10 Fun Things to Do in Dallas, TX, in Summer

10 Fun Things to Do in Dallas, TX, in Summer

While it might be the ninth largest city in the US and the third in Texas, Dallas is first when it comes to shopping. We’re home to more places to shop per capita than anywhere else in the world. So once you’ve shopped till you dropped, why not add some variety to your summer itinerary? Have some summer fun right here in Dallas!

10 Things to Do in Dallas

1. Indulge yourself at Taste of Dallas.

From June 7 to 9, Taste of Dallas takes over the Dallas Market Hall for a weekend of delicious summer fun. Between the taste gardens, art galleries, whiskeys of the world, and taste marketplace, you’ll want to dedicate your whole weekend to exploring the festival.

In 2019 there will be a brand new exhibit: Taste of the Neighborhoods. This exhibit will group chefs and restaurants together by location to highlight each neighborhood’s unique culinary profile. A few neighborhoods featured are Deep Ellum, Greenville Avenue, Downtown, and West Village.

2. Enjoy a show at Shakespeare Dallas.

The Shakespeare Dallas theatre company has been providing cultural and educational programs since 1971. This year you can take your pick between a showing of ‘Shakespeare in Love’ or ‘As You Like It’—or make a couple of dates to see both!

Give the kids a unique summer vacation by enrolling them in the company’s camp programs for grade school kids. Each program gives participants the opportunity to learn acting, improv, and even stage combat. The program wraps with a final student performance at Shakespeare in the Park.

3. Shop local at the Dallas Farmers Market.

With over a million visitors each year, the Dallas Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in the country. Pick up fresh seasonal produce, fresh-baked breads, canned goods, naturally raised meat, or even a bouquet of regional flowers.

In addition to locally grown and made goods, the market also offers live music, chef demos, and other events at the Shed. It makes a fun but unhurried summer outing for any Dallas family, though you certainly don’t have to be local to enjoy it!  Another great opportunity allows you to put your green thumb to the test by joining the community garden.

4. Get inspired at the Dallas Museum of Art.

Dallas is the nation’s largest arts district boasting 19 blocks of museums, venues, and galleries, so be sure to check out the Dallas Museum of Art.

Summer art camps for kids offer the opportunity to explore the museum and paint, sculpt, or design. Or spend an afternoon making art together in one of their family workshops. For those looking for a kid-free night out, book a date for one of the museum’s monthly Make & Take workshops.

5. Explore new worlds at the Dallas Zoo.

When the Dallas Zoo first opened in 1888, it was the first zoological park in the southwest. Over a century later, it created Lemur Lookout in 1996, making it one of the first zoos the world to create an exhibit housing multiple Madagascar lemur species. It soon went on to add three 250-pound Aldabra tortoises to create a unique mixed-species habitat.

The opportunity to catch a lemur hitching a ride on a massive tortoise is a pretty compelling argument to add the Dallas Zoo to your summer family fun calendar, but it’s just one of many reasons. The zoo truly has so much to offer in addition to the animal exhibits.

Early birds can stop by the Cheetah Encounter in ZooNorth to visit Winspear the cheetah and Amani, his Labrador retriever best friend. If you’re more of a night owl, check out Brew at the Zoo in August for an after-hours, adult-only event that raises funding to save wildlife.

6. Learn something new at the Perot Museum.

The Perot Museum is Dallas’ very own science and nature museum. Explore the Children’s Museum and visit exhibits such as the Sport’s Hall, Expanding Universe Hall, and Texas Instruments Engineering and Innovation Hall.

On select summer nights, the museum is open late with entertaining programming featuring speakers, performances, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive activities.

7. Spend a low-key day out at Klyde Warren Park.

Everything may be bigger in Texas but that doesn’t mean your calendar needs to be packed with big events. Take a break with a low-key day out a Klyde Warren Park.

Kick back while you watch your kids explore Imagination Playground and unleash their creativity (and boundless energy) on the enormous building blocks. Visit on a Monday to get a tour of the city skyline and learn more about the Dallas you have come to know and love. And what park would be complete without live music or morning yoga classes? Klyde Warren has it all.

If packing a picnic lunch isn’t your thing, there is a selection of food trucks lined up each day. From classics like ice cream and pizza to more unique food-truck fare like Greek and brunch, you’ll be sure to find something that hits the spot.  

8. Take a breath of fresh air at Dallas Arboretum

Take a break from city pavements for some fresh air and greenery at Dallas Arboretum. Stroll through the many gardens to observe the different flowers and other flora or sit by one of the many water features.

Members are allowed early admission for peaceful morning walks and can attend a member yoga class on Saturdays. Their Cool Thursdays Concert Series is for everyone and brings live music to the only venue overlooking White Rock Lake. For kids, there are summer camps available as well as daily science labs in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden.

9. Take a dip at the Hamilton Natural Pool.

This Instagram-worthy destination is a must stop—whether you’re a fan of the social platform or not. The Hamilton Natural Pool is known for its unique overhang formed by a collapsed grotto. Reserve ahead of time so as not to miss out on the opportunity to take a dip and enjoy the view.

Make a day of it and enjoy a hike around the nature preserve in addition to your swim. The area is home to many plants and animals — including the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler. This little guy earns its name from its bright yellow face and likes to hang out on junipers and streamside trees.

10. Forget Wiffle Ball—Play Whirlyball.

Whirlyball is an exciting new sport that’s a unique mash-up of lacrosse, basketball, and bumper cars. This is such a fun hit, summer or winter, here in Dallas that there are two locations, so take your pick between Hurst and Plano.

The sport’s strategy can be thought of as similar to basketball and hockey—each team requires offense and defense players as well as a goalie. To score, you need to hit the electronic screen on your opponent’s backboard.

Whirlyball is a winner for those looking for a night out with friends they won’t forget anytime soon.

One more thing.

While it might be the ninth largest city in the US and the third in Texas, we strive to make Dallas first in the best dental treatment you can get in the great state of Texas. So let us know how we can serve you best.

 

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