Summertime gives us the chance to reconnect, to kick back, and to enjoy some quality time with friends and family. The kids will want to spend time with their friends, but DFW has so many great events, good food, and fun places to go, they may even spend some time with you!
HIT THE BEACH
The Beachcomber Bar & Grill, The Colony
“A place where summer, sand and sun are year-round and open to all children, ages 1 to 105.” Sand volleyball, outdoor seating and 20 favorite beers on tap along with delicious food – who needs the ocean? Rent your own court or just enjoy watching the sand volleyball tournaments while sampling the menu of tasty salads, sandwiches and tacos. combthebeach.com
HIKE THE TRINITY RIVER FOREST
As part of the Trinity River Corridor Project, the Trinity River Audubon Center is the perfect place to enjoy nature as a family. Enjoy the hiking trails, hands-on exhibits and the Children’s Discovery Garden. While you’re there, check out the more than 50 species of birds or hike the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in the country. (Free only on third Thursday of each month.)
trinityrivercorridor.com/recreation
EXPLORE WHITE ROCK LAKE
For an invigorating run (or walk) do a lap at White Rock Lake. With an incredible view of the Dallas skyline, White Rock Lake is an urban oasis that spans more than 1,015 acres and more than nine miles of trails. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddle-boarding, fishing, biking and hiking. dallasparks.org
TEXAS SCULPTURE GARDEN
HALL PARK, Frisco
Exterior collection open daily dawn to dusk; interior art open weekdays 9:00-5:00
The Texas Sculpture Garden is a unique and significant collection comprised of more than 40 works of contemporary sculpture. Recognized as one of the largest private collections open to the public, the garden celebrates the work of several prominent Texas artists throughout four sprawling acres. Visitors to the park enjoy both the art and its remarkable setting. Winding walking trails, lush landscaping, lakes and fountains have been specially designed to complement the art and provide a lush backdrop for the impeccably-planned 162-acre development with more than 2.5 million square feet of Class-A office space. hallpark.com
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Saturdays 7:00 to 9:00 pm
The Green at Watters Creek, Allen
Soak up some sweet sounds each Saturday at Watters Creek Concert by the Creek series. Hang out on The Green with your favorite blanket or catch a view of the stage from one of the beautiful outdoor dining patios. Musicians represent a variety of genres. (No outside chairs or coolers are permitted, but there are plenty of snack options throughout the gorgeous outdoor shopping center.) watterscreek.com
Andy’s Frozen Custard
Andy’s Frozen Custard is fanatical about custard! For more than three decades, only the freshest ingredients have been used for a frozen custard experience you can’t get anywhere else. With eight locations in the Dallas area (and another coming soon!), it’s the perfect place to cool off from the summer heat or stop by to hang out with friends after dinner or a movie. They’re open til 11:30 weekdays and midnight Friday and Saturday. Snowmonster or Chock-O-Rocko, anyone? eatandys.com
FRIDAY NIGHT FRENZY
Fridays, 7:00 to 10:00 pm
Altitude Trampoline Park, Richardson
Help the kids get off the couch – or join them for a night of family fun. With facilities including over 35,000 square feet of indoor jumping space and dodge ball, plus food and music to keep the vibe going, Friday nights may just wear out even the most energetic kids. $17.25 includes pizza altituderichardson.com