How to Beat the Heat in Dallas

Updated June 2025

Escape to the Lake

White Rock Lake is an outdoor oasis in the Lakewood neighborhood. We recommend renting a stand-up paddle board from Dallas Paddle Company. Looking for where to start? The best place to dip into the water is on the north side of the lake. The calm water makes it easy to paddle and keep balanced as you head out to the middle of the lake. Just a heads up: no matter how hot you get out there, do not jump in the water. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.

Who needs the ocean?

Who needs the ocean? Goodsurf in Deep Ellum brings the waves, the drinks and plenty of vibes. Whether you're a surf pro or have never stepped on a board, come cool down by catching fresh waves. Even if surfing isn't your thing, the full service restaurant, beer garden and drink menu are the perfect way to relax before grabbing a paddle and hitting their pickleball courts.

Paddle the River

Many people don't realize there is a river that runs a mere mile west of Downtown Dallas! In fact, the Trinity River stretches 710 miles from the Red River to the Gulf of Mexico making it the longest river in a single state. The best way to explore the river is from the water. Grab a kayak and paddle part of the Trinity River Paddling Trail - a 130-mile-long National Recreation Trail with 21 launch sites in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Pack your phone in a dry bag to snap some great views of Downtown Dallas as you slowly make your way downstream.

Visit The Aquarium

The best place to be when the temperatures break the 100-degree mark is inside a dark, cool building. The Dallas World Aquarium's Black-footed penguins, Giant River otters and several Two-toed sloths make this the perfect indoor attraction for the summer! With a lush three-level South American rainforest exhibit, a 20,000-gallon glassed-in tunnel exhibit with sharks circling overhead and a Mayan exhibit home to flamingos, storks and ocelots, the aquarium has more than enough to explore while you wait out the heat of the day.

Shakespeare in the Park

Shakespeare Dallas has returned to the Samuell-Grand Amphitheater lawn in East Dallas this summer. Check out their website for details on performance times and dates. Pack a light dinner, grab a bottle of wine (yes, it is B.Y.O.B.) and turn your next summer night into an evening of al fresco dinner theater.

Play A Full 18 Without Breaking A Sweat

The Hilton Anatole has the perfect way to work on your swing without the sun burn. Their Top Golf Swing Suite features 3 bays of interactive experiences and exclusive food and beverages. With game modes that inlude zombie dodgeball, football, soccer, hockey and of course a full swing simulator, there truly is a game for everyone!

Playtime Inside

Down to Play, the indoor playground in the Medallion Center, spans over 5,200 square feet, including a 3,500 square foot playground with areas designed for babies through elementary school-aged children. From climbing, sliding, zip-lining, and more this locally owned indoor space is a great spot to beat the heat with the little ones.

Ice Cream Tour of Lower Greenville

Nutritionally speaking, it might not be the best idea to only consume ice cream during the summer months, but it sure sounds like a great idea. While Dallas has its' fair share of ice cream joints around the city, Lower Greenville has a high concentration of them! This means you can spend a full afternoon sampling frozen desserts up and down the street.

For rich, Italian-style gelato, swing by Botolino Gelato, where each batch is handcrafted with bold, natural flavors and creamy texture. Craving a frozen treat with a delicate twist? Joy Macarons offers sweet, colorful macaron ice cream sandwiches that are as photogenic as they are delicious. Or, if you want to just blow your blood sugar levels out of the water, stop by Milk + Cream for an unbelievable double-decker ice cream-donut sandwich.

Order a Margarita

There is no more quintessential way to spend a summer afternoon in Texas than finding a covered patio to enjoy a frozen margarita (or three). Dallas has staked its claim as the Official Home of the Frozen Margarita. Lime or strawberry, salt or tajin, frozen or rocks - everyone has their own favorite. Explore the Margarita Mile and find your favorite flavor!