Things to do in Dallas this Summer
Top Things to Do in Dallas This Summer of 2025
History, Arts, and Culture
Outdoor Activities
Family-Friendly
Active and Sporty
Entertainment
Foodie
Shopping
Summer 2025 in Dallas promises something for every type of explorer—music lovers, foodies, thrill-seekers, and those just looking to beat the heat in style. From rooftop pools with skyline views to vibrant outdoor festivals, the Big D transforms into a playground of summer adventures.
With exciting new events, seasonal attractions, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, this listicle is your ultimate guide to making the most of the season.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore the top summer activities that’ll keep your calendar and your sunscreen packed.
Editor’s Note: Our staff works hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, all information is subject to change! As always, please verify with the organizer before making plans.
History, Arts, and Cultural Things to Do in Dallas This Summer
From immersive art installations to charming historic neighborhoods, Dallas offers a rich cultural landscape to explore this summer. Step into a dreamlike world at Meow Wolf Grapevine or stroll the colorful streets of the Bishop Arts District for boutique shopping, murals, and indie galleries. Discover more below:
Take Flight at the Frontiers of Flight Museum
Aviation enthusiasts and curious minds alike will love the Frontiers of Flight Museum near Love Field. Explore aircraft from every era, step inside a real Southwest Airlines plane, and get inspired by the stories of aerospace pioneers.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm | Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm
Where: 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209
How much:
- Adults – $15
- Seniors and youth (3 – 13) – $10
- Kids 2 and under – FREE
Honor Local Heroes at the Dallas Firefighters Museum
Located in South Dallas, this hidden gem offers a powerful and family-friendly look at the history of firefighting in Dallas. See antique fire engines, vintage gear, and interactive exhibits that educate and inspire.
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm
Where: 3801 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
How much:
- Adults – $8
- Kids under 3 – $6
Enter a World of Warriors at The Samurai Collection
Step into the world of Japanese warriors at The Samurai Collection. This showcases an extraordinary display of samurai armor, helmets, and weaponry, right in the heart of Dallas.
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm
Where: 2501 N Harwood St Suite 225, Dallas, TX 75201
How much: Not stated
Wander & Wonder Through the Bishop Arts District
Colorful, eclectic, and always buzzing, the Bishop Arts District is one of Dallas’s most walkable and artistic neighborhoods.
You can easily spend a whole summer afternoon here browsing through indie bookshops, vintage stores, and art galleries before settling into a patio for sangria or tacos.
There’s also a mural or photo op around every corner, and with frequent pop-up events, street performers, and gallery nights, something new is always unfolding.
Operating Hours: Neighborhood is open 24/7 | Times vary for shops and galleries
Where: Dallas, TX, 74208
How much: Free
Step Into Another Dimension at Meow Wolf Grapevine
Image credit: Meow Wolf
Get ready for a mind-bending journey through art, light, and imagination at Meow Wolf’s immersive installation, The Real Unreal, located inside Grapevine Mills.
This psychedelic dreamscape invites you to wander through portals, crawl through secret passages, and explore wildly surreal rooms designed by Texas artists.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 10 pm | Friday: 12 pm – 11 pm | Saturday: 10 am – 11 pm | Sunday: 9 am – 8 pm
Where: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy Suite 253, Grapevine, TX 76051
How much: Starts at $20
Get Inspired in the Dallas Arts District
Stretching across 68 acres, the Dallas Arts District is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the country—and it’s buzzing with energy in the summer.
You can visit world-class institutions like the Dallas Museum of Art (always free!), catch a performance at the Winspear Opera House, or explore outdoor installations while enjoying food trucks and live street music.
Operating Hours: Establishments have varied operating hours
Where: Art District, Dallas, TX
How much: Varies
Play, Dine & Unwind at the AT&T Discovery District
Image credit: AT&T Discovery District
Downtown Dallas gets a high-tech twist at the AT&T Discovery District, a cutting-edge plaza where interactive art meets food hall flavors. Lounge in the immersive Media Wall plaza, grab global street food at The Exchange, or catch a DJ set on the weekends.
Operating Hours: Establishments have varied operating hours
Where: 308 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75202
How much: Varies
Outdoor Activities and Things to Do in Dallas This Summer
When the sun’s out, Dallas delivers big on outdoor adventures like soaking in the serene beauty of the Fort Worth Water Gardens or finding shade under leafy trails. Find more outdoor activities to enjoy below:
Traders Village Grand Prairie: Big Outdoor Fun, Just $2 to Park!
Soak up the sunshine and enjoy a full day of outdoor fun at Traders Village Houston! All summer long, parking is just $2 before 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays. Explore open-air shopping, outdoor rides for the kids, live music, and tasty eats—perfect for a family weekend adventure.
When: All Weekend June – August 2025
Where: 2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
How Much: No Entry Fee, $2 Parking!!!
Escape to White Rock Lake for a Breezy Summer Getaway
Trade the city buzz for peaceful waters and shaded trails at White Rock Lake, one of Dallas’s most beloved outdoor escapes.
Whether you’re kayaking at sunrise, enjoying a breezy picnic, or biking the scenic 9.3-mile loop, this urban oasis offers the perfect dose of nature without leaving the city.
Operating Hours: Daily: 6 am – 11 pm
Where: Dallas, TX, USA
How much: Free
Get Wild at Texas Discovery Gardens
Image credit: Texas Discovery Gardens
Explore the lush, native landscapes of Fair Park’s Texas Discovery Gardens, where butterflies flutter and snakes slither (safely!) in a beautifully preserved environment.
With a two-story butterfly house and regular educational programs, it’s an oasis of learning and nature perfect for a slow summer afternoon.
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Dallas, TX 75210
How much:
- Adults (13+) – $12
- Seniors (65+) – $10
- Children (4-12 years old) – $6
- Military, Teachers, First Responders, Students with ID – $10
Explore Farm-to-Table Living at Bonton Farms
Located in South Dallas, this urban farm is a living example of regenerative agriculture and neighborhood revitalization. You can tour the fields, interact with animals, and grab a healthy, scratch-made meal from their charming café.
The seasonal produce stand and hands-on events also make it an inspiring summer excursion, especially for families looking to connect with nature and support a meaningful cause.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 7 am – 3 pm | Saturday: 8 am – 3 pm
Where: 6911 Bexar St, Dallas, TX 75215
How much: Free entry
Bask in Blooms at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Image credit: Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
With 66 acres of manicured gardens, seasonal floral displays, shaded walkways, and interactive children’s areas, it’s a serene retreat for couples, families, and solo wanderers alike.
The best part is that summer brings themed events like concert series, cooking demos, and garden scavenger hunts for all ages to enjoy.
Operating Hours: Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
Where: 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
How much:
- Monday – Thursday: $21.95 (adults), $17.95 (kids 2 – 12)
- Friday-Sunday – $25.95 (adults), $21.95 (kids 2 – 12)
- Museums for All – $3
- Parking – $15 per vehicle
Find Tranquility at the Fort Worth Water Gardens
A peaceful oasis tucked next to the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Water Gardens are a modern architectural wonder featuring cascading waterfalls, quiet pools, and dramatic stone terraces.
Designed by Philip Johnson, the site is a serene spot for cooling off, snapping photos, or simply sitting with a good book. It’s free to visit and especially beautiful at dusk, when the light reflects off the pools and the city fades into the background.
Operating Hours: Daily: 6 am – 10 pm
Where: 1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
How much: Free
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Dallas This Summer
Dallas is bursting with summer fun for families of all ages. From old-school arcade games at Bishop Cidercade to colorful splash zones at Dallas Aquatics Spraygrounds, these picks are perfect for making core memories with the kids. And those are not all Dallas has to offer this summer.
Small Parking Fee, Plenty of Family Fun at Traders Village Grand Prairie
Make family memories without the big price tag! Traders Village Houston is offering $2 parking all summer long—just arrive before 10 AM on Saturdays or Sundays. Enjoy a day packed with kid-friendly rides, tasty eats, live music, and family-friendly shopping across hundreds of vendor booths.
When: All Weekend June – August 2025
Where: 2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
How Much: No Entry Fee, $2 Parking!!!
Dive into Wonder at the Dallas World Aquarium
Beat the heat and explore lush, multi-level ecosystems at the Dallas World Aquarium. From exotic birds flying overhead to sharks swimming just feet away, this immersive experience is part zoo, part aquarium, and all awe-inspiring.
It’s a perfect summer day trip for families, dates, or solo adventurers looking to get lost in an indoor jungle.
Operating Hours: Daily: 8:30 am – 5 pm
Where: 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202
How much:
- Adult – $31.95 + tax
- Child – $21.95 + tax (3 through 12)
- Child–free (2 and under)
- Senior – $26.95 + tax (65+)
Let the Kids Run Wild at Down to Play Indoor Playground
Looking for an air-conditioned escape with energy-burning fun? Head to Down to Play in the Medallion Center, where kids can climb, slide, and explore themed play zones while parents relax in a cozy lounge.
It’s the ultimate indoor playground experience for families needing a break from the summer heat.
Operating Hours: Daily: 9 am – 7 pm
Where: 6464 Northwest Hwy Suite 138, Dallas, TX 75214
How much: $20 for open play tickets
Soak Up Summer at Klyde Warren Park
This vibrant downtown park is a hub of summer activity, with food trucks, splash pads, live music, and outdoor yoga all in one central green space. Here, you can lounge on the lawn with a book or catch a family-friendly event all summer long.
Operating Hours: Daily: 6 am – 11 pm
Where: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201
How much: Free
Dive into Fun at the Dallas Children’s Aquarium
Image credit: Children’s Aquarium Dallas at Fair Park
Tailored for younger visitors, the newly renovated Dallas Children’s Aquarium offers hands-on marine experiences, interactive feeding stations, and up-close views of stingrays, jellyfish, and reptiles.
It’s an indoor escape that brings ocean life to little explorers, right in the heart of Fair Park.
Operating Hours: Daily: 9 am – 5 pm
Where: 1462 1st Ave, Dallas, TX 75210
How much:
- Adults – $14.95
- Military and seniors – $12.95
- Kids (3 – 12) – $9.95
- Kids 2 and under – FREE
Unleash Your Inner Kid at Bishop Cidercade
Arcade nostalgia meets local craft cider at Bishop Cidercade, one of Dallas’s most unique summer hangouts. With over 140 arcade and pinball games ranging from retro classics to modern favorites, you can easily lose track of time bouncing between machines.
For just one flat fee, you get unlimited play, and their taproom is stocked with rotating ciders, hard kombuchas, and seasonal drinks.
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 am – 12 pm
Where: 2777 Irving Blvd #200, Dallas, TX 75207
How much: $12
Splash Around at Dallas Aquatics Spraygrounds
If you’re looking for kid-approved fun that won’t drain your wallet, Dallas’s spraygrounds are a summer lifesaver. Located in parks across the city, these colorful splash pads are free, open daily, and designed to keep children cool and entertained with interactive water features, sprays, and fountains.
Parents will also appreciate the shaded seating areas and safe, clean environments, while kids can run wild under the summer sun.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Various locations around Dallas
How much: Varies
Ride Through History on the McKinney Avenue Trolley
Step aboard the charming McKinney Avenue Trolley and enjoy a breezy, nostalgic ride through Uptown and Downtown Dallas—for free!
This vintage streetcar weaves past restaurants, museums, and shopping districts, offering a laid-back way to explore the city without worrying about parking.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Several routes around Dallas
How much: Free, but donations are accepted
Take a Safari at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Image credit: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Swap the zoo for a full-on safari adventure at Fossil Rim in Glen Rose, where you can drive your own vehicle through miles of Texas Hill Country teeming with giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and more.
This drive-thru wildlife preserve offers an up-close look at over 1,000 animals roaming free and you can feed many of them right from your car.
Operating Hours: Daily: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Where: 2299 Co Rd 2008, Glen Rose, TX 76043
How much: Starts at $24.95
Spend the Day with the Elephants at the Fort Worth Zoo
Recognized as one of the top zoos in the country, the Fort Worth Zoo is home to over 7,000 animals, including a beloved Asian elephant herd. Summer brings interactive exhibits, shaded walking paths, and splash zones that make exploring enjoyable even in the heat.
The elephant habitat, complete with pools and enrichment activities, is also a highlight for visitors of all ages.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 am – 5 pm | Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
Where: 1989 Colonial Pkwy, Fort Worth, TX 76110
How much:
-
Adult (Ages 13-64) – $20
-
Child (Ages 3-12) and seniors (65+)- $16
Active and Sporty Summer Fun in Dallas
Ready to break a sweat or dive into something new? Dallas has you covered with high-energy experiences like surfing indoors at Goodsurf or hiking among native wildflowers at Cedar Ridge Preserve. Find more adrenaline-filled activities below:
Catch a Wave at Goodsurf Dallas
Image credit: realgoodsurf
Surf’s up—right in the heart of the city! Goodsurf in East Dallas lets you ride a continuous wave on their state-of-the-art indoor surf pool while sipping craft cocktails or grabbing bites from their upscale beachside menu.
Head over to this spot with friends for a splash of excitement and a tropical escape without leaving town.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday: 8 am – 10 pm | Friday – Saturday: 8 am – 12 am
Where: 317 S Second Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
How much: Varies by activity
Paddle Through Nature on the Trinity River Paddling Trail
Discover a side of Dallas most people never see as you kayak or canoe down the Trinity River Paddling Trail. This National Recreation Trail winds through scenic stretches of nature, offering a peaceful escape for wildlife watching, paddling workouts, or group outings.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: 2335 Sandy Lake Rd, Carrollton, TX 75006
How much: Free entry
Make a Splash at The Hilton Anatole’s JadeWaters
Cool off in style at The Hilton Anatole, where their resort-style pool complex, JadeWaters, becomes a summer paradise. Enjoy their lazy river, slides, cabanas, and poolside dining, and feel like you’re checking into a mini vacation without leaving the city
Operating Hours: Daily: 9 am – 9 pm (summer times)
Where: 2201 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207
How much:$27.75
Slide into Fun at Bahama Beach Waterpark
Families, rejoice! Bahama Beach is an affordable, city-run waterpark packed with kid-friendly slides, lazy rivers, and splash zones.
It’s the perfect summer retreat for little ones who need a full day of water play and for parents looking for fun that doesn’t break the bank.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 6 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: 1895 Campfire Cir, Dallas, TX 75232
How much: Varies between residents and non-residents
Swim in the Sky at Waterproof at The Statler
Take your summer swim to new heights at Waterproof, the rooftop pool and lounge perched atop The Statler Hotel. This swanky oasis offers panoramic views of downtown Dallas, complete with plush loungers, craft cocktails, and a stylish poolside crowd.
By day, it’s a tranquil spot to sip, sunbathe, and take a dip; by night, it transforms into a lively rooftop party with DJ sets and curated vibes.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 3 pm – 11 pm | Friday: 3 pm – 2 am | Saturday – Sunday: 11 am – 2 am
Where: 1914 Commerce St, 19th floor, Dallas, TX 75201
How much: Varies
Putt, Sip & Play at Another Round
If the summer sun gets too intense, head indoors for a round (or two) of mini golf with a twist. Another Round offers two themed 9-hole courses, each filled with quirky obstacles, nostalgic décor, and Instagram-worthy moments.
Add in their full bar, slushie cocktails, and lounge seating, and you’ve got a full-blown summer hangout disguised as an adult arcade.
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 1 pm – 10 pm | Friday: 1 pm – 12 am | Saturday: 11 am – 12 am | Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
Where: 660 Fort Worth Ave Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75208
How much: Varies
Take a Stroll (or Jog) Along the Katy Trail
This popular 3.5-mile path winds through Uptown Dallas and beyond, offering a shady, tree-lined escape for joggers, walkers, and cyclists. Summer mornings and evenings are ideal for beating the heat while enjoying the scenery and spotting wildlife along the way.
With nearby restaurants, rest stops, and scenic overlooks, the trail can easily become part of a day out, especially if you wrap it up at a local patio bar.
Operating Hours: Daily: 5 am – 11 pm
Where: Dallas, TX
How much: Free
Climb High at Trinity Forest Adventure Park
Image credit: Trinity Forest Adventure Park at The Southern Cross
Get your adrenaline fix in the treetops at Trinity Forest Adventure Park, a high ropes and zipline course nestled in a quiet forest southeast of the city. With courses designed for all ages and skill levels, you can test your balance, strength, and bravery as you climb, swing, and zip through the canopy.
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: 1800 Dowdy Ferry Rd, Dallas, TX 75217
How much: Varies by package
Reconnect with Nature at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Looking for a nature escape without leaving the city? Cedar Ridge Preserve offers nine miles of hiking trails through rolling hills, wildflowers, and scenic overlooks. Early summer mornings are best for spotting birds, catching a breeze, and soaking in the serenity of Texas flora.
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 6:30 am – 6:30 pm
Where: 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249
How much: Free
Climb the Cliffs at Lake Mineral Wells State Park
For a summer day trip full of adventure, pack your climbing gear and head to Lake Mineral Wells. Just over an hour west of Dallas, this state park is known for its stunning sandstone cliffs—ideal for rock climbing, rappelling, or hiking.
The lake also offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and shaded picnic spots if you prefer something more low-key.
Operating Hours: Daily: 6 am – 10 pm
Where: 100 Park Road 71 Mineral Wells, TX 76067
How much: $7 for adults | Free for kids 12 and under
Make a Splash at Hurricane Harbor Arlington
Image credit: Six Flags Hurricane Harbor
No Texas summer is complete without a waterpark adventure, and Hurricane Harbor brings the thrills. Located in Arlington, this massive park features high-speed slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and kids’ splash zones, making it a full-day destination for families and adrenaline junkies alike.
Rent a cabana, float under the sun, or scream your way down a waterslide. It’s the best kind of hot-weather escape.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11 am – 6 pm | Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm | Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm
Where: 1800 E Lamar Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006
How much: Starts at $25 | $20 for military and first responders
Entertainment and Fun Things to Do in Dallas This Summer
Looking for something bold, authentic, and undeniably Texan? Experience the raw excitement of the Stockyards Championship Rodeo or watch a titillating show in one of Dallas’ premier theatres!
Experience Theater Under the Stars with Shakespeare Dallas
Make your summer nights more magical with an open-air performance from Shakespeare Dallas at Samuell-Grand Amphitheatre. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy classic plays performed under the stars in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: 1500 Tenison Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75223
How much: Varies by performance
Watch the Sunset from the Gallery Rooftop Lounge
Located atop the Canvas Hotel in the Cedars District, the Gallery Rooftop Lounge offers some of the best skyline views in the city, especially at sunset.
It’s an ideal setting for golden hour cocktails, small plates, and good conversation, made even better by the surrounding art installations and boutique hotel ambiance.
You can also cool off at their outdoor pool while sipping on your drinks.
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 4 pm – 11 pm | Friday – Saturday: 1 pm – 2 am
Where: 1325 Botham Jean Blvd, Dallas, TX 75215
How much: Varies
Experience True Texas Grit at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo
Image credit: Fort Worth Stockyards Station
Dust off your boots and head to Fort Worth for an authentic taste of cowboy culture at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo. Held year-round inside the historic Cowtown Coliseum, this event brings bronco busting, bull riding, and barrel racing to life with thrilling energy.
Surrounded by steak joints, saloons, and longhorn cattle drives, you’ll surely feel like you’re stepping into a Western movie, and it’s only a short drive from Dallas.
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday: 7:30 pm
Where: 121 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76164
How much: Varies
Catch a Summer Concert at Fair Park or Toyota Music Factory
Live music under the stars? Yes, please. Dallas and its surrounding cities heat up in summer with a lineup of concerts across iconic venues like Fair Park, Toyota Music Factory, and Dos Equis Pavilion.
From chart-topping pop stars to indie bands and country legends, there’s always a show worth planning for. Don’t forget to check event calendars early. These shows fill up fast.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Various locations across Dallas
How much: Varies
Foodie Things to Do in Dallas This Summer – Tastes, Tours & More
Savor the flavors of Dallas this summer with a culinary lineup that’s as hot as the weather. Enjoy a nostalgic ice cream tour through Lower Greenville or sip your way through the city’s booming brewery scene. Find what you’re summer craving for here:
Indulge in an Ice Cream Tour of Lower Greenville
Nothing says summer like ice cream, and Lower Greenville serves up some of Dallas’s most crave-worthy scoops. Take a self-guided tour through local favorites like Botolino Gelato, Creamistry, and Joy Macarons (yes, ice cream sandwiches count!).
It’s a sweet way to beat the heat and explore one of Dallas’s coolest neighborhoods.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Various locations in Lower Greenville
How much: Varies
Sip Your Way Through the Margarita Mile
Turn your summer stroll into a spirited adventure on Dallas’s Margarita Mile, a self-guided tour of the city’s best and boldest margaritas. From classic lime to spicy mango, these signature sips are served at iconic spots like Meso Maya and Beto & Son.
Just don’t forget to pace yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Various locations in Dallas
How much: Varies
Get Quirky at Truck Yard Dallas
Image credit: Truck Yard Dallas
Part food truck park, part dive bar, part adult playground—Truck Yard is a summer essential for anyone looking for casual fun and big personality.
Located off Lower Greenville, it features rotating food trucks, live music, and funky seating. There’s no dress code here. Just come as you are, grab a frozen cocktail or local beer, and kick back under the string lights.
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 4 pm – 12 am | Thursday – Sunday: 11 am – 12 am
Where: 5624 Sears St, Dallas, TX 75206
How much: Varies
Chill Out with a Cold One at Katy Trail Ice House
Few places scream Dallas summer like Katy Trail Ice House, an iconic beer garden nestled right off the popular Katy Trail.
Known for its enormous outdoor seating area, shady trees, and constant misting fans, this is where locals cool off after a jog or gather for a laid-back afternoon with friends. With dozens of beers on tap, classic Texas BBQ, and dog-friendly tables, it’s both a destination and a post-trail reward.
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11 am – 2 am | Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 2 am
Where: 3127 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201
How much: Varies
Cheers to a Crafty Afternoon on a Brewery Tour
Take your tastebuds on tour this summer with a visit to Dallas’s booming craft beer scene. Sample sours at Celestial Beerworks, enjoy lagers at Peticolas, or sip IPAs at Four Corners Brewing Co.
Many breweries also offer guided tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, food trucks, and shaded beer gardens, making it a relaxing way to spend a hot afternoon.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Various locations across Dallas
How much: Varies
Sip & Swirl at Grapevine’s Award-Winning Vineyards
Escape the city for a sophisticated afternoon of wine tasting in Grapevine, home to dozens of boutique wineries and tasting rooms. From the European-inspired ambiance at Delaney Vineyards to the lively patios at Messina Hof, each location offers a different mood and varietal.
You can even follow the Urban Wine Trail through the historic downtown area for a walking tour of Grapevine’s best sips.
Operating Hours: Varies
Where: Various locations across Grapevine
How much: Varies
Where to Shop in Dallas This Summer – Markets, Malls & More
Beat the heat and treat yourself to a little retail therapy in shopping heavens like NorthPark and Highland Park Village.
Treasure Hunting Starts with $2 Parking at Traders Village
Love to treasure hunt? Traders Village Grand Prairie is a shopper’s paradise with over 1,000 open-air vendor booths offering everything from clothing and collectibles to tools, toys, and home décor. And this summer, you can score $2 parking before 10 AM every Saturday and Sunday—more reason to come early and shop all day.
When: All Weekend June – August 2025
Where: 2602 Mayfield Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052
How Much: No Entry Fee, $2 Parking!!!
Cool Off & Shop Smart at NorthPark Center
NorthPark Center is a luxury shopping destination with designer stores and major retailers, but it’s also an art gallery, dining hub, and air-conditioned escape all rolled into one.
Kids will love the play spaces and seasonal activities, while adults can explore installations from renowned artists as they browse. Grab lunch, watch a movie, or simply walk the expansive halls
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 8 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Where: 8687 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75225
How much: Varies
Stroll & Splurge at Highland Park Village
If your idea of summer fun includes a little luxury, head to Highland Park Village—Dallas’s upscale outdoor shopping center that mixes high-end fashion, charming architecture, and top-tier dining.
Window-shop Gucci and Chanel, grab coffee on the patio, or dine at Café Pacific before catching a movie at the elegant Village Theatre.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm | Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Where: 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205
How much: Varies
Savor Summer Flavors at the Dallas Farmers Market
This open-air hub offers fresh Texas produce, artisan goods, handmade gifts, and globally inspired street food—all under the city skyline. Kids can cool off with a popsicle while parents grab locally roasted coffee or browse seasonal flowers.
The adjacent indoor Shed is also a great escape from the heat, with plenty of indoor seating and small-batch vendors.
Operating Hours: Daily: 10 am – 7 pm
Where: 920 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
How much: No cover
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Travel on your mind? Check out Kids Activities in San Antonio this Weekend and Fun Kids Activities in Houston this Weekend Kids.
