Dallas is known for its abundance of fun, and summertime is no exception. Honestly, summer is the best season to be in the city. With so much to do and see, there are endless activities for you and your family to enjoy. We’ve put together the ultimate checklist of five of the best summer activities in Dallas, all in one great guide. You’ll find everything from movies to concerts, ice cream shops, and more. So, get off your couch, go outside, and enjoy the best that Dallas has to offer.
Catch the Fireworks
The Fourth of July is the ultimate summer event, and there are plenty of wonderful places to watch the fireworks here in Dallas. One of the best spots to celebrate America’s birthday is the annual Fireworks on Main. It takes place at Pecan Grove Park in Dallas’ eastern suburb of Rowlett. The free event boasts live music, a kid’s corn tournament, games, and food vendors.
One of the biggest Independence Day celebrations is Fair Park Fourth, a night filled with games, laughter, and lights. The celebration includes various activities and entertainment, such as live music and inflatables. The park also has a variety of food and drink options, with a vast choice of vendors and concession stands. The best part is the large Midway, where you can play games and go on rides for a small admission fee. You can even rent swan boats on the lagoon for some paddling. The fireworks, the main event of the evening, will begin promptly at 9:30 p.m.
Go to a Water Park
Summers in Dallas can get very hot and humid, with temperatures reaching over 95 degrees. Give yourself a break from the heat and head to one of the many water parks in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. Dallas has no shortage of water parks, so here are a few of our local favorites.
Bahama Beach
Operated by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, Bahama Beach is a great place to bring the kids. The park is full of fun, with endless slides, water balloon launchers, and a lazy river for those who want to take it easy. You don’t want to miss Coconut Grove, an impressive water rain fortress with three 40-foot slides and a 1,000-gallon dumping bucket. The park is open on select dates for the season, so be sure to check their calendar before planning your trip.
King’s Spa
King’s Spa is another great option for kids and adults alike. This family-friendly Korean bath house is where you can soak, swim, steam, and relax. The massive indoor water park will keep you out of the sun and offers everything from a whirlpool to a hydrotherapy bade pool. There’s also a lazy river and a 30-foot water slide. Don’t miss out on the food court, where you can snag up some tantalizing authentic Korean fare.
JadeWaters
Last but certainly not least, is JadeWaters Resort Pool Complex, located at the Hilton Anatole. Nestled in Dallas’ trendy Design District, this luxurious resort features a 4,000-square-foot heated pool and a beach-entry pool that’s 7,000 square feet. It also has two 30-foot water slides, a lazy river, cabanas, and an outdoor bar and grill.
Grab Some Ice Cream
Nothing is better on a hot Summer Day than an icy cool sweet treat. Dallas is an epicenter of amazing restaurants and food, and ice cream is no exception. One of the best in the city is Parlor’s Ice Cream. They create their own unique ice cream using the finest ingredients, all from scratch. The flavors are curated using pasture-raised eggs and grass-fed milk from local farms and small businesses, so you’re getting a taste of Dallas with every bite.
Baldo’s Ice Cream is another local favorite, with a unique variety of flavors of ice cream like coffee Oreo and strawberry cheesecake. Last but not least is Pure Milk & Honey, a Dallas-based gem that uses only honey as a sweetener for their base ice cream. You can Chocolate Explosion ice cream.
Experience an Amusement Park
Get your thrills this summer by attending one of the many theme parks in the DFW region. Celebration Station, a family-friendly amusement park, features an arcade, bumper boats, a mini-golf area, and an exhilarating go-kart arena. If that doesn’t sound like enough fun there is also batting cages and laser tag. Located only a short drive away in Mesquite, this amusement park has everything needed to keep you and the kids entertained all day.
If you’re looking for something more low-key, Adventure Landing is the perfect place to take the kids. You can play mini golf, laser tag, or race go-karts. Another great kid-friendly option is Trinity Forest Adventure Park. It features various activities such as high-rope courses, cargo nets, and zip lines. The park is great for families and offers over 70 different fun activities.
Get Some Barbecue
Barbecue is a Texas rite of passage and tastes the best during the summer. Dallas has no shortage of amazing Barbecue restaurants. Top of our list is Pecan Lodge, arguably the best Barbecue in Dallas. They consistently have a line starting at 10 a.m. for lunch. The food is definitely worth the wait; its ribs, brisket, and sides are top-notch.
Cattleack Barbecue is another Dallas must-try. Since Cattleack only serves lunch on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, people line up outside whenever the restaurant is open. The portions are reasonably sized (by Texas standards), and the various cheese and meat combos, such as the Hatch chile and cheese sausages, will have you coming back for more. The Toddfather, a massive sandwich that features pulled pork, beef, and coleslaw, is a local favorite.
That rounds up our summer idea checklist for some fun activities in Dallas this year. How did we do? Did we miss any of your favorite summer activities or destinations? Contact us and let us know so we can add it to next year’s checklist. The hottest season of the year is the perfect time to upgrade your vehicle, and Huffines Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Plano has an unmatched inventory of new vehicles. We also have a wide selection of used vehicles as well. Stop by today to get the ball rolling on your summer of fun.