With a plethora of expansive lakes, numerous hiking and biking trails, dedicated horse trails, and year-round sunny weather, it's no wonder why there are so many state parks to visit in Dallas-Fort Worth that are definitely "go-to" places for outdoor fun! But have you seen the dinosaur fossils and farm tour? Check out these outstanding North Texas state parks.
1. Isle du Bois Unit, Lake Ray Roberts - Pilot Point
You can quickly escape back to nature at one of two State Parks on this lake, which is located about one hour north of the Metroplex. There are endless opportunities to soak in the sunshine and clean air while enjoying camping, biking, horseback riding, swimming, or doing nothing at all. It is also one of the best places to go hiking in Dallas-Fort Worth.
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You'll find the park entrance at 100 PW 4137, Pilot Point, TX 76258.
Fishing is one of the most popular things to do outside in Texas. Lake Ray Roberts is a fisherman's paradise with a 29,000 acres full of largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and white bass. The best part? You can fish from the shore or a pier in a State Park without a fishing license!
You can find the entrance at 100 PW 4153, Valley View, TX 76272.
3. South Sulphur Unit, Cooper Lake - Sulphur Springs
Photographers are in an outdoor paradise at either of the two park units on Cooper Lake, one of the best lakes in Texas and located only about 90 miles northwest of Dallas. Bring your camera, tent, swimsuit, horse, and family, and you'll leave with a new, calm outlook on life. You can even rent a canoe!
The South Side Park entrance is at 1690 FM 3505 in Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Located on the north side of the lake, Doctors Creek has fish stations, great campsites with water and electricity, and plenty of open skies away from the city lights for nighttime stargazing.
The entrance is at 1664 FM 1529, South Cooper, TX 75432.
Lake Tawakoni Park is located about 50 miles east of Dallas, and it's a boaters paradise. No boat? Then come to explore 376 acres of oak forest, reserve a campsite, rent the amphitheater for a special event, or take a dip in the kid pond!
You can find the park at 10822 FM 2475 in Wills Point, TX 75169.
Cedar Hill State Park is only about 20 miles from downtown Dallas and 30 miles from Fort Worth, making it the closest spot to the cities on this list! Visitors can camp at one of the 350 developed campsites, all with nearby restrooms and hot showers, or make a visit to the Penn Farm Agricultural History Center. The Penn family lived and worked here for over 100 years and the self-guided tour shows how farming has changed over the past century.
You can enter the park at 1570 West FM 1382 in Cedar Hill, TX 75104.
Purtis Creek State Park is well-known for its excellent fishing, but visitors will also enjoy the abundance of wildlife. They even lends rods, reels and tackle boxes for use in the park!
The park's entrance is an hour southeast of Dallas at 14225 FM 316 in Eustace, TX 75124.
The technical and wooded trails here at Cleburne State Park form a loop that has made this park a favorite for hikers and bikers alike, as well as one of the best parks in Texas. Boats are not allowed to create wakes on this lake and personal watercraft are prohibited, so it is popular for its peace and quiet.
You can enter the park at 5800 Park Road 21 in Cleburne, which is southwest of the Metroplex.
Discovering dinosaur tracks left behind in the bed of the Paluxy River is one of the most appealing reasons to visit Dinosaur Valley State Park! The park is located about an hour southwest of Fort Worth.
The Dinosaur Valley State Park entrance is located at 1629 Park Rd. 59 in Glen Rose, TX 76043.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park sits near what was once a popular health resort, and includes a rock climbing area, lake, trails, and even 20 equestrian campsites.
The location is only 45 minutes west of Fort Worth and is at 100 Park Road 71 in Mineral Wells, TX 76067.
Which area state parks have you visited, and what were your experiences there?
Winter throughout New England offers a wonderful mix of both beauty and fun activities outdoors. Each of the states here is great for that, but Maine is extra special in the winter. If you love the change of seasons, including soft snow and the exhilarating cold, it gets no better than winter in Maine. People flock to Maine throughout the year to enjoy everything nature has to offer, but I tend to love it even more in the middle of the winter season. If you agree, or if cold-weather exploration is new for you, a great spot to visit is this frozen waterfall in Maine. Located near Byron, Angel Falls is fun to hike to and the views are out of this world.
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Angel Falls is just one of the many beautiful waterfalls in Maine. You'll find it near Byron, accessible via a simple one-mile trail. The route to get to the waterfall is about one mile and includes both dirt trail and a few rocky bits.
Most of the year the route is surrounded by bright green trees, making for a beautiful route through the forest. Of course, for this you'll want to visit during late spring or summer. Reaching the falls feels like a prize. In the spring and summer the waterfall will be flowing with winter snow melt and rain. In the fall you'll find gorgeous foliage. But it's the winter we really love.
The trail becomes even more beautiful. If you choose a sunny day, expect lots of great views. When the weather gets cold enough, snow and ice combine to create a winter wonderland. You can’t help but to fall in love with the pretty scenery.
While the water still flows as a trickle the sight is still magnificent for a lot of other reasons. Views of icy conditions are what a lot of people imagine they'll see during winter in Maine. And to see the frozen Angel Falls, you'll need to be willing to head inland. While a lot of people prefer to stick to the coast, we love that this exists for those who appreciate the entire state.
To check out Angel Falls in Maine you'll want to make your way to Bemis Road. Then drive about 3.5 miles down a gravel road where you'll find the trailhead.
Follow the red blazes knowing that this awaits! The trail crosses the creek a few times, so you'll also want to be sure you have strong hiking boots. Crampons can't hurt either. When the falls are flowing you'll probably hear them before you arrive. But this time of year it might just take you by surprise!
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Once you've enjoyed the sight for a while, you'll simply turn around and head back the same way you came to return to the trailhead. This exhilarating winter hike in Maine belongs on your list this year!
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Angel Falls is accessible year-round but be sure to be careful as you walk, as conditions can be slippery and unpredictable in the winter. To see pictures and learn more about the hike to Angel Falls, you should download AllTrails+ on your phone. You’ll have access to offline maps and trail conditions too. Dogs are welcome to come along on this adventure, just be sure to keep them on a leash. Before heading out on any outdoor trip, be sure to tell someone where you're going and when you plan to be back. And, during winter in Maine, you'll certainly want to make sure you've got all the right gear.
If you love seeing as many waterfalls in Maine as possible, you'll love taking my favorite scenic waterfall loop leading to eight of the best examples in the state.
Wintertime means a whole lot of fun in Pennsylvania, especially after it snows. While some winter days are meant for curling up under the blanket with a mug of hot chocolate and watching the snow gently fall, others are made for getting outside and having a blast. What's winter like in Pennsylvania? Weather-wise, it's a hodge-podge, never knowing what to expect from one day to the next. Activity-wise? It's a blast. Whether we prefer adrenaline-inducing wintertime activities, including snowmobiling and snow tubing, or laidback adventures like exploring quaint small towns, we'll find for what we're looking in Pennsylvania. Here are some of the best things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania.
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Holiday Events In Pennsylvania
With so many holiday events in Pennsylvania, it's easy to get into the Christmas spirit. Harken back to those childhood days when we piled into the car to ride around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas lights when we visited some of the most dazzling Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania. Whether you prefer staying in your car or going on a Christmastime stroll, you'll find Christmas light displays in Pennsylvania that meet your needs. But that's just the start of the Christmastime fun; don't forget to add some of the best Christmas festivals in Pennsylvania to your holiday bucket list, too.
1. Koziar's Christmas Village
Location: Bernville
Popularity: One of the top Christmas displays in Pennsylvania. Expect long waits on the weekends.
Price: $11-$16 per person
Hands down one of the most magical and popular Christmas lights displays in Pennsylvania, Koziar's Christmas Village has been a Bernville favorite since 1948. Bundle up and wear comfy shoes for your stroll through this Christmas village that shimmers with more than one million lights. As you explore the village, you might run into Santa, pass a Kissing Bridge, and pop into the Old-Fashioned Bakery Shop for a scrumptious treat. A journey to Koziar's Christmas Village, which welcomes visitors from early November through Jan. 1, deserves a spot on every Pennsylvanian's bucket list. It wouldn't be winter in Pennsylvania without a visit to Koziar's Christmas Village.
2. Hershey Sweet Lights
Location: Hershey
Popularity: Gets extremely busy
Price: $29.99 (car) - $52.15 (van)
Listen to Christmas carols as you mosey along the two-mile path awash in twinkling lights at Hershey Sweet Lights, a beloved annual tradition. Your Christmastime adventure will take you past around 600 lighted displays and through an enchanted Candy Cane Forest and Victorian Village. If you'd like sweet treats for your ride, add the Hershey Sweet Lights Sweet Treat Bundle, a half-pound of chocolate fudge and kettle corn, when you purchase your ticket.
The fun doesn't stop there, though. Zip up your jacket and head inside Hersheypark for its Candylane, a Christmastime celebration that includes millions of glittering lights, seasonal goodies, and a selection of open rides. Hershey's Sweet Lights welcomes holiday revelers on select evenings from mid-November through Jan. 1.
3. Holiday Lights on the Lake
Location: Altoona
Popularity: Usually quite busy on weekends
Price: $18 (car) - $100 (motorcoach). An unlimited season pass is available for $75.
Sing along to all your favorite Christmas songs as you slowly wind through 50 acres of glittering lights at Holiday Lights on the Lake in Altoona, hands down one of the best winter attractions in Pennsylvania. Drive through a light tunnel, past a light display of Santa driving a fire truck, and marvel at shimmering Christmas trees. Holiday Lights on the Lake runs from mid-November through Jan. 5, 2025. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
4. Longwood Gardens
Location: Kennett Square
Popularity: Extremely popular, particularly on weekends
Price: $23-$42. Children four and younger and members are free.
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Celebrate the season with a trip to Longwood Gardens for its beloved annual A Longwood Christmas, one of the best winter attractions in Pennsylvania. Stroll through the gardens drenched in more than a half-million lights, past Christmas trees, and tumbling fountains. Timed tickets are required for this Christmastime event that runs on select days from mid-November through early January.
5. A Gettysburg Christmas Festival
Location: Gettysburg
Popularity: Busy
Price: Mix of free and activities with a cost
Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday celebration at A Gettysburg Christmas Festival, an annual event that takes place the first weekend of December. A variety of family-friendly activities will fill the weekend, including visits with real reindeer, bounce houses, a mechanical snowboard, and family games. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand for several events, including a craft workshop where kiddos will paint a toy or make an ornament. Entertainment is planned throughout the three-day celebration. While you're in town, be sure to get a bit of Christmas shopping done at the quaint shops, and try one of the town's restaurants.
6. Dickens of a Christmas
Location: Wellsboro
Popularity: Busy
Price: Free
The enchanting town of Wellsboro transforms into a winter wonderland every year for its Dickens of a Christmas Celebration. The daylong celebration, usually held the first Saturday in December, features a full menu of family-friendly fun. The sweet song of carolers will fill the air as you shop at the Victorian marketplace, indulge in seasonal goodies, and do a bit of Christmas shopping. A variety of tours and concerts are generally scheduled throughout the day too, and nearly 125 vendors are expected to be on hand for this Christmas celebration in Wellsboro.
Christmas Towns In Pennsylvania
While the Christmas season tends to be jam-packed with activities and events, a visit to one of the best Christmas towns in Pennsylvania is well worth squeezing in. One of the best family things to do in Pennsylvania in winter is a day trip or a weekend getaway to these enchanting small towns that promise an ideal opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season, indulge in seasonal goodies, and even get some Christmas shopping done.
7. Bethlehem
Location: Bethlehem
Popularity: Popular, especially during the weekends
Price: A variety of free and paid activities and events
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At the top of every Pennsylvanian's Christmas bucket list should sit the shining star, Christmas City itself. Bethlehem shines during the holiday season with locals and travelers flocking to the town to check out its Christkindlmarkt, the Christmas City Village and Christmas huts, and the elaborate destinations at the Historic Hotel Bethlehem. Make time to just meander through the downtown area, too, to admire the decorations.
Journey to the Switzerland of Pennsylvania for a magical Christmastime adventure. The darling town of Jim Thorpe promises a fun and festive getaway. Christmastime means the annual Jim Thorpe Olde Time Christmas. Held the first three weekends of December, the beloved Christmas festival in Pennsylvania features horse-drawn carriage rides and strolling carolers. While in town, hop aboard a Christmas train with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Santa might even join in on the fun.
9. Indiana
Location: Indiana
Popularity: Can get really busy during the It's A Wonderful Life Festival, quieter later in the afternoon and later in the season
Price: Free
Step into a real-life Bedford Falls with a visit to the enchanting town of Indiana. The hometown of Jimmy Stewart, "It's A Wonderful Life's" George Bailey, transforms into the idyllic small town of Bedford Falls, complete with a "You Are Now In Bedford Falls" sign and a lighted sign of "George Lassos the Moon." The It's A Wonderful Life Festival runs on select weekends from late November through December, kicking off with a parade downtown. Festival activities include visits with Santa and roasting marshmallows. The shops downtown are perfect for Christmas shopping; grab a bite to eat at one of the quaint restaurants, and stop by The Jimmy Stewart Museum, where you might catch a showing of It's A Wonderful Life.
Indiana is one of my favorite small towns in Pennsylvania, and I go here every Christmas to visit my favorite actor's museum, visit with Santa, and get into the Christmas spirit. In recent years, parking has been free downtown on the weekends, so keep an eye out if you visit.
Outdoor Activities
If you're looking for fun things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, you have no shortage of choices. From gliding around outdoor ice rinks to zipping down hills on sleds, you'll easily be able to pack your winter schedule with a ton of outdoor fun. Here are some of the best Pennsylvania winter activities.
10. Independence Blue Cross RiverRink
Location: Philadelphia
Popularity: Be prepared to deal with crowds
Price: Ice skating admission $5; skate rental $12
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Embrace the magic of wintertime at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, an annual event running from late November through early March. Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, a beloved winter attraction in Pennsylvania, features a full menu of fun, including the centerpiece - the ice skating rink. Warm up near a firepit; grab a bite to eat at one of the eateries, or soak up the ambiance. Just entering Winterfest is free, so if you're looking for cheap things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, add this epic event to your calendar.
11. Moraine State Park
Location: Portersville
Popularity: Can get busy
Price: Free
If you're on the hunt for free things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, make your way to Moraine State Park, home to the majestic Lake Arthur. After a fresh snow, the Western Pennsylvania state park transforms into a winter wonderland. Bring your sled for a day of zipping down hills, or go cross-country skiing or snowmobiling on one of the trails that meander through the picturesque park. Ice skating and playing hockey are also popular when the lake freezes over.
12. Camelback Mountain
Location: Tannersville
Popularity: Extremely popular, especially on weekends
Price: Varies depending on activity and time of the season and the day
Boasting one of the best family things to do in the winter in Pennsylvania, Camelback Mountain Resort is home to the largest snow tubing park in Pennsylvania. Zip down the hill on a sunny winter day or, for a unique adventure, go snow tubing in the evening. Galactic tubing features disco lights and a ton of fun under the moonlight. Tickets are sold in two-hour increments. Camelback Mountain Resort is also popular with skiing, so you might want to make a day of it.
13. Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Location: Seven Springs
Popularity: Popular
Price: Snow tubing starts at $46.50
Sashay down the mountain and show off your skiing skills at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The popular Western Pennsylvania resort promises fun for the whole family. Spend the day skiing or snowboarding, or zip down the mountain on a snow tube. You can also take snowboarding and skiing lessons.
14. Sawmill Family Resort
Location: Morris
Popularity: Popular
Price: Tubing rates start at $10 an hour/$25 for three hours
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Snow tubing and skiing are, hands down, two of the best winter activities in Pennsylvania, and you won't find a better place to do both than at Sawmill Family Resort. The Pennsylvania resort also offers snow tubing. If a day simply isn't enough, book a room at the inn or one of the resort's cottages.
Winter Getaways
Whether you're looking for one of the most romantic things to do in Pennsylvania in winter or are planning a family outing, you'll find an assortment of accommodations that make picture-perfect winter getaways. Here are some of the best places to stay in Pennsylvania.
15. Wapiti Woods
Location: Weedville
Popularity: Popular/quiet getaway
Price: From $199 per night
If you're looking for romantic things to do in Pennsylvania in winter, you can't go wrong with a stay in a cabin at the enchanting Wapiti Woods Guest Cabin Resort. The cozy cabins feature everything you need for a luxurious stay, including a whirlpool tub. Nestled in the woods, the cabins are a hop, a skip, and a jump from a variety of outdoor attractions, including Allegheny National Forest and Elk Country Visitor Center.
16. The Lodge at Woodloch
Location: Hawley
Popularity: Popular year-round
Price: Per night packages start at $549 per person
Wrap yourself in luxury at the Lodge at Woodloch, an adults-only lodge, making it one of the most romantic things to do in Pennsylvania in winter. When you're not curled up in your luxurious room, check out all the resort has to offer, including a Himalayan salt sauna, an outdoor whirlpool (open in the winter, too), and fire pits.
17. Split Rock Resort
Location: Lake Harmony
Popularity: Popular year-round
Price: Rooms start around $150 per night
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Watch the snow fall from your room at Split Rock Resort, an idyllic winter getaway in Pennsylvania. Perfect for a family getaway, the enchanting resort brings a bit of summer to the middle of winter with its indoor waterpark. Other family-friendly amenities include an arcade, bowling, mini golf, and a movie theater.
What are your favorite things to do in Pennsylvania in winter? Let us know in the comments! For more free things to do in Pennsylvania in winter, check out these hiking trails in Pennsylvania. Don't forget to take your camera with you on all of your winter adventures.
