Best Last-Minute Summer Activities For Families In DFW
By Kena Sosa
Even when the kids are on vacation, the to-do lists never end. If you run out of time to plan your getaway or daily field trips, here are some last minute ideas that will entertain the family and friends.
McKinney Avenue Trolley
3153 Oak Grove Ave.
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 855-0006
www.mata.org
Restored, historic, open-aired trolleys wind through Dallas' uptown daily. What makes riding the McKinney Avenue Trolley even better is that it's free. Take your family on a scenic journey through the city and get off and on as many times as you'd like. Make sure to make a pit stop at Klyde Warren Park near downtown to enjoy picnics, reading, a dog park and a kids' area to splash and get refreshed.
Fair Park
Texas Discovery Gardens
1121 First Ave
Dallas, TX 75210
(214) 426-3400
www.fairpark.org
Date: August 27, 2017
Take a tour through the Texas Discovery Gardens and feel the flap of the butterfly wings brush past. On August 27th, the Texas Discovery Gardens will be the site of a "Bonjour Butterfly" party, inspired by Jane O'Connor. The party will include activities, snacks and a butterfly release. If your family still has energy after this treat, take a walk around Fair Park for a peek at some of Dallas' most exciting museums, rent a swan paddle boat on the lake, or beat the heat by splashing in the fountains.
August Dollar Days
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, Texas 75218
(214) 515-6615
www.dallasarboretum.org
Date: August 1through 31st, 2017
The Dallas Arboretum is in bloom year round. The summer sun can be blistering while you peruse the aisles and aisles of gorgeous, glowing flora. During the month of August, every day admission is just $1. After roaming the gardens, taking in the rich sunshine and the vivid gallery of colorful leaves, petals and trees, visitors can also buy hot dogs for only $2 or a sweet treat like a root beer float, pie or ice cream sundae for just $4. Make sure to spend some time at the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden for some exercise, entertainment and education that will enchant kids for hours on end. Don't forget to observe the statues, sculptures and art forms integrated into the gardens. The Dallas Arboretum is a blissful outdoor utopia, art museum and cultural hub all rolled into one.
Related: Best Free Summer Activities for Kids in DFW
Forest Park Miniature Railroad
1700 Colonial Parkway
Fort Worth, Texas 76101
(817) 336-3328
www.fpmt.us
For families with smaller children, the Forest Park Miniature Railroad trip is the perfect outdoor outing. There are plenty of seats on this train at the Trinity Park Depot. The ride spans five miles and lasts about half an hour or so, spanning bridges and the lovely green landscapes of Fort Worth. Finally, riders will end up at the duck pond for some relaxing family time.
Adventures With Clifford The Big Red Dog
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
1600 Gendy St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 255-9300
www.fwmsh.org/clifford
Combine story time with some of your children's favorite book characters plus endless fun and learning and visit the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History for the Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibit. The big stars of one of the most recognized children's series, Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and others will be featured in the interactive exhibit. Afterward, feel free to enjoy the permanent exhibits kids and adults will love.
Related: Top Arts, Crafts, Classes and Activities for Kids in Fort Worth
