Beat the Heat: 15 Cool Things To Do With Kids on Hot Days in Dallas-Fort Worth

Nothing beats a special cold treat on a summer day, and we know where to go! Photo by Elsa Simcik

North Texas families are no strangers to hot summer days, but when it comes to thinking up ways to beat the heat, everyone can use a little inspiration. Since the temps can rise into the triple digits more often than not in July and August, making outdoor adventures almost impossible without a way to cool off, knowing the best things to do during a heat wave in DFW is a game-changer.

From the best free indoor activities in Dallas-Fort Worth to tips on how to keep kids cool in summer, our guide of TKTK ways to beat the heat will come in handy more than once before cooler weather hits. 

If you're looking for more summer fun, check out our Dallas-Fort Worth Summer Guide for Kids

Heat Wave Hot List: 30 Cool Things to Do in DC to Beat the Heat with Kids

DC's free public swimming pools are some of the best places to beat the summertime heat. Photo courtesy of DC Parks and Recreation

One can argue that summer is one giant heat wave in DC. After all, the city is known for its high temperatures and soupy humidity. But there are periods when the temps soar well into the 90s—and even the 100s—that even the most seasoned residents find the heat unbearable. That's when families need to abandon the parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails and find other fun ways to beat the heat.

Here are 30 things to do with kids to keep cool during a DC heat wave. These ideas include outdoor water activities, air-conditioned spots like indoor playgrounds and museums, and activities you can do from the comfort of your own AC. For more family fun this summer, check out our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

Celebration, FL with Kids: 23 Things to Do in Disney’s Dream Town

Enjoy a relaxing getaway in Celebration, Florida with tree-lined streets, unique restaurants, and fun spots like Celebration Farmers Market and Lake Rianhard.

Celebration, Florida, is more than just a charming small town; it's a community originally developed by The Walt Disney Company in the 1990s to be the ideal American town. With its storybook architecture, welcoming streets, and strong sense of community, Celebration feels like stepping into a live-action version of Main Street, U.S.A.

Whether you're visiting for a few hours or planning a weekend getaway, families will find plenty to love, from a splash pad and scenic trails to seasonal events and sweet treats, all just minutes from Walt Disney World Resort.

Where to Meet Your Kid's Favorite Authors in Philly

Families can enjoy early evening storytime at A Novel Idea. Photo by the author

Meeting the authors of their favorite books is a great way to get your child excited about reading and writing! Whether it’s a storytime hosted by the writer themselves, or a Q&A about their latest book, these interactive events allow children to learn about the people who write books and the process of how books are created. Meeting the person behind a beloved book has lots of benefits for kids, including inspiring their creativity, cultivating their sense of community, and empowering them to follow their dreams. Even if they aren’t familiar with the book yet, meeting a book’s author can still be a transformative experience for your child, creating a lasting connection to that book and a deeper appreciation for the power of the written word.

Looking for more great children's book? Check out our guide to the best reads for your little one!

25 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before School Starts

Kidspace is packed with summer essentials. Kidspace Campout  photo by Jamie Pham.

Quick: It’s time to shoehorn all these last favorite things to do in Los Angeles before school starts up!

Is it me, or did this summer go by extra fast? I feel like we didn’t get to do half of our usual summer traditions, and now school is about to start. Hopefully, you at least got in a few day trips, visited a few beach towns, and got to go swimming in a lake or two.

But perhaps you haven’t made it on as many outings this summer? Well, there's still time to check out some really cool museum exhibits (like Discovery Cube LA's Rescue Exhibition) and shows for kids (such as Roswell That Ends Well, The Actor’s Gang out there take on Shakespeare) that truly should not be missed—they won’t be here when the next school vacation rolls around and are easy to squeeze in between your Target run for notebooks, and last-minute doctor’s appointments...

Check out more end-of-summer fun in our Summer Activities Guide for Los Angeles Kids. And if school is starting soon for your family, our Back-to-School Guide has pretty much everything you need.

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