By Randy White Real Estate Services
Ask anyone who's lived here a while, and they'll tell you Southlake's finest amenity isn't a storefront; it's the outdoors. Between the Cross Timbers trails along Lake Grapevine and the open-air evenings at Town Square, we've found there's a full day of fresh air waiting just minutes from every neighborhood. Here's how we'd spend a perfect day outside.
Key Takeaways
- Bob Jones Park and its adjoining Nature Center offer nearly 500 acres of trails, water, and open space on the north side of town.
- Bicentennial Park and The Marq keep active families busy with pickleball, tennis, and an outdoor amphitheater.
- Southlake Town Square is the ideal place to wind down with dining and seasonal events under the Texas sky.
- Most of these spots sit within a short drive of neighborhoods like Timarron, Carillon, and Clariden Ranch.
Start Your Morning at Bob Jones Park
We always suggest beginning at Bob Jones Park, nearly 500 acres of Cross Timbers habitat along North White Chapel Boulevard. The six-acre pond and its distinctive bat-wing pavilion make a lovely first stop, and the whole park connects seamlessly into the preserve next door.
What to Do First
- Cast a line or enjoy a family picnic at the fishing pond beneath the bat-wing pavilion.
- Bring the horses, or simply watch, along the park's dedicated equestrian trails.
- Let the dog run at Boo Boo's Buddies Dog Park, a favorite among local residents.
- Visit the Bob and Almeady Jones statue to learn the history of the family that gave the park its name.
Wander the Trails at Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve
Just beside the park, the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve has been a nature-lover's retreat since it opened in 2008. Set along the banks of Lake Grapevine, its more than 700 acres of Cross Timbers ecosystem hold over 20 miles of trails, with paths open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Trails and Programs Worth Your Time
- The quarter-mile White-Tailed Deer Trail is an easy, shaded introduction for younger explorers.
- The nearly two-mile Grapevine Lake Trail winds gently down to the water's edge for the best views.
- Guided birding walks and the monthly Cross Timbers Nature Club connect families to the local ecosystem.
- Keep in mind that dogs aren't permitted on the preserve trails, so save the pup for the park next door.
Stay Active at Bicentennial Park and The Marq
For those who like their outdoors with a little competition, Bicentennial Park north of Southlake Boulevard is the city's athletic heart, sitting right beside The Marq Southlake. It's an easy place to spend an afternoon whether you're playing or watching.
Ways to Play
- Book a game at the Southlake Pickleball Complex, nine courts that opened in early 2024.
- Serve and volley at the 21-court Southlake Tennis Center.
- Cool off at The Marq's Champions Club, with its indoor aquatics center and walking track.
- Catch a concert or event at Aria, The Marq's 1,200-capacity outdoor amphitheater.
Wind Down at Southlake Town Square
We can't imagine a day outdoors here without an evening at Southlake Town Square, the open-air downtown that's anchored the community since 1999. Its walkable streets and landscaped greens make it the most elegant way to close out the day.
How to Spend the Evening
- Stroll through Rustin Park and enjoy its signature gazebo and reflecting pond.
- Settle in for al fresco dining at one of the Square's many restaurants and patios.
- Time your visit around a signature event like springtime Art in the Square or the July Fourth Stars & Stripes celebration.
- Don't miss the crowd-favorite Wiener Dog Races during the annual Oktoberfest festival.
FAQs
Which Southlake park is best for a family with young children?
We usually point families to Bob Jones Park, where the playground, dog park, and fishing pond keep everyone happy. Pair it with the Nature Center's short White-Tailed Deer Trail and the monthly Cross Timbers Nature Club for an easy, memorable outing.
Can we bring our dog along for the day?
Absolutely, at Bob Jones Park's Boo Boo's Buddies Dog Park and throughout Southlake Town Square. Just remember that dogs aren't allowed on the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve trails, so plan that stop accordingly.
When is the best time of year to enjoy Southlake outdoors?
Spring and fall are our favorites for comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. In summer, we recommend starting early to beat the Texas heat, and the community's seasonal events give you a reason to be outside all year long.
Reach Out to Randy White Real Estate Services Today
The outdoor lifestyle is one of the many reasons families fall in love with Southlake, and it's something we love showing buyers as we explore neighborhoods together. Whether you're drawn to the trails along Lake Grapevine or evenings at Town Square, we'd love to help you find a home that puts all of it within reach.
If you're thinking about buying or selling in Southlake, contact us at Randy White Real Estate Services, and let's talk about the lifestyle you're looking for.
