School’s out for the summer, and that means it’s time to have some fun! Do you need to rack up some required driving time so you can get your license, or are you newly licensed and ready to start exploring the city on your own? Either way, taking a short drive to a fun local destination is always a great idea. Plan to hit as many of these local attractions as you can, and you’ll have plenty to talk about when you return to school in the fall.
1. Have a Nerf War at Nerfies Glow in the Dark
For an unforgettable day of fun, you can’t go wrong with Nerfies — a glow-in-the-dark facility where you can enjoy blacklight Nerf wars, inflatable games, retro arcade games, and more. We suggest the day pass, where you can pay one price and play all day.
2. Visit the Dallas World Aquarium
If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss a chance to check out the Dallas World Aquarium. Not only are there tons of rare and beautiful fish to see, but you’ll also have a chance to see manatees, sharks, flamingos, sloths, and more! As a bonus, driving to the aquarium’s downtown location is great practice for conquering driving anxiety.
3. Go Skating at the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Rink
What’s cooler than enjoying a winter activity in the middle of summer? Grab a few friends, hop in the car, and head over to the Galleria Dallas Ice Skating Rink. When you’re done skating, you can also do some shopping and head over to the food court for a snack.
4. Take in a Texas Ranger’s Game
Before you head out on a long road trip, it’s a great idea to try out some shorter drives. Try catching a Texas Rangers game at the Globe Life Field in Arlington, which is just about 25 minutes from Dallas.
5. Challenge Yourself at Trinity Forest Adventure Park
If you want some bragging rights when you head back to school, plan to spend a day at Trinity Forest Adventure Park. This aerial park has zip lines, wobble bridges, tight ropes, and more! Are you brave enough to try it out?
6. Go for a Ride at K1 Speed
When you’re on the road, you need to follow the posted speed limits. But, if you’re feeling the need for speed, you can safely get it out of your system at K1 Speed's indoor go-kart racing track. The track is fully air-conditioned and you can also hang out in the arcade, play billiards, or challenge your friends to a round of air hockey. While this won't count toward your 30 hours of required driving practice, it sure is fun!
7. Explore the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens
From enjoying a quiet day in nature to getting some awesome Instagram-worthy pics, there are plenty of reasons to spend some time at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Make sure to check out the Crape Myrtle Allee, a natural tunnel that offers incredible photo ops, and spend some time relaxing in the sunken garden.
8. Bring Your Friends to Bowl & Barrel
Bowl & Barrel is the perfect place to beat the heat during the day or enjoy an evening of fun. This upscale bowling alley also has a great menu, so be sure to come hungry.
9. Play Paintball at GatSplat
Another memorable adventure, Getslpat has three indoor paintball fields in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Choose from low-impact paintball, GellyBall, axe throwing, or stay for a while and try all three!
10. Play All Day at Cidercade
Cidercade is an arcade with over 140 games to choose from. While it’s 21+ after 8 p.m., teens are welcome during the day, so plan to arrive early so you'll have plenty of time for gameplay. Then, on the way home, you can work on getting your 10 hours of required nighttime driving.
Enjoy Your Time Behind the Wheel This Summer
If one of your goals is to get your driver’s license this summer, Aceable can help with that too! Download our app and check out our state-approved driver’s ed course. It’s the best way to get licensed fast!
Updated 2/16/23