Are you looking for the best things to do in Dallas, Texas, this summer? Well, read on because I have rounded up a complete list of things you can do outdoors to take advantage of the warmer weather and some indoor activities to help you cool off with a/c – because we aren’t crazy!
Here are my top recommendations for the best things to do in Dallas this Summer!
Treat yo’ self to Ice cream
I’m kicking off this list with food. Naturally.
I mean, is it even summer if you aren’t eating ice cream? Some may even argue that it is THE most important meal of summer.
There are many options in Dallas for ice cream. A local favorite is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.
Address: 2649 Main St, Dallas, TX 75226
What to order: Gooey Butter Cake!
Spend the Morning or Afternoon at a Park
White Rock Lake Park is a huge scenic park surrounded by a lake with beautiful trees and wildlife. It’s filled with lots of activities to do!
The park features trails for cycling and walking, kayak and paddle board rentals, boat ramps for sailboats, spots for fishing, picnic areas, a dog park, and even a swimming area for dogs!
Address: 8300 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
Klyde Warren Park is another popular park located in downtown Dallas. Although it is an urban green space that doesn’t have natural green areas like White Rock Lake, there is always plenty to do at this park; fitness classes, movies in the park, seasonal family events like Christmas tree lighting and trick-or-treating on Halloween, and so much more!
The park has something for everyone.
There are special areas for kids to play in water fountains which is great during the summer months, an area to play some games, and a dog area for your fur babies.
As for food, there are always food trucks lined up on the side of the lawn and good restaurant options nearby.
Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
Kayak or SUP at White Rock Lake
Summer is a great time to enjoy water-related activities, and kayaking or SUP (stand-up paddle boarding) are some of the most popular options.
White Rock Lake Park is an amazing place where you can do all of this in Dallas. Although swimming in the lake is prohibited, you will still enjoy paddling out on the calm lake on a beautiful sunny day.
Grab a kayak or a paddle board at White Rock Paddle Co.
Address: 389 E Lawther Dr, Dallas, TX 75218
Attend a Summer Concert
I always look forward to outdoor concerts in the summer. Listening to live music outdoors on a warm summer night is always a lot of fun!
Check out any of these popular concert venues in or near Dallas to find live music outdoors and indoors (for the less brave):
- Dos Equis Pavillion
- Toyota Music Factory
- The Rustic
- House of Blues
- Granada Theater
- AT&T Performing Arts Center
Splash around in a Water Park
There are many water parks in and around Dallas that you can visit this summer.
Although this activity may be geared more toward children, why not channel your inner kid and enjoy a day at the water park!
Water Park in Dallas:
Jade Waters Resort Pool
Address: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
Other options near Dallas:
Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark
Address: 2970 Epic Place, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
Frog Pond Water Park at Farmers Branch Aquatics Center
Address: 14032 Heartside Pl, Farmers Branch, TX 75234
Sip on Frozen Drinks
There are a lot of fun restaurant patios and bars to enjoy a refreshing drink in the summer. Sip on delicious margaritas or any other summer staple to beat the heat. Make sure to drink plenty of water also!
A few favorites include:
Truck Yard
A fun and casual backyard vibe for drinks and food trucks.
Address: 5624 Sears St, Dallas, TX 75206
With an outdoor patio with live music, delicious food, and yummy frozen drinks, it’s hard not to like this place!
Address: 3656 Howell St, Dallas, TX 75204
Ebb & Flow
Aside from refreshing cocktails, this cozy place is a VIBE with hanging flowers.
Address: 2651 Commerce St #100, Dallas, TX 75226
Cane Rosso
Come here for the Honey Bastard Pizza, but stay for the Frosé!
Address: (various locations)
I’ve visited the location near White Rock Lake: 7328 Gaston Ave #100, Dallas, TX 75214
See Dallas bloom at the Arboretum
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a 66-acre botanical garden in Dallas. It is BEYOND beautiful. Probably one of the most beautiful outdoor places in Dallas, in my opinion.
You will find many photo ops throughout the gardens. My husband and I had our engagement photo shoot there, so maybe I’m a little biased. ;) It’s also a popular (but pricey) wedding venue.
There are always seasonal outdoor events, concerts, art shows, and so much more! It’s a great place to visit in any season, so be sure to check out the blooms in Dallas this summer!
Address: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Tip: Try to visit early summer if you have the option. If not, bring a hat and sunscreen!
Visit the Museums
If you’re looking to learn something new, need a new date night activity, or just want to hide from the Texan sun for a few hours, there are many great museums in Dallas to check out.
If you’re into history and are looking for a museum that is a bit different; visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn about JFK’s assassination that occurred in Dallas.
You can even visit the “X” on the street where president JFK was shot.
It’s a bit eerie, but you still learn a lot about an important event in U.S. history.
Address: 411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
Catch a Game
Dallas is BIG on sports so you have many options to choose from!
- Texas Rangers (Baseball)
- The Dallas Cowboys (Football)
- Dallas Mavericks (Basketball)
- Dallas Stars (Hockey)
- Dallas Wings (Women’s Basketball)
- FC Dallas (Soccer)
In the summer, try to catch a Texas Rangers baseball game. Although it’s technically located in the city of Arlington, it’s worth the trip if you’re a sports fan.
The new baseball stadium Globe Life Field opened in 2020 and replaced Globe Life Park. It has a retractable roof that can be closed during extreme weather, which comes in handy when it rains or when the temperatures reach triple digits during the summer months!
Address: 734 Stadium Dr, Arlington, TX 76011
Stroll through the Dallas Farmers Market
My top recommendation of things to do in Dallas this summer is to spend a few hours walking around the Dallas Farmers Market. Sample and shop seasonal fruits, vegetables, juices, honey, and more, as you make your way through this large market.
The Dallas Farmers Market consists of The Shed and The Market.
The Shed (only open on the weekends) is an outdoor market where you can shop not only for locally grown produce from farmers but from all sorts of local vendors that also set up shops there.
From natural juices, organic dog treats, clothing, home decor, and jewelry. There is something for everyone.
The Market (open daily) is an air-conditioned indoor food hall with lots of food options and gift shops.
Tip: Try to visit on a weekend when both the Market and the Shed are open.
Address: 920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
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