So school is out and you think, “What am I gonna do with my kiddos?!!” And, your next thought is, “That won’t break the bank!”
If you’re like me, you want fun and free activities! You would be surprised at how many activities are happening around town that are fun and FREE! Yep, you read that correctly, FREE! And, many are right under your nose!
I’ll start you off with 8 (which really could last you all summer ? )!
1. Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is a faith based adventure for children usually up to 6th grade. Children learn about The Bible while also doing crafts, making friends, and just enjoying being a kid! Many even have events for moms so they can enjoy their freedom…fellowship while the children play!
Check your area church for participation. And, you can also check my calendar of events for many happening south of the Trinity River!
2. Libraries
Libraries must have like summer bootcamp or something for their staff in gearing up for summertime activities! The librarians are always on point with the activities and events for kid engagement at every age!
They usually have their calendar for June, July, and August mapped out! In addition, all libraries have a summer reading program which gets the kids excited about reading with all the cool stuff they can get just for being a reader!
3. Splash Parks
I LOVE splash parks! Whomever came up with them should be given a summertime medal of honor or something! Here are a few to try in case you have no clue where to begin!
Klyde Warren Park
Oak Hills and WJ Thomas SplashParks
Hillside Village Splash Park
4. Parks
Parks are awesome! My boys and I are like park bandits! We find one, slip in, have fun, then we’re out! Ha! Fun AND nature exploration? What’s not to love!
There are a gazillion great parks in the Dallas Area, but here are a few of our favs!
Klyde Warren Park
Getzendaner Memorial Park
Armstrong Park
Harrington Park
Hope Park
5. Self-Guided Tours
This one is my favorite. Why? Because any place is tour worthy! Pack up lunches and the kiddos and take a tour of downtown. Too far? Take a tour of your neighborhood and make a game of shape identification with the houses or see how many neat items you all can collect or discover. Or, take a landmarks tour! There’s really no limit to what you can discover!
6. Dallas Farmers Market
Dallas Farmers Market has always been a place where local farmers can sell their goods, but it’s now so much more! With The Shed and Market Shops, there’s great food and fun for the whole family!
7. The Dallas Arts District
There’s so much to pay and do in The Dallas Arts District, but just taking a FREE walking tour through the district plaza is a treat! The buildings are beautiful, there’s always something going on, and the kiddos will love the tour too! And, trust me. You HAVE to visit the reflecting pool in front of the Winspear Opera House!
8. Mckinney Avenue Trolley
Nestled in downtown Dallas off Mckinney Avenue is one of Dallas’s best kept secrets…The Mckinney Avenue Trolley! You can see the sights and sounds of Dallas on an old-time trolley all for FREE! Get off at a few stops and make a day of it!
So, there you have it folks. 8 fun, FREE activities to get your summer started! Enjoy!