As the week comes to a close and Friday classes end, the weekend begins and SMU students are free to roam the city of Dallas. But, with such a big city and so many activities, it can be tough figuring out what to do with your free time. Here are a list of places to go in Dallas.
The Rustic
This is definitely the place to go on a sunny day. On a typical Saturday, you can find many SMU students here celebrating the weekend. It is located off of Northwest Expressway and is a 5-10 minute drive from campus. The Rustic has a large patio that they call Pat’s Backyard which has picnic tables and oak trees. This patio puts a little bit of nature into the Dallas cityscape. Food and beverages are available both inside and outside.
Katy Trail If you’re looking to get some exercise outside, Katy Trail is a great place to go. Here people can walk, jog, run, skate and bike. The trail runs through Oak Lawn and Uptown Dallas and is 3.5 miles long. It follows the path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad which was also called the Katy Railroad. There are restaurants along the trail such as Company Café and Katy Trail Icehouse where you can stop to eat. Many people walk their dogs along the trail, so it is also a great place for dog watching.
Six Flags Over Texas Located in Arlington, Six Flags provides fun and adventure to Dallas residents. This is the first Six Flags in the United States and the park is named after the six different nations that have governed Texas. This is the perfect place for any thrill seeker in Dallas.
Dallas World Aquarium If the weather isn’t too nice, be sure to check out the aquarium. Along with aquarium exhibits, it also has the following exhibits: Mundo Maya, Orinoco, South Africa and Borneo. In these exhibits you can see everything from flamingos to sloths.
Petland If you don’t want to see exotic animals, go play with puppies at Petland. This is a great place for anyone who misses a pet from home and needs some puppy love. The store also sells hamsters, bunnies, birds, even ferrets. Petland has divided play areas so customers can pick a puppy of their choice to play with. But, be careful not to get too attached or you might end up with a pet.
These activities, along with many more, can keep you pretty busy. Dallas has so much to offer, but don’t forget about school!