Best Summer Vacation Activities In DFW
Summer is upon us and it's time to start planning this year's family vacation. With so many places to choose from, the options are endless. Here are a few suggestions for the top five places to take your family for a summer vacation in the DFW area.
Cooper Lake
1690 Farm to Market Road 3505
Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
(903) 945-5256
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
If you're looking for a fun, inexpensive way to enjoy a few days with the family this summer, Cooper Lake at Sulphur Springs may be the answer. It offers campgrounds, screened-in shelters and cabins to satisfy the needs of every kind of camper. You can fish right off the shore, sing songs by the fire pit or even just enjoy a few family meals from the grill. Bring your swimsuit and do some swimming or bring your boat if you have the means. But don't miss out on this delightful little hideaway. With campsites as low as $10 and cabins as low as $95, you don't need Bob Barker to tell you that the price is right.
Dallas Arboretum
8525 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 515-6500
www.dallasarboretum.org
If you're going to spend a little time in Dallas this summer, don't miss the Dallas Arboretum. With beautiful botanical gardens, dining options and special water-enhanced points of interest, such as the Toad Corners and Water Walls, your family is destined for an amazing experience. It even has a special children's discovery guide, which will lead your children to do a little outdoor exploring. There are many hotels in the Dallas area that are very close by if you'd like to make it an overnight trip. Try the La Quinta Inn, The Holiday Inn Express Hotel or even the Hotel Palomar. There's something for everyone in the DFW area. So don't forget to smell the roses and make your appointment for a blooming day in Dallas today.
Cedar Hill State Park
1570 W. FM 1382
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
(972) 291-3900
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
If you're looking to get back to nature, a Texas state park might be in order. Cedar Hill State Park is filled with family fun activities. There's mountain biking down the DORBA trail, bird watching, picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming and even three playgrounds for the little ones planted strategically around the park. So get out that tent, fire up those lanterns and get ready for an outdoor excursion that is guaranteed to make unforgettable memories.
Related: Best Public Beaches In DFW
Hilton Rockwall Lakefront
2055 Summer Lee Drive
Rockwall, TX 75032
(214) 771-3700
www.hilton.com
Set upon beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard is the beautiful Hilton Hotel. With elegant dining just around the corner such as The Islamorada Fish Company, Campisi's and Gloria's Restaurant, you simply cannot lose. You can rent a boat or a jet ski or even enjoy some golf at Buffalo Creek Golf Club. Make your reservations now and enjoy a relaxing vacation on the water's edge.
Great Wolf Lodge
100 Great Wolf Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051
(817) 488-6510
www.greatwolf.com
If you're more of an indoor person but still enjoy the water, the Great Wolf Lodge might be the answer for you. Its 80,000-square-foot water park is packed with excitement. From sizable slides and water rides to special areas for the little ones, there is something for everyone in this splashtacular sensation. If you feel like enjoying the sunshine, there's more outside. Slay a dragon at MagiQuest or enjoy an ice cream-themed manicure at Scooops Kid Spa Salon. And let's not forget the accommodations. There are suites and deals that are bound to fit your budget. So, run for the Great Wolf Lodge. This wolf won't bite.
Related: Best DFW Places For Horseback Riding
Judy Serrano writes romantic thrillers at www.JudySerraon.com. She graduated from Texas A&M Commerce with a BA in English. She is also a freelance writer for Examiner.com. She lives in Texas with her husband, four boys and five dogs.
