Are you looking to have some fun with the kids this summer without stretching your wallet? Here’s a list of activities to indulge in!
1. Dallas Summer Mayor Reading Program – Combine education and fun by participating in a non-competitive reading marathon! Read as many hours as you can this summer to receive several prizes. Prizes may vary from summer to summer. Prizes from recent summers have included free tickets to amusement parks, shows, free treats, and other miscellaneous prizes. Visit your local Dallas Public Library to sign up.
2. YMCA – Be active and stay fit! Enjoy a complimentary swim at your local YMCA. Your family will be safe in this fun and friendly environment with a clean pool guarded by trained life guards. Check your local YMCA for hours of operation.
3. Nasher Sculpture Center – Would the family enjoy arts and crafts, entertaining performances, scavenger hunts, and story time? Be present at the Nasher Sculpture Center, located at 2001 Flora, for its free Saturday events between 10 AM – 2PM. Your family will definitely enjoy the fun atmosphere.
4. Uptown Village at Cedar Hill – Are you ready for live concerts? How about a playground filled with replicas of colorful dinosaurs? Bring your swimsuits because there’s also a water park! Play with dinosaurs anytime. Enjoy the show and the water park on weekends. The Uptown Village is south of HWY 67 and Joe Wilson.
5. Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park – Do you have children age 2 and under? Come enjoy the Children’s Aquarium located at 1462 near Fair Park where children 2 and under are admitted for absolutely free! The family will enjoy viewing over a thousand aquatic animals. Visit the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park any day between 9:00 a.m-4:30 p.m.
6. Danieldale Park – This interesting water park is located on the on Wheatland and 35E. Would your children enjoy splashing in water without the hassle of getting in and out a swimming pool? It’s much safer for smaller children and easier for parents. The benches also create the perfect atmosphere for an enjoyable family picnic.
7. Send A Kid To Camp – Would your children enjoy participating in recreational events that promote self esteem, cultural, and sportsmanship? Send A Kid to Camp is an organization that operates from 9:30-3:30 on weekdays. This free program has 17 sites throughout the Dallas area. This program is targeted for those aged 6-15. Gather more information by calling 214-671-1490.
8. The Goss- Micheal Foundation – Visit a museum filled with contemporary British art! The exhibits inspire adults and educate the youth. The family will enjoy an artistic tour and creative exhibits. The Goss-Micheal Foundation is located at 1405 Turtle Creek Blvd. You may visit anytime between Tuesday-Friday between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Call 214-696-0555 for additional information.
9. Armstrong Park & Kidsville – Take pleasure in visiting a large park that will keep the children entertained for hours. The paved trails are perfect for skating, biking, and jogging. Enjoy the beautiful arrangements and assortments of flowers in the garden. Jungle gym, swings, and secret passages will make Armstrong Park & Kidsville a memorable experience for the family.
10. Volunteer – Volunteering is the perfect way to make the summer fun and personally rewarding. Volunteering teaches compassion and responsibility to children. The North Texas Food Bank allows children 10 and over to volunteer. Family could also visit a local nursing home and play board games or read to the elderly. The Volunteer Center of North Texas can also provide additional ways to volunteer. Call 214-826-6767 for more great ideas.
Sources:
http://www.dallaslibrary2.org/summerReadingProgram/index.php
http://www.ymcadallas.org/Index.cfm?FuseAction=Page&PageID=1004354
http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/
http://www.uptownvillageatcedarhill.com/en/index.html
http://www.childrensaquariumfairpark.com/
http://www.dallasparks.org/programs/camp.aspx
http://www.gossmichaelfoundation.org/
http://www.ci.duncanville.tx.us/recreation/parks_armstrong.html
http://www.volunteernorthtexas.org/
