Summer's almost here, and even though it seems like there is nothing to do, DFW is buzzing with a million different options and events. They may take a little planning and a little more research, but here is a small list to get you started. Don't let this summer be another boring one!

1. Go to a Dallas Arboretum Cool Thursdays Concert

Gates open at 6:00 PM, and concerts start at 7:00 or 7:30 throughout October! Bring a blanket, a few friends, and spend your Thursday evening doing something besides Netflix.

2. Kayak and paddleboard on White Rock Lake

White Rock Paddle Co. lets you rent equipment to spend an afternoon kayaking along the lake! Reservations can be made online up to two hours in advance.

3. Visit the Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch

Sharkarosa is open to the public on both Saturdays and Sundays. Their goal is to provide guests with the most unique and personal settings to engage with exotic animals. They consistently house roughly 130 animals, all awaiting your arrival!

4. Watch a movie at Galaxy Drive-In

Galaxy Drive-In is open every single night, showing two features. They're up to seven screens now and have two snack bars. Check their showtimes, and see two features for the price of one!

5. Sample every flavor at Sweet Firefly

The locally owned ice cream shop is a must visit. They have ice cream, toffee, shaved ice, coffee, and bulk candies all for your enjoyment. Browse their menu and figure out which flavors you think you'll want to try...or just try them all.

6. Visit Taste of Dallas

Visit Fair Park June 10th and 11th to experience Dallas's largest food festival. There will be over 200 sponsors and 50,000 square feet of indoor family-friendly entertainment. If you bring two cans of tuna or chicken to help food banks in the area, you'll even receive 5$ off your admission!

7. Go to the North Texas Fair and Rodeo

The North Texas State Fair Association puts on a nine-day rodeo and fair to help raise the quality of life in the surrounding areas and maintain western heritage and values. There are various attractions along with a rodeo, livestock shows, and a full music schedule! See all of the scheduled events on their website.

8. Visit the Farmers Market

Even if you don't need any groceries, you can stop by the Farmer's Market to see the different restaurants and vendors available. You can spend the whole day browsing and stop by for a meal at Mudhen Meat and Greens, too!

9. Travel the Trinity Trails

Within close distance of downtown Dallas, there is an abundance of hardly touched wilderness and trails. There are areas for horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking. A large variety of wildlife is seen all along the trails, but you'll have to choose from a large variety!

10. Check out the Geo-Deck at Reunion Tower

You've seen the building in the skyline, but have you been inside it? Reunion Tower gives you a 360-degree view of the entire city and Cloud Nine for a quick meal. The deck even has interactive kiosks to point out every spot in your view.

11. Stroll the Fountain Place Waterfalls

If you're needing a cooler spot to hang out during your lunch break, stop at the base of Fountain Place in the summer. There are food trucks nearby to grab a quick meal, and then you can sit in the shade and walk around the different pools of water, complete with 350 different fountains.

12. Paddleboard on Lake Grapevine

DFW Surf has both paddleboard and kayak rentals on Lake Grapevine and Lake Lewisville. If you have a larger party, you can make a reservation online. Check out their times and rates before you spend a day on the lake!