Things to Do in North Texas This Summer
The lazy days of summer will soon come to an end and it will be time for back-to-school. Be sure to explore all that North Texas has to offer and enjoy the final days of summer!
Summer on Ice
Galleria Ice Skating Center | Dallas
Whether a novice or a triple-axel Olympic contender, it doesn’t get any cooler than enjoying a day on the ice. No reservations are required during public skate hours. While there, be sure to enjoy all the shopping and dining options Galleria Dallas has to offer.
Dallas Stars Community Ice | Multiple Locations
With eight locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, there are plenty of opportunities to stay cool on the ice. Public skating as well as hockey summer camps and clinics are offered. Even grownups can get in on the action by joining the Adult Rookie Program.
Under the Sea
The Dallas World Aquarium | Dallas
A world of adventure in downtown Dallas’ historic West End district! Housing many animals that are threatened or endangered, conservation and education are at the center of the aquarium’s exhibits and programs.
A land AND sea adventure, SeaQuest offers an exciting journey where guests are invited to touch, feed, and interact with over 1,200 animals from five continents. Come “sea” for yourself!
SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium | Grapevine
SEA LIFE Grapevine provides an immersive marine experience complete with a sea turtle rescue center, a stingray exhibit, and Texas’ only 360° ocean tunnel.
Destination Staycation
The Gaylord Texan Resort | Grapevine
Don’t want to travel too far from home for a great vacation? This impressive resort includes the 10-acre Paradise Springs Water Park, an exciting itinerary of activities and entertainment, onsite restaurants and bars, a luxurious spa, and over 4 acres of indoor garden atriums.
Great Wolf Lodge & Waterpark | Grapevine
Experience glamping at Great Wolf Lodge with their Summer Camp-In event. Campfire sing-alongs, s’mores, pool parties, dance parties, character appearances and more are all included with an overnight stay. Day passes are also available for their 84-degree indoor water park.
Call of the Wild
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden | Dallas
Considered among the top arboretums in the world, the 66-acre Dallas Arboretum is located on the shores of White Rock Lake. A trip to the arboretum would not be complete without a visit to A Woman’s Garden with its various sculptures, infinity pool and flower water features. Pack a picnic and enjoy the lush lawn and seasonal flowers in Jonsson Color Garden. Every acre displays the beauty of the season.
The Dallas Zoo | Dallas-Oak Cliff
The non-profit, 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the largest and oldest zoo in Texas. Check out the many animal encounters available such as giraffe feedings and chats with the zoologists. Go behind-the-scenes with a 90-minute Backstage Safari tour and see what daily life at the zoo is really like. There may even be special appearances by Winspear, the ambassador cheetah and his best friend, Amani, a labrador retriever!
Perot Museum of Nature and Science | Dallas
Five levels, 11 halls and countless exhibits dedicated to hands-on discovery, interactive kiosks, educational games and adventure. The Paleo Lab offers visitors real-time views of the dynamic dinosaur research being conducted at the museum. In the Sports Hall, athletics and science come together to study the physical and mental demands of great athletes. Embark on a journey through space in the Expanding Universe Hall. Discovery awaits!
Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest major botanic garden in Texas. The FWBG is composed of 25 specialty gardens and has long been known for its tropical, rose and Japanese gardens. Be sure to visit the Rose Garden, considered to be the most romantic garden and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Children will love the Native Texas Boardwalk with its 13 educational stations such as hollow log, speaking tubes, and balance beams. The Boardwalk also offers a shaded pathway from the northern gardens to the southern gardens.
The Fort Worth Zoo | Fort Worth
The Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 540 species including 148 bird species, 172 ectotherm species, and 72 species of mammals. As part of their “Wilder Vision,” the zoo has set out to create new habitat space and renovate existing habitats. Habitats include African Savanna, Elephant Springs, Australian Outback, Flamingo Bay, Raptor Canyon and World of Primates to name just a few.
Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary | McKinney
The 289-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to more than 240 species of animals and nearly 150 species of wildflowers. Enjoy night hikes, bird walks, zipline days, and summer nature camps.
Patron of the Arts
The Dallas Museum of Art is one of the 10 largest art museums in the country. The DMA’s international collection includes over 24,000 works representing world cultures throughout 5,000 years of history. The museum’s free general admission makes art and culture accessible to everyone.
Shakespeare in the Park | Dallas
The tradition continues! Classically trained performers delight audiences at the Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre in East Dallas. Affordable tickets and the ability to bring your own food and beverages make this a family-friendly experience.
Kimbell Art Museum | Fort Worth
The Kimbell Art Museum hosts a permanent collection of masterpieces as well as international on-loan and traveling exhibitions. The museum also offers summer workshops, tours, lectures and happy hours.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Texas Rangers Baseball at Globe Life Field | Arlington
Root for the home team! Globe Life Field is climate controlled and you’ll never have to worry about weather delays on game day. Get the VIP treatment and go behind-the-scenes with a ballpark tour. While you’re in the area, check out Texas Live! This entertainment center features bars, restaurants, live music and the ultimate sports watching experience. Great for families and die-hard sports fans alike.
Rough Riders Baseball at Riders Field | Frisco
Since 2003, the Frisco RoughRiders have served as the Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Riders Field is recognized as one of the best ballparks in Minor League Baseball with its village-like design which includes a lazy river. Check out the team’s schedule and game day promotions.
Kid At Heart
Explorium Denton Children’s Museum | Denton
Explorium offers a safe place for children to engage and explore through hands-on exhibits, multimedia and content-rich programs pertaining to science, technology, engineering, arts and math! Check out their list of events and summer camps.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center | Grapevine
Perfect your ninja moves in the Ninjago City Adventure. Watch an awesome LEGO movie in the 4D cinema. Bring your swimsuit and cool off at Pirate Beach. More epic LEGO attractions await.
With 60,000 square feet of attractions, Crayola Experience is Texas’ most colorful interactive and creative destination. Crayola enthusiasts can enjoy the activity studio, adventure lab, an indoor playground, and even watch as crayons are made live!
Thrills and Chills
Six Flags Over Texas | Arlington
Heart-racing roller coasters, family-favorites and kids rides – everyone will have a blast at Six Flags Over Texas! In between all the excitement, be sure to relax and enjoy one of the many live performances throughout the park. Indulge with a tasty treat or refreshing drink or shop for the perfect souvenir to commemorate your adventure.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor | Arlington
Thrilling water slides, relaxing pools, raging rapids, a lazy river and more are just a few of the ways to chill out at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Don’t forget to hydrate with a cool drink and icy treats! Your day of fun in the sun awaits.
Hawaiian Falls Waterpark | Multiple Locations
Waterslides, a lazy river, wave pool, and an interactive rain-fortress are a great way to cool off and each attraction is rated from easy and calm to intense and thrilling. Plan a visit to any one of the five locations throughout North Texas.
How the West Was Won
Fort Worth Stockyards | Fort Worth
Relive the heyday of the wild west! Witness a real-life cattle drive. Watch drovers (cattlemen) as they demonstrate grooming and saddling a horse, roping and other horsemanship techniques. History buffs will enjoy the Stockyards Museum with its collection of artifacts, photos and exhibits documenting the importance of the stockyards to Fort Worth and Texas. Finally, be sure to grab some grub at any one of the many authentic Texas barbecue or Tex-Mex restaurants.
How ‘Bout Them Cowboys!
The Star is the 91-acre Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters and practice facility in Frisco. Do a touchdown victory dance on the 50-yard replica turf or catch a summer Movie Night at Tostitos Championship Plaza. The Star District is the perfect place to shop, dine and experience the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor Walk. For the ultimate Dallas Cowboys experience, book a VIP Guided Tour.
Hail to the Chief
George W. Bush Presidential Center | Dallas
The museum showcases permanent and special exhibits that delve into the American Presidency and explore issues and policies that affect our country and our world. View a full-scale replica of the Oval Office as well as a 22-foot piece of steel from the World Trade Center.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza | Dallas
Located in the infamous Texas School Book Depository building, the museum chronicles the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Afterwards, take a narrated walking tour of Dealey Plaza and travel back in time to that fateful day in our nation’s history.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Dallas Farmers Market | Dallas
The Shed is an open-air market where you can shop for seasonal produce, artisan-baked goods, naturally raised meats, cheeses, eggs and honey. The Market is a 26,000-square-foot food hall complete with restaurants, specialty food stores and plenty of seating. Leashed dogs are welcome in The Shed and on The Market patios.
At the base of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge is this established food destination in West Dallas. Trinity Groves is a 15-acre dining, shopping, artist and entertainment destination. Enjoy fresh seafood at AmberJax Fish Market Grill. Head to the rooftop lounge for a view of the Dallas skyline at Saint Rocco’s upscale Italian restaurant. For something a little more casual, grab a snack from any one of the food trucks on the Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge. Don’t miss Trinity Overlook Park and Trinity Skyline Trails for even more great views as well as hiking, biking and picnics.
Centrally located in Irving, Toyota Music Factory offers food, music and movies all day and night. The Pavillion hosts various entertainers from comedic acts to blockbuster concerts. The restaurants and bars are also varied and can satisfy any craving. Be sure to check out the Live Music & Events calendar.
Legacy West & The Shops at Legacy | Plano
Separated by the Dallas North Tollway, Legacy West and The Shops at Legacy are where Plano locals go to shop the hottest brands, dine at the hottest restaurants and experience nightlife. Legacy Hall is the ultimate food court with over 20 dining options, numerous bars, a brewery, and an outdoor, live music venue. Check the calendar for upcoming events.
Once completed, Grandscape is primed to be one of the largest mixed-use developments in North Texas and will span more than 400 acres of entertainment, shopping, dining and attractions. Immerse yourself in Jurassic World: The Exhibition. Adrenaline junkies will love Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. Rock out at the Creole-Mexican fusion restaurant, Lava Cantina. This one-of-a-kind destination has it all.
Truck Yard is a come-as-you-are beer garden and food truck park. The on-site brewpub offers an array of adult beverages and bar food, but be sure to check out their calendar for a list of visiting food trucks and live music performances scheduled daily.
Wineries of North Texas | Various Locations
From the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex north to the Red River, and bound by the four forks of the Trinity River on the east and west, North Texas is becoming one of the largest winemaking and grape-growing regions in Texas. Visit any one of the many exciting wineries in our area for a taste of la dolce vita.
Photos courtesy of: Legacy Hall, Crayola Experience, fortworth.com, visitplano.com, arlington.org, visitfrisco.com, visitdallas.com