Top 10 Best Things to do in Garland, Texas

Top 10 Best Things to do in Garland, Texas

Garland is a city in Texas, United States. Except for a small portion in Collin and Rockwall counties, it is almost entirely within Dallas County.

Instead of being a true travel destination, it is mostly associated with good living.

Many visitors see the city as a manufacturing centre rather than a vibrant and diverse play with many all-American Texan features to enjoy, as well as some gorgeous outdoor scenery and fun indoor attractions.

When it comes to getting outside, there are over 2,000 acres of parkland here, so you will certainly have plenty of options, and if you visit during the Texas summer, there are two different water parks to choose from if you want to go for a swim.

Let’s look at the top 10 best things to do in Garland, Texas.

1. Visit the Garland Landmark Museum to learn more about the city.

Garland Landmark Museum Photo By Michael Barera – Wikimedia Commons

The Garland Landmark Museum, housed in the former Santa Fe depot, takes visitors on a journey through time, from 1850 to the present.

The museum’s collection of Garland-related artefacts and period memorabilia is one of the most extensive in the world.

Garland Landmark Museum collects, preserves, and displays early settlers’ artefacts, old newspapers, farm tools, quilts, clothing, commerce and industry, and other items.

The museum is located at 393 N. Sixth Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, excluding holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Private group tours and private appointments for the at-risk population can be arranged with special arrangements.

2. Audubon Park, a great place to swim and surf.

Audubon Park is a City park and recreation centre with several soccer fields and a softball complex, as well as a 1.6-mile concrete trail, grills, picnic tables, and a disc golf course.

Nestled in the heart of Audubon Park is a premier Surf and Swim waterpark is known for its wave pool, which allows visitors to participate in a variety of activities on the waves such as surfing or bodyboarding.

There is also a gentler water play area for younger visitors, as well as a secluded cave area called Wally’s Cove and a party deck where you can relax in the sun.

A park that the whole family can enjoy!

3. Visit The Hawaiian Falls Waterpark

Hawaiian-Falls Photo By Loadmaster (David R. Tribble) – Wikimedia Commons

Hawaiian Falls Waterpark, located near the Curtis Culwell Center, is a summertime favourite and a family-friendly attraction.

This water-themed park has over ten rides, ranging from thrilling slides to relaxing areas, and is one of Texas’ top-rated parks.

The 12-acre waterpark has something for everyone to enjoy while escaping the sweltering summer heat, whether it’s floating down the Kona Kooler Lazy River or exploring the Keiki Kove fortress with its rope ladders, geysers, and thousand-gallon dump bucket.

4. Bass Pro Shops is a great place to shop

Bass Pro, your Garland sporting goods store, has the best hunting and fishing equipment.

Visitors swarm to the shop not only for fishing equipment or to maximize their outdoor fun, but also for the spectacular 120,000 square foot store, which includes a 13,000-gallon aquarium full of saltwater marine life.

There is also an arcade where live demonstrations are held throughout the day.

If you get hungry while you’re here, you can eat at the onsite restaurant or bar, and there’s even a private sand beach for guests to enjoy.

5. The Resistol Hat Plant is a must-see.

If you want to blend in with the locals, consider purchasing a cowboy hat.

Rather than buying one off the shelf, visit the Resistol Hat manufacturing plant and see how these iconic hats have been made since the 1930s.

Take a tour of the plant that will last about an hour and will allow you to see each process. You’ll appreciate the hats even more once you’ve purchased your own from the onsite souvenir shop.

This company’s legacy lives on as hats are passed down from generation to generation, all made in Texas.

It is part of Hatco, Inc., the largest US manufacturer of fur felt, wool, and straw hats, and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of headwear.

6. Spend the day at Firewheel Town Center shopping and dining.

Firewheel Town Center Photo By Rcolborn – Wikimedia Commons

Firewheel Town Center is ideal for visitors who want to shop, relax, and spend time with friends and family.

Firewheel Town Center is conveniently located in North Garland at the intersection of the President George Bush Turnpike and State Highway 78.

The open-air urban complex houses over 100 shops, ranging from unique boutiques to major retailers like Dillard’s and Macy’s.

Gloria’s, Bar Louie, Houlihan’s, and T.G.I. Friday’s are among the restaurants in the centre that cater to all tastes.

If you get bored, there is an 18-screen cinema, including an IMAX theatre, that shows all of the latest blockbusters.

Throughout the year, this complex hosts seasonal community events.

7. Spring Creek Park is a great place to have an outdoor picnic.

Spring Creek Park is a large nature area in Garland’s northern sector that runs alongside Spring Creek.

It is divided into three sections that are all popular with families, hikers, and naturalists.

The Spring Creek Greenbelt includes a playground, covered picnic shelters with tables and grills, a backstop, and a pond with a fishing pier, as well as a 0.33-mile concrete walking trail. 

Spring Creek Park Preserve has uncovered picnic tables as well as a 0.8-mile natural walking trail. This is an excellent choice if you have a young family.

Spring Creek Forest Preserve has a 0.33-mile concrete trail and a 0.5-mile natural walking trail, as well as up to 300-year-old trees and over 650 plant and animal species. 

8. Tour Lakewood Brewery and Taproom

Wim Bens, the company’s founder, was so passionate about craft beer that he left his previous job to launch Lakewood Brewing Company in 2011.

The company creates one-of-a-kind, exciting small-batch beers that reflect Lakewood’s timelessness, creativity, and energy.

For those who enjoy craft beer, the beers here are made on-site, and you can take a free tour on weekends to learn more about how the beer is made.

After learning about the brewery’s history, you can head to the beer garden, a 4,000 square foot (372 square metres) venue that serves more than 25 beers and can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Make sure to check out the brewery’s special seasonal and limited edition beers!

9. Jump at the Urban Air Trampoline Park

If you’re looking for something a little different, don’t miss out on the Urban Air Trampoline Park in Garland.

This trampoline park is ideal for a rainy day, especially if you are travelling with a family and looking for activities for children.

Allow them to jump to their hearts’ content at the indoor park on massive trampolines that can handle all of that bouncing around.

Dodgeball courts, the Slam Dunk Zone, and the Warrior Obstacle Course, to name a few, are among the other on-site attractions that add a little challenge to the experience.

Adults can also unwind in the fitness classes availed to them.

10. Travel to Lake Ray Hubbard

Harbor Photo Sourced From Pixaby

Lake Ray Hubbard, with a surface area of 22,000 acres, is one of the largest lakes in north Texas. This recreational lake is ideal for fishing, skiing, relaxing, and boating.

There are numerous parks surrounding the lake, as well as beautiful beaches, hiking and biking trails, and other outdoor activities.

The lake is home to a variety of fish, including white and hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, and white crappie.

Rockwall Harbor, a waterfront entertainment centre with great dining, shopping, live music, movies, walkways along the harbour, beautiful sunsets, and more, is one of the lake’s most popular attractions.

There is no camping around Lake Ray Hubbard, but on the water, life is sure better!