Outdoor Adventures in Dallas/Ft Worth Now Through October

Gone are the lazy days of summer, and here are the fast-flying days of fall. Between sports starting back and homework, weekends tend to fill up and fly by. In order to help you find great outdoor fall activities in the North Texas area, we have complied a list of must-hit attractions this season. We’ll give you some ideas, but it’ll be up to you to carve out that time!

Texas State Fair 

Who doesn’t love a fried Oreo or a funnel cake bacon cheese burger? If you haven’t heard of the second one yet, then you’d better head to the Texas State Fair where this entree just took the Big Tex Award for the most creative savory dish. If deep fried everything doesn’t float your boat, then head to the fair for the livestock shows, cooking exhibits, and midway games and rides. Running from September 29-October 22 at Fair Park, the Texas State Fair is a time-honored tradition and a staple of fall.

Plano Balloon Festival 

For three days each year, the North Texas sky is filled with hot air balloons. This family fun weekend is packed full of outdoor concerts, a skydiving exhibition and fireworks. This is the city’s largest annual celebration and draws a crowd upwards of 90,000. Make sure to hang around until dark to watch the balloon glow. Pack a picnic or choose from local food vendors on site if you need a bite to eat. This is a weekend that can’t be missed.

Six Flags Over Fright Fest

Get ready to get scared at Fright Fest at Six Flags! This spooky, seasonal experience takes over the parks from September 23-October 31. Included at Fright Fest are haunted mazes that will have you running for the exits, and the frightening shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Terror isn’t confined to the haunting attractions, so all guests will have to be on the lookout for scary characters lurking around the park.

Murphy Maize Days 

The ninth annual Murphy Maize Days Festival will be held on September 30 and is free and open to the public. This family-centered event will feature Touch-a-Truck where kids can learn about different equipment used by Parks and Public Works, a kid zone with inflatables and splash pad, and a classic car show. Come hungry and looking for a good time. There will be food and drink vendors as well as live music throughout the day.

Oktoberfest Southlake 

No need to travel across the pond to wear your Lederhosen and indulge in a weekend of craft beer and international food. Head to the Town Square in Southlake October 6-8 to enjoy the Bavarian cultural treat that is Oktoberfest. This free event (you have to pay for food and drink) will feature live music, handcrafted arts and a wiener dog race. Bring the whole family for a day of outdoor fun!

Hike White Rock Lake 

When the leaves begin to change, take a Saturday morning and go explore the foliage in North Texas. While the relatively flat metroplex may seem like an odd place to hike, there are hidden gems throughout the area that are must-sees this time of year. White Rock Lake offers numerous ways to view the changing colors such as a bike ride on the trails or a knack ride on the lake. Or head in by foot at Fair Oaks Park to access the inner depths of the woods.