Effortless Excursions Near Dallas: Explore Attractions within a 2-Hour Drive Radius
Head out on an unforgettable summer adventure and explore Texas like never before! Texas's neighboring cities offer everything from water activities and live music to historical sites, perfect for a thrilling escape. So, grab your suit, sunscreen, and sense of adventure, and let's dive in!
Quick Texas Escapes from Dallas
*(Yeehaw, y'all!)
Waco (1.5 hrs)
- Bickering Waves and Tropical Chills: Check out Hawaiian Falls Waco Water Park and cool off in the 800-foot lazy river, wave pool, or water slides during scorching summer days. Remember, you can bring your own cooler of food for a small fee of $20!
- Frothy Waves and Fun:* Be ready to catch a wave at Waco Surf, featuring a bubbly wave pool, beach area, and watersports park! If you're planning to surf the lake's ripples, don't forget to snag one of those discounted family passes for two adults and two kids ages 6 to 16.
Grapevine (30 mins)
- Rockin' the Night Away: Revel in the free outdoor concerts at Grapevine Main Live! Peace Plaza and Harvest Hall during Friday evenings in May and June.
- Lake Grapevine: Get out on the water and test your watersports skills at Lake Grapevine or ride the challenges of the WhoaZone floating obstacle course.
- Wide-Eyed Adventures: Wind down at Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine or Paradise Springs Water Park when temperatures soar above 100 degrees.
Glen Rose (1.5 hrs)
- Dino Stomping Grounds: Brave the prehistoric heat, and make a pitstop at the famous Dinosaur Valley State Park, home to thousands of dinosaur tracks.
- Safari Thrills: Embark on your own safari adventure at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, where you can feed giraffes with your car or admire rare antelopes roaming free.
- Emerald Oasis: Weave your way through the lush greenery at Big Rocks Park and chill out in the Paluxy River for a quick cool-off.
Frisco (30 mins)
- Whooosh and Splash: Unleash some energy at Frisco's free spray parks open from May 15 through September 30, then refuel with a frozen dessert from Andy's Frozen Custard or Annie's Sweets & Treats.
Ennis (30–45 mins)
- Bluebonnet Memories: Even though the spring season has passed, don't skip the picturesque train rides downtown, browsing through local boutiques, or soaking up history at the Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum.
Denton (40 mins – 1 hr)
- Thirst-quenching Vibes: Hit the "Brew City" of Denton and explore an array of craft breweries offering cold refreshments to quench your thirst. Remember—pace yourself, cowboy!
McKinney (35–50 mins)
- Charming Retreats: Wander through McKinney's spectacular downtown district boasting over 120 entertainments, shopping, and historic spots. Hop on the free trolley, and explore everything this hidden gem offers!
Fort Worth (30–40 mins)
- Cool Vibes: Escape the Texas heat at Burgers Lake waterpark, featuring slides, trampolines, diving boards, and a splash pad for all ages.
Athens (1.5 hrs)
- Luscious Vineyards: Uncork your senses and revel in the scenic vineyards at 3 P's in a Vine or Tara Vineyard & Winery.
- Music, Flowers, and a Quaint Lake: Don't leave Athens without taking a selfie at The Texan, checking out the East Texas Arboretum, or catching a live show at one of the local venues.
Lake Lavon (1 hr)
- Swim, Boat, Fish, and Hike: Find the perfect spot for family fun and cool off at one of the shoreline parks, such as Mallard Park, East Fork Park, Pebble Beach Park, Ticky Creek Park, or Avalon Park.
- After scorching summer days in Dallas, travel to Waco and visit Hawaiian Falls Waco Water Park for a refreshing experience, or head to Grapevine's Lake Grapevine for watersports activities.
- For a musical escape, travel to Denton, known as the "Brew City," and explore its craft breweries offering thirst-quenching beverages, or visit Fort Worth and cool off at Burgers Lake waterpark.
