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When the hot temps become unbearable, it’s time to either make a splash or take the fun indoors. From swimming pools to air-conditioned escapes, we’ve rounded up the best ways to chill out in Texas during the dog days of summer.
DALLAS
When the heat is in full swing, reach for the putter. With locations in Dallas and Houston, Puttshack offers a much-needed reprieve from the heat with an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience complete with a locally inspired world-class menu and the craftiest cocktails. Using their own proprietary Trackaball™ Technology, every shot is tracked, tallied, and scored for you as you journey through each course, allowing you to play without pause. With interactive challenges like trivia shots along the way and Supertube hole-in-one opportunities, even the most newbie novices can stay in the game with those perfect putters. Great for all ages, Puttshack in Dallas and Houston is the ideal indoor escape for family festivities, date nights, gals’ nights, or even a brunch with the bros. Fun, interactive, and never a dull moment, start planning your visit now. Also, Puttshack’s menu alone will draw you in from the heat. All-star apps like ” The Tail Pipe ” are an excellent introduction to this experience, infusing locality into a favorite starter. For us Texans, these crispy fried spring rolls are packed with brisket and a tangy barbeque sauce. The Puttshack Paloma is perfect for those particularly scorching days.
Nothing beats heat waves like beach vibes and wave-riding. But in land-locked Dallas? Absolutely. Goodsurf Beach Club in Dallas is making waves this summer with its surfside hang in the middle of the city, uniting inner-city Texans with the tacos, cocktails, and the beach energy of surf culture. Officially reopened as of April 19, this urban surf oasis offers everything from adrenaline-pumping surf sessions on the citywave®, one of only twenty in the world and one of only four in North America and thrilling live DJ entertainment to the laidback fun of pickleball courts and lawn games. Whether you’re looking for day-club excitement or somewhere to chill, Goodsurf Beach Club is your summer companion. And, not to be excluded from all the sun-kissed festivities, chef-led restaurant Quality Hang delivers a vibrant abundance of coastal fare like Crispy Rock Cod Tacos with pea tendril and Tajin and beachy libations like the Prickly Pear Paloma and the Hibiscus Ranch Water. Created by acclaimed Dallas restaurateur Nick Badovinus, Quality Hang offers a beachy backdrop for all your parties and private events this summer.
Find a cool escape in a tasty frozen treat at CATCH Dallas, Big D’s newest culinary hotspot that’s serving up bold flavors and vibrant vibes. Drop in this summer for a sweet treat that beats any heat, a showstopping Strawberry Shortcake Shaved Ice. This refreshing twist on a classic summer dessert, layered with crushed strawberry compote, lemon cookie crumble, mascarpone mousse, and a decadent drizzle of condensed milk, is a light-yet-luxurious treat that’s a feast to the eyes as it is the belly. So, whether you’re wrapping up dinner or stopping in just for dessert, this frosty delight is a must-try. Reserve your spot and experience the dessert that’s stealing the spotlight.
Take a plunge into the clouds this summer season with a pool suspended above the city at The Joule, a stylish hotel where sleek skyline views meet resort-style luxury in downtown Dallas. This urban rooftop oasis features an iconic 8-foot cantilevered pool that juts beyond the edge of the hotel, creating a one-of-a-kind floating experience high above the city. From plush loungers and craft cocktails to stunning photo ops, The Joule’s pool scene is the ultimate way to beat the Texas heat in style. Open daily from 8 a.m.–8 p.m., the pool is available to hotel guests and, Sunday through Thursday, to non-guests via a $40 day pass through ResortPass. Indulge in the Make a Splash Package, which includes two reserved loungers, a $100 food and drink credit, and luxe sun care from The Spa. For an even more elevated escape, cabana upgrades are available. Book your poolside experience now.
Rise above the Texas heat by retreating to the rooftop infinity pool at The Highland Dallas, a luxurious oasis high above the city. Measuring 47 feet long and 17 feet wide, this serene, gently heated pool is perfect for morning mimosas, high-noon floats, and golden-hour lounging. Framed by swaying palms and panoramic skyline views, the pool deck also features a bubbling hot tub, plush chaise lounges, and private cabanas for the ultimate staycation vibes. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or looking for a luxe local escape, The Highland’s Park & Stay and Renovation Reveal Rate specials make it easier than ever to dive in. Plan your rooftop retreat here.
Give your senses a break from the heat while challenging them at SENSAS, a 2-hour full-sensory experience that’s both exciting and socially responsible. Invite up to 15 of your closest friends and family to this escape room and obstacle course collision, where each sense is isolated in anxiety-inducing, mind-bending workshops that test your abilities, such as identifying tastes or using your sense of touch to handle hairy or sticky situations, all in complete darkness. Enjoy a fulfilling experience during this emotional and fun adventure, as every token you earn supports people with disabilities in your local community.
THE COLONY
Cosm Dallas welcomes you to escape the Texas heat this summer by reliving a 90s nostalgic experience with the return of the ground-breaking cinematic masterpiece, The Matrix. Now playing at the Dome, the most futuristic fan experience, movie goers and cinephiles alike, along with sports fanatics, can redefine the summer blockbuster season with a calendar of live or scheduled events. Walk-ins are welcome to enjoy the bar and seasonal menu of craft cocktails and entrees, and with General Admission, guests can kick back and take in breathtaking global content and live experiences from the comfort of their seats. Whether you’re stopping in spontaneously or scheduling your next adventure, Cosm Dallas offers an immersive, cinematic escape perfect for beating the summer heat.
Turn up the heat this summer with a little team action at Glow or Go, Dallas’s hottest new glow-in-the-dark experience from Fever. Unique, otherworldly, and immersive, this fun and fast obstacle course combines retro arcade excitement with fast-thinking trivia. With 5 wild, glow-in-the-dark games that challenge you mentally and surprisingly physically, this LED-lit environment beckons you to show up with friends and family and shine with the best of them.
What happens when you’re a creative dad and general contractor whose children have a boundless energy supply? You create one of the most interactive and explorable indoor theme parks. Fritz’s Adventure in Grandscape/The Colony brings over 100,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor excitement to beat the heat this summer. This adrenaline-packed destination offers everything for the whole family, from a TreeTops Zipline Course and multi-level ropes challenge to treehouses, underground tunnels, and a climbable city wall to a welcoming café with all the family favorites, even wine and beer for the adults. Whether you’re testing your limits on the climbing walls or sliding through hidden caves, it’s the perfect escape from the Texas sun. With tickets starting at just $19, Fritz’s Adventure promises endless cool thrills and memory-making moments this summer. Learn more and grab your passes here.
While bubbling hot springs don’t sound particularly refreshing during the dog days of summer, World Springs offers many other amenities to restore and replenish your mind, body, and spirit as temperatures rise. Take the entire family for a dip in the expansive freshwater Globe Pool and order drinks from a poolside server. The current seasonal menu offers a fresh and light fare to complement the warmer temperatures, such as a Sicilian Cooler made with Bombay Citron Presse, cucumber, citrus, and Sicilian Lemon Soda, and the Blueberry Pomegranate smoothie. Then, as heat builds up, take an invigorating cold plunge, where the 45–55°F waters provide the perfect way to cool down and rejuvenate. Mix in a few hot mineral pools that represent the restorative waters of Iceland, Mexico, and Japan for a full-body experience that will leave you relaxed and refreshed all summer long. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil solo escape or a social wellness experience with friends, WorldSprings offers a refreshing oasis to help you stay cool throughout the summer.
GRAND PRAIRIE
Looking for the ultimate summer destination that delivers thrills, chills, and everything in between? EpicCentral in Grand Prairie is your one-stop getaway, perfectly situated between Dallas and Fort Worth. Escape the heat by plunging into Epic Waters Indoor Waterpark, a massive, year-round aquatic wonderland featuring a lazy river, wave pool, FlowRider, and towering slides, all under a retractable roof. Then, race to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games , where VR adventures,arcade action, and white-knuckle speeds offer thrills that match the summer blockbuster season. Be sure to wind down with scenic waterfront dining at Radici Wood-Fired Grill by celeb chef Tiffany Derry and catch an evening showing of Illuvia, a dazzling and free Vegas-style water and lights show. Make it a weekend-long adventure and stay at the Hilton Garden Inn or Homewood Suites, where you’re just steps from the fun. Learn more and plan your visit at epiccentral.com.
IRVING
Fall in love with summer again at Omni Las Colinas, the ultimate summer retreat destination thanks to its recently completed $20 million renovation. Located in Irving, the Romantic Capital of Texas, guests can revel in romance while at the revamped Lakehouse Waterfront Lounge & Pool Deck, now featuring luxurious daybeds, private cabanas, fire pits, and a spacious outdoor lawn perfect for garden games and lakeside lounging. Whether you’re relaxing poolside or joining friends for yard games, the setting delivers a laid-back resort feel in the heart of Las Colinas. Keep the love going with a true Texas one-of-a-kind gondola excursion on the Mandalay Canal.
FRISCO
Omni PGA Frisco Resort and Spa
Renowned golfing paradise Omni PGA Frisco keeps the summer spirit alive with the “Endless Summer Pass,” offering unlimited pool access throughout September via ResortPass. Take the family for a refreshing dip in the Family & Leisure pool. Or, enjoy a Poloma in peace while gazing out at the tranquil backdrop of rolling greens at the adults-only Bluestem. This poolside retreat is perfect for one last summer celebration before fall.
Then, visit Topgolf Swing Suites for a completely climate-controlled golfing experience. As the summer heat continues, you can enjoy a dedicated Game Day menu on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, featuring elevated classics like onion rings, combined with premier starters like Blistered Shishitos with citrus, Tajin-dusted, Cotija, or the Street Corn Fries with queso fresco and charred corn.
Also, since BBQ and cold beer are your best friends for both summer activities and game day festivities, Ice House will host a special Beer Dinner featuring Martin House Brewing Company on September 25. Enjoy authentic German cuisine with a Texas twist, thoughtfully paired with select craft brews from the local favorite Martin House.
WACO
Beaches and waves may be the best way to beat the heat this summer season, and luckily for many of us, a surf destination is a short road trip away. Waco Surf brings the epic waves and surf culture with an innovative inland two and a half-acre Surf Lagoon, powered by PerfectSwell® technology. Along with wave-riding thrills for pros and beginners alike, WacoSurf offers an expansive Cable Park for wakeboarding excitement and perhaps the longest lazy river in Texas for calming, river floating vibes. Or, take a plunge into beloved attractions like the Wedge Water Slides, where towering slides send you barreling through the air before making a big splash. New additions like the kid-friendly “Lil’ Wedgies” mini slide offers a safe thrill for the little ones. If this inland surf experience wasn’t enough, the fine folks at Waco Surf have brought together refreshed menus at its five food and beverage venues–each offering an ode to surf cuisine like tacos and shack burgers–along with cabana rentals and weekly Sunday Sessions with live music. With accommodations ranging from the Waco Surf Hotel to lakefront cabins and RV sites, this surf resort promises the ultimate stay-and-play experience. Learn more and book your adventure at wacosurf.com.
SAN ANTONIO
Set against a rolling green backdrop of the Texas Hill Country, JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa is an absolute-must for summer escapes. Perfect for all, from families and couples to adventure seekers alike, the Resort offers a plethora of fun and entertainment, like two 18-hole PGA TOUR golf courses, Topgolf Swing Suites, an arcade, and pickleball courts. But the Resort’s three signature experiences are enough to keep you coming back for more.
For starters, how many resorts have a nine-acre River Bluff Water Experience? Here, guests can float down a lazy river, zip down exhilarating waterslides, splash in activity pools, or relax at the adults-only infinity pool with sweeping views. Not to be outdone by the aquatic adventures, JW Marriot San Antonio Hill Country’s expansive 18-hole courses transform at sundown into a glowing mini-golf course, available from now until Labor Day every Friday and Saturday from 8:45 to 11:30 PM. Then on Friday nights at 8 PM, guests can lounge poolside at the Sandy Beach Pool for complimentary movie nights under the stars featuring summer classics like The Sandlot, Independence Day, and The Devil Wears Prada, thanks to an exclusive partnership with Hulu. Limited public tickets for the cinema are available via Resort Pass, making this Hill Country getaway a glowing (and breezy) way to escape the Texas sun.
Rise above the heat in luxury at Kimpton Santo Hotel with their new Sparkling Cabana Package, available now through September 30, 2025. This elevated summer experience invites guests to unwind atop a rooftop oasis surrounded by the historic San Antonio skyline. This package offers guests a chance to relish in a private rooftop cabana, complete with breathtaking city views, poolside service, and a trio of sparkling sips: champagne, rosé, and prosecco—paired with fresh fruit skewers for a refreshing bite.
Then, after a refreshing poolside experience, continue indulging the hotel’s acclaimed rooftop dining experience, Tenfold Rooftop. Located just steps away from the Cabana package, guests and visitors are invited to partake in enchanting city views high from the tenth floor, all paired with an exquisite menu of chef-designed bites and craft cocktails.
THROUGHOUT TEXAS
The Witcher in Concert started earlier this summer, bringing the thrill of epic live music from the fan-favorite game, The Witcher, to major cities. Now, in select cities across Texas, join this musical journey with The Witcher in Concert, inspired by “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.” Celebrating its ten-year anniversary, the tour will make its first-ever appearance in the U.S., visiting Bass Concert Hall in Austin on September 2, Winspear Opera House in Dallas on Wednesday, September 3, and the Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth on Sunday, September 7, along with other cities across Texas. Experience this immersive concert that combines the game’s iconic score with a dramatic, cinematic visual display. Each show is brought to life by an ensemble of 14 musicians carefully chosen by the score’s co-composer. Find your tickets here.
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Cover photo by Eliana Costa on Unsplash
