Wondering what to do in the Summer in DFW? I have livedin the DFW area for 7 years and often wondered the same thing, but have collected fun activities in all price ranges. Once for everyday your kids are out of school!
This week my four kids will be out of school and we get to spend the summer as a family. I spent the first few years living here wondering what to do in the summer in DFW. Its hot and humid and mostly, I just wanted to stay inside! But after 5 summers in DFW, I now have a bursting list of fun adventures for the whole family.
With only 75 days before school starts again, I can’t wait to get started! I want to create a summer full of happy, fun memories.
We only have 12 summers with these school kids before they are off on their own! so lets make each one memorable
I don’t want to spend our summer break vegging out on screens. I know that a screen-free summer is possible and even advisable! These 75 activities in the DFW area will help you to get out and enjoy summer without the use of screens.
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Get a Pogo Pass
We don’t pay for annual passes because we like to experience new and different things. However, I found the perfect annual pass that will help you have a variety of experiences for the low price of $39. Pogo Pass in Dallas gives you a few visits to so many locations throughout the metroplex which could fill your summer with fun for a cheap price.
Tell me which of these 75 DFW adventures your family enjoys most.
What to do in the summer in DFW for Free
- Sign up for your local Library Reading Program. Through our local library, we can earn coupons to enter multiple locations for free. I’ll add an ** on the venues you can earn free passes to by reading (or listening to an Audiobook as you travel to your adventures!)
2. Play board games at Colleyville Library. This is one of our favorite places to spend an hour. They have new games, open spaces, coloring table and reading chairs.
3. Sign up for a local, free Vacation Bible School. They will provide crafts, activities, scriptures, teach values and faith. Even not being associated with the local churches here, my kids greatly benefitted from participating. There are camps nearly every week throughout the summer.
4. Dip your toes in the sand at Granbury Beach. After playing on the beach all day, you can clean off at the splash pad area before leaving!
5. Get wet and wild at Bicentennial Park & splash pad in Southlake. With a zipline, sand box and splash area, all ages are bound to be entertained. Plus, its fully fenced in for the safety of the littlest adventurer.
6. Cool off at Parr Park Sprayground. You’ll find plenty of nearby shade, plus a giant playground right next to the water.
7. Live the dream life at Fort Worth Dream Park. This park just opened in May 2019. It is free and accommodates all abilities.
8. Join a Chess Club. Our local library hosts chess club weekly. My 2 oldest play chess while I read to my littles in the library reading area. Win for everyone.
9. Attend a free science, magic, music or puppet show. Every local library in DFW hosts show weekly with comedians, magicians, musicians, animal trainers and scientists. These are sure to entertain and delight kids of all ages. Free and open to the public.
10. Create something new at NRH Library Maker spot. This area will host STEM activities and open their doors for computer programing, 3D printing, building toys and games and more. Check the schedule for events and activities. We always attend the Perot STEM truck activity.
11. Splash around Klyde Warren Park. With splash areas at both ends of this beautiful space, you’ll be cool and relaxed for sure. Rent a bike, read a book, listen to the concerts or just play on the playground.
12. Hop on the free Trolley around Dallas. A nostalgic streetcar connecting the Dallas Arts district with the shops and galleries of Uptown.
13, Dance through the fountains at Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth. With all the shops and eateries, you’ll find plenty to do downtown, but the plaza at Sundance square allows kids (and adults) to cool off in the fountain from 2 pm-6pm daily.
14. See the beauty at the Water Gardens in Fort Worth. The only downside to this attraction is the summer heat, because you aren’t allowed to get wet in the fountains. Bring your own cold drink and some water to dump on the kids, because it is worth seeing these 4 free water features.
15. Indulge all your senses at the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. Free entry with changing displays throughout the year.
16. Take a trip on Molly the Trolley around downtown Fort Worth. Its just a regular bus, but totally free to ride around the main area of Fort Worth.
17. Learn how money is made at the Fort Worth Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Tours are free, no reservation required. open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Tues-Friday.
18. Tour Bass Hall for free every Saturday at 10:30 am. Or attend a show or concert in the evenings.
19. Build something with your hands at Home Depot or Lowes. One Saturday a month, these stores open their doors to the littlest of builders. With an easy to assemble project and paint, your kids will be delighted to create. No reservation needed, just show up.
20. Shower off with a giant vat of water splashing down at Dove Park. The playground here is creative fun, but if you’re too hot, enjoy the fully fenced splash pad.
21. Sample Fudge at Bu-cees in Roanoke. If you haven’t had the pleasure of road tripping in Texas to stop at Bu-cees, you’re in luck! There are now several open in the DFW area. Sample fudge, beef jerky and frozen yogurt. Order a Texas meal at the kiosk and indulge in the cheapest soda ever. Find gifts and Texas paraphernalia galore. And DO NOT miss the cleanest bathrooms at any truck stop in the world. Seriously, Bu-cees is a destination, not just a rest stop.
22. Go geo-caching. Treasure hunt from where ever you are! Using the geocaching app you can find something hidden right in your own city.
23. Keep frisbee golf score to see who has the most accurate aim at Tommy and Sue Brown Park. If you get too hot, drive across the way to McPherson park for a small splash pad to cool off.
24. Drop in for an art class at the Dallas Museum of Art on the first Saturday from 12-4. Or tour the Art Museum for free from 11-5 daily (open until 9 pm on Thursdays).
25. Do the kids scavenger hunt at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Renovations happening in summer 2019. Check the schedule for opening hours.
26. View the miniature model train village at the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas. Perhaps you could drop off a toy or coloring books to kids in the hospital. (flowers and balloons are not allowed)
27. Watch Airplanes from Founders Plaza. Listening to an audiobook while you watch in the car together might add even more to the experience.
28. Play for all abilities at Fantasy Landing at Kiest Park.
29. Listen to Storytime at Barnes and Noble. Don’t forget to sign up for the reading program to earn a free book.
30. Search for giant bears at Teddy Bear Park.
31. Stay at a Hyatt hotel with free breakfast and a free pool! Take the day off of cooking and cleaning and stay in the Hyatt Place for a change of pace. Totally free with this credit card hack.
Open a new World of Hyatt credit card now. Spend $3,000 in the first 3 months and earn Bonus Points to use at the Hyatt to stay for free! At Hyatt Place, we love the 2 queen beds, plus a pull-out couch to accommodate our whole family. Using points the stay is completely free, no tax or fees! Free breakfast meets every adult and kid’s fancy. And the pool is just the icing on top.
The kids love the change of pace when staying at a hotel. Let’s be honest, mom could use a break from cooking and cleaning, too! Even if it’s just down the street.
32. Catch a longhorn cattle drive at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Everyday at 11 and 4, the cattle drive right through the downtown street of Fort Worth. Its free, but you may be interested in the petting zoo, rodeos or museums in the area.
What to do in the Summer in DFW for Cheap
33. Relax on the Beach at Twin Points park $10 a vehicle or $20 on weekends.
34. Cool down with Slushies from Sonic during Happy Hour or with the App. We like to get a giant slushy and split it into 4 little cups for each kid.
35. Bowl free every day in the summer at Alleycats in Hurst or Arlington.
36. Ride a miniature train in Fort Worth’s Forest Park. $5 Cash only. Open Fri-Sun.
37. Ride the TEXrail from Airport to downtown Fort Worth. It costs $2.50 or $1.25 for kids per ride. Stop in Grapevine, NRH, the Stockyards or downtown Fort Worth.
38. Camp on Grapevine Lake at Meadowmere Park. For $5 to park, you can use the playground, picnic tables and lake water. There is plenty of space to fly a kite, throw a frisbee, play sand volleyball or horseshoes. Rent a Kayak for even more fun
39. Chick-Fil-A family day. Food AND a playground? Yes, please. Usually weekly, Chick-Fil-A offers family crafts, activities or other fun events. Don’t forget to use the app to collect points for free food!
40. Discover ancient Dino tracks at Dinosaur State Park. Exhibit Center admission $6/adults $2/youth.
41. Camp Creativity at Michaels ($3; M/W/F from 10am-12). A new craft available each week. Leave all the mess at the store!
42. Take photos at JCPenny Portraits. I skip the staged and phony school photos every year and opt for a photo session at JCPennys. I get to pick from multiple outfits, poses and even photos with props. It costs $30 for a 2-year membership including unlimited photo sessions and up to 9 people in a sitting. Use a coupon for $3.99 per print with coupon. Plus for your kids birthday, you will receive a $15 off coupon. When I take care of pictures during the summer, I don’t have to stress about it during the school year. win-win!
43. Smell the flowers at the Dallas Arboretum. Normally, this sight would go in the very expensive category, but the entire month of August they offer ‘dollar days’. Entrance is just $2, plus $2 more to get into the children’s garden. Beat the August heat at the arboretum by following the Arboretum guide I wrote here.
44. Spend the day at Fair Park in Dallas. Entrance is free from 6 am to 11pm, but you may be interested in the Children’s aquarium for $8/$6 or the Texas Discovery gardens with Butterfly house $10/$5
45. Corral the Cattle at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Daily at 11:30 and 4:00 you can see a longhorn cattle drive right through the streets of Fort Worth. The cattle drive is completely free, but you may be interested in the shops, petting zoo, museums or Rodeos offered in the area.
46. Kids drop-in studio at Kimbell Art Museum {free}. Half-price admission to the museum on Tuesday.
47. Connect with Nature at the Heard Museum in McKinney Adults – $10 Kids- $7
48. Fly with American’s largest Airline at CR Smith Museum. Interactive activities and a play area, plus a movie and old plane you can tour. Any little aviators dream! $9/adults $6/kids (free for AA employees!)
49. Use your imagination at the mini-city at Celebration in Keller. Open play is Wed &Thurs 9:30-1:30 for $7/kid; Fri &Sat 9:30-2:30 $10/kid (parents are free). You can also enjoy a kitchen and eating area right next to the play area. Since this is indoor it is perfect for what to do in the summer in DFW
50. Follow the operating model train the the American Railroad Museum in Frisco. Located inside the Frisco Discovery Center. $8/adults $4/kids
Things to Do in the Summer in DFW that are Worth a Little Splurge
**A Dallas CityPass will get you into several locations for a lower price.
51. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History ** With dinosaurs, STEM and other science exhibits on rotation you’ll find plenty to do all day long!
52. Perot Museum++. Here’s exactly what you’ll find on each level at the Perot Museum.
53. Escape the sun at an indoor waterpark, Epic Waters . Find out exactly why you should visit Epic waters, 4 Epic Reasons to Visit Epic Waters.
54. Six Flags. My kids earn a free day pass to Six flags by reading 360 minutes during the school year. This makes it affordable to go here by only paying for the adults.
55. Continue your education at TCC college for kids. Kids from 3rd-8th grade can pick their favorite classes and attend on an actual college campus (6 locations) for a very affordable price. $200 for 3 weeks of classes (4 hours a day or take morning and afternoon classes for 8 hours) in July. This is exactly what to do in the summer in DFW since it will occupy 3 weeks!
56. Legoland Discovery ** Rides, Lego characters and building with Legos. ($20 or free with library reading program coupon and paid adult.)
57. Dive Under the Sea at Dallas World Aquarium $21/$15
58. Travel to the top of Dallas on the Geo-Deck at the Reunion Tower ++($17/$8)
59. Be enthralled by a musical at the Artisan Center Children’s Theater. Children’s shows are just $7 for kids with Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays shows. They also offer camps, acting classes, and opportunities to audition for upcoming productions.
60. Try your hand as an artist at a Painting class.
61. Get all the wiggles out at a Trampoline Park.
62. Water Park! NRH2O** Yes, I’m partial to this water park since it is in my city, but it really is amazing! The rides are so fun, but if its crowded there are plenty of wet and wild options (lazy river, wave pool, beach pool, splash zone with 10 slides and kiddie area).
63. Go on a Safari at Fort Worth Zoo. $16/$12 (parking $5) Half Price entry on Wednesday .
64. The penguins are my favorite at the Dallas Zoo++ $17/$14; Parking $10
65. Coyote Drive Inn Fort Worth. This isn’t exactly screen-free since its a movie night, but being in your car or truck totally changes the feeling of a movie. Plus, you get 2 movies for the price of one ($8 per person)
67. Staycation at Gaylord or Great Wolf Lodge. What to do in the summer in DFW is go to the waterpark!
68. Feed Safari animals from your car driving through Fossil Rim.
69. Freeze yourself by Ice Skating At Nytex. $10 from 12:15-1:30 daily or Friday night 6:45-8:15.
70. Shop at the Grapevine Mills Mall. Shopping in this mall might be an event in and of itself, but the mall also hosts Sealife aquarium, Legoland Discovery, Peppa Pig World and Build-a-Bear.
71. Enjoy at day at the Beach of Burgers Lake.
72. Roller skating Use a groupon to get admission for cheap!
73. Tag someone in the dark at Laser Quest.
74. Spin, Shoot, Bump and Score with WhirlyBall. Go-carts meet lacrosse, hockey, and Basketball. It’s fun, trust me!
75. Fly High at iFly
Never wonder what to do in the summer in DFW again! Don’t waste another day of the few summers with your kids. Get out and create memories to last a lifetime. There is so much to do.
- Find More activities in Frisco
- A Day in Grapevine
- Have a little more time? Take a quick trip to these nearby destinations: Weekend trips from DFW
- Looking for more festivity in DFW? Fall in DFW & Christmas in DFW
- Plan the Perfect stay-cation with kids
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3 Comments
Thank you so much for this!
The link for dinosaur state park takes me to website for a park in CT. I think maybe https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/dinosaur-valley is a little closer to home.
thanks for the help! I’ll fix it!
Great ideas! I”m heading there this June so we’ll be doing a few of these. Thanks!