Watching horses run is fun for all ages. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. You must be at least 21 to place a bet, but you don't have to wager to enjoy the excitement of a horse race. If you bring a picnic blanket, you can watch the horses race from grassy banks near the pavilion, or you can purchase reserved seats indoors with air conditioning.
Lonestar Park offers live races and simulcast races in two seasons annually. The spring season runs from early April to mid-July for 60 race days. The fall season is from mid-September to mid-November for 30 race days. Simulcast races make it possible for you to virtually attend the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes - for your own personal Triple Crown.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie
1000 Lone Star Parkway
Grand Prairie, TX 75050
972-263-7223
http://www.lonestarpark.com/
In the northern Dallas suburb of Frisco, stroll through the Texas Sculpture Garden at no charge. Download a map before you go or pick up one in the lobby. Spend the morning along the walking trails, past lakes and fountains on the 165-acre Hall Office Park development, or allot 90 minutes for touring the sculpture garden adjacent to the main building.
Developer Craig Hall's collection of 41 contemporary sculptures by Texas artists is divided among the lawns outside the building and within its lobby. The diverse collection varies in size from Houston artist Michelle O'Michael's large "La Mujer Roja" to the life-size bronze walking coyote depicted in Ken Little's "Coast."
Texas Sculpture Garden
6801 Gaylord Parkway
Suite 100
Frisco, TX 75034
972-377-1100
http://www.texassculpturegarden.com/
One way to get refreshed during the hot summer months in North Texas is a swim at Burger's Lake, a Fort Worth tradition since 1964. The spring-fed lake features sandy beaches and bottom with a 20-foot long slide, a trapeze over the water and six diving boards. Your little ones can also practice jumping from the toddler-sized diving board to you in shallow water. Certified lifeguards keep watch on the swimmers.
Shady trees abound in the 30-acre family-friendly park. Picnic under the trees and cook out at one of 300 tables and plentiful grills. Burger's Lake offers clean restrooms and changing areas, inner tube rental, and a snack counter. No beer or alcohol allowed in the family-owned park. Spend the entire day swimming, relaxing, and playing.
Burger's Lake
1200 Meandering Road
Fort Worth, TX 76114
817-737-3414
http://www.burgerslake.com/
