HOW TO STAY COOL IN THE TEXAS HEAT

It’s a fact that Texas doesn’t offer up a mild summer, and while the pool in the backyard or neighborhood is great, you can fi nd yourself wanting a change. But it’s so hot! You don’t want to be out in the heat with the kids complaining. What can you do? I’ve put together a list of fun ideas that are nearby and a few that are a short drive away. If you’ve lived here for a while, you know what’s ahead. If you’re new to Texas, the mercury will be rising. You’ll survive – don’t worry! Hopefully you’ll fi nd respite in some of our suggestions!

WORDS JENNIFER CASEY

THE MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS

It’s a place where nothing is as it seems and where the unbelievable truly becomes reality. The Museum of Illusions is a pioneer of the “edutainment” concept, fusing fun and entertainment with education and learning. Whether you’re up for an adventure, a family excursion, or simply looking to broaden your knowledge and perspective, the Museum of Illusions has something to please everyone. There’s a great family bundle for $69 that includes two adult tickets and two children’s tickets (children under four are free!). It’s encouraged to get tickets online to make sure there is availability for your visit.

PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is located in Victory Park, adjacent to the Dallas Arts District. Explore the world through 11 mind-blowing, permanent exhibit halls filled with magnificent prehistoric creatures, the wonders of space, and extraordinary experiences with glistening gems, wild weather, robots, sports, and more. Race a virtual T. rex, discover what it means to be human, experience the power of earthquakes, and construct model skyscrapers at this incredible museum. There’s currently a traveling exhibition called “Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall” that is available through to September 5. Spark little imaginations in a mini version of downtown Dallas and take in a variety of traveling exhibitions! Exhilarating 3D films, a Wolfgang Puck Café, and an outdoor leapfrog forest complete the day of fun. A world of scientific wonders awaits! There are varying levels of annual memberships available that will save you money and give you access to all that the Perot Museum has to offer. There is also the “City Pass” (it can save you up to 49%) that includes admission to the Perot Museum, Reunion Tower Geo-Deck, and your choice of two more amazing spots including the Dallas Zoo, George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, and the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum.

WHOAZONE

At WhoaZone in Grapevine, you’ll find a full day of family fun! Their action-packed, on-water Wibit obstacle course provides hours of high-energy fun, and new in 2022 is their KidsZone floating obstacle course for ages four to seven. You can jump, slide, bounce, splash or just relax! There is an amazing Season Pass available for $89 that offers access every day to the Aqua Parks and discounts on shaded seating and additional splash passes. In order to access the WhoaZone, you do have to pay entry into Meadowmere Park, which is $5 per car per day and $10 on holidays. 3000 Meadowmere Lane,

HAWAIIAN FALLS

Hawaiian Falls Roanoke takes waterparks in Texas to a new level of excitement with the Mega WaterWorld attraction (the largest aquatic play structure in the world). Equipped with body slides, dump buckets, a three-line racer, and a family raft ride, this attraction offers fun for the entire family! The Roanoke Waterpark is also home to Beach Blasters, the world’s fi rst multi-tube slide where participants can race against each other to the fi nish line. Season passes are only $69 and include one buddy pass, 20% discount on food and more!

FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM

This museum features an extensive collection of aviation history, artifacts and vehicles focusing on the history of aviation and space exploration with an emphasis on their role in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Exhibits include the Apollo 7 Command Module, a World War I Sopwith Pup biplane replica, artifacts from the German airship Hindenburg and other airships, and over 200 World War II aircraft models. The museum occupies a 100,000-square-foot building at the southeast corner of Love Field on Lemmon Avenue, operating as an affi liate within the Smithsonian Affi liations program.

RIVER FLOAT TRIPS

There is arguably no better way to spend a hot summer Saturday than by floating on the river – it screams summertime in Texas! Texas is home to about 15 rivers to be enjoyed. The state has many unique places that allow you to hop into an inner tube and float while enjoying the beautiful Texas countryside. These are considered to be the top float rivers: Guadalupe River, South Llano River, Frio River, Blanco River, San Marcos River, and the Comal River. Rockin’ R, operating in New Braunfels, offers trips on both the Guadalupe River and Comal River. After the trip, enjoy a stroll through historic Gruene which offers many restaurants and shops.

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Escape to Texas Hill Country and the upscale Horseshoe Bay Resort resting along the shores of Lake LBJ. The resort’s lifestyle vacation destination puts you just a short drive outside of Austin. The pictureperfect Texas Hill Country scenery inspires you to unwind in modern rooms, suites, villas, and condos, many with views of the lake. Taste creative, local cuisine at one of their six onsite restaurants, play a round on one of their fi ve golf courses, and enjoy fun, family activities including boating, jet skiing, paddleboarding, an amazing miniature golf course, kids’ camps, lawn games and s’mores in the evenings.