📰 Escape the Ordinary: The Best Day Trips Within Driving Distance from Forney
If the weekend rolls around and you find yourself pacing the aisles of Walmart or wondering what else Forney has to offer besides fast food and traffic, it might be time for a reset. Fortunately, within a short drive of our growing town, there’s a surprising variety of unique day trips — from safari parks to drive-in movies, antique treasure hunts to lakeside retreats.
Whether you’re looking for a low-key afternoon or a full day of exploring, here are some of the top destinations Forney residents are escaping to in 2024:
🦓 1. Texas Zoofari Park – Kaufman, TX
A favorite among families, this 900-acre drive-thru wildlife park just minutes from Forney offers up-close views of giraffes, zebras, kangaroos, and exotic birds. Visitors can feed animals right from their windows or enjoy the walk-thru petting zoo and picnic area.
Drive Time: 15–20 minutes
texaszoofaripark.com
🛍️ 2. Canton First Monday Trade Days – Canton, TX
Held the weekend before the first Monday of every month, this massive open-air flea market is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Whether you’re into antiques, oddities, or handmade goods, it’s a Texas-sized treasure hunt.
Drive Time: 1 hour
firstmondaycanton.com
🎥 3. Galaxy Drive-In Theatre – Ennis, TX
Take a step back in time at this classic drive-in, showing new releases and throwback features on multiple screens. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks — or grab food from the concession stand. It’s a slice of Americana just off I-45.
Drive Time: 35–40 minutes
galaxydriveintheatre.com
🎲 4. Shreveport-Bossier City Casinos – Shreveport, LA
Feeling lucky? For those willing to make a longer drive (or spend the night), the Shreveport-Bossier area offers a string of riverfront casinos with slots, table games, live entertainment, and dining.
Drive Time: ~3.5 to 4 hours
Bonus: Combine with a visit to Caddo Lake or local BBQ joints.
🐐 5. Rocky Ridge Safari – Eustace, TX
Located just south of Canton, this lesser-known wildlife park lets you hand-feed deer, camels, llamas, and more from your car. It’s quieter than some larger parks and especially great for younger kids.
Drive Time: 1 hour
rockyridgesafari.com
🌿 6. Heard Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary – McKinney, TX
Part museum, part nature preserve, the Heard offers hiking trails, butterfly gardens, native animals, and seasonal exhibits. It's educational, peaceful, and shaded by beautiful Texas woods.
Drive Time: 45–50 minutes
heardmuseum.org
🚂 7. Downtown Mineola – Mineola, TX
A quaint East Texas town with a vintage Amtrak station, antique shops, diners, and historic bed-and-breakfasts. Visit for a relaxing stroll, catch a matinee at the historic Select Theater, or grab a slice of small-town charm.
Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes
🎣 8. Lake Ray Hubbard – Rockwall, TX
Fishing, kayaking, and lakeside dining make this a go-to quick escape for Forney locals. The Rockwall Harbor area offers patios, walking trails, and live music on weekends.
Drive Time: 30–35 minutes
🧭 Bonus Ideas:
- Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch – Pilot Point (1 hr 20 min)
Small, hands-on zoo with safari rides and rare animals. - Sulphur Springs (1.5 hrs) – Home of the Hopkins County Heritage Park and “see-through” public bathrooms.
- Glen Rose (1.5 hrs) – Dinosaur Valley State Park and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center make this a kid favorite.
📌 Plan Smart
Many of these destinations operate seasonally or have changing hours. It’s best to check online or call ahead before hitting the road — especially in summer heat or school breaks.