You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet – Top 10 Family Fun Things to Do in Garland

If you're looking to make lasting memories with your crew, Garland is packed with adventures that kids, teens, and grown-ups will all enjoy. Whether you're a local family looking for your next staycation or a visitor exploring the Dallas area, you'll find fun around every corner. From splashing through waterparks to exploring hidden trails and celebrating with the whole community, Garland has something for everyone—and we're just getting started.

Here are the Top 10 Family Fun Things to Do in Garland—and trust us, you ain't seen nothin' yet.

1. Downtown Garland Square – A Fresh Take on Family Time

The newly revitalized Downtown Garland Square is the city's crown jewel, blending historic charm with vibrant public space. Featuring 60,000 square feet of green space, interactive splash pad, public art, and shaded seating, it's a great starting point for any family outing. Surrounded by local shops, sweet treat spots, and restaurants, Downtown Garland is where memories are made—from casual strolls to community events.

2. Cool Off: Holford Aquatic Center & Hawaiian Waters Garland

When summer heats up, Garland has two incredible destinations to keep your family cool and smiling.

• Holford Aquatic Center features two giant water slides, a current channel, lap lanes, a tot pool, shaded cabanas, a party room, and concessions—ideal for parties or spontaneous splash days.
• Hawaiian Waters Garland takes water fun to the next level with thrilling slides, the Kona Kooler Lazy River, Keiki Kove water playground, and the massive Oahu Bay wave pool. With 12 tropical-themed acres and cabana rentals, it's a full-on vacation without leaving town.

3. Nature Escapes: Lake Ray Hubbard & Local Preserves

Garland's outdoor spaces are perfect for families who love to explore.

• Lake Ray Hubbard offers 21,000 acres of wide-open water, scenic coves, and unforgettable sunsets. Whether casting a line from the shore, launching a kayak or paddleboard, or simply enjoying a lakeside picnic, this lake is a go-to destination. After a fun day, stop by nearby parks or dine at one of the lakefront restaurants.
• Rowlett Creek Preserve is a 97-acre wooded escape featuring 16.3 miles of unpaved trails perfect for biking, hiking, and wildlife spotting.
• Spring Creek Forest Preserve is a 100-acre natural treasure recognized by the Old-Growth Forest Network. With ancient trees and over 650 plant and wildlife species, it's a living classroom for curious kids and nature lovers.

4. Skate & Roll: Jon Comer Skatepark & Texas Skatium

Catch some air or roll back in time at Garland's premier spots for wheeled fun.

• Jon Comer Skatepark is a 46,500-square-foot state-of-the-art park featuring bowls, ramps, and rails for all skill levels. Named after Garland's own pro skateboarding icon, it includes walking trails, shaded areas, and nearby food trucks.
• Texas Skatium is a retro roller rink that's still rolling strong. With open skate sessions, theme nights, and party packages, it's a blast from the past for all generations.

5. Celebrate Year-Round: Family Festivals & Events

Garland's calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that bring the community together and invite families to celebrate culture, music, and fun all year long:

• 🎵 Music Made Here Concert Series – Free live concerts on the first Friday of each month featuring national, regional, and touring artists in Downtown Garland’s open-air venue.
• 🎨 Art Made Here – A hands-on art festival with installations, interactive displays, and local talent.
• 🐉 Asian American Heritage Festival – Lion dances, parades, food vendors, and cultural showcases from the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community.
• 🎵 Juneteenth Celebration – Live music, food trucks, and activities honoring history and freedom.
• 🎆 Red, White & You (July 3) – A patriotic celebration with games, music, food, and fireworks.
• 🍁 Fall Fest & Guzzler 0.5K Run – The most fun "race" you'll ever do, paired with family-friendly fall fun and craft beer.
• 💀 Día de los Muertos – A vibrant cultural event featuring traditional altars, art displays, festive music, and live performances honoring loved ones.
• 🎄 Christmas on the Square – Downtown Garland's winter wonderland of lights, music, community cheer, and Santa.

📅 Don’t miss out—check VisitGarlandTX.com/2025-featured-events to plan your visit.

6. Indoor Thrills & Arcade Chills

Need somewhere to burn off energy, rain or shine? These indoor venues deliver high-octane fun:

• 🎮 Side Quest Arcade – Located at Firewheel Town Center, this all-you-can-play arcade features nearly 200 free-play games, claw machines, and a wall of soda flavors. Entry includes unlimited popcorn!
• 🕹️ Nickelrama—This local arcade offers games that run on real nickels! With a wide variety of titles and a BYO food policy, it's perfect for affordable family fun.
• 🤸 Urban Air Adventure Park – An all-in-one indoor playground with trampolines, obstacle courses, climbing walls, and birthday packages that make party planning a breeze.
• 🧗 Hapik – An indoor climbing gym designed for kids and families, with color-coded climbing routes and a playful atmosphere for beginners and mini mountaineers.

7. Firewheel Golf Park – 63 Holes of Scenic Play

8. Strike + Reel – Movies, Bowling, and More Under One Roof

Strike + Reel is a next-level entertainment venue perfect for families. Watch the latest movies in luxury dine-in theaters, bowl a few frames, scale the climbing wall, conquer the ropes course, or win big in the arcade. You can even enjoy full-service dining with meals delivered right to your movie seat. Whether you're celebrating a birthday or just looking for indoor fun, this is your all-in-one destination for food and fun.

9. Sweet Treats – Sugar Rush, Garland Style

Craving dessert? Garland has sweet stops the whole family will love:

• Scoop N' Buns – Famous for its halo-halo, warm bun ice cream sandwiches, and ube soft serve.
• Scoop N' Boba – Bubble tea and creative frozen desserts with toppings galore.
• Piefalootin – Homemade pies with bold flavors and Southern charm.
• Sweet Pearl's Ice Cream – A dreamy scoop shop with classic and unexpected flavors like lavender honey and matcha.
• Big Dash – Middle Eastern-style ice cream, baklava, and trending Dubai chocolates.
• La Mejor Panadería Guatemalteca – Authentic Latin American pan dulce and pastries in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere.

10. Garland History GeoTour – Discover the Past, One Cache at a Time

Turn a day out into an adventure with the Garland History GeoTour. This geocaching experience leads families to 20 historical sites around the city. Download the official passport, complete fun activities, and earn a special edition Garland geocoin. It's a fantastic way to learn about local history while enjoying a real-world treasure hunt.

📍 Start your quest at www.visitgarlandtx.com/GarlandHistoryGeotour.

☀️ Bonus Tip: Make It a Weekend!

With so much to do, why stop at one day? Book a stay at one of Garland's family-friendly hotels and turn your visit into a weekend getaway. Mix indoor excitement with outdoor adventure, and end each day with a sweet treat and a new memory.

🧭 Plan your next family adventure today at VisitGarlandTX.com—because in Garland, you ain't seen nothin' yet.