as the Denton Katy Trail, runs from Denton’s Downtown Transit Center on Hickory St. south to Lake Dallas. It’s a concrete trail that offers easy access to a pleasant afternoon stroll or jog. For those looking for someplace a little more natural, the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center has over ten miles of family-friendly hiking trails. These dirt trails wind through the lovely nature conservation around Lake Lewisville and are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with no admission fee. You’ll know Spring has truly sprung once you’re hiking through the blossoming bottomland forest or beautifully-maintained natural wetlands.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call the Parks line at (940)349-7275
Denton Mural Tour
Known for its art, Denton has a hip vibe that fosters a talented community of painters. Nowhere is this influence more apparent than on the city’s streets themselves! Indeed, Denton boasts literally dozens of murals that keep the city feeling vibrant and colorful. Murals such as the one entitled ‘Timeless’ (which decorates the outside of prominent local bookstore on the Square, Recycled Books) have become local landmarks, recognizable to generations of Dentonites. Taking a tour of these wall-adorning wonders makes for a splendid little Spring afternoon. Plus, Denton’s murals are great for photo-ops if you’re looking for something to post on social media.
Make a Splash at Lake Ray Roberts
Nothing says spring quite like picnics, flip-flops, and swimsuits. If that sounds like the kind of thing you need, then you owe it to yourself to plan a trip to Ray Roberts Lake State Park. This park, only 20 minutes away, is the ideal spot for anyone looking for that classic Spring Break fun in the sun. We’re talking hiking, fishing, biking trails, and of course, swimming at one of the park’s sandy beach areas. There are picnic pavilions that look out over the lake, so pack some food and make a day out of it. Or, if you’d rather stay a little longer, the park offers walk-in campsites as well. Plus, the on-site Lone Star Lodge has some more swanky digs (for those of us who prefer “glamping” to camping!) Whichever way you choose, Ray Roberts Lake State Park has you covered for all your beachside needs.
Picnic on the Square
The gentle notes of a guitar hum as a young man plays from underneath a nearby tree. The sound of laughter floats over from the restaurants across the street. A picnic luncheon doesn’t cost much and is a great way to spend a postcard-perfect Spring Break day just like this on the Courthouse lawn, right on Denton Square. In fact, it’s so nice on the Courthouse lawn, it’s a popular hangout for college students and locals alike. Plus, with Denton’s open container law, you can even enjoy an adult beverage or two while you relax. So grab some blankets, friends, and maybe a doggo, and set yourself up for a classic spring picnic on the Square.
Join the Pickleball Craze
This rapidly growing sport finds a dedicated home in Denton. The Denton Tennis and Pickleball Center boasts dedicated courts, while several parks offer shared tennis and pickleball courts, making it easy to find a game. New to the sport? Don't sweat it! Denton's welcoming pickleball community caters to beginners and seasoned players alike. So, grab a paddle, embrace the spring sunshine, and get ready for a fun and energetic workout! Find out more about Denton's pickleball scene and the closest courts to you.
Patio Season
Spring is the perfect time to meet your bestie at one of the unique patios here in Denton! Click Here for a list of fun places around town to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.
See Wild Animals
If you’ve never been to the Frank Buck Zoo, this spring is the ideal time to visit. This zoo is just a half-hour drive north of Denton and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They house over 130 animals, including flamingos, giraffes, and zebras! You can even get up close and personal with some of the animals in the zoo’s Animal Encounter experiences. The Frank Buck Zoo could be the ideal escape for the Spring Break vacationer looking to get in touch with their wild side.
Hit the Links
Fore! If hitting the links is your bag, get ready to check your clubs and play a round at one of Denton's finest golf courses. Besides Denton's own, there are over 18 golf courses within 25 miles of Denton, including public, municipal, and private courses. Timberlinks Golf Club has a breezy 9-hole course that is as fun as it are challenging. This is the perfect place for a quick round!
Horseback Riding in Denton
Just a short drive out of Denton lands you in horse country. Ranches in this area offer everything from horse training, breeding, and boarding to horseback riding lessons. Many of the ranches offer trail rides for any sized party whether you are planning a ride for a small group or your next corporate event. Looking for a summer camp for your kids? We've got you covered. Planning a unique birthday party? A horseback riding experience may be the very thing you're looking for!
U-Pick Flowers at Texas-Tulips
Texas-Tulips is a pick-your-own tulip field located in Pilot Point. Tulip picking season begins mid to end February and ends in late March or early April depending on the weather. There are roughly 100 types of tulips to choose from, and the availability varies throughout the season.
