The nationally acclaimed Fort Worth Zoo is a pioneer in using natural habitats to showcase animals. Exotic animals are kept out of cages and left to freely roam in a natural environment. On most occasions, visitors are separated from the residents by only a river or a waterfall! Special exhibits include the world of primates, African Savannah, Asian falls and Texas wild. An onsite restaurant serves hamburgers, fries, pizza and BBQ, while a canopy of magnificent oak trees provides shelter from the hot Texas sun.

Hawks Creek Golf Club is a 18-hole golf course that provides challenging shots. The course was renovated in 2000 and features water hazards and sand bunkers. Hawks Creek Golf Club also has a pro shop, practice facilities and on-site dinning. The club house is impressive with Scottish styled architecture.

Located on the northwest edge of Fort Worth not far from downtown, Lake Worth is a convenient destination. Since there is no full service marina on the lake, it is a popular location for sailboat enthusiasts. There is also a large amount of private property along the lake's edge, so make sure you use one of the four public boat and picnic areas when you are there. Fishing for small bass and crappie is popular, and be sure to look for Moss Point and Goat Island, which provide excellent scenery. Admission is free.

Generations of Fort Worth families have sought relief from the hot Texas sun by diving into this cold, clear, spring-fed private lake located in northwest Fort Worth. Once a goldfish hatchery, Burger's Lake is now a one-acre, family-oriented "swimming hole" featuring tall trees, picnic tables, barbecue grills, concession stands, and tennis and volleyball courts, along with occasional sand-castle building contests and related events meant to entertain visitors. The lack of high-tech water slides or wave pools is made up for by large floating tubes, a fountain, and a trapeze for 'swinging' and 'dropping.'

Fort Worth Nature Center & Wildlife Refuge is Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Fort Worth. It is a 3,500-acre refuge for animals and indigenous plants. This area has unique trails, scenic pastures and educational exhibits. Herds of buffalo and white-tailed deers roam the refuge. Other animals residing inside the refuge include a "town" of prairie dogs. The trip is ideal for a day-long outdoor family adventure.

Manmade river twists and turns through trees and flowers at this 17-acre water park, a perfect spot for children of all ages. One highlight is the green extreme, a water roller coaster measuring 65 feet tall and 1,161 feet long. With its myriad twists and turns, this ride,deemed the world's largest uphill water coaster, is everyone's favorite. The endless river offers the opportunity for a relaxing ride on a lazy summer day, while NRH2Ocean is a 12,000-square-foot wave pool. On Friday nights, "dive-in" movies are shown on a screen that is readily viewable from anywhere in this pool.

Previously known as Civic Center Park, Quakertown Park is situated close to Downtown Denton. This 32 acre (12.95 hectare) facility is a good place to spend the day with the family. On the premises you will find a playground, amphitheater, picnic tables, garden walks, swimming pool and more. This outdoor space is also the site for the annual Denton Arts and Jazz Festival. The Denton Blues Festival has also been held here.

Getting lost was never so interesting and fun! At the Cowtown Cattlepen Maze, you can compete with your group of friends and even time yourself. The wooden mazes are changed often, making it challenging enough even for frequent visitors. Amateurs can also go to the observation deck and check out the maze structure before taking up the challenge. Also, you can organize team building sessions, birthday parties or a simple get together with your friends here. So get lost!

A make-shift pavilion located at the banks of the Trinity river, at the point where the river's two tributaries meet, Panther Island Pavilion is where all tubing fans head to during Tube The Trinity. This temporary pavilion also has a performance space where musicians and bands play in a very unique atmosphere. Do stop by when in Uptown.

One of the well-maintained parts of the city of Bridgeport, the Harwood Park is located in the center of the city. Spread over an extensive area of 8.3 acres (3.36 hectares), this park is a necessary recreational venue for the city folks, and has underwent renovations in 2007 to include additions like picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and barbecue grills. The park also plays host to some major community events. See the website to know more.