A trip to the Dallas-Fort Worth area wouldn’t be complete without some time in the suburbs. Here are ten things to do in Garland with your family.
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Many of the suburbs of DFW are the area’s best-kept secrets. There are lots of fun things to do in Garland with your family.
Garland is a fairly large city on the northeast side of Dallas. It has been recognized several times as a great place for families and parents. If you are looking for things to do in Garland, there are lots of ideas that include outdoor activities.
This post is part of a series on 10 Things to Do in Texas. Read the others:
Arlington | Dallas | Fort Worth | Garland | Houston | Mid-Cities
Things to do in Garland
1. Granville Arts Center
The Granville Arts Center is the hub of theater, film, and music. This venue has multiple stages and theaters for a full calendar of plays, concerts, ballets, and films.
The Garland Symphony Orchestra performs here and the city screens free movies on weekends. Check the schedule for the current goings-on.
2. Lake Ray Hubbard
Lake Ray Hubbard is a beautiful place to relax and unwind. Hike and bike the trails, watch the wildlife or go fishing. There is a Bass Pro Shop nearby for buying or renting everything you need for waterskiing, kayaking or boating.
3. Landmark Museum at Heritage Crossing
If you love learning about the local history of cities, the Landmark Museum is filled with bits of Garland history dating back to the earliest settlers. The museum is housed in the Santa Fe Depot and is open on Saturdays.
4. Nature Preserves
Rowlette Creek Nature Preserve and Spring Creek Park are the perfect places to see the City of Garland’s signature wildflower, the Firewheel, in the spring and summer. Year-round, both parks are perfect for walking and birdwatching. Most areas have covered or uncovered picnic areas with grills. The Greenbelt section of Spring Creek has a playground.
5. Nickelrama
Nickelrama is a classic game arcade where every game is run on nickels instead of quarters. The arcade is open for play daily and is also available for parties. There is a general admission fee and games are then 1-10 nickels to play. Nickelrama has a mix of new and classic arcade games, as well as simulators and prizes.
6. Surf and Swim
Surf and Swim is a family wave park open seasonally, May through September, at Audubon Park. Attractions include a wave pool for floating and a kids’ splash pad area with fountains and sprayers, plus plenty of shaded picnic tables and lounge chairs.
7. Southfork Ranch
If you are looking for a unique Texas ranch experience (but still in the city), Southfork Ranch offers trail rides and tours of the set of “Dallas,” which was filmed here in the 1980s.
This is also a popular venue for special events.
8. Painting with a Twist
Painting with a Twist hosts several paint-and-sip classes each week. They also have a monthly family-friendly night where parents and kids can work together to create a work of art.
Tickets are priced per canvas, so you can pay for a single piece for a parent and child to work together or purchase one for each person. Check the calendar and make reservations at least a few days in advance.
9. Hawaiian Falls
Hawaiian Falls is a seasonal waterpark chain in DFW. The Garland location is open seasonally and has a wave pool, lazy river, playground climbing structures, and slides. Purchase one-time tickets or season passes.
10. Trampoline parks
There are two popular indoor trampoline parks in Garland: Urban Air and Jumping World. Both indoor play venues have open jumps and games and they are both also open daily and charge a per-hour admission fee. Check the individual venues for special events.
What’s next? Try these other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
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