Splash into summer adventure at the Town of Lit- tle Elm’s The Cove at the Lakefront: this aquat- ics destination is just north of Dallas and packs a ton of family-friendly attractions into one site. For adren- aline-seekers, the park offers the FlowRider double surf machine, three slides, an interactive play struc- ture, diving pool, and a lazy river. The aquatics center also offers a “Snack Shack” with burgers, hot dogs, pizza and snacks, plus a full bar for the grown-ups. Cabana seating is available, along with party rentals. There are also programs for all ages, including wa- ter aerobics classes, swim lessons, toddler time and themed adults-only nights. Day passes, member- ships, and combo passes with The Rec at The Lake- front (with a 7000 square-foot fitness center, group exercise classes, open play pickleball and more) are also available; visit thecoveatthelakefront.com for a full list of amenities, activities and access options. Grab your sunscreen, Dallas, and head poolside for cool waters and big fun. The Metroplex is home to some of the best swim destinations around: the City of Dallas aquatics program has a huge network of sweet summer swim and sprayground destinations throughout town. From Bahama Beach Waterpark to the Cove at Samuell Grand, families can enjoy a wallet-friendly adventure with slides, diving boards, lazy rivers, climbing walls, toddler pools and more. Visit dallasaquatics.org for locations and hours of operation. For a quirky neighborhood poolside experience, visit the Fraternal Order of Eagles (FOE); this laid-back (but Olympic-sized) swimming hole is the place to see and be seen in East Dallas. Burgers, beer and wine are available onsite; ad- mission is $15 for adults, $10 for children and $5 for first responders with ID on weekends and hol- idays; weekday swimming is $10 for all ages. Visit facebook.com/DallasFOE3108 for membership information and hours of operation. Meow Wolf is a wild adventure of a different kind! Enter into a fully air-conditioned, gleefully weird portal of sight, sound and sensory abun- dance. This family entertainment destination in Grapevine is completely immersive, engaging visitors with sculpture, painting, digital art, film and creative writing. You can spend all day long exploring different dimensions and expanding your imagination. Meow Wolf also hosts special events, like 21 and up nights, game nights, artist talks, live music, and home school get-togethers. Visit meowwolf.com for tickets, starting at $40 for adults and $20 for kids. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is an exciting gateway to the world of dinosaurs, fossils, geology, space, engineering and so much more. The striking downtown Dallas landmark boasts five floors packed with interactive exhib- 12 DALLAS OBSERVER • SUMMER GUIDE 2025
