Sheryl Crow once sang 🎶”IIIIIIIII wanna soak up the sun,” and I bet your family does too! Summer is here and it’s time to find the best ways to cool off. Here are five natural swimming areas and beaches to check out with the family. (Check out this great list of pools and splash pads too!)
Natural Swimming Areas and Beaches Near Dallas
Be sure to check ahead to confirm entry fees and hours of operation. Due to lifeguard shortages, some swimming spots have modified hours this year.
Little Elm
The Beach at Little Elm Park
701 W. Eldorado Parkway, Little Elm
Cost: Free to the public
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am–9pm
The kids and I had a great time at this little natural swimming area and beach with friends. We went on a Wednesday, and it was not crowded at all. The water is protected from boat traffic so the kids could play without worry; however, there are no lifeguards on duty. The sandy beach is great for hours of entertainment so make sure to bring your sand toys!
Grapevine
Whoa Zone
3000 Meadowmere Lane, Grapevine
Cost: $23 for a 50-minute Single Splash, $55 for all day (8 hours)
Hours: 12pm–6:30pm on weekdays; 11am–6:30pm on weekends
Whoa Zone is an awesome, floating, inflatable obstacle course on Lake Grapevine. Book online in hour increments for your “splash time.” You must be at least 7 years old and 45” in height to enter and they do provide life jackets.
Grand Prairie
Lynn Creek Park
5700 Lake Ridge Parkway, Grand Prairie
Cost: Check with the park directly as they change regularly.
Hours: 6am–10pm
Lynn Creek Park offers white sandy beaches and cool water to play in as well as beach volleyball and a nearby park. Bring a picnic lunch, or try out the nearby restaurant, Blue Sunshine Patio Bar & Grill (formerly Oasis Restaurant).
Fort Worth
Burgers Lake
1200 Meandering Rd, Fort Worth
Cost: $15 per person
Hours: 9am–7pm through September
Burgers Lake is a spring-fed lake on a 30-acre park with hours of fun for the family. We went on a weekday and the wait was almost nothing. Get there when they open and pull right up to a picnic table to eat lunch later in the day. They have areas for younger kids clearly marked and diving boards for the older kids.
2 Hours Outside of Dallas
Unks Lake Swimming Hole
2479 Elenburg Rd, Perrin
Cost: Adults $6, 12 and under $5, and 2 and under are free
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11am–7pm.
This natural swimming area focuses on family fun, as stated by the owner this week when we spoke about their property. They have certified Red Cross Lifeguards and a Hunt Brothers pizza parlor with much more.
Enjoy these natural swimming areas in Dallas!
Lynn Creeks Beach is very rocky, not sandy.