The Summer Situation
With summer right around the corner and school getting out, we will all have a ton of free time on our hands. If you’re like me, then this extra time can be wasted because you just don’t know what to do.
Have no fear, however, because in this article, I will share some of the many ways and places you can get outside and have fun instead of sitting in bed scrolling through your phone. In this article, every place I will talk about will be in DFW, and no more than an hour away from Jesuit, making it a day trip at most (not counting traffic).
Freebie Fun Days
I will start this list with things that you can visit for free as long as you have a car and some free time. These are all easy ways to get out of the house without the hassle of worrying about costs.
I think we should start this list with the summer classic, heading to a lake. In Dallas, we have a wide selection of lakes to choose from, but not all of them are necessarily what you would want to swim in, not to mention that you are not allowed to swim in some of them. However, there are also some great lakes nearby, including Lake Joe Pool, Grapevine Lake, and Lewisville Lake.
My personal preference is Lake Joe Pool just because of the access to Lynne Creek Park, a nice beached area with room to spread out to enjoy. However, all of these options are great to dip in and beat the summer heat. It’s even better if you bring a friend or a picnic to have a quick bite while enjoying the nice crisp brown Texas water.
Another free option that I think is also a ton of fun is going to a mall to hang out. This option is pretty contingent upon having company, but if you like walking around malls alone, go for it. In the metroplex, there are lots of malls to pick from, including the Galleria, Stonebrier, and NorthPark, just to name a few. This option isn’t necessarily free, but it definitely can be and is a nice way to get out of the house while still enjoying the luxury of AC.
Mid-Budget Madness
My next suggestions aren’t free, but shouldn’t be anymore than 50 bucks for one person to have a good time.
The first activity on this list I think is worth a visit is Hurricane Harbor. Over in Arlington, we are lucky enough to have the largest water park in all of North Texas, home to over 40 attractions, including slides, pools, and rides. If you need a quick dip in a pool but don’t feel like braving the Texas Lakes, I highly recommend heading over with some friends or a group of people you are willing to spend an afternoon with and explore all of the different options this park offers.
Additionally, if you aren’t feeling slides, right across the street is the oldest (and in my opinion, the best) of the Six Flags parks. Six Flags Over Texas is just as much fun as Hurricane Harbor, which offers 13 different coasters. I will say though, this option may be less desirable if you don’t feel like spending hours in a line during peak summer heat.
If you’re not big on adrenaline-chasing, though, there are always other ways to explore Dallas. Another one of my favorite ways to get out is going to a movie theater. A major plus to this option is again the air conditioning, however, there are also the positives of a nice comfy chair to relax on, not to mention the nice buttery popcorn and the ice cold slushie that comes with it.
If you’re looking for something else to do indoors, there is also an indoor mini-golf experience called Putt Shack, which is a modernized spin on mini-golf with different point values and obstacles throughout the game. All of this fun is located in Addison for only $14 per person, which gets you nine holes of golf.
Continuing on the topic of golf, here in Dallas, not only do we have the headquarters, but we are also home to four (soon to be five) different Top Golf locations. Top Golf is a multi-story driving range that also has catered eats and provided clubs, all for $25 an hour. Even though this is outdoors, the bays are also climate-controlled, meaning no need to worry about melting in the Texas heat.
The last activity I think is definitely worth a visit that doesn’t cost a ton is going to see some of the cool animals we have here in Dallas. Between the local zoo and the aquarium, we have some really cool exotic animals that show some of God’s beautiful creations. From mammals and birds to reptiles and fish there is something to see for everyone. If you want to change up your view of species such as squirrels and mosquitoes and other bright, colorful animals, I highly suggest putting on some shorts and heading for a walk through either exhibit.
Elite Experiences
Moving on to some pricier activities, there are some cool opportunities around town that can build some lasting memories over this summer. The first place I really think is worth a visit, just because of how unique of an experience it is, would be going to an indoor skydiving location. iFLY is a wind tube experience where you get into a suit and are guided through how to fly (pretty cool if you ask me). Not only is this a cool way to try something new, but also it is really refreshing to have the blast of wind hit your face.
Another way to try something new is to try out an escape room. Escape rooms are cognitive puzzles where you get locked in a room and have to use clues and your thoughts to get out. Not only is this a cool way to put your brain to use during the break from school, but it is also a fun way to learn a new skill in themed arenas where you can exhibit your supreme intelligence to those you are trapped in with.
All in All
Although not everything on this list may seem interesting to you, there is bound to be something that can get you out of the house and have you interact with the real world.
Having fun doesn’t have to be going on a cool vacation, and I hope that reading this article has given you some ideas on different ways you can enjoy your summer while staying local. There are so many opportunities in Dallas that if you put your mind to it, you can find just about anything you can imagine here.
Whether you take my advice to get out of the house or choose to just lie around all summer, make sure to appreciate the time off and take advantage of the break that we have earned after this year.
Tune into The Roundup for more viewpoint articles!
