It can be quite the challenge keeping littles busy all summer. There’s only so many times you can go to the park and so many hours of Cocomelon you can handle. If you’re looking to have a great summer and keep your family active, this A–Z Summer Bucket List in DFW is for you!
Arboretum: The Arboretum is a great idea, especially if you have a family season pass. Bring a lunch, a blanket, and some bubbles, and don’t forget to enjoy the children’s garden. Check out the Arboretum events page here.
Butterfly Gardens: Head to Fair Park and see what’s happening at the Texas Discovery Gardens. The daily butterfly release (at noon) is a favorite, but they often have special events on the schedule.
Camping: If you want to sleep under the stars with your family there are A TON of great places to camp in DFW. We love the Vineyards in Grapevine.
Dallas Zoo: Chill out with the animals at the Dallas Zoo! Check the calendar to see if they have anything special happening before you go. And don’t miss our 10 tips for visiting the Dallas Zoo with kids.
Ennis Drive-In Theater: If you have older kids, this may be a fun nighttime activity! It’s a bit of a drive but worth it to experience an old-fashioned drive-in movie.
Fort Worth Zoo: The Fort Worth Zoo is a can’t-miss zoo right here in DFW. Check out our travel guide to Fort Worth for even more summer fun while you’re there!
Great Wolf Lodge: If you’re searching for a kid-friendly staycation, look no further than Great Wolf Lodge. Feel like you’re on vacation without leaving the metroplex, with an indoor waterpark, dance parties, arcade, and even Build-A-Bear! So much to do.
Ham Orchards: 2022 peach season is here. Head to Ham Orchards for some delicious Texas peaches. Don’t forget to grab some peach ice cream!
Ice Cream Truck: When you hear those bells, grab some cash and let your kids experience the joy of an ice cream truck treat! They pop up around the area all summer.
July 4th Fireworks: There are TONS of places to watch July 4 fireworks, but if you can, check out the Addison Kaboomtown Fireworks on July 3rd.
Klyde Warren Park: Food trucks, places to play and splash, and live music. With different events scheduled all month, every month, you never know what you will find. It’s such a fun place to hang out! Plus check out more cool things to do in downtown Dallas with kids.
Legoland Discovery Center: If you have a LEGO-loving kid in your life, this outing will score you some MAJOR points! There’s even a mini land for the littles.
Murals around Dallas: Make it your mission to capture some ‘gram worthy photos at all of the cool murals around the city. Here’s a roundup of cool Dallas murals to get you started!
Nasher Sculpture Center: Head to the Nasher Sculpture Center and check out the beautiful sculptures inside and outside. Admission on the first Saturday of the month is free!
Outdoor splash pads: Pack a swim bag, throw on some sunscreen, and beat the heat at one of the many splash pads in Dallas. There are tons to choose from and they are FREE!
Perot Museum: If you are in the mood for a more educational outing, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is for you. A new interactive Jane Goodall special exhibit just opened and looks great. And don’t miss the kid’s area for lots of hands-on sensory fun.
Quiet time at the Dallas Library: Sign up for Mayor Johnson’s SMART Summer learning challenge and earn free books and prizes!
Rangers Game at Globe Life Field: Take your family out to the ball game. Go see the Texas Rangers play at their brand-new stadium!
Six Flags: If a thrill is what you seek, then definitely head to Six Flags in Arlington and check out all the summer fun to be had!
Trinity River Audubon Center: Organize a fun nature outing to hike the beautiful Trinity River Audubon Center and see the stunning, picturesque views.
Underwater adventures at the Dallas World Aquarium: If you need to cool down, head inside the Dallas World Aquarium and spend some time with the underwater creatures.
Video Game Museum: Did you know that Frisco is home to the National Videogame Museum? If you have a gamer in your family, this is the outing to take them on!
Waterparks: There are a ton to choose from in DFW! Hawaiian Falls, Jade Waters, Epic Waters, Hurricane Harbor, and more! Check out our Guide to Pools and Water Parks in Dallas for even more options.
X Marks the Spot Scavenger Hunt: Plan a CITY-WIDE scavenger hunt for your family! Make a list of fun things to find or landmarks to see. Or use one of these scavenger hunt printables for younger kids.
Celebrate International Yoga Day June 21: Cosmic Kids Yoga on YouTube has amazing family-centric yoga exercises for kids!
Zoom around White Rock Lake on bikes and scooters: Grab a bike, a scooter, or just walk around BEAUTIFUL White Rock Lake. Lots of fun spots to explore and enjoy nature!
