Any time of the year, day trips rule! While the DFW area is full of exciting cities and nature, you can create a whole day of activities right here in Irving. From local farmer’s markets to water sports to a sunset picnic in the park, let’s explore all the fun Irving day trip options!
Calling Outdoor Enthusiast
For a nature walk, active run or simply a stroll in the park, Campion Trail is a great place to spend your day. Spanning from Valley Ranch to south Irving, this trail is 22 miles of wide, paved walkways, pond views and large tree-lined paths for a refreshing shade break. You will see bikers, rollerbladers, running clubs and lots of happy dogs out for a walk. Other beautiful parks in Irving to enjoy views or have a picnic include Centennial Park and Thomas Jefferson Park. If you are a fan of disc golf or want to start throwing for fun, head to Fritz Disc Golf Park in south Irving or W.O. Harrington Park to find courses.
Fairway Fundays
For fans of traditional golf, check out one of the many golf courses available in Irving. For a great way to spend the day, try our favorite courses including Hackberry Creek Country Club (named one of DFW’s best courses), the renowned Tournament Players Course (TPC) at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, the Las Colinas Country Club, Cottonwood Valley Golf or Irving's public course, Irving Golf Club. Visit their sites for membership and visitor information.
Offshore Fun
Cool off from the Texas summer heat with one of the many water activities in Las Colinas. Paddleboards, water bikes and kayak rentals from Stand Up Paddle North Texas located at the Mandalay Canals are the ultimate hot weather relief and fun for the whole family. Whether you're a pro or new to paddleboarding, the calm waters of Lake Carolyn and Mandalay Canals make it a breeze to glide through.
Cruise the Canals
For a more romantic water getaway, book an afternoon or sunset gondola ride with Gondola Adventures. Feel as if you have been transported to the waterways of Venice with a simple ride with BYOB or enjoy the full Italian experience with a dinner cruise!
Morning to Night Fun
A place where you can definitely spend a full day is at Toyota Music Factory! Live music, fitness classes, restaurants, bars and ice-cold desserts are just a few of the things you can enjoy at TMF. Start your day with a yoga class at the Texas Lottery Plaza, then fuel up on superfoods from Freshii, like a veggie-packed smoothie or hearty breakfast burrito. After breakfast, release all your energy with axe throwing at Stumpy's Hatchet House. Soak up the sun on the Texas Lottery Plaza with a frozen treat from Pop Factory or TCBY. For lunch or happy hour, enjoy some local favorite spots like Nosh & Bottle, Mercy Bar & Lounge or Pacheco Tacos. Once the sun goes down, catch a live performance either at Texas Lottery Plaza or The Pavilion. End the night on a high note with festive spots like Mama Tried or Bar Louie!
Farm to Market to Table
If you visit Irving on a Saturday morning, you can catch me and other Irving locals at the Las Colinas Farmers Market. Located in the Lamberti’s Ristorante parking lot from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., explore the outdoor aisles of vendors ranging from fresh vegetables, meats, breads, home items, art and jewelry, or fresh hot foods. Bring friends and family or simply stock up on your grocery shopping for the week.
Take a Dip, Irving Style
Now this is what I'm talking about. Irving is full of incredible pools to cool off in while enjoying refreshments from chic hotel pool bars. Two of Irving’s trendiest hotel pools offer day passes for non-hotel guests. NYLO Las Colinas is a great urban escape with a refreshing pool, fun outdoor games and an amazing restaurant and bar for poolside cocktails and snacks. The newly renovated pool and patio at the Omni Las Colinas Hotel, Lakehouse is an oasis on the shores of Lake Carolyn. This pool should definitely be on your Irving bucket list.
For the little ones in the family, check out the Cimarron Family Aquatic Center, complete with shallow pools, water slides and water fountains. “Two of Irving’s trendiest hotel pools offer day passes for non-hotel guests.