With the laid-back feel of L.A., the hip factor of Austin and the artsy essence of SoHo, Oak Cliff contains all the elements of an eclectically cool locale and makes for a pretty darn exciting family outing.
Begin your day trip by visiting Lake Cliff Park on North Zang Boulevard. This spacious area offers a new, freshly-painted patriotic playground complete with swings and slides. Up for a game of tag? There is plenty of space to run around and be active, including a lake, an eye-catching fountain, a path for walking and plenty of areas to rest tired feet. It’s doubtful you’ll ever hear the words “I’m bored” at this park, as even the sportiest of kids can entertain themselves by perfecting their swing à la the Williams sisters on the tennis court or playing hoops on the basketball court.
Over in the Kessler Park district, Kidd Springs Park offers grassy areas, a lake, a playground area with green slides, a swing set, oriental and butterfly gardens, a swimming pool and more. This heavily shaded park makes the perfect destination for a family picnic beneath the trees.
Visiting on a Saturday or Sunday? Drive over to the Belmont Hotel parking lot to peruse The Vintagemobile where knick-knacks, house wares and other boutique bounties line the walls of this bright green bus.
For those looking to continue the shopping jaunt, the Bishop Arts District is home to a funky children’s boutique called The Cozy Cottage, that sells everything from tutus to toddler toys. A quick stop nearby at The Soda Gallery will give you and your kids a chance to try some of the 200 plus flavors of soda, including a few nostalgic brands like Bubble Up and real ‘Dublin’ Dr Pepper.
But Oak Cliff isn’t just about stretching your legs and your waistline—at Oil and Cotton, families can stretch their creativity. Offering a variety of classes for kids and adults, this art studio provides art education from a variety of passionate instructors; plus, they teach kids the art of repurposing, including using book pages for papier-mâché. If time is of the essence, pick up a beginner’s crochet kit or aromatherapy clay (think Play-Doh that smells like a spa) to make art on the go. (Psst …We hear that yoga classes may be added in the near future so check oilandcotton.com for up-to-date info.)
Before loading up to head home, make sure to stop by Urban Acres Market on Davis Street. This store provides products straight from the source: local farmers. The kiddos can help pick out fresh produce, meat, snacks and more for a farm-to-table meal that night.
Although it sits off the beaten path, any time spent in Oak Cliff is sure to leave your family feeling inspired and eager to return. Luckily this unpretentious area is only going one way: onward!
