Summer Activities for Kids in Las Colinas That Beat the Heat

Summer in Las Colinas and Irving brings long school breaks, family time, and plenty of opportunities for children to try something new. However, the North Texas heat can make it difficult to keep kids active outdoors throughout the day.

Fortunately, families searching for summer activities for kids in Las Colinas have many options. From indoor trampoline parks and creative programs to libraries, pools, museums, and evening outings, parents can build a summer schedule filled with active play, learning, and memorable family experiences.

Enjoy Indoor Fun at Ground Control Las Colinas

When your children need to burn energy indoors, Ground Control Las Colinas offers a variety of ways to jump, climb, compete, and challenge themselves. The indoor trampoline park features trampolines, dodgeball, basketball, a ninja course, rock climbing, stunt fall, jousting, and arcade games. With several attractions in one location, children with different interests can each find something exciting to do.

Ground Control Las Colinas is located at 2000 Market Place Boulevard in Irving, near families throughout Las Colinas, Valley Ranch, Coppell, Farmers Branch, and the surrounding Dallas–Fort Worth area.

An indoor trampoline park can be especially helpful when it is too hot for the playground, a summer storm changes your plans, or your children need an active alternative to television, video games, and other screen time. Instead of staying home all afternoon, kids can move between several attractions and choose new challenges during each visit.

Explore an Irving Museum or Arts Center

Summer is a great time to combine family fun with hands-on learning. Irving offers museums and arts programs that can help children explore history, creativity, technology, and invention.

The Irving Arts Center provides family programs, gallery experiences, art activities, and summer camps for children and teenagers. Its family offerings have included story-and-art activities, open studio time for teens, gallery tours, and summer art camps taught by professional artists and educators.

Families can also visit the Irving Archives and Museum, which offers interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences connected to local history. Its Spark!Lab space gives young visitors opportunities to experiment, invent, and solve problems through open-ended activities.

Before visiting a museum or arts center, check its current calendar, admission information, and age recommendations.

Join a Summer Reading Program

Local libraries give families an affordable way to keep children reading and learning while school is out. A library visit can include more than choosing books. Summer calendars may feature crafts, games, story times, movies, workshops, and activities for children and teenagers.

Irving Public Library’s summer programming includes reading challenges and events at locations such as the South Irving Library, West Irving Library, and Valley Ranch Library.

Create a simple family reading goal based on books completed or minutes spent reading. Children could also choose a new subject each week, such as animals, sports, science, history, or art. Pairing a library visit with lunch or another nearby activity can turn reading into a regular summer tradition.

Cool Off With Water Activities

Pools, aquatic centers, and backyard water games are classic summer activities for kids in Irving. Try planning outdoor water activities during the morning or evening rather than the hottest part of the afternoon.

Bring drinking water, sunscreen, towels, and shoes designed for wet surfaces. At home, sprinklers, water balloons, sponge relays, or a small inflatable pool can turn an ordinary morning into a memorable family activity.

Irving’s seasonal recreation guides also provide information about local camps, classes, recreation programs, and summer activities for different age groups. Parents can review the latest guide to find programs that match their child’s interests and schedule.

When the temperature becomes uncomfortable or storms move into the area, families can switch to an indoor activity such as Ground Control rather than canceling the entire day.

Create a Weekly Summer Challenge

Children often enjoy summer more when they have a new goal to anticipate. Create a weekly challenge based on movement, creativity, reading, cooking, or learning.

At Ground Control, children might try to complete a new part of the ninja course, improve their climbing skills, make a basketball shot from a new position, or challenge friends to trampoline dodgeball. The variety of attractions gives kids opportunities to practice balance, coordination, determination, and confidence while having fun.

At home, children could learn a recipe, build something from recycled materials, write a short story, create art, or complete a family reading challenge. The goal does not need to be complicated. It simply gives kids something positive to work toward each week.

Plan an Evening Family Outing

Not every summer activity needs to happen during the afternoon. Evening outings can give families time together after the outdoor temperature begins to drop.

Consider walking around Lake Carolyn, attending a local family event, getting dinner, visiting an entertainment area, or enjoying an evening activity indoors. Irving and Las Colinas offer family-friendly museums, arts experiences, canals, sculptures, restaurants, and entertainment options that can be combined into a simple family outing.

Always check current schedules, operating hours, and event information before leaving home.

Plan an Indoor Summer Birthday Party

Summer birthdays can be difficult to plan when outdoor celebrations depend on the weather. An indoor party venue gives parents a dependable option without worrying as much about extreme heat, wind, or unexpected rain.

Ground Control Las Colinas offers birthday packages that include attraction time, a private party area, paper goods, Ground Control grip socks, pizza, soda, a T-shirt for the birthday child, and a party host who helps with setup, serving, and cleanup. The guest of honor also jumps free.

Indoor birthday parties allow children to play and celebrate in the same location. Parents do not have to create several games at home, transport entertainment equipment, or develop a last-minute weather backup plan.

Popular summer party times may fill quickly, so families should review the current packages and reserve their preferred date in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Activities in Las Colinas

What are good indoor summer activities for kids in Las Colinas?

Indoor options include trampoline parks, museums, libraries, art programs, movies, arcades, crafts, and family entertainment centers. Ground Control combines several active attractions in one indoor location in Irving.

Where is Ground Control Las Colinas?

Ground Control Las Colinas is located at 2000 Market Place Boulevard in Irving, Texas 75063.

What should children wear to Ground Control?

Ground Control recommends comfortable athletic clothing, such as sports shorts or leggings. Loose jewelry, belts, and sharp objects should be avoided. Ground Control grip socks are required on the attractions, and socks from other parks are not accepted.

Does Ground Control require a waiver?

Yes. Every guest, including spectators, must complete a waiver before entering. A parent or legal guardian must sign for guests younger than 18. Completing the waiver online can make check-in faster.

Do parents need to purchase a ticket to watch?

No. Spectators can enter without purchasing an attraction ticket, although they must still complete a waiver.

Make Ground Control Part of Your Summer

A memorable summer does not require an expensive vacation or a complicated schedule. Alternate between outdoor mornings, library visits, creative programs, relaxing days at home, and active indoor adventures.

When you need summer activities for kids in Las Colinas that provide movement, variety, and a break from the heat, Ground Control can turn an ordinary afternoon into an exciting family experience.

Purchase your tickets, complete the online waiver, and plan your summer visit to Ground Control Las Colinas in Irving.