You Ain’t Explored Nothin’ Yet: Top 10 Outdoor Quests in Garland

PGA-caliber golf across 63 holes.
Spanning 600 acres of rolling terrain and sparkling streams, Firewheel Golf Park is one of Texas' premier public golf facilities. It features three championship courses—The Bridges, The Lakes, and The Old Course—offering 63 holes to challenge players of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a weekend warrior, this park delivers a top-tier experience in a beautiful setting.

Waterfront adventure at its best.
This sprawling 21,000-acre lake is a gateway to outdoor fun. Whether you're into boating, fishing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, or simply picnicking by the water, Lake Ray Hubbard provides one of the region's most scenic and activity-filled lakefronts.

Where history meets energy.
Downtown Garland blends historic architecture with vibrant cultural life. Its award-winning revitalization project centered around the Downtown Square includes 60,000 square feet of modern play areas, public art, an urban water feature, and an open plaza. With local shops, restaurants, art installations, and live music, Downtown Garland is a walkable destination you'll want to visit again and again.

Step into a living time capsule.
Designated by the Old-Growth Forest Network in 2024, Spring Creek Forest Preserve is one of the most biologically rich and ecologically significant places in North Texas. This 100-acre preserve features ancient trees, native prairie, and over 650 species of plants and wildlife. It's the first forest in Dallas County—and only the second in Texas—to receive this honor, thanks partly to efforts by the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest.

A trail-lover’s haven.
This 97-acre wooded preserve features 16.3 miles of unpaved trails ideal for hiking, off-road biking, and nature walks. Known for its shady paths and peaceful setting, Rowlett Creek Preserve is a popular location for birdwatchers, trail runners, and events supported by DORBA and Race Day Systems.

Skate like a legend.
Named after Garland's own pro skateboarding icon, Jon Comer Skatepark is a 46,500-square-foot destination that's one of the largest in Texas. It features bowls, ramps, and rails for all skill levels—plus nearby trails, shaded seating, a food truck court, and restrooms—making it a go-to hangout for skaters and spectators alike.

Cool Off and Dive In
When summer heats up, Garland offers not one, but two splash-worthy destinations to help you beat the heat. Holford Aquatic Center, located next to the recreation center off Shiloh Road, features a current channel, lap lanes, two water slides, tot and activity pools, shaded cabanas, a party room, and on-site concessions—perfect for family outings and group celebrations. Just up the road, Hawaiian Waters Garland delivers a tropical twist with high-speed slides, the relaxing Kona Kooler Lazy River, Keiki Kove play structure for kids, and the massive Oahu Bay wave pool. With cabana rentals, tasty concessions, and attractions for all ages, this 12-acre waterpark is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike.

Connect to nature—and to the rest of Garland.
These two outdoor gems deliver one of Garland's most accessible green corridors. Audubon Park features multi-use trails, sports fields, a disc golf course, and connections to the city's broader trail system. The nearby Duck Creek Greenbelt stretches 5.7 miles along the creek, offering a paved path perfect for walking, biking, or jogging under a shady canopy.

Discover Garland’s past—one cache at a time.
The Garland History GeoTour turns exploration into a game. Visitors can unlock fun facts and stories from Garland's past through geocaches hidden at historical sites throughout the city. Download the official passport, search for 20 official caches, and participate in bonus activities to earn points toward a special Garland trackable geocoin.

How to Participate:

• Earn at least 15 points through GeoTour 2.0 caches.
• Complete bonus activities (with receipt or staff sign-off)
• Submit your completed passport to Heritage Crossing, P.O. Box 469002, Garland, TX 75046, or email Heritage@GarlandTX.gov with your mailing address.

Celebrate culture, music, and community.
Garland hosts some of the most vibrant and family-friendly festivals in North Texas. Its annual lineup is a celebration of culture, heritage, and good times:

• Music Made Here Concert Series – First Fridays, Downtown Square
• Asian American Heritage Festival – Cultural displays, parades, lion dances, and vendors
• Juneteenth Celebration – Live music, food, and family fun
• Red, White & You – Independence Day fireworks and patriotic fun (July 3)
• Fall Fest & Guzzler 0.5K Run – The world's shortest (and most hilarious) race
• Día de los Muertos – Altars, art, music, and traditions honoring loved ones
• Christmas on the Square – Holiday lights and entertainment in the heart of Garland

Plan your visit: VisitGarlandTX.com/2025-featured-events

Open-air shopping and entertainment.
At the intersection of President George Bush Turnpike and Hwy 78, Firewheel Town Center is more than a mall—it's an outdoor lifestyle destination. Explore over 100 stores, grab a patio meal, or enjoy attractions like the AMC/IMAX Theatre, Side Quest Arcade, Kid's Empire, HAPIK climbing gym, and Build-A-Bear Workshop. Seasonal events and a walkable layout make it a must-stop for visitors of all ages.

Adventure is closer than you think. With trails to wander, lakes to explore, waterparks to cool off in, and culture to celebrate, there's always something new waiting around the corner. You ain't explored nothin' yet—until you've explored Garland.