We are officially in the last couple weeks of summer before school is back in session. However, it’s not too late to visit the water park or gather the neighbor kids for an outdoor movie night! Keep reading to see my Ultimate Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Dallas and lets make some lasting summer memories!
If you are looking for more ideas of places to cool off in the water, here is our list of the BEST Splash Pads, Spraygrounds, and Water Parks in DFW.
Ultimate Summer Bucket List of Things To Do in Dallas
1.Visit the beach in Little Elm– A sandy beach, roped off swimming area, restrooms, snack stand, and a great playground complete with sand volleyball courts and walking trails. 701 W Eldorado Pkwy, Little Elm, TX 75068
2. Go Geocaching-Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location. There are geocaches hidden all over the world. You can download this app to get started.
3. Fort Worth Water Gardens-escape the concrete jungle to a hidden oasis right in the heart of Downtown Fort Worth. The Fort Worth Water Gardens is a FREE public park and kid-friendly.
4. Dave & Busters-Video games, bowling, billiards, weekly food and drink specials. Wednesdays are half off gaming and everyday through summer, they have half off gaming from 10am-noon.
5. Jack Carter’s Pool in Plano– This is more than just a pool, there is a dual rider tube slide, body slide, lazy river, deep pool with platform diving and climbing wall, Flow Rider surf simulator, kiddie pool, leisure pool, wet deck areas, spray features, and concessions. Admission is only $5 for children 3-15 and $9 for ages 16 and up. 2601 Pleasant Valley Dr, Plano, TX 75023
6. Gatsplat Paintball in Lewisville, Rowlett and Keller-get out of the heat and into the AC for some kid-friendly paintball (they use low calibur paintballs and guns so there is less sting) and occasional Fortnite Nerf Camps that are held throughout the year. 4 hrs. for $39.99 with lunch! 582 TX-121 BUS, Lewisville, TX 75057
7. Roast S’mores-Don’t forget to add the peanut butter too (if no peanut allergies) You don’t have to be camping to make s’mores, you can make them right in your own backyard over a fire pit, outdoor fire place, or even in a stove with a cast iron pan.
8. Dove Water Park in Grapevine- this pristine water park has 2 slides, a diving board, a lily pad crossing, and a zero depth entry into the pool. Lifeguards and concessions available. 1509 Hood Ln, Grapevine, TX 76051
9. Go Fishing! Spend quality time with the kiddos or have some peace and quiet to yourself when you visit these bank fishing spots in the metroplex (link to a map is at the end of the article).
10. Perot Museum in Dallas-cool off inside and explore the new Art of the Brick Exhibit, see the dinosaur skeletons, feel the Earth shake on the earth quake simulator, catch one of their new RealD 3D movies like Superpower Dogs. There is a special summer nights event on August 1st. Check their website for more information. 2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
11.Bicentennial Park in Southlake-Not only is there a great splash park, there is also a zipline, walking trails, sand box, and the whole park is fenced in. 450 W Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092
12.Loyd Park-Grand Prairie-Movies start at sundown (around 9 p.m.) Concessions will be available for cash purchase. $15/vehicle entry fee to the park ($20 on holiday weekends), movies are FREE! Every Saturday through August. Check their website for movie listings. 3401 Ragland Rd.
Grand Prairie, Texas 75052
13. Visit this Hidden Swimming Hole-you’ll want to actually swim in this really cool lake. It’s a sandy bottom lake that also happens to have a state of the art purification system. No ewwy stuff in this water.
14. See Larger Than Life Dallas Mansions-few will ever be able to afford one of these mega-mansions scattered throughout the DFW metroplex, but hey it’s fun to imagine what it’d be like to be a king…
15. Visit a DFW Farmers Market-we all know how important healthy lifestyles is and visiting one of these local Dallas area farmers markets is a great way to support local and our farmers!
16. Magic and Comedy with Mike Williams at Addison Improv– This is a fun and interactive show that’s fun for the whole family. Comedy Magician Mike Williams has performed around the World and is considered one of the funniest and most original magicians working today. This July and August he’s bringing his 80 minute comedy magic show to the Addison Improv on select Saturdays at 2pm. Visit the Addison Improv site for more information. 4980 Belt Line Rd #250, Dallas, TX 75254
17. Organize a neighborhood block party or outdoor dinner-Meet your neighbors, welcome new ones to the neighborhood. If a block party is too much work, set up some tables and have the neighbors bring a dish for a beautiful dinner al fresco.
18. Go on a Staycation-make this a summer to remember by going on an Epic Mini-Vacation Right Here in Dallas Fort Worth!
19. Volunteer- You can help deliver meals or pet food through VNA Texas with the whole family, help out at Operation Kindness in Carrollton walking dogs, spending time with the cats, etc. and kids as young as 6 years can volunteer with a parent. VNA-1440 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75247 and Operation Kindness 3201 Earhart Dr, Carrollton, TX 75006
20. DFW Surf-rent a kayak or paddle board and paddle around Lake Lewisville in Little Elm. They also offer paddleboard lessons. 100 Bridgeview Dr, Little Elm, TX 75068
21. Go on a date-take your favorite person on an adventure in the metroplex or show them you know how to be a romantic when you visit these awesome places in our Ultimate List of Date Night Spots in Dallas Fort Worth.
22. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament-watch the indoor show while eating a medieval times meal, no utensils needed! This is a great time to visit and take advantage of their summer discounts. 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
23. Preston Wood Church FREE Indoor Playground– kids 10 and under can play on this fun indoor layground with supervision. Check their website for playground hours. Prestonwood Baptist Church 6801 W. Park, Plano
24. Watch a Frisco RoughRiders game from the Choctaw Lazy River-Thursdays and Sundays you can purchase tickets for this unique adventure. 7300 Roughriders Trail, Frisco 75034
25. Forth Worth Bureau of Engraving and Printing-tour the facility and see real money being made. Take a FREE self guided tour anytime Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm. 9000 Blue Mound Road
Fort Worth, TX 76131
26. Pet a Kangaroo-do you love animals? If cuddling baby goats, feeding llamas, riding a pony, and petting a kangaroo makes you happy, then you need to visit Cathy’s Critters.
27. Nickel Mania- For $2.49+tax you can come and play video games and ticket games for actual nickels! This family owned business also has a great prize counter and hosts Birthday parties. 2661 Midway Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006
28.Watch airplanes land and take off at Founders Park-this park has a great space to bring a picnic and watch the airplanes at DFW airport.
30. Go horseback riding! What could more Texan than riding a horse? Here’s Where You Can Ride a Horse in Dallas Fort Worth.
BEST Things To Do in Dallas Before Summer Ends!
Summer is slipping by, so get out there and savor what’s left! Don’t miss out on this awesome summer bucket list of Things To Do in Dallas.
Did we miss any great places or summer activities that should be added to the list? Leave us a comment below with any great summer bucket ideas or places.