Summertime Hangout Spots in Dallas
How to have fun this summer without breaking a sweat.
Visiting Dallas this summer even though you've been warned about the summer heat? By all accounts, this year is going to be a scorcher, but it's still possible to explore this great city and stay cool while doing it. Here are a few fun summertime activities to keep you cool or so entertained you forget about the heat.
Updated July 2024
Grab a drink at ArtPark
Trinity Groves
Part beer garden, part outdoor art gallery, part adult playground, Trinity Groves' ArtPark is the perfect place to chill on a hot day. Dallas artists have turned the park's walls into a graffiti tour-de-force giving you the perfect Instagram background for all your photos. The seemingly endless local beer, wine and craft cocktail options will satisfy anyone's drink of choice. Thirty outdoor television sets, live music, lawn games and movie nights give patrons more than enough activities to help whittle away a hot afternoon.
Relax at Klyde Warren Park
Dallas Arts District
The five-acre Klyde Warren Park that spans Woodall Rodgers Freeway is constantly abuzz with free fitness classes, dance classes, live music and movies in the park. The urban retreat is also a great place to set up a blanket and spend the afternoon people-watching. If you get bored with that, grab a book from the Reading Room carts, stroll the grounds or sip a refreshing drink from one of the local restaurants or food trucks. Our suggestion is to go early in the day or just before sundown.
Kayak at White Rock Lake
East Dallas
When the temperatures reach the 90s, it is time to find some water. Known as the "outdoor gem" of the city, White Rock Lake is the go-to location for all Dallas's water-related activities. The lake's calm waters make it a great place to kayak, especially for beginners. You can rent paddle boards or kayaks and also take a sailboat day or sunset cruise. There are numerous launch sites to push off from if you own a kayak. If not, you can rent a kayak from a local vendor ahead of time or onsite. For a serene nature-filled paddle, meander through the Great Trinity River Forest. The relatively untouched old wood forest is home to the largest urban hardwood forest in America. It is a haven for wildlife and far enough away from the noise of city traffic that you will swear you are in the country. Since White Rock is a motor-free lake, so you won't have to worry about any pesky speed boats messing with your tranquil groove.
Play A Round of Mini-Golf
West Dallas
We know what you are thinking: who wants to be outside sweating up a storm playing mini-golf in the middle of the summer? The folks at Another Round thought of that, which is why they put their mini-golf course indoors. Another Round features two different 9-hole courses, a unique duffleboard experience and even a golf simulator. The mini-golf spot also has a full bar featuring signature cocktails. Players are allowed to carry their drinks with them as they play because everyone knows your golf swing gets considerably better the more you drink. For even more golf fun, Another Round also has a golf simulator where you and your friends can show off your skills by playing target shooting games or choose from more than 1,000 golf courses to play a full round.
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