Summer fun in North Texas

As Realtors, we like to know what’s going on in the communities we service. It’s that time of the year when kids are out of school, the days are longer and warmer and there’s a feeling of so much possibility – it’s summertime. In a city like Dallas and Fort Worth, with so much energy and so many events, it can be overwhelming to know what to see and do in the summer. Take it easy, we’ve got covered, just don’t forget the sunscreen.

GO ROCK CLIMBING AT LAKE MINERAL WELLS
Such a fun camping trip and great activity for kids, speaking as one that used to go all the time with my family during the summer. Hit up Lake Mineral Wells just outside of Dallas for a fun camping experience and try out their literal rock climbing!

TAKE A SHOPPING DAY AT THE CANTON MARKET
If you’re a fan of flea markets, then you’re going to love Canton Market! This is a once-a-month event so make sure you get the date down on your calendar and pick up some killer decor for low prices. Also a great place to take your mom this summer, just saying!

HIT UP THE FORT WORTH WATER GARDENS
We love the Fort Worth water gardens, and definitely consider them a Dallas Fort Worth hidden gem. Spend the afternoon walking around Sundance Square in Fort Worth and then walk down to the water gardens for a beautiful summer oasis WAIT IN LINE FOR BBQ AT PECAN LODGE

SPEND THE DAY AT THE DALLAS ARBORETUM
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon walking around the Dallas Arboretum, and take your parents with you if they’re in town! Love walking through these beautiful gardens and soaking in the flowers during the spring and summer in Dallas.GO WATCH THE FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW
It was be simply un-American to skip a Fourth of July firework show. Check out this list with tons of different shows and festivals happening across Dallas Fort Worth around July Fourth that you can attend!WALK AROUND AND ENJOY BISHOP ARTS
Bishop Arts is, in my opinion, the best Dallas neighborhood. I love that’s its so walkable and full of cute local Dallas shops. I recommend taking your mom especially on a little Bishop Arts day, and you can find all my favorite restaurants & shops in Bishop Arts on this Bishop Arts Guide!

HIT THE HORSE RACES AT LONE STAR PARK

Something I still haven’t crossed off my own Dallas summer bucket list! Catch the horse races at Lone Star Park. Make sure you wear your most ridiculous derby hat to really make the most of it too.

SPEND THE DAY AT GRAPEVINE LAKE (& CATCH THEIR FIREWORK SHOW)

I grew up in Grapevine, so this happens to be my personal favorite Dallas summer bucket list item. Grab your friends and head over to the lake for the day! You can rent a boat for a pretty affordable price, or just hang out by the water. Plus, they do a fireworks show over the lake every Friday night.

ENJOY A PICNIC OR YOGA CLASS AT KLYDE WARREN PARK

Ever had a picnic over at Klyde Warren Park? Well if not, then add that to your Dallas summer bucket list! Pack something yummy to eat on the Downtown lawn, or wait and pick something up from one of the countless amazing food trucks always parked at Klyde Warren. Either way, it’s going to be a lovely afternoon

!LEARN ABOUT JFK AT THE SIXTH FLOOR MUSEUM

Are you a history buff? Then spend the afternoon wandering the Sixth Floor Museum; it’s all about JFK and his story and his assasination. To be honest, I am not even a history buff and I still thought it was super interesting. Or check out one of the amazing other DFW Museums!SEE MORE \\ THE BEST MUSEUMS IN DALLAS FORT WORTH

GRAB A TRUE SOUTHERN COMFORT LUNCH AT BABES CHICKEN

Peak southern comfort food at Babe’s Chicken, you’re going to loveeee how delicious it is! Think fried chicken and collared greens and mashed potatoes galore. Get your stomachs ready and take the whole squad out for Babes.PULL OUT YOUR BOOTS FOR THE FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS AND RODEO

The top of my Fort Worth bucket list, to be honest! I love spending the day at the Fort Worth Stockyards, watching the live stock parade, and ending the day at the Fort Worth rodeo. If you aren’t from Texas, this will definitely be quite the treat for you. Plus, tons of other fun Fort Worth things to do in our Fort Worth guide!SEE MORE \\ GUIDE TO FORT WORTH TEXAS FROM A LOCAL

SWIM IN THE TEXAS SHAPED POOL IN PLANO

Go full-on Texan by taking a dip in the giant Texas-shaped swimming pool out in Plano! That’s right, a giant pool in the shape of Texas. Which is so so very Texas. You can also find lots of other fun Plano things to do on our Plano guide while you’re there!

GAME NIGHT AT MAIN EVENT ON MONDAY NIGHTS

My high school self, and college self, AND POST GRAD SELF LOVE MAIN EVENT. Honestly we go all the time when we go back home. The best spot ever. And on Monday nights they do this all in deal for $10 with unlimited games and laser tag. SOLD. If you want something fun to do with your friends, I honestly will recommend this.

DRIVE DOWN FOR A SAFARI AT FOSSIL RIM

Another amazing hidden gem in the area, I used to LOVE going to Fossil Rim when I was little. Seriously such a fun thing to do with kids in Dallas and a key Dallas summer bucket list item. You basically get to drive through this mini-safari and have the animals come straight up to your car!HIT UP A SUMMER CONCERN AT FAIR PARK OR THE TOYOTA CENTER

Even though Austin is the live music capitol, Dallas has no shortage of great music festivals and concerts itself this summer! Grab tickets to a concert at Fair Park or the Toyota Center this summer, or check out this list of all the music festivals happening across Texas.

HIT UP A LOCAL DALLAS FORT WORTH CRAFT BREWERY

Texas loves it’s craft beers, and there’s no shortage of great breweries to spend your summer afternoon at and enjoy a cold brew. You can check out this list of awesome breweries in Dallas Fort Worth, and see if you can knock all of them out on your own Dallas summer bucket list – brewery edition!

GO BROKE GAMBLING AT WINSTAR CASINO

Definitely not Vegas, but it’s something to do if you’re looking for some gambling! While it’s illegal to gamble in the state of Texas, it definitely is not in the state of Oklahoma. So we Dallasites like to drive up the hour and a half and spend the night gambling all our money away at Winstar

HAVE HAPPY HOUR ON A DALLAS ROOFTOP BAR

If you’re like me, then you’re working all summer and need more Dallas summer bucket list items you can do post-work! Let me recommend hitting up a rooftop hour with a sunset view. You can check out this list for some of the best Dallas rooftops to do that from!SEE MORE \\ THE BEST HAPPY HOURS IN DALLAS, TEXAS

WALK AROUND THE DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART FOR FREE

Want a free thing to do in Dallas this summer? Explore the Dallas Museum of Art! The museum is free to the public (some exhibits are paid, but mostly free) and get some culture in ya this summer

.HAVE A DINNER NIGHT AT MI COCINA

I could list a million amazing Dallas restaurants, but honestly none are as iconic as Mi Cocina. They have plenty of locations and some absolutely delicious food. Make sure its on your date night restaurant list

TAKE AN HGTV DAY TRIP DOWN TO MAGNOLIA MARKET

Are you an HGTV fan, or just a fan of delicious cupcakes? Then head down to Waco for the day and explore Magnolia Market! This gem has completely put Waco on the map, so you know it should be on your bucket list this summer. Highly recommend waiting in line for a Silo’s cupcake too!SEE MORE \\ EASY DAY TRIPS YOU CAN TAKE FROM DALLAS