Dallas and surrounding areas boast mile upon mile of farmland, and many of these farms have opened their doors to the public. Families can enjoy a fun day outdoors visiting petting farms, pick-your-own farms, and going on horseback rides. Here are just a few farms that offer wholesome outdoor fun for the entire family.
Petting Farm at Preston Farm Trails
Located just North of Dallas, Petting Farm at Preston Trail Farms offers plenty of outdoor fun for the whole family all year round. This petting farm offers a great opportunity to experience farm animals up close. They boast more than 50 goats, cows, and longhorn cattle that visitors can see, feed, and, if they’re lucky, even touch. From September 15 to November 27, the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm opens at Preston Trail Farms, where visitors can view the large pumpkin patch and enjoy hayrides.
The farm also features a cafe where guests can buy fresh produce or sit down for a home-style meal. On the menu are delicious burgers, catfish, salads, sandwiches, and much more.
Pick-Your-Own Farms
Pick-your-own farms, where visitors can handpick their own produce instead of dealing with produce of unknown origins from the store, are becoming increasingly popular. There are a variety of pick-your-own farms available in the Dallas area that offer a wide range of fresh products, from eggs to blueberries to vine-ripened grapes, and much more. Picking your own produce doesn’t only mean that you’ll have fresher and organic ingredients for your next meal, but it also provides your family with a fun outdoor activity. Here are a few farms in the area that offer a pick-your-own experience:
- Henrietta Creek Orchard is a 30-minute drive from Dallas, in Roanoke. At this farm, guests can pick organic vegetables, such as black-eyed peas, tomatoes, okra, cucumbers, kale, garlic, lettuce, and onions.
- Lavon Farms, located in Plano, is roughly a 30-minute drive from Dallas. It offers the public Grade “A” raw milk, various cheeses, unsalted butter, yogurt, and eggs.
- Storm Farms, located in Arlington, is a 30-minute drive from Dallas. At this farm, visitors can pick fresh strawberries or pumpkins, depending on the season.
Southfork Ranch
The set of the famous TV series Dallas, Southfork Ranch is home to exhibits and memorabilia that pay tribute to the show. Visitors can, for instance, view the gun that “shot” J.R., Lucy’s wedding dress, Jock’s Lincoln Continental, and of course, the Ewing Mansion. Guided tours are offered throughout the year where visitors are not only provided with the history of the series, but also of the farm.
Southfork Ranch is still a working farm, so guests can see Texas Longhorns and American quarter horses as they peruse the ranch grounds. Visitors can also enjoy horseback riding on the beautiful trails that wind through the farm.
Whether you want to pick wholesome organic food with the family, go horseback riding, or have children who would adore feeding some farm animals, there are plenty of farms around Dallas where you can spend some fun family time in the sun.
Image by elPadawan via Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Cropped from original