Flag Pole Hill Playground

Flag Pole Hill is one of those quintessential Dallas family experiences that local parents pass down to their kids — a hilltop park in the Lake Highlands area of northeast Dallas with wide open grassy slopes, panoramic city views, and a playground at its base.

The hill itself is the main character here. Rising above the surrounding neighborhood, the open grass slopes are made for running downhill, rolling end-over-end (grass stains guaranteed), flying kites on windy days, and the spontaneous joy of topography in an otherwise flat city. Kids immediately gravitate to the slope and spend an extraordinary amount of time doing very simple things — running up, rolling or tumbling down, repeating.

The views from the top are legitimately beautiful: on clear days you can see the Dallas skyline in the distance, and the open hilltop gives a sense of space that's unusual within Dallas proper. It's become a popular July 4th fireworks viewing spot — families camp out on the hill for the Dallas fireworks show visible from the hilltop.

The playground equipment area near the hill base complements the hilltop experience nicely for families with different-age children: younger ones who can't yet manage the hill have age-appropriate play equipment, while older kids conquer the slopes.

This is a year-round park, but spring and fall mornings are the sweet spot. Summer visits need an early start to avoid the heat. The park has no food or water on-site — pack everything including plenty of water.

For families new to Dallas, Flag Pole Hill is a rite of passage.